2. 1. Meetings & Greetings

Chapter 1: Meetings & Greetings

Five Years Later

Hermione sighed into a steaming mug of green tea as she watched her niece, sprawled out on the floor, coloring in her coloring book. `Oh Merlin, things can't get any worse.' She thought sniffling as she watched the little girl. She took a deep breath to settle herself for what seemed like the hundredth time that day. It would only make things harder if she went around sobbing over this dreadful week.

She walked into the nursery and shrunk several boxes full of toys, books, and pictures to a more manageable size and packed them all into a couple of larger boxes. Tears she'd been trying to hold back all week were welling up in her eyes once again and she sank to the floor pressing her face into her hands trying to stop the emotions. She was trapped in a nightmare and it just wouldn't end, she couldn't wake up. Her whole world was slowly coming apart and there was no stopping it.

Fleur had died at the begging of the week and though Hermione hadn't seen or heard anything from her since she dropped Lily off, she still grieved for her step-sister. She'd tried to make contact with her to see how she was doing but she had literally disappeared off the face of the Earth until the news of her death arrived. The pictures from the crash had been horrible. She'd apparently been arguing with her boyfriend while they were leaving a party and he lost control of the car in his fury.

The funeral had been short, with only a few close friends and family members there. Hermione and Lily had stayed with her parents for a day or two. Her step mother and young step-sister had cried until there were no tears left and Hermione had stayed to help her father console them. Lily seemed rather unaffected by these events, as she'd never known her biological mother. Hermione had helped her compose a few letters to Fleur but as with her own, they never got a response.

Upon returning home Hermione had found the court summons that froze her heart. She had been whisked away to court to battle with a panel of highly paid heartless lawyers for custody of her beloved niece. She'd hired the best lawyer she could afford but the battle was won before it even began. Lily's biological father was apparently a very rich man and his lawyers had the court won over in seconds. Anger flashed in her eyes as she tried to imagine the arrogant man who'd never even bothered to show up do court to fight for his daughter, but then again it wasn't really a fight. More like, he just demanded to have his daughter brought to him whether Lily believed she belonged to Hermione or not. Claiming she was practically her daughter couldn't measure up to blood ties when money was involved and Lily was too young to decide what she wanted.

Tears spilled down her face now, as they had done in the courtroom when they'd proclaimed Lily was to be taken to her biological father on the date of his choosing. The man was ruthless too sending word that he wanted Lily brought to him by the end of the week. Hermione sealed the box she'd been working on and looked sadly around the empty room. She told herself she could turn it back into her art room as it had once been because it had the best view of the garden but inside she knew she never would. She'd only torture herself by leaving it as it was to remind herself of the adorable little girl she'd come to love as her own.

She bit her lip, pressing a hand to her mouth trying to muffle the sobs that were racking her body now. `What am I going to do without her?'

“Mummy?” Lily asked uncertainly as she peeked through the slightly ajar door. “Why are you crying?”

The soft padding of her tiny feet hurrying across the room to hug Hermione made it hard for Hermione to pull herself together, knowing that, that sound would be gone now. There'd be no tiny padding feet, squeals of laughter, bed time stories, early morning cartoons, or tiny body sneaking into her bed in the middle of the night after a nightmare. She had no reason to plan birthday parties or drive to the day care center before and after work. She could get rid of the stepping stools around the house. She sniffled wiping away the tears on her cheeks and holding Lily close to her. No more bear hugs or sloppy wet kisses. No more adorable little out of tune songs and surprise arts and crafts.

He'd get to enjoy that now. He got to steal her joy away from her and she hated him for it. Hermione wasn't a hateful person but a cold hand gripped her heart whenever she thought of Lily's father. She'd tried to imagine him before and had almost brought herself to look for him once or twice but then she'd remember Fleur's words and thought it best not to risk hurting Lily by involving him. She'd always figured if he wanted her, he'd search her out. It hadn't really occurred to her that maybe he was searching. Based off of what Fleur told her she'd figured the man could careless about the baby.

With a deep breath she gathered Lily up into her arms and levitated the large boxes behind her out to her car. She expanded the trunk with a flick of her wand and packed all the boxes inside before opening the back door and strapping Lily into her seat. Lily stared at her with a sad lost look on her face. She had a vague idea of what was going on. Hermione had told her about having to stay with her papa far a while and taking all her things with her but she'd cried and said she didn't want to go. She was very advanced for her age and easily figured by all the boxes what was going on. Somehow she knew throwing a tantrum wasn't going to put her back in her room with all her stuff; especially if screaming and raging about not having a papa, when Hermione tried explaining things to her, didn't work.

Hermione sat sideways on the back seat stroking the little girl's hair trying to comfort her. Her little girl wasn't stupid, the hurt look in her eyes let Hermione know she had some understanding of what was going on.

“I love you Lily, no matter what. You know that right Lily?” Hermione said fighting tears again. When Lily nodded Hermione continued. “Don't you ever forget that. If anything happens, anything at all you can always tell me. I don't know when I'll see you again after I take you to your father but you know how to use the phone and you've memorized all the numbers.”

“I don't want to go.” Lily whimpered.

“I know sweetheart. I know.” Hermione sniffed reaching over and giving her a hug. She pressed a kiss to the top of her head and then slid from the seat and closed the back door. She paused, her hand on the car door still looking up at the sky trying to force the tears back in her eyes. `Why are you taking her from me?' Clenching a fist she strode around the car with a straight face and let herself in. She glanced at Lily's distressed face in the rear view mirror and offered her a small smile.

“It'll be okay, Lils.” She said turning the key in the ignition. She'd honestly said it more for herself than Lily but in the end it didn't really matter. She didn't feel any better and Lily didn't look any less anxious.

* * *

Harry paced like a caged tiger waiting for release. He hadn't been able to sit still all day. He'd woken up earlier than usual today as he hadn't been able to sleep due to his excitement. He'd found her, his only child, who'd been unfairly kept from him.

He scowled thinking of the child's mother who' kept her from him. That woman lived to make him miserable. And he'd paid the price for upsetting her. Yes, on some level he did believe he'd loved her at one time and he'd found himself blinded by her faults until they hit him square in the face. The betrayal he felt had led him to the rash action of casting her from his side. He hadn't been ready for marriage anyway.

He was twenty-years-old and marriage just wasn't on his agenda at the time. She'd surprised him when she'd repeatedly let him know it was on hers. He sighed remembering her anger when he'd finally just flat out told her he had no intention of marrying her anytime soon. She'd stormed out of his life shouting that he'd regret that decision. He hadn't taken her seriously until she'd owled him a mediwizard's note. He remembered his heart stopping when he'd read the news about her being pregnant. It wasn't hard to figure out what his punishment was.

Regardless, he'd tried contacting her several times but the woman could disappear when she wanted to. There had been several leads on her whereabouts but they all led to dead ends. She moved fast. He'd done his homework on her family but her younger sister Gabrielle was too young to take custody of the child, she hardly made contact with her mother due to her resentfulness of her mother remarrying, and her step-sister seemed very unlikely to know anything since it seemed Fleur avoided contact with the young woman. So with her family scratched he knew the baby had to be with her.

He'd found himself for once hoping she'd go about flaunting her achievements but she'd meant what she said when she told him he'd regret not marrying her. When Fleur died he'd been sure the child would be his but it'd quickly come to his attention that he'd been dead wrong about the child's location. He'd wanted to smack himself for not checking further into her family despite her resentfulness towards them. Lily had been right there under his nose the entire time. It angered him to the point of not caring who had her or how it might affect Lily to bring her home. He'd hired the best of the best and set them to work on getting custody of his daughter. He wasn't going to let anyone get in his way of claiming what was rightfully his.

It irritated the hell out of him that all he knew was her age, her name, and any little details in her file at the Ministry. He'd been unable to access those files until Fleur's death as he didn't know Lily's whole name. He'd searched all the Delacour's and Potter's in the book but could only find his mother. She's surprised him yet again with how deeply her spite went, it was true what they say about a woman's scorn after all. She'd used her step-father's name on Lily to be sure he wouldn't find her. She knew him well enough to know it'd never occur to him to check under the name she refused to take as her own. Apparently when she'd left she had indeed taken on the new surname and placed Lily under it as well. `Damn her.' He thought once again. She'd actually out smarted him and that seriously pissed him off. She may have acted like an airhead at times but that woman was no idiot.

“Would you stop that? I'm going to chuck this bloody glass at you if you don't stop. Too much more of that and you'll have a damn trench in the floor.” Draco snapped from his plush arm chair. He was holding a scotch in one hand and pinching the bridge of his nose with the other. He was honestly ready to hit his step-brother. He was driving everyone up with wall his restlessness. Draco had never seen Harry this anxious before. Of course he and Harry hadn't exactly been friends for the longest time either. His mother had given everything she knew about Voldemort and the death eaters to the ministry in exchange for protection after his father's death. He'd switched his alliance from to the side of the Ministry and eventually been made Harry's partner. They were more likely to be killed by each other at first rather than by death eaters. After the war, Harry was adopted into the family and they'd learned to get along after having to cover each other's backs for so long.

“As much as it pains me to do this, I have to agree with ferret boy.” Ron Weasley drawled from his chair opposite Draco. The two men flashed glares at each other before looking back up at their mutual friend.

“Yes, rather than pacing around in anticipation you should be sitting around sulking and completely guilt ridden. Unlike you I actually attended the battle for custody of Lily and I swear Harry James Potter that woman looked like her heart was breaking when they declared Lily yours. You could be taking that woman's entire world away from her.” Ginny snapped as she got up from the arm of Draco's chair to make sure he saw the harsh glare she was casting him.

“Guilty? Those are hardly reasons to feel guilty. She kept my child from me; she ought to be feeling guilty. She had her for the first five years of her life; she ought to be feeling guilty. She was in on Fleur's plan; if anything she ought to be feeling guilty as hell.” Harry snapped shooting his own glare at her in return.

“Have you ever considered, even for a second, that she didn't know? Not everyone's a bad guy Harry.” Ginny growled.

“Please.” Harry said rolling his eyes. “It was all a huge plot to keep Lily from me. She had to of known. Fleur managed to keep her mouth shut to the media but she couldn't keep it to herself.”

“How would you know? She managed to surprise you in many ways with this whole ordeal. She planned everything else out by knowing how you think. Why would this be any different?” Ginny inquired crossing her arms over her chest with a challenging look.

“Because!” Harry snapped not really able to come up with a good reason.

“Oh, because.” Ginny snapped back matter of factly. “That is so childish Harry.”

Her face was turning red from the rising anger and her hands were now balled into fists which were firmly planted on her hips now.

“You know, you can be a real jerk sometimes Harry. A complete and total ignorant bastard.” Ginny shouted before turning on her heels and stalking out the door.

“You wouldn't understand.” Harry shouted after her. `Damn woman. Never look at the big picture.'

He flopped onto the couch muttering and casting stony looks into the fire.

“Do you agree with her?” He snapped. Ron and Draco exchanged looks not knowing who he had directed it to. They shrugged and decided not to answer rather than put Harry in a worse mood. They let him brood and continued to sip their drinks and make up their own minds about the situation.

The soft pop of Dobby's arrival brought them all out of their thoughts and Harry's face brightened instantly.

“Master Har . . .” Dobby didn't get to finish because Harry was already half way out the door. Ron and Draco nodded to each other and aparated out of the manor to go find Ginny and calm her down, knowing Harry would be a while.

Hermione fiddled nervously with Lily's clothes and kept fussing over the little girl's hair until she placed her hands on her head and frowned up at Hermione. Hermione apologized and laughed slightly at the annoyed look on Lily's tiny face. Hermione felt so out of place here. Everything she'd seen of the mansion so far just screamed `don't touch'. `Figures, Fleur only ever dated guys who could afford her and her every little desire.' Hermione grimaced. Everything looked and felt so cold in here. This place reminded her of a glass house she'd seen in a movie. She shuddered remembering that it had been a horror movie. `Please let my little girl be alright here.

She could take slight comfort in the fact that Lily would definitely be financially well off if nothing else. She could have any and everything she wanted with this man.

“Don't you turn rotten, okay, and always remember your manners even if your daddy spoils you.” Hermione suddenly said. For one so young, Lily had a strong sense of values and morals and she didn't want that spoiled just because her father was a multibillionaire.

There were a million things she wanted to say, she wanted to tell her but she knew she'd only overwhelm her by trying to cram it all into this one moment. She'd wanted to cry as she sat here and remembered that Lily was going to be so far away. This may be here home for a time but Hermione was fully aware that her father owned a string of homes all around the world and his preferred home happened to be in Italy. He'd be taking Lily there eventually. At least those easy readers on culture would come in handy to Lily now. Hermione vaguely remembered her liking the pictures of Italy and telling her they'd visit there one day. A sad smile played on her lips as she realized Lily was actually going to get to go, she just wasn't going to be going with her.

Lily seemed to sense her sense the sadness welling up in Hermione and began to fidget on Hermione's lap. Her earlier distress was returning to her. Hermione caught the signs of the flood gate about to open and she turned Lily around in her lap and held her close singing a lullaby Lily had been very fond of as a baby. Lily had begun to calm down and was cooing along when Hermione felt eyes on her.

She looked up and stiffened, eyes widening, and unintentionally clutching Lily tighter against her body.

“Oh my.” She murmured without thinking. She couldn't help but stare at the tall ruthless looking man in front of her. Her expression resembled that of a deer caught in the headlights as she stared at the frightening man. He honestly scared her as she couldn't see anything soft or remotely friendly about this man.

She'd only ever seen pictures of the famous Harry Potter. He was always in the papers or the magazines. When she'd been attending school at Beauxbatons she'd found like all the other girls she'd had a small crush on the boy-who-lived. She'd buried those feelings noting the stupidity of them and knowing full well the chances of her meeting him were slim to none. Once out of school she rarely thought of him any more unless skipping over yet another article about him and his latest girlfriend or Quidditch feat, or capture for the Ministry. But now, now she realized the pictures did him no justice. In real life the man was a god. Absolutely breath taking.

She was thankful that those hard green eyes seemed to take no notice of her but were trained directly on Lily. Hermione almost laughed at the child's obliviousness to the man's presence as she continued to hum along to the song Hermione had been singing.

The scrawny little boy who'd been plastered all over the papers years ago was no more. Hermione could think of nothing else to compare him to but a mountain, hard, solid, and imposing. He may have just been standing in the doorway but he seemed to take up the entire room. It was difficult to breathe with him standing there.

He had an arrogant nature about him that she'd noted earlier and it seemed somehow sculpted into his hard features as he stood there unmoving. His shirt did nothing to conceal his muscles as they stretched over his torso. His arms were probably bigger than her neck but not in an overly bulgy wrestler type way. He reminded her more of the men in the exercise equipment commercials, strong without unnecessary bulk.

Her eyes ran briefly over his well sculpted face lined with a strong tight jaw. Her eyes paused on the lightning bolt scar that was barely visible through his messy hair, it was just long enough to fall into his eyes and somehow she found that adorable despite here fear of him. She felt the heat wash over her and the almost magnetic attraction to him. He sparked a new feeling in her that she really didn't want to explore.

He was the enemy and it was hardly appropriate to be attracted to the enemy. She clenched her jaw and her eyes set in a cold hard stare to keep from revealing any of her raging emotions. Anger, hurt, hate, and lust were never a good combo.

Lily's mouth snapped shut as she cocked her head to the side with a curious look clouding her face. She leaned in close to Hermione's face and wrinkled her nose trying to decide why she looking like that. She finally decided she wasn't going to be getting Hermione's attention any time soon and followed her gaze to see what was so startling. Her eyes went wide as she admitted a tiny squeak and buried her face into Hermione's chest clutching at her, trying to hide. Her distressed whimpering broke Hermione's stare as she set about rubbing her on the back and trying to sooth her.

`He is really scary.' Hermione thought as she rubbed small circles in the child's back. It wasn't her fault she was afraid. Hermione only had a few male friends and none of them were built like Harry. He was a beast compared to the types of men she'd known all her life. He just radiated power, charisma, and authority. Hermione noticed Harry frown at Lily's reaction to him and she felt mildly satisfied. `Maybe if he smiled a bit she wouldn't be so afraid of him.'

* * *

`Beautiful.' It was the only word that came to Harry's mind as he stared at his daughter. She was a picture of perfection, long white blond hair and his own emerald eyes, porcelain skin and rosy cheeks. Long blond eye lashes fluttered against those cheeks when they'd turned to see him. He'd almost smiled when she'd gone into a fit of distress and began clutching at the woman holding her. He frowned at the brunet suspicious of her involvement in the child's fear of him.

He couldn't seem to help his eyes staying on her longer than necessary. She was gorgeous and for the life of him, he couldn't figure out why she wasn't married with a bunch of adorable little daughters of her own. Oh yes, he knew everything about Hermione Granger. When he'd found out Lily had spent the first five years of her life with this woman he'd pulled every file on her. He'd marveled at how clean her file was. a perfect model citizen. He couldn't even find a speeding ticket against her. He'd searched desperately for a flaw but couldn't find any and he had to admit he was thankful that his daughter had been with her and not Fleur. At least he could be sure the girl had morals.

He'd been glad her lawyers hadn't thrown his files into court with hers for a comparison. She'd have won on that alone if he had. Well, that is if Harry hadn't been so determined to get Lily that he was prepared to strongly persuade the court with large sums of money. So he had the unfair advantage of money and political power, it wasn't his problem that she was some small town girl who didn't have his connections. He'd decided on this and stuck to it since so he wouldn't feel the least bit guilty, but looking at her now he felt his resolve slipping.

She almost looked like a child herself, sitting there looking ever so small as she whispered to the whimpering girl and rubbed her back. He gave her a thorough inspection, starting with the top of her light brown head streaked with natural honey colored highlights. It hung in long spiraling curls, shorter around her face and getting longer as the got to her back. Large innocent brown eyes with gold specks were set in her heart shaped face as well as a cute nose. Her high cheek bones and soft jaw set off her very kissable looking full lips which enticed thoughts Harry thought best to never speculate on. His eyes lingered on the slender slope of her neck yearning to taste her soft skin. Dragging his eyes away he let them settle on the large swells of her breast. He grinned noting how generously she'd been endowed and the straining of her t-shirt with S.P.E.W. written across it. He wondered briefly what it meant but secretly enjoyed how pondering this gave him a justified reason to continue staring at her breasts. `Merlin, she looks soft.' He thought the urge to touch her growing stronger by the minute.

Harry took in her long shapely legs and he could see hints of firm toned muscles in them as she moved. Her hips reminded him of a phrase Mrs. Weasley had once used `child-baring hips' she'd called them when she'd been speaking of one of his previous girlfriends trying to convince him to settle down. He'd simply rolled his eyes at her lecture but now he found himself horrified at the sudden thought that he wouldn't mind seeing this woman walking around round and bared foot carrying his child. He shook his head telling his brain to erase that thought forever. `Okay, that was weird.' He told himself trying to shake off this new feeling that accompanied his desire.

He watched her set the little girl on the floor and felt mildly ashamed of stealing a glance down her shirt as she did so. He justified his actions with his favorite scapegoat `I'm only human and what red-blooded male wouldn't?' He smirked congratulating himself on this small feat, regardless of whether it was appropriate in this situation or not.

* * *

Lily struggled, not wanting to be put down. Hermione finally had to give the little girl a warning look to make her settle down and cooperate. Almost as soon as her little feet hit the ground, though, she darted around and hid behind Hermione legs. Her tiny arms locked around one leg, pleading green eyes staring tearfully up at Hermione.

“Lils, Lils, come from behind Mummy you need to say hello to your father!” Hermione murmured, reaching down for Lily's hand. “Come on, be a big girl.”

Lily peaked out momentarily from behind Hermione's legs, squeaked and snapped her head back behind her barrier. She shook her little blond head vigorously as large tears lined her eyes.

“Is she always like this?” Harry asked, quirking an eyebrow.

“No, not really. She's actually quite people oriented but, uh, most . . . most people she meets aren't so . . .” Hermione paused searching for the right word to use as not to offend him. “so, um, intimidating.”

“I frighten you.

“I wasn't talking about me. I was saying it from her stand point.”

He stared at her for a moment noticing how just moments ago Ginny had been looking at him the same way with her hands on her hips in the same manner. Of course, he didn't find Ginny's hips as enticing as Hermione's but that wasn't the point. There was an electric charge to the air as their eyes locked in a mutual stare. The charged silence was only broken by Lily's soft whimpers as she clutched at Hermione's leg, tears now slowly falling down her cheeks.

“I wanna go home Mumma.” She begged. With a sigh Hermione turned her back on Harry and knelt in front of Lily placing her hands lightly on her shoulders.

“We're here to spend time with your Papa, Lils. Remember we talked about it a few days ago? And you promised you'd be a big girl, okay. So let's dry these tears.” Hermione cooed using the pads of her thumbs to wipe away the tear tracks staining her face. “Don't you want to read him one of your books? I'm sure he'd love to know what an advanced reader you are. We can go get your things and choose one. How about that?”

She sniffled and frowned at first not wanting to spend another minute here. She looked up at Harry and stared at him for a long moment. She took a step closer to Hermione and reached her arms up around her neck to be held.

“You're getting too big for this.” Hermione laughed scooping Lily up into her arms and pressing a kiss to her nose. Lily giggled and hugged Hermione close, resting her head on her shoulder. “Let's go choose a book okay?”

Lily finally nodded and agreed to go on two conditions. 1) Hermione held her and 2) Harry didn't touch her. She was still very wary of him. She glowered at him from over Hermione's shoulder until Hermione turned to face him putting Lily's back towards him. His jaw was tight with disapproval at Lily's reaction to him. He didn't say anything, just motioned for Hermione to follow him. Silently Hermione followed with slow steps knowing that time was running out and she'd have to give Lily up to this man soon enough. She wasn't sure how long he'd allow her to stay here with Lily but she knew she was going to treasure every precious moment that she had left.

Hermione was mildly surprised when he didn't lead them outside but instead to a beautiful nursery with Lily's open boxes lined against a wall, half unpacked. The boxes hardly held her attention though, as she took in the magnificent room. It was quite large to say the least and beautifully decorated. She was certain some interior designer could retire early but the looks of this room. `If this is the house he doesn't use how does the nursery look in the house he does use?' She thought as she stared with wide eyes around the enchanting room. There was a full bed in the center of the back of the room brightened by large bay windows. There were window seats covered in large plush cushions and an assortment of teddy bears on one and dolls on the other. The rest of the room was littered toys of all shapes and kinds and the side walls were lined with bookshelves covered in children's books, tiny tea sets, music boxes, collectible dolls, and puzzles.

“Merlin!” Hermione breathed stepping into the room spinning around a few times trying to take it all in.

Harry gave a self satisfied smirk at Hermione's awed expression and the fact that he finally seemed to have caught Lily's attention. She was looking just as dazzled as Hermione as her eyes darted around the room, tiny mouth hanging open. He noticed her mouth wow to Hermione and the nod the young woman gave back to her.

Harry sauntered across the room and seated himself on the edge of the bed looking intently at Hermione.

“Take your time; they're all hers and she can eventually read all of them. I wasn't sure what kind she liked or how advanced she was so you'll find a little bit of everything in here.” Harry grinned.

Hermione nodded setting Lily on the floor and holding her hand as they began inspecting the numerous bookshelves. Lily couldn't be certain which one she wanted and Hermione was no help as she was just as unsure with so many interesting titles to choose from. Eventually those chose one on an adventurous little hippogriff and took a seat in the rocking chair in a corner with bean bag chairs all around. Rocking slowly Hermione grinned as Lily easily read through the book. She chuckled at the label on the back saying reading level ages 8 and up. That was her little girl, bright as ever. Lily read excitedly sometimes forgetting she was supposed to be reading out loud until Hermione reminded her. She'd grin sheepishly and start over from where she'd left off out loud.

Harry smiled at the proud look in Hermione's eye as the little girl breezed through the book. `And she has every right to be proud, too. She probably taught Lily everything she knows.' He'd noticed from her file that Hermione had been a precocious as well and started her schooling two years early. She'd then returned to the muggle world and entered a muggle college at the age of 15. He'd been extremely impressed by this knowing how challenging muggle college were. From there she'd become an art student and quickly rose in the restoration of historical art business. He'd even made a few calls to view some of her work. If he hadn't been sure already he was definitely then that she was a perfectionist and detail probably mattered to her in everything she did.

He wondered how much of that rubbed off on Lily. Would she be a genius too and have every business vying for her employment? Pride welled up in his chest and he reminded himself to thank Hermione for raising her even if she'd kept her from him. He'd reluctantly admitted in this short time he'd been with them that Ginny may be right and that he was being somewhat cruel. The love she had for his daughter was undeniable and Lily simply adored her and separation was going to be a nightmare. He'd heard of children suffering from separation anxiety and sinking into depressions that set them up to fail their entire life. He was slightly worried that he was going to mess Lily up for life by taking her from this woman she loved so very, very much.

He watched as she finished the book with a yawn. Supporting Lily with one arm Hermione closed the book and carried it to the book she. She hesitated briefly by the bookshelf before approaching the bed, where he sat, to tuck Lily in. She did so meticulous manner avoiding his eye the entire time. She lingered by Lily's side, biting her lip nervously not wanting to leave her. A deep voice made her cringe as she had to accept the truth of his words that Lily was sleep and they had important matters to discuss so they might as well let her sleep in peace. She followed him sullenly out of the room and kept her eyes on the ground schooling her features to a blank look.

“You're extremely devoted to her. The strength of your love for her is very obvious.” Harry murmured as he led her down the dimly lit hallway. “You don't want to leave her with me, either. I can see that too.”

“Can you blame me? I've taken care of her, her entire life. I raised her from her first day out of the hospital. I think I'm entitled to worry about someone I love. There hasn't been a day of her life that I wasn't with her and now . . . Now you expect me to just up and leave her here with you, someone she doesn't even know, and just not care about it. That little girl is my world and blood couldn't make her anymore my daughter than she is now.” Her temper was boiling and tears burned her eyes again but she refused to let him see them. “She trusts me to be there for her. She thinks of me as her mother because I raised her. And to just leave her could be very traumatizing to her. I mean, have you even considered that? How it's going to affect her, to just be uprooted from everything she knows because it's what you want. That's incredibly selfish even if you are her father. She doesn't know you and you scare her. Honestly, you scare even me. She's not used to people like you. We live in a small town she won't just merge into your glamorous life like an adult would. She can't just change like that. She . . .” Hermione stopped, shutting her eyes tight and pinching the bridge of her nose breathing deeply trying not to cry. With a deep sigh she regained control though tears lined her eyes as and fat droplets stood waiting in the corners of her eyes. “I'm sorry. You'll have to forgive me. My heart is breaking; you're taking my entire world from me, my sense of purpose. I have centered my whole life around her and I just . . . I don't know what I'm going to do without her and I'm afraid. I am so afraid to let her go. I would give my life for her. She matters to me more than anything, more than . . .” Her voice broke and she couldn't continue. A soft sound of despair escaped her as the anger that had driven her subsided and washed away to make room for the floods of sadness that were taking over her body. She desperately tried to recollect herself but to no avail as a silent tear slid down her cheek. “I'm sorry.” She whispered bowing her head ashamed of her emotional display. She' told herself she wouldn't do this. She didn't want his pity. She didn't want a lot of things that seemed to be occurring lately.

“Done?” He asked lazily, leaning against the wall looking completely unaffected, as though he hadn't heard a word she said. He was only met with silence and a hard look from her filled with loathing. “Right then, follow me.”

He turned and continued down the hallway and into a spotless living room, where he took a seat carelessly on one of the black leather arm chairs and watched her waiting for her to do the same as he indicated the identical chair opposite him. She gave him a cold look and continued to stand, to which he shrugged and leaned back in his chair studying her for a moment.

“How far are you willing to go for my daughter, Miss Granger?” He finally asked.

“To the end of the world, if not farther.” She replied without hesitation. “Only I figured schooling would be easier if we weren't constantly moving. Though if I ever got a black mark on my record that would be one of the only things worth it.”

“No, no that's hardly necessary. Italy's much closer. I hope you're not disappointed. The history is quite extensive there. You might enjoy it; I seem to recall you having a fondness for historical art anyway.” Hermione frowned at his words confusion etched into her face.

“I beg your pardon?” She said confusedly blinking trying to put together what he was saying.

“Miss Granger, do you believe you could make a good traditional wife and maintain a steady well respected household? Not just for Lily, mind you, but for more children of your own as well? Do you mind leaving England and your job? Can you entertain guests and organize meetings and events? Could you be loyal to your husband and honor him in public and private? Could you surrender to his will, in the bedroom?” Harry questioned.

His words weren't registering properly because Hermione as at a complete loss. That could be in part to her drowning deep emerald eyes that bore into her, becoming increasing darker with each question. His last accompanied by an unmasked hungry look as his eyes roamed her body, causing her to blush. From the way his eyes slowly dragged down her body on their second trip she felt as though he were mentally undressing her and she unconsciously crossed her arms over her breasts as if trying to hide from his gaze. Her scarlet cheeks, wide eyes, and trembling lips did nothing to slick his lust in that moment. `Who knew innocence could be so damn hot?' He thought.

She licked her lips which were suddenly very dry and began knotting her fingers together nervously. “Er, forgive me for my dumb question, you might find it really stupid but I just need you to make it clear. Are, uh, are you saying that if I, um, you know get, get married and, uh, provide siblings for Lily, I can keep her?”

“To a certain point, yes, Miss Granger I was.” He responded.

“Oh, um, to, ah, to what point exactly?” She inquired.

“To me, of course. It is the only way. The press would eventually pick up on your constant visits and I have no desire to put up with their stupidity any more than I have to and I'm sure the flight would become tiring for you after a while. And the media would have a field day if I hired you as her nanny and she called you mummy in public despite there being no resemblance between you two. We would both have custody of her and be able to raise her. It's a win-win situation in my opinion. You would have to quit your job of course and move to Italy but as you said earlier it is easier for adults to make such a transition. However, if you do not wish to take me up on this offer you have three days left with Lily. That is when my plane will be ready. That is when we are leaving. Think about it because this is not something I normally do.” Harry explained.

Hermione was thankful now that he had chosen the living room to hold this conversation. She sank gratefully into the chair he'd offered her early, blinking rapidly and taking deep breaths trying to digest what he'd just said. She frowned licking her lips again and running an agonized hand through her hair and closing her eyes to think. Had Harry Potter just propose to her in some twisted round about way? It seemed too unreal. It was unreal. It was blackmail. He was holding Lily in exchange for . . . in exchange for what? What could he possibly get out of this arrangement?

`Sex!' Hermione flushed as she came to this conclusion. `But why? He could have any woman he wanted and sure she had been cursed with this body that drew more than a few stares when all she wanted was to be left alone but she was still nothing compared to the voluptuous vixens Harry was used to. She may not have read the articles but she'd seen plenty of pictures of him with some woman plastered to his side with fake boobs and too much make up. `Why me? What makes me worth such an offer?'

She jumped as he suddenly answered her questions as if reading her mind, his darkened eyes trained on her as he spoke. “Miss Granger, most women throw themselves at me when they recognize who I am. (`Not that you discourage them any.' Hermione thought somewhat bitterly.) There is no doubt in my mind that you know who I am and what I'm worth if not just from looking around the manor and yet you have not acted in this manner. (Hermione raised an eyebrow at this slightly affront look on his face that he'd even thought she'd do that.) In this brief time and from other sources it's easy to tell that you are nothing like your step-sister and I'm sure with some time and the help of Ginny and Lavender they can turn you into a suitable wife.”

Hermione was infuriated and sent him one of her harshest glares to tell him just that. `A suitable wife, indeed!' She thought angrily. She had to bite her lip briefly to keep from giving him the tongue lashing of his life for his words. `How dare he? Arrogant jerk!'

“And what if I don't meet your requirements? What will you do with me if I'm not acceptable?” She responded icily shooting daggers at him.

“Trust me Ginny and Lavenders are experts. They decorated this house, you know? Including the nursery.” He drawled lazily leaning back in his chair again as if he didn't realize or simply didn't care that he'd offended.

“And you expect me to play this all adoring loving wife?” Hermione snapped.

“Of course! When there is no one around perhaps you can ignore me and curse me to all levels of hell but as long as people can see us I do expect you to act as a proper wife should.”

Her blood boiled at the words proper wife and she sent him another hateful glare.

“Well that's good because I don't love or adore you in any way shape or form. Currently I don't even remotely like you and your blackmailing isn't appreciated it only makes me despise you more. It is cruel of you to hold Lily at such a price.”

“I don't see it as blackmail, merely a bargain from which we both benefit. I get a well behaved wife and you get to stay with Lily. I have no use for this love business you're ranting about anyway. Voldemort seemed to fancy killing everyone I loved and I've learned to live without such trivial affections. Of course, I killed him a few years ago, but I learned my lesson about love.”

“And what about Lily?” She's a child. She needs to be loved. What do you want her for if not to love her? I could care less how you feel about me, because as I said I rather dislike you, but you will show Lily the love and support she needs.”

“That isn't an issue. I love my daughter and have ever since I found out about her, whether I knew her or not but she is all that I love.”

“Fine.” She was silent for a minute going over his demands in her head. “Oh yes, another thing don't expect me to just hop into bed with you. There'll be nothing intimate straight off. I would have to know you a lot better and hate you a lot less.”

He smirked at her, silently chuckling at how once again she looked like a child sitting there arms crossed and sunken into the plush chair surrounded by the long curly masses of wild brown hair.

“Are you saying yes?” Harry asked softly.

“No! I'm saying I'll think about it. And you didn't consent to what I just said.”

“Winky will show you to a guest room for the night. Good-night Miss Granger.”

Hermione opened her mouth to argue that he still hadn't answered her but he was already gone. `Grrrr, jerk.' She thought as she stood up to follow the house elf that appeared before her. `Merlin, I hate him.'

* * *

Harry sat in his office leaning back at his work desk and asking himself why the hell he'd done what he just did. He was in the middle of trying to explain his actions to himself when Ron, Ginny, and Draco appeared in the room.

“Ooooo, we've just been to peek in on Lily and she has got to be the most adorable thing I've ever seen!” Ginny squealed as she made herself comfortable on his desk.

Ron and Draco took seats on the couch in front of the desk and nodded in agreement with Ginny's exclamation. Harry was silent for a moment twisting a pen between his finger tips.

“Er, there's something I have to tell you.” He said slowly as he dropped the pen on a Ginny-free part of his desk. “I, uh, I might be engaged.”

He was met with silence as they all stared at him like he were stupid or something. Then literacy began to return to them and he was swamped with a million questions. He explained everything in a rush and he told him he didn't know why he did it and they agreed that he had lost his mind as they gave their opinions on his rash action. Ginny seemed rather excited despite her disapproval of the way he did it and the fact that he didn't know Hermione, Draco told him he was insane and might want to go get his head checked out, and Ron just shrugged and said `Well if she's hot'.

Ginny had rolled her eyes at her brother's conclusion and told Harry she'd talk to Hermione and see what she thought of the whole ordeal in the morning. She kissed his cheek and hopped off the desk.

“Night boys. Don't stay up too late.” She grinned.

They watched her go each giving a parting word of their own before shutting the door to restart their conversation.

“You're mental. You're bleeding mental. What possessed you to propose?” Draco ranted.

“I didn't really propose. I can't, I can't really explain it. I wanted my daughter but I felt guilty. I don't know how she did it even when she told me she despised me I still felt guilty. She's different from any woman I've ever met. There's something special about her. She does something to me, you know. She makes me uncomfortable but in a good way. I like it and I don't understand it in the slightest but I won't rest until I do. I won't let her go. I can't.” Harry said wistfully staring off into space as he finished.

“Maybe she's putting some sort of spell on you, mate. You gotta be careful of those innocent ones. She could be like the others but ten times worse.” Ron murmured.

“No, she's not like that. She's different. Fiery little thing, I'll give her that. She's got so much passion welled up inside but she bottles it quite well. Her temper is insane but she's got it under lock and key and I bet you anything she could give you a tongue lashing like no other if you push her too far. She can get by Rita Skeeter and her lot any day; she schools her features quite well. Her only give away is her eyes. She has beautiful eyes and there's a tirade of conflicting emotions going on in there. She's sharp too, not much's gonna get past her and she isn't afraid to lash back when she feels it's necessary. You'll meet the little hellion at breakfast tomorrow.” Harry assured them bringing himself back before he got too lost in his description of her. If he'd been asked to go into detail about her physical details he was sure he could go on all night about her.

“Fair enough.” Ron and Draco muttered watching his face return to its previous dazed expression as he got lost in his thoughts again. They shook their heads exchanging looks and left the room.

Harry's thoughts dwelled on the gorgeous spitfire he'd asked to marry him for quite a while longer before he shifted his thoughts to Lily. He really hoped he could get through to her. She seemed like such a great kid, just shy. He finally rose from his desk calling it a night as he began trying to think of things they could do together to break the ice between them.

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3. 2. And So It Begins

Chapter 2: And So It Begins

Hermione left breakfast in a hurry with Lily's hand gently tucked in one of her own. The other hand pressed to her forehead as she felt a headache coming on. That had to be the most uncomfortable experience of her life if not sheer torture. Everyone around the table looked so . . . so expensive. While she sat there in her ripped pain spotted jeans and white spaghetti strapped shirt with S.P.E.W. scrawled across it in different colors. Her hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail to keep it out of the way while she ate but beyond that the hair tie served no purpose as it threatened to fall out. She wasn't wearing nail polish, make up, or any sort of perfume either. She hadn't been aware that Harry had guests. She'd felt so out of place the entire time.

They'd all been polite to her and asked lots of questions about her and Lily to which she'd answered as quickly as possible. Her tiny companion hadn't lent her much support as she'd sat there staring around the round not making a sound and scarcely touching her breakfast until Hermione pointed this out with a pointed look. She'd eaten gloomily giving sour looks to everyone in the room, muttering about it not being how her mummy makes it.

Hermione found a quiet place to sit in the courtyard by the rather large pond in the middle. With Lily on her lap as she sat Indian style by the water. She'd always loved water; it had a relaxing quality about it she couldn't explain. She pulled the hair tie from her hair and was finger combing it as Lily reached forward to splash her tiny hands in the water. Hermione began singing another lullaby as she closed her eyes and leaned back against a rock they were sitting beside. Hermione listened the sounds of Lily's fingers trailing through the water and humming along with her.

She only opened her eyes when she heard the soft crunching of grass as another person entered the courtyard. She nearly groaned wondering what Virginia wanted. She felt so low class in this woman's presence. She was the definition of posh. Her long red locks were pulled up into an elegant bun with random, yet coordinated, wisps cascading over it giving her hair a slightly wild look. Her expertly applied make up made her look like something off the cover of a Vogue magazine. She wore a well fitted cream halter with a matching shawl that coordinated well with the cream designer belt looped through tight dark designer jeans. She was bare foot and yet her pedicure made even that look elegant as she approached Hermione.

Hermione wanted to hide she honestly felt slightly unworthy of being in this woman's presence. `I look like a hobo compared to her.' She thought hating herself for caring so much. Ginny offered her a friendly smile as she asked whether or not she could join her. Hermione nodded reluctantly knowing it was best not to make enemies out of anyone here, especially if she took Harry up on his offer.

The two women sat in silence for a while, watching Lily who'd gotten out of Hermione's lap and was trying to catch a butterfly that had fluttered passed.

“He's a good man, Hermione. A little rough on the edges and yes he seems harsh and first but he's really such a sweetheart if you give him a chance.” Ginny suddenly said. “He'd treat you and Lily right and it'd be such a joy to have you join us in Italy.”

“Did he ask you to come tell me that?” Hermione whispered.

“No, he's rather shocked by his offer as well.” Ginny replied.

“Offer? You say it like it's not such a cruel thing.” Hermione continued in her soft voice as she was deep in thought despite holding this conversation.

“He doesn't mean to be cruel. He just wants his daughter. He thinks it's cruel to separate you two and that's all he could come up with on such short notice.”

“You think I should accept, then?”

“I think it'd be a worthwhile decision, yea.”

“I, I just don't know. I can't just pick up and leave my life. I've lived here in England my entire life except for when I was away at school in France.”

“Well, why not? You can owl your friends and family. And you won't have to work and so you can spend as much time as you want with Lily. I think you could learn to like Italy. I mean, I could show you some really neat places and introduce you to quite a few of my friends I'm sure they would like you. It'd be brilliant”

Hermione simply starred at her. How could this woman believe it to be so simple to just leave your life? To just leave everything you knew? “What would my parent's say?”

“Good on you, I expect!”

“Somehow, I highly doubt that.”

The two women fell silent again and glanced back at Lily. She'd given up on the butterfly and was now picking dandelions a little further off. Hermione smiled saving that picture in her memory to paint later. She had a whole bunch of pictures dedicated to Lily which she hoped to one day put in a gallery. She'd submitted a few to local art shows and placed third and up several times on the portraits.

“Do you wear make up?” Ginny asked staring out into space.

“What? Oh, no, not regularly, why?” Hermione faltered at the randomness of the question.

“Just curious, and are you particularly fond of your wardrobe? I think it would be easier if we jut got you a whole new one when we get to Italy? I think the chic fashion style there were totally suit you and we can take a trip to Paris to find some things to give you that artistic flair since Harry tells me you're an artist. By the way I absolutely adore your jeans. Where did you get them? I've been meaning to by a pair ever since the ripped look came in but I just haven't found time to go get them.”

“Er, I didn't by them like this. They're just worn and the paint's from work. Sometimes it gets messy or we have paint fights and what not. Lily's hand prints from when she was two are all over the bottom there from a time I was helping her finger paint.”

“Oooo, you'll have to make me a pair those are too cute.” Ginny raved. “But more importantly, you only need to pack necessities and things you are personally attached to because we can replace everything once we get to Italy.”

“But I haven't said yes yet.”

“Well, if you do.” Ginny grinned, a twinkle lighting her eye. “Think about it please, I'd so enjoy having more time to chat with you.”

With that she left and Hermione watched her go with a wistful expression on her face. She seemed very sure Hermione would and should accept Harry's offer and the way she talked made Hermione want to at times. `What do I want to do? Marrying him is best for Lily and it's not like I'll be completely friendless when I get there. Ginny's making an honest attempt to become friends.' Hermione glanced down at her jeans remembering Ginny's words. Did she really think these were designer jeans? She had to admit she had seen a few ripped up pairs of jeans with silver and glittery splotches all over them on the covers of magazines lately. She shrugged and continued to way the pros and cons of marrying Harry.

* * *

Harry shuffled the papers on his desk yet again trying to make the pile smaller so it would seem like he was actually accomplishing something. He knew it was rather pointless and knew that he wouldn't be getting any work done today as long as Hermione and Lily were in site. He'd been staring longing out the window ever since he'd come up from breakfast. He'd smiled watching Lily chasing something around and then decide that picking flowers was a better use of her energy and he'd been glad when he'd seen Ginny talking to Hermione. A fond smile played over his lips as he watched them. How badly he wanted to join them like a real family and just sit there holding Hermione while watching Lily play. He grumbled something profane telling himself once again to erase that visual. The woman down there probably wanted him dead and here he was thinking about wanting to hold her in his arms and snog her senseless. He snorted, he wanted to do more than snog her, more like shag her senseless. He had to remind himself yet again that his focus was supposed to be his daughter.

“Awww Harry, it's cute how taken you are with her. Of course, she is quite pretty as you said.” Ginny mused as she sauntered into the open door.

“She's attractive, that's all Gin. I'm watching Lily, anyway. She seems to like the courtyard.”

“Um hm, whatever you say Harry.” Ginny said rolling her eyes.

Harry was going to tell her to sod off when lots of shouting and loud barking filled the house. Harry raised an eyebrow vaguely aware of what was probably causing the commotion. He and Ginny got up and walked to out into the hall was and leaned over the railing that allowed you to see down into the foyer.

“Oy, Harry come get your bloody hound before I stun it. The stupid beast won't behave.” Draco shouted up the stairs seeing Harry and Ginny peering down at him.

Harry grinned at his over eager black lab that seemed to take pleasure in tormenting Draco with his energy. He was just an over grown puppy in Harry's opinion, extremely playful for his large size. He'd bought him as a tracking dog and he was good at it when given the task. At all other times he just wanted someone to play with and he stayed with a local friend when Harry was away. The family had lots of kids who just loved playing with Sirius.

He'd named the dog after his late god father, who'd died when he was fifteen in the fight against Voldemort and his forces. He grinned as he was making his way down the stairs as he decided it was time to take Sirius to Italy. He'd have Lily to play with there and be away from the constant rainy weather so he could go outside more and spend some of his excess energy.

He was almost down the stairs when Sirius gave a mighty tug and finally broke free of Draco's grip.

“Damnit. Get back here you stupid mutt!” Draco shouted as he began to chase after the dog.

“Uh, oh.” Ginny muttered noticing the direction the dog was heading.

“Oh shit!” Harry shouted jumping the last few steps and chasing after Draco in the dog. It was pointless, though. Sirius had amazing speed, which was part of why Harry bought him. He made it to the ajar glass doors that lead out to the courtyard. `Please let her like dogs. She's going to kill me if she doesn't like dogs.' Harry thought as he skid to a halt at the glass and felt an intense feeling of dread sweep him as he watched Sirius leap up onto Hermione, who's just stood up, and the two hit the water with a loud splash. `Oh no, she's gonna kill me for sure.'

“Well, you're definitely not earning star points mate. If she has a temper like you say she might just kill you. Won't matter much to her, though, because Lily goes straight to her with you dead anyway. On that subject, can I have your broom collection if she kills you?” Ron commented cheerily patting him on the back. He'd run down hearing all the commotion hoping to see what was going on and this was definitely worthwhile. He chortled imagining all the possible ways Hermione could kill Harry. Harry shot him a death glare and Ginny swat her brother over the back of the head calling him an idiot under her breath. Draco didn't say anything he just stared as the irate woman sat up looking furious.

“Yep, you're a goner because she doesn't look pleasantly surprised.” Draco said grimly.

“I don't suppose you want to go take credit for letting Sirius go? This is entirely your fault after all.” Harry said hopefully.

“Nope, I love you man but not that much. She looks ready to kill. And as an auror I'm admitting that she honestly scares me right now and that's saying something.” Draco replied.

* * *

Hermione didn't scream, she hadn't shouted. She didn't time to before she hit the water. She had been getting up deciding to go talk to Harry when she'd seen the huge black dog hurtling towards her. She hit the cold water and was instantly soaked. She'd sat up with a sharp intake of breath, coughing up water, and breathing hard as the dog got off of her and barked happily prancing around her. He nudged her to get up as if he wanted to play. He seemed to take the hint and scurried away from her at the steely look of promised doom she shot him. `This is why I bought a cat.' Hermione thought as she swept the water from her face and looked up to see four shocked looking faces staring at her from the glass doors. She felt her face heat up with red hot with anger. All except Harry slowly inched away from the door so she set her death glare at him.

Harry clearly read `you will die' in her eyes as he reluctantly walked into the courtyard. Lily's giggles were the only sound in the courtyard. He gave a nod of his head towards the doors letting her know it was best to go because things were not going to be pretty.

“Sirius, Out!” Harry commanded the dog that was now happily prancing around a thrilled looking Lily. The two left in a jolly manner that Harry wished her could follow but turned to face the wrath of Hermione instead. She was shouting, that he could tell but not a single word registered as he was caught up in how extremely sexy she looked sopping wet and angry as hell. Her eyes were alight with a raging passionate fire and her hair was hanging around her waist and the shorter front plastered to her shoulders and around her breast. Harry'd be lying to say he didn't notice how her t-shirt clung to her form now and her tight jeans seemed to be even tighter now clinging to her every curve.

One of the straps on her shirt hung off her shoulder setting the shirt slightly off. The smooth creamy skin of her stomach was exposed as the wet shirt stuck to her bunched slightly in random places causing it to look smaller. However, that wasn't as captivating as the tops of her glorious water glistening full breasts that were now exposed by the neckline hanging dangerously low due to the off strap. The need to touch her came back strong as he watched a water droplet slide from her neck all the way down until he lost sight of it between her breasts. `Sweet Merlin what I wouldn't give to be that water droplet.' He thought staring longingly at her breasts. She looked like a raging goddess in his opinion, one he'd like very much to ravish right then and there.

“Are you listening to me?” She shouted finally catching his attention as he snapped his head up to meet her gaze. “Uck, stop being a bloody pervert for five seconds and listen to me, you immoral idiot. I hardly appreciate that beast jumping on me and he honestly shouldn't be let around Lily. He'll crush her if he tries the same thing on her. Do you even think about these things? Honestly . . .”

Harry tuned her out again as his eyes dropped to her lips. He believed he should be given credit for at least keeping his eyes on her face this time. He knew her rage was beyond words and as he continued to stare at her lips he inwardly shrugged he had no other way of stopping her. He had to kiss her. It wasn't just because he wanted to it was required as this was a desperate situation. Although he knew that was crap reasoning he honestly didn't care as his armed shot out and snaked around her waist and jerked her to him so she was crushed against his body. She didn't have time to try to stop him as he crashed his lips onto hers. Her gasp of surprise made him growl as she provided the perfect opportunity for him to slip his tongue into her mouth.

Hermione attempted to pull away but he held her tight. She pushed against his chest trying to get him away from her but her struggles were useless he was entirely too strong for her. As she gave up on getting free she relaxed a bit and enjoyed the kiss tentatively responding to him. The kiss grew more fierce as the sexual tension began to rise between them and Harry's brain shut down to everything but her. He felt her fingers tangling in his hair and was surprised by how much this simple action aroused him.

The striking contrast of her cold wet clothes soaking his own against their hot bodies wasn't helping matters either. As he held her tighter against him pressing her against him he was certain she could feel what she was doing to him. The small shudder that racked her body caused him to groan against her mouth as he felt her nipples brushing against his hard chest. He trailed a hand up her shirt from her waist to cup one of those glorious breasts that had been captivating his attention more and more frequently. She gaped into his mouth not breaking the kiss as he began to massage her through the cotton bra she wore. She moaned clutching at his arms and pressing further still to him wanting more.

“Harry.” She breathed, her head falling back as he moved his lips down to worship her throat sucking lightly on the junction between her neck and shoulder as he'd been longing to do since day one. His other hand came up to remove her shirt when a distant childish giggling sounded in the back of his head.

He vaguely wondered where the sound was coming from as he inched her shirt up caressing each new surface of skin he exposed. A bark sounded and he paled as he paused with Hermione's shirt bunched in hands just below her breasts. He snapped his head around to see Lily and Sirius peeking in the glass door.

He hastily pulled Hermione's shirt back down and released her from his arms turning completely around to tell Lily to go find Ginny and ask for lunch. The little girl nodded and giggled heading off with Sirius following behind her.

Harry ran a distracted hand through his hair as he turned back around to face Hermione. He had to admit he'd been expecting a more breathless scattered looking woman as compared to the piercing glare of an enraged woman he was met with. By the way she was clenching and unclenching her fist he go the sense that she'd rather like to hit him right now. `What the hell?' She didn't looked moved in the slightest by what had just transpired between them. She showed virtually no signs of having been snogged beyond the swollen lips and the slight hickey on her neck.

“Maybe, it's not clear to you, but I'm not most girls. So you can't kiss your way out of everything. It won't work. Don't think you can make me submit to you and forget what was going on just because you kissed me.” Hermione raged on as if she'd never stopped in the first place.

Harry just stared at her completely dumb founded. How can she not have been affected in the slightest? `How does she do that?' He wanted to scream in frustration at the fact that he simply could not win this woman over. She had to be the most difficult person he'd ever met. `This is insane.' When he finally recovered he formulated a smooth reply to snap back at her. . "I wasn't trying to kiss my way out of the situation I only wanted you to stop shouting and breath.”

“Oh yes because breathing definitely seemed your main focus just them. Don't touch me or I swear I'll hex you into next year.” She hissed vehemently. “I'm going to marry you but only for Lily's sake since someone has to look out for her well being since apparently you can't. You're stuck in some delusion that just because you're Harry Potter you can do any and everything you want but you're dead wrong and I'm not going to let you be a bad influence on her. I taught her too well for you to go mess her up with your loose morals and irresponsibleness.”

With that said Hermione turned on her heels and stormed out of the courtyard leaving Harry to stare after her. `What have I gotten myself into?' He thought watching her go.

Hermione stormed into her room still in a fit of rage and hit the knob for the shower. She dropped her wet clothes and stepped in scrubbing furiously at her body, trying to wash him away. `I absolutely loath that foul man.' She thought angrily as she attacked her skin until it was light pink from the furious punishment.

“Bloody traitorous body.” She muttered angrily as she stepped out the shower and began rubbing herself dry. “I don't need this right now. Of all people to want it had to be that immoral, insensitive, obnoxious, arrogant jerk. Argh!”

When she'd finished screaming into the towel she wrapped it around herself and set about drying her clothes when a knock sounded on the door. `If it's him I'll kill him.' She thought as she called out to see who it was. She gave a sigh as she heard Ginny's voice telling her she was dropping off some clothes since Hermione had only brought one change of clothes with her. She called out her thanks and waited to here the door close before exiting the bathroom to find a honey colored tank top and designer jeans lying on the bed.

She attempted putting them on and it was immediately clear how much smaller Ginny was compared to her. The shirt was much too tight and the jeans wouldn't even come up over her hips. She grabbed her wand from her night stand and muttered a spell to resize both pieces to fit her properly. When she was finally dressed and able to breathe properly in the outfit that had been left for her she heard a soft knocking on the door. Judging by the softness of the knock she thought it was Lily and told her to come on in. She was mildly shocked to see Ginny come in carrying a couple notebooks, note cards, post-it notes, and an assortment of colored pens.

“Sirius is such a big dog and he gets excited so easily. He must have picked up your scent and wanted to aquatint himself. I'm sure he didn't mean it. Harry's really sorry.” Ginny tried to explain but was only met with a scowl. “Maybe we should talk about something else? We could start planning the wedding? Making the lists at least, so when we get to Italy and meet up with the girls all we have to do is revise the list and shop.”

“Couldn't it just be small and insignificant like eloping in America or something?” Hermione grimaced at the thought of having to plan a huge wedding.

Ginny laughed at the request thinking Hermione was joking as she made her way across the room and lay down on the bed spreading her things out. She patted the bed next to her inviting Hermione to join her in lying on her stomach and uncapping a pen.

“Oh Hermione you make me laugh so. You're about to marry the most famous wizard of our time, nothing is small or insignificant with him.” Ginny stated matter-of-factly, the wink she gave Hermione told her that statement had more than one meaning. “Come on it'll be loads of fun and a great bonding experience. I'll be around a lot in Italy since my older brother is one of Harry's best friends. I'm a fashion designer/interior decorator so I work whenever I please or a friend asks me to remodel their home or make an all original outfit or something. So whenever you need me just give a shout because I'm never busy.”

“Oh.” Hermione murmured wondering what it was like to not have to earn your living and working when you please. `I suppose I'll have to talk to Harry about that. He mentioned quitting my job and Ginny mentioned spending all day with Lily does this mean they don't expect me to work in Italy?'

“We have loads to do guest lists, dinner selection, wine selection, seating arrangements, music, the whole bit. It's so exciting. I've always wanted to plan a wedding. I've been hoping to add wedding planner to my list of many professions for a while now.” Ginny sighed, a shiny wistful look in her eye. “I can't wait to get married. It sounds so romantic.”

Hermione just stared at the dreamy looking red head. There was nothing remotely romantic about her situation. It was all a huge miserable ordeal and she really wished she didn't have to go through with it but she reminded herself she had to do it for Lily. She had to always be there for her like she'd promised. With that thought in mind listened to Ginny who was spouting off ideas and scribbling a list down furiously in her notebook. Hermione glanced at her own and sighed as she tried to think of things she needed to do.

After a couple of hours all she had down was guest list, send invitations, buy a dress, and find a reception venue. She felt rather dumb as she wasn't one of those girls who'd been planning her wedding since the wedding day Barbie came out. Rather she was reading about advanced spells and alchemical sciences. She paled glancing over at Ginny's list. `Merlin save me.' She thought as Ginny stabbed a period onto the page and then grinned at Hermione.

“So, what'd you come up with?” Ginny asked.

“Er, most definitely no that much.” Hermione sighed closing her notebook. “I think it's best if we look at your list.”

“Are you sure?” Ginny asked trying to steal a peek before Hermione's notebook was completely shut.

“Positive!” Hermione said.

“Alright, here's what I got.” Ginny bubbled thrusting her list into Hermione's hands and babbling excitedly as she attempted to explain it all. Hermione's eyes were wide as saucers as she tried to take it all in. This was going to be expensive.

Choose Wedding Date
Decide on Honeymoon
Get Priest
Choose Reception Venue
Make Guest List
Choose Maid of Honor
Choose Best Man
Register for gifts
Arrange for Engagement Parties
Plan Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
Choose Birds to send invitations
Buy Engagement Rings
Buy Wedding Rings
Choose Maid of Honor and Bridesmaid dresses
Order Wedding Cakes
Decide on Dessert Selection
Hire Caterer
Hire Band for Reception
Order flowers
Buy Shoes
Buy Wedding Dress
Plan Rehearsal Dinner
Order and send Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
Hire Musicians for Ceremony
Choose Theme
Choose ice sculptures
Choose color scheme
Decide on Dress Code
Get Marriage License
Hire Videographer
Hire Photographer
Order bouquets
Order Boutonnières for Men
Order Nosegays for Women
Order Invitations
Decide on Wine Selection
Choose Hair style and make up
Buy gifts for attendants
Buy Thank You cards
Announce Wedding to the Press
Buy Headpiece
Make Table Seating Charts
Decide on Menu
Decide on hors d' oeuvres
Decide on Dinner service
Decide on staff-guest ratio
Decide seated or buffet
Reserve Vegetarian meals
Reserve staff meals
Make Photo list
Choose Hotel for Wedding Night
Hire a limousine for church-reception transportation
Decide on liquor selection
Hire Bartenders
Verify Wheelchair accessibility
Choose Processional music
Choose Recessional Music
Choose Cocktail Music
Choose Reception Music
Choose Ceremony Readings
Prepare Birdseeds instead of rice
Schedule manicure/ pedicure/ wax/ massage
Schedule a Spa day

“Um, Ginny, don't you this is a bit . . . ah, a bit much?” Hermione asked a stricken look on her face.

“No, of course not, it's just the basics. We'll expand and elaborate on it all once we get home and get the other's input on it.” Ginny grinned looking proudly over her long list.

“Eh?” Hermione's eyes widened at the thought of this being the basics. This was going to turn extremely complicated. She could tell. She saw Harry passing by the ajar bedroom door and despite how much she still wanted to hit him she called out to him.

“Er, just so, uh, we don't go too overboard, which I already think we have, um what's our budget?” Hermione asked looking from him to the list and back up.

“Budget?” Harry and Ginny inquired looking confused, as though they'd never heard the term before. They exchanged questioning looks and then both stared at Hermione like she'd lost her mind.

“You know the amount we're allowed to spend on this wedding. Surely you don't intend to go over a set amount? I mean that's outrageous to start planning something without knowing how much you're willing to spend first, right?” Hermione cried frantically looking back and forth between them as they continue to give her that look like she was speaking a foreign language.

“Um, well no, actually we don't have one of those. Not really, so ah, just have at it. Spend as much as you like. I highly doubt you can bankrupt me.” Harry replied nodding, his expression not changing.

“You can't be serious?” Hermione insisted looking between the two as if they were insane.

“Why not?” Harry asked shrugging.

“I . . . that's . . . how?” Hermione looked back and forth between them looking for some sign of understanding in one of their faces but got nothing. “Oh never mind.”

“Right, so, um Lily and I are going to go start on that huge paint by number mosaic I conjured on the playroom floor.” Harry said.

Hermione nodded to him remembering the enormous play room on the main floor next to the living room. She'd only been in there once and it just screamed a child's heaven. It housed even more toys than the nursery.

“Well then since that's all cleared up I'll start making some phone calls and add a few details here and there to the list, okay? You might want to run home while Lily's preoccupied and pack up your things, though. We'll be leaving in a day or two.” Ginny suggested as she got up off the bed and headed for the door. “Smile Hermione, it's not all bad.”

With that last comment thrown over her shoulder she headed out the door whipping out her cell phone. `Easy for her to say.' Hermione thought as she dragged herself up and decided to go along with Ginny's suggestion to return home and grab her things.

-->

4. 3. Planning

Chapter 3: Planning

Hermione's head was pounding her last two days in been a huge blur. She'd gone to collect her things and upon returning had met an overly enthusiastic Ginny who was telling her about the calls she made and appointments she'd set up for when they get to Italy. Hermione was somewhat glad Ginny had taken it upon herself to plan the wedding and yet she knew that it was still going to end up stressing her out.

She'd called her parents that night to tell them she was getting married. They'd been shocked and had both picked up the phone so they wouldn't have to talk through one another as they rattled questions off to her. She'd managed to get off with she'd met a “nice” guy who loved children and was more than capable of taking care of them. She could here the wariness in their voices and was fully aware that she was a terrible liar and they'd easily figured out she was leaving out detail. They didn't press her though knowing it'd all come out in time.

“Well good on you dear. It's about time you had someone taking care of you and Lily. You just haven't had any time for yourself since Fleur left her with you. I do hope you're happy. You're such a sweet girl and you deserve it.” Her step-mother had told her. Hermione had said good bye after that and thought about her parents for a while. `If only I could just get married for love like they did.' Hermione sighed. Her mother had died when she was very young due to cancer. As Hermione was muggle-born she wasn't aware that there might be a spell that could have saved her. She'd become very reclusive after that keeping to her books and only really communicating with her father.

Her father had gone away to France on business and come back telling her he'd met the most amazing woman. She'd lost her companion and was dressed very oddly but she was beautiful. He was quite the linguist and was one of the few able to communicate with her in her broken English. He'd helped her find her way to this café she'd been searching for and never expected to see her again but the next day she was sitting in the café which he had to pass to get to his convention and she'd waved him over. He'd spent a majority of his trip talking to the enchanting woman.

She'd expressed an interest in wanting to learn more about muggle England. He hadn't been sure what muggle meant but he'd told her he'd love to show her around if she ever came to England. He'd been extremely surprised when she'd shown up not a week later to take him up on his offer. She'd simply adored Hermione's pale porcelain complexion and “adorable” accent.

From there Hermione wasn't really sure how the story went. She just knew that her father came home starry eyed and raving about witches and magic one day and he was engaged the next. They'd traveled to France to meet her two daughters and everything had changed from there. They'd been introduced into a wizarding world and found that, that café she'd been looking for was the entrance to such a magnificent place. Hermione had been enthralled and enjoyed her time spent with the French family. As Fleur was already attending Beauxbatons the two younger girls were sent there as well despite their residency in England. They'd both visited the English school Hogwarts once for the triwizard tournament. Now that Hermione thought about it she had seen Harry in real life once before and that was then but she couldn't make the comparison to the boy she'd seen then and the man he was now. Shaking it off she returned to her thoughts of her family.

She'd gotten on well with her younger step-sister, Gabrielle, but Fleur only seemed to look at her and her father as though they were beneath her. Fleur had separated herself from the family and only really held contact with Gabrielle, being the only innocent party in Fleur's opinion since she was so young at the time.

Now with their children grown her parents had bought a smaller home in the English countryside to enjoy their days together awaiting son-in-laws and grandchildren. She smiled remembering the time they'd told her just that. Well they'd be happy now. Fleur had disappointed them; though they loved Lily to pieces the whole story of how she came to be had upset them. They'd wanted their daughters to fall in love, settle down, and raise stable families.

Hermione sighed; well she was settling down and eventually going to be raising a family. She cringed at the thought of having to raise a family with Harry. The only wish her parents wouldn't get was the whole love bit but it wasn't like they would know. They'd be acting the loving family whenever they were around people and that included her parents.

As she lay on her bed with her head buried under a mountain of pillows she heard a soft knock on the door.

“It's open.” She moaned not removing her head from the pillows. It was probably just Ginny anyway. She'd jumped when she heard Harry's voice instead.

“What are you doing?” He asked pulling the pillows up only to find the back of her curly brown head. “Trying to suffocate yourself?”

“No.” She said icily. “I was thinking.”

“Your brain functions better when you have oxygen.”

“I was breathing just fine. What do you want?”

“We have to go get our marriage licenses and your stamps in your passport so you can live in Italy.”

“I don't want to go. Can't we do it tomorrow? I'm kind of busy.”

“With what? Suffocating yourself?”

“I was not suffocating myself I was thinking. Now can we go tomorrow or not?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because I said we're going now.”

She glared at him as he turned and strode out of the room telling her she had ten minutes to be ready to go.

“Jerk.” She muttered as she slipped off the bed and swept her hair up into a messy ponytail. She grabbed her purse and shoved her passport in it as she grabbed a wind breaker and met Harry down by the garage entrance.

“Here put this on.” He said shoving a cap into her hands.

“You've got to be kidding me. My hair's not that bad and if you hadn't given me just ten minutes I'd of actually brushed it.” Hermione snapped pushing the hat back at him.

“I never said your hair was bed. The messy look is rather fitting on you just like the wet look.” He grinned watching her cheeks flame and the glare return to her eyes. “Hat's because we don't want paparazzi to recognize you just yet. That'll ruin the surprise.”

Hermione took the hat reluctantly and pulled the cap on and pulled her ponytail through it before adjusting it to cover her eyes and shadow the rest of her face.

“Hmm, you haven't done this before have you?” Harry asked noticing how she knew exactly how to angle the cap so she wasn't visible.

“I used to do it in college when I was avoiding this football player who kept asking me out.” She mumbled. Harry laughed and pulled his own cap on as he escorted her out to the car. He gave the chauffer some instructions and they were off. She felt like she spent the whole rest of the day signing papers and answering questions.

The next day she'd spent wanting to bash her head in. It took them all morning to come up with a rough draft of their guest list. `I think it'd be easier to just list who in England is not invited to the wedding.' She thought grimly as she'd stared at the list horrified. Ginny skipped in with Lily and joined them on the floor by the coffee table which as littered with their notes. Lily moved to Hermione's lap and began rattling off questions about what was going on. Hermione tried briefly explaining it to her before she picked up the lists again and groaned.

“What's wrong?” Harry asked her.

“We've revised this list about a hundred times and we still have at least five hundred people on here.” Hermione pointed to the papers scattered around them.

“Actually I think it's a bit closer to eight hundred.” Ginny grinned. “But I haven't really counted yet so I can't be sure.”

“I still think we're missing people.” Harry sighed as he leaned back against the couch watching Ginny skim over the list.

“Yea, we are but once it's in the papers and people start talking we'll be able to figure it out. Plus if we just do an open guest seating area, first come first serve, for all those who have supported you but you really don't know very well then that'll take care of the problem. I'll be sure to add that to the announcement going in the Daily Prophet next week. I've also talked to a couple of magazines so they know to take you off the most eligible bachelor list and print the wedding announcement as well. I'm sure they'll want to do some interviews so here are your test prep questions.” Ginny said handing them a manila folder with a bunch of papers in it. “I've gotten a hold of a couple of muggle newspapers as well to print the wedding announcement so all of that is out of the way. I've got to go, though, because I have Lavender and Pavarti on the line looking for a venue for the engagement party.”

“I've got to go see Draco and Ron about being my best men and assembling a party of groomsmen.” Harry said getting up and following Ginny out of the room.

“I suppose I should find a Maid of Honor.” Hermione sighed to Lily as she stacked up the papers scattered around her. Lily helped her put them all in a organized piles on the desk in Hermione's room before going off the find Sirius to play with since the adults were all busy.

Hermione picked up the phone in her room and spent the rest of the day calling family and friends to tell them she was engaged. She called her best friends from back school and asked them if they'd be interested in being a part of her bridal party.

The final day in England seemed to fly by since she and Ginny sat down and began planning the engagement parties. Why they needed multiple parties, Hermione didn't understand. She just nodded and listened as Ginny explained it would be a long week of celebration after celebration after celebration. By day she and Harry had a list of interviews and meals to attend and by night they would attend their many engagement parties. Ginny saw it as fun and exciting while Hermione saw it as five days of sheer torture. On top of that Hermione's parents were having a family get together at the end of that week so that everyone could meet Hermione's fiancé.

When Ginny finally left her to go make phone calls to get everything set up as they decided Hermione dropped her head into her hands. She sat at the kitchen table like this for quite a while taking deep breaths and trying not to be so overwhelmed. It was all too much. She'd never been one to fantasize about her wedding day because she had other priorities but when she did she'd never imagined anything to this magnitude. She'd always just seen a simple wedding at her childhood church. Just close family and friends invited and one brief engagement party if any.

She had thought she'd marry a simple man from a small town like herself, not the wizarding world's multibillionaire playboy. Her head hurt just thinking about how much more there was to do. It had been difficult enough to put together those “basic” plans for the engagement parties; they hadn't even touched the wedding. She wanted to cry just wishing it'd all just go away.

Harry entered the kitchen with Lily cuddled up in his arms. They'd been at the park all day and had a picnic. She'd been excited to get home to tell Hermione all about it. He froze in the doorway, though, seeing Hermione sitting at the table head down sounding as though she may be crying. He eased forward setting Lily on the floor and took a seat beside her. Troubled eyes looked up at him and he felt distantly hurt as he noticed the defeated look that came into her eyes when she saw him.

“What do you want because I honestly don't have it in me to fight with you right now?” Hermione asked looking tiredly at him

“Mummy's all stressed out.” Lily concluded as she came around to give Hermione a hug.

“I'm not here to argue, Lily was looking for you.” Harry stated sounding harsh unintentionally. He was feeling a bit bitter at the fact that she thought all he was capable of was pissing her off.

Hermione nodded and stood up taking Lily's hand, “Let's go talk in Mummy's room.”

Harry watched the little girl nod and head off with Hermione disappearing out the door. He sat there drumming his fingers on the table for a moment before getting up to go find Ginny. He found her in the library with the laptop up and several phones around all on speaker phone and her headset on. He had to admit she did look really professional with her hair pulled up into a tight bun and a crisp lavender blouse on. There were papers and notes scattered around her that he figured only she could decode. She was talking quickly and alternating between glancing at the laptop screen and scribbling notes down on a piece of paper.

Harry headed over and looked down at the desk skimming the titles on some of the pages: one had interviews scrawled across the top with a variety of magazine and newspapers written on it with dates and times corresponding to each, another read photo shoots and looked almost identical to the interviews page, then there was engagement parties 1-5 with checklists and some seemed to be half way completed.

She had a quill enchanted to rewrite the guest list in alphabetical order. Stuck to the wall were lists of caterers, cake decorators, florists, bands, churches, and reception venues.

`Wow.' Harry mouthed as he looked around. `This might explain why Hermione's stressed. It's only day two and Ginny seems to have charged right in. We haven't even decided on a wedding day yet.'

He looked a Ginny who gave him a small wave and flashed a smile before returning to whoever she was conversing with. Harry left just as silently as he'd entered decided it was best not to mess with her.

Hermione was now exiting the airport, a ring of aurors, dressed as body guards, surrounded her and Harry, shouting at the press to get back. Ginny, Ron, and Draco strode to the exit as if they didn't notice a thing. Hermione winced at each flash of the cameras and clutched a sobbing Lily close to her. They'd been swamped the minute they'd gotten off the plane and all the commotion had woken Lily who'd fallen asleep during the flight. Harry was now looking extremely pissed off as he shouted at them to back the hell off because they were upsetting his daughter.

Hermione was trying to sooth Lily and hurry as quickly as possible to the waiting limo outside. Getting in wasn't an easy task as the reporters tried to stop them from reaching the limo. She jumped hearing the crunch of a camera as Harry smashed one with his bare hands and threw the pieces back at the photographer who'd gotten too close to her and Lily. Hermione ducked into the car staring terrified out the window as he continued shouting at them.

“Tomorrow's paper's not going to be pretty.” Ginny sighed as she began filing her nails and waved to Hermione as she and Ron got into their family car which had just pulled up to take them to their homes.

Draco was with Harry now seemingly angry at something a reporter had asked him, he gave the guy the finger and retorted with something vulgar. The aurors were struggling to get Harry and Draco to go now that they'd gotten so worked up. One of the aurors opened the door and gestured for Harry to get in. Harry made his last remark before getting in and sitting across from Hermione looking angry enough to kill. They were silent for a while just staring at each other. Lily's sniffling was the only sound in the back seat of the limo as it left the airport.

“Is she alright?” Harry finally asked.

“She'll live. They startled her and all the flashes overwhelmed her as she was just waking up. I'm sure the aurors didn't lessen her spook either. Getting angry and shouting didn't seem to be helping matters either.” Hermione said stiffly as she continued to rub Lily's back.

He didn't respond to her comment, simply turned to stare out the window. `Bloody bastards ought to stay out my business.'

“You'll be paying for that camera you smashed?” Hermione quarried.

“Of course not!” Harry snapped at her.

“Harry!”

“He shouldn't have pointed it in her face.”

“That's the man's job.”

“Well he should get another one. It's rather annoying always having people poking around in you business, following you everywhere you go.”

“That's their job and as long as you're a celebrity you'll have to deal with.”

“I suppose you'll have to deal with it too. We'll see how you like never being left alone.”

“I'm not doing it by choice though.”

“Neither did I! Do you think I wanted to be the boy-who-lived? I didn't just wake up in the morning and think `Oh I hope Voldemort kills my mum and dad today so I can one day defeat him and get famous.'”

Hermione went silent. She hadn't thought about it like that. She only ever thought about how he was always in the paper with some woman or for pulling some stunt. She never thought about it as a life he'd been forced into rather than one he wanted. He always looked like he was enjoying himself.

“I'm sorry.” She whispered.

“Don't be, I know that's not what you meant. I shouldn't have attacked you like that.” Harry said.

“Can we just start this day over?”

“If that's what you want.”

She nodded and fell silent looking out the window. Lily had calmed down and was looking back and forth between the two silent adults. Harry was staring out the opposite window just as stony and silent as Hermione.

“Look up there.” Harry said after a while of riding in silence. He was pointing out of the window at a large villa that was coming into view. “That's where we'll be living.”

“Oh my.” Hermione breathed looking out the window as he indicated. It was gorgeous, and decorated as if by the ancient Romans. “Lily look.”

Harry grinned watching Hermione's eyes light up as she took in the villa and pulled Lily into her lap, pointing out the window. The tears all gone, Lily's eyes sparkled gazing out the window. Hermione's eyes roamed over the secluded expanse of land that surrounded the villa and caught site of a quidditch pitch.

“Uh, Harry I know you play quidditch professionally and have some strong ties with the ministry but this seems very secluded for someone who needs to be on call at all hours of the day. How do you maintain it all from out here?” Hermione asked turning away from the window.

“I have an apartment in Naples I usually stay at. I only work as an auror during my off season so during the season between games every once and a while I come out here. Other than that I don't usually use the villa but with Lily it seemed better to move out here year-round. It's a better place for raising a family; I can just apart to Naples in the mornings.” Harry shrugged.

Hermione blushed again and quickly turned away at the mentioning of raising a family.

“We can attend an opera anytime you wish and take Lily for gondola rides the museums and cathedrals might interest you as well.” Harry told them as the limo pulled into an archway at the top of a circular drive way. The fresh smell of wild flowers and the tinkling of several fountains made a smile spread across Hermione's face.

“I think I love it here already. I'd love to paint your garden.” Hermione said stepping out of the car taking the hand of a butler who'd opened the door for her. She spun in a slow circle trying to take in as much of the beauty of the villa at once as she could. Lily was climbing out behind her and immediately grabbed Hermione's hand as she joined her in staring in awe.

“You can paint our gardens any time you like. You live here now Hermione and the villa's as good as half yours. You have as much time as you like to try to capture it all.” He said right next to her ear. He'd come to stand to the side of her, slightly behind. His eyes grazed over her profile he saw a flicker of something he didn't like cross her face at the mentioning of this being where she lived from now on. `But I thought she said she loved it. It's a historical artist dream. What can still be troubling her?' He thought. `This is where she belongs, damnit. With me!'

Harry placed a hand on the small of her back gesturing towards the great double doors that the butler had opened; he led her and Lily inside as Dobby, Winky, and several other house elves appeared to gather their luggage. Hermione frowned slightly seeing them all but didn't comment for the moment.

She let Harry guide her inside with Lily's hand tucked into her own. She gasped marveling at just the foyer. The first thing she noticed was the large winding stair case that came up from three directions and met at one point, only to split off again into two directions. Where two of the lower stair cases met a sculpture of a Roman goddess stood in that corner with an armful of fresh flowers. Her brownish clay matched well with the creamy brown marble floor. Hermione's tennis shoes squeaked slightly as she walked across the beautiful spotless floor. Old stone walls held archways that lead to the different rooms of the house.

She and Lily were lead up the stairs to the expansive second floor. From there she could see the magnificent chandelier that hung over the foyer and looked as though it was not only electrical but could be lit by firelight as well. As they progressed down the halls she realized that all the lighting gave the option of firelight or electricity.

They were now in the east wing according to Harry. It was the most lived in part of the villa as the west wing was dotted with guest rooms that had not been used since the villa was built several centuries ago. There was a large dark door at the end of the hallway that sparked Hermione's curiosity. She was slightly disappointed when they turned into the room next to it on the right wall. Upon entering it she found a replica of Lily's nursery in England only in her opinion a thousand times more beautiful. There were more bay windows that gave an excellent display of the front gardens below and washed the room in a warm sunny glow. The ceiling was blue with large puffy white wispy clouds carelessly floating by.

The bed had a plush white comforter with gold trim and a unicorn stitched into it. On the bedside table there was a music box with a proud looking unicorn figurine on top. There were fresh flowers on the table as well as a white leather bound diary. The border was white gold and Lillian Rose Potter was engraved on the front in a beautiful swirling cursive.

Harry stood in the doorway watching Hermione and Lily inspecting the room. He saw the surprised delight as they discovered the house elves had already unpacked their things and the pictures and awards that used to be displayed around their house and Lily's room were now placed strategically around the room.

“This is amazing Harry.” Hermione said joining him at the doorway. “I . . . thank you. I think she loves it.”

Harry nodded solemnly trying not to let her see just how happy it made him to finally have her approval of something. “I told Ginny to go all out.”

They watched Lily inspecting a display case filled with dolls. She seemed to be trying to decide which one she wanted to play with. She eventually stood on her toes reaching for the knob on the glass doors and pulled it open. She began pulling the dolls down one by one and inspecting each. Some she kept down by her side and others she put back for now.

“I think she's content for the moment so we should let her play. Come, I have more to show you.” He steered her out the room silently pulling Lily's door until it was merely cracked open before he moved across the hall to stand between two doors that looked identical.

“This one,” He said pointing to the door on his right as he faced Hermione, “leads to the room of requirements. You just have to walk back and forth passed it about three times concentrating on what you'd like and the room will open for you becoming just that.”

Hermione nodded and listened as he directed her attention to the other door.

“This door will eventually be your art room. It's not completed yet but if you'd like to see it.” He paused, waiting for her answer. She nodded and he pushed open the door beckoning her in.

The floor was covered in tarps and the walls were bare of color. He told her he'd had the back wall redone so it was now completely glass. She was grateful to him for this as she looked out to see the large expanse of garden behind the house that vaguely reminded her of her trip to the Chateau Versailles. A large pool sparkled outside and it also followed the ancient roman theme with its sculptures and fountains adding to its beauty. She could see behind that the area was split off into four sections: a tennis court, a basketball court, a soccer field, and a quidditch pitch.

“You enjoy muggle sports?” She commented upon noticing this.

“Yea, sometimes you get a bit tired of playing quidditch all day everyday and just need a bit of change. You don't play any sports do you?” He asked joining her at the window.

“I had tennis lessons when I was younger and played in a junior league for a while but I haven't touched a racket much since.” Hermione told him with a shrug.

“I suppose we'll have to get you onto the court sometime and see how much you remember. And if you have a court preference, you can transform it into any type clay, grass, hard, you name it you got it.”

“I haven't the slightest clue what type of court I was playing on.” Hermione laughed.

“Well then you'll just have to pick your favorite over time. As for this room the view is probably the most magnificent thing at the moment. Ginny'll get it all painted and whatnot soon enough.”

“No, don't do that. Leave it as it is. It'll be more homey if Lily and I paint it. I'll just have to get a few tools and then we can set to work on it.”

“Anything you need you can get from the closet I'm having installed. It'll have a direct link to the local art supply shop so you'll be able to just get what you need and it'll all be paid for without the hassle of searching around a huge shop for hours.”

“But isn't that the fun bit? You find the most interesting things while hunting around shops.” Hermione sighed wistfully.

“I wouldn't know. I don't do most of my own shopping. That's what the hired help is for.” Harry said briskly, turning to exit the room.

Hermione frowned at his last statement. She didn't like the thought of relying on hired help. She'd always lived by the rule if `you can do it yourself, do it'. `Why be lazy? But then again, if you were a busy man like Harry maybe you had to rely on help.' She tried to reason with herself.

“And alas, here's our room.” Harry announced leading her out and up to the huge dark door she'd been curious about earlier.

“Our room?” She echoed, not so curious any more, quite the opposite actually. She'd rather not enter that room alone with him. Frankly, she'd rather not enter at all.

“Yes, our room. I do believe that's what I said.”

“And I'd really rather not as I said nothing right off.”

“I'm not going to jump you Hermione. I said I wouldn't touch you and I won't presumably until you want me to but I do have a reputation to uphold. It wouldn't do for every wizard on the planet to know my wife won't share a room with me.”

“I'm not your wife.”

“But you will be.”

“Not for a while.”

“All the same, eventually you will be so you might as well come and see. And just so you'll feel safe at night you'll have your own room, right next door to Lily's and Mrs. Weasley, Ron and Ginny's mother, will be coming to stay with us until the wedding.”

“Good!”

“If you say so.” Harry shrugged. “Be it now or later you'll eventually share my bed so the waiting seems a bit pointless.”

“It may be pointless to you but I'd still rather it later.” Hermione replied stepping back a bit from him. The dark look that filled her with both fear and excitement had returned to his eyes and she couldn't stop her heart from speeding up a bit in anticipation of what he might do.

“Why are you backing away? Afraid of me or yourself?” He growled advancing on her until she was pressed against the door and his body blocked any escape she could hope to attempt.

“I'm not afraid. I'm just . . .” She stopped; she wasn't really sure what she was. The man put her on edge so often it was hard to tell what she was feeling around him.

“I'm not going to force you into anything Hermione but I won't wait forever either and your eyes tell me you don't want to wait forever either.”

“Is this why you asked me to marry you?”

Harry brought his head up from how close he'd been leaning to her. He frowned down at her wondering what had brought the question on.

“Does it matter? I have my reasons some of which you might not like but I don't believe that's relevant considering you're getting what you want too.” He replied evading the question. A question he wasn't even able to answer to himself. “We've loitered here long enough, come.”

With that he reached around her and opened the door. He noticed her sharp intake of breath, when his body had brushed tantalizing close to hers when opening the door. He gave her a predatory grin slowly brought his arm back making sure it brushed hers again before gesturing for her to enter. She gave him a hard look before reluctantly entering the dark room.

She bit her lower lip, glancing worriedly around the room. The whole rest of the house had a feminine flair about it and she could tell Ginny had been there but this room was completely different. Dark curtains covered the windows blocking out any and all light. The black, silver, and dark forest green color scheme gave the room a haunting effect. Emeralds lined the base boards all the way around the room. There was only a small break in the line where a black door stood.

The black bed hangings were see-through and she could just make out the forest green comforter covering the large bed. It was all quite gloomy in her opinion and her expression told Harry just that.

“Don't worry. You and Ginny can change it to however you want. It's more your room than mine since I'm away so much.” He told her.

She nodded and felt herself relax a bit when he mentioned being away a lot. She continued to scan the room which seemed to be devoid of any pictures or paintings except for the one large portrait on looming above the bed, on the back wall. It was a portrait of Harry in his quidditch uniform.

“It'll be changed soon.” He said following her gaze. “We'll have one painted of you and me. Now, I'll show you the rest of the house so you can begin settling in.”

-->

5. 4. The Rings

Chapter 4: The Rings

Hermione awakened early the next morning and decided to test herself on how much she remembered of Harry's tour by finding her way to the kitchen. She remembered her mentioning she'd never need to go in there since the house elves did all the cooking but she'd disregarded this since she was pushing for the liberation of house elves from their slave lives. They worked just as hard as people, if not harder and she believed they deserved to be treated with more respect than they were currently receiving.

She marched into the kitchen and was immediately swarmed by several house elves with cries of `Mistress need not be in here.' `Mistress' breakfast is already cooked.' `Is Mistress lost?' `Did Mistress not like the food?' She was rushed out of the kitchen before she could get a word in.

“I'll be making my own breakfast tomorrow.” She called through the door, though she wasn't sure they could hear her through the thick oak. She turned and stalked into the breakfast nook where she saw a laughing Harry flipping through the morning paper.

“You don't like your breakfast? It looks untouched.” He commented grinning up at her as he indicated an untouched plate across from him.

“I didn't realize they'd cooked.”

“I told you yesterday they do all the cooking.”

“I was hoping I was up early enough to make my own.”

“They wake extremely early and know the instant you leave your bed. You'll never beat `em down here. So why, may I ask, do you want to make your own breakfast when they'll gladly do it for you.”

“Because I don't support slave labor.”

“Slave labor?”

“Yes, slave labor, I bet you don't pay them or give them proper credit for what they do.”

“They don't want to be paid, they're bloody house elves.”

“You think just because they're not people they don't want to be paid or receive proper accreditation for what they do.”

“Of course not. They just don't want to be paid and they wouldn't do their work in private if they wanted everyone to know about it. I would pay them if they wanted me to but they don't. Go ask `em they'll tell you just that. There's only one in there that wants to be paid and he is. He gets vacation time and everything. I'm not some tyrannical monster that just walks all over his employees.”

“You don't exactly make it difficult to believe you are though.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“It means . . .” Hermione was cut off mid shout by Ginny storming in.

“Harry James Potter have you seen the paper?” Ginny shouted.

“Well, yes actually it's quite amusing.” Harry grinned.

“No, it's not amusing and as your self proclaimed publicist I'm not happy. How could I be so stupid as to not ask about her ring? Harry I can't believe you didn't buy her a ring!”

“I didn't exactly go to England with the intention of getting married.”

“You could have conjured one to stand in. Now you have to release a statement as to why she doesn't have an engagement ring on her finger, so you had better get thinking because you aren't saying it's a marriage of convenience.”

“I don't have to tell them a damn thing.”

As Harry and Ginny continued to rage at each other Hermione slipped beside him and took the paper from under his arm. There was a horrible picture of her looking quite terrified and flinching at the flash of the cameras. Lily's face was buried in her shoulder and Harry was beside them looking ready to kill. She skimmed the article and found it to be a bit of an attack on her and Harry's character. They had a bunch of made up theories on what was going on and most weren't very kind to her virtue. She scowled at the paper tossing it down and glaring at Harry.

She sank into a chair, pushing around the food on her plate listening to them shout. If it wasn't for the lack of resemblance she really would think they were brother and sister. They argued as though they were siblings. She sighed as Ginny won and told Harry he'd have an over the phone interview waiting when he got back.

“Back from where?” Hermione asked suddenly somewhat interested.

“Back from New York City, that's where I've set up a private meeting with one of my favorite jewelry companies so you can get your rings. You can floo there since the owner is a wizard and will be waiting for you. He'll keep everything very confidential so you don't have to worry about the press. He promises to have whatever you order ready by the time your photoshoots and interviews start.” Ginny explained making more notes in her notebook before using her pencil to twist her hair up into a bun. “Be ready to go in ten minutes.”

Harry scowled at her as she sent him an acid look before turning to leave. She paused at the door consulting her notebook.

“Hurry back, Hermione we're going to Paris and Milan today to do some shopping with the girls. We need to restock your wardrobe and get you some dresses for the engagement parties. You'll also need something semi-formal for the photoshoots though the cover of the bridal magazines they'll be giving you a dress but you don't have to worry about going in for sizing for a while now. Ooo and we'll probably need to get you some suits for one or two of the interviews if not the luncheons and café meetings. Maybe some sun dresses too for casual afternoon outings in case the press should make an appearance.” Ginny nodded to herself and flounced out the door without looking up to see Hermione's bewildered expression.

“You're busy.” Harry commented.

“Apparently, I suppose . . . I suppose I'll have to leave Lily with you.” She said softly.

“Yea, so?”

“Nothing.”

“You're going to have to get used to leaving her with me. Being my wife will probably be a twenty-four hour a day job.”

“What?”

“You don't think the interviews, lunches, and stuff will all go away after the wedding, do you? They'll be hounding you about everything next an interview on being a housewife, living with Harry Potter, babies, everything.”

Hermione cringed at as he spoke.

“Actually, I was hoping I could get a job as an art student around here somewhere, something free lance at least.” She said.

“You won't have time. That's why you have an art room. You're not here to work, Hermione, you're here to be my wife.”

“And when were you planning on telling me all this. This I can't work business.”

“I just did.” He folded the paper she'd set back on the table and strode out the room, looking arrogant as ever.

Hermione glared after him, folding her arms and muttering. `Well, that completely shoots my plans. Grr, I can't stand that man!' She got up and stomped after him and met him at the living room fireplace.

“Ready?” He asked offering her his hand. She rolled her eyes and turned away from him refusing to answer him.

“Ignoring me now are we?” He smirked, throwing floo powder into the fire. He grabbed her arm and tugged her in, giving the name of the shop Ginny had scribbled on a piece of paper for him.

The minute they arrived, she jerked her arm out of his grasp and stalked forward to dust herself all.

“Oh come on, it's not that bad. Who wants to sit around and paint all day anyway? You'd get bored with it and then your talents would be no good because you wouldn't be passionate about the things you do have time to paint.” Harry reasoned as he followed her out of the fire brushing himself off.

“If you think you're helping, YOU'RE NOT! So please do not speak to me for the next hour or so.” She snapped.

“You're going to have to talk to me. How else will I know which ring you like?” He smirked.

“Shut up.” She growled.

“Why don't you make me?” He smirked as an old man entered the room stopping her from any form of retort. She glowered at him and gave an irritated growl as the man approached smiling at them.

“Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger, I've been expecting you.” He smiled shaking their hands. “Congratulations, when Ms. Weasley called me I told her, I'd be delighted to do your rings. Come, come she told me you were both quite busy today so let's not waste any times. As soon as I size your fingers we'll be ready to begin.”

They were ushered to a long black table in the center of the dark room they'd flooed into. Only a bright over head light stood over the table, probably to make the gems sparkle when shown under the bright beam. Harry had wrapped an arm around her waist as they moved towards the table and when the man wasn't looking she smacked his arm and sent him a warning glare.

He just grinned and held her chair out for her. She sat watching him suspiciously as he pushed in her chair and then proceeded to sit closer to her than she deemed necessary. She gave him a fake smile before turning away from him, rolling her eyes.

She put on an excited smile as the old man returned with some sizing strips and some black boxes. He took their hands one at a time into cool fingers and did the measurements while writing on a tablet.

“Right so now to see the rings.” He grinned, flipping to a new page in his tablet and turning all the boxes to face them and opening them one by one to reveal layers upon layers of black velvet miniature shelves of sparkling rings. “The best rings we have. You just choose which design you like and we can modify it in anyway.”

“Oh wow! Those certainly are, um, sparkly.” Hermione blinked. “There's nothing simpler?”

“Actually I was thinking they were a bit too small.” Harry said.

“What? Those look like they cost a fortune.”

“What's your point? Any wife of mine's going to need something bigger than those.”

The old man nodded and got up to go fetch some more boxes.

“What? No, that's . . . what are you talking about? That's not necessary. Harry you're not spending a load on this, under the circumstances that seems quite ridiculous.”

“What's the point of having money if you can't spend it?” Harry tossed over his shoulder.

“Are you serious? You . . . you're unbelievable.” Hermione scoffed throwing him a disgusted looked after staring at him incredulously for a moment to gage his seriousness.

“Yes, I've been told thought quite often.” He responded with a cheeky grin, knowing she hadn't meant it that way. Hermione just stared at him with unmasked disapproval shaking her head and muttering unbelievable under her breath.

“Here you are? These are the biggest things I've got.” The old man smiled placing a silver box on the table and opening it up. Hermione's mouth dropped open staring at them all. They were gorgeous but far too expensive. Her eyes lingered for a moment on one that really caught her attention but shaking her head she turned to glare at Harry.

“I'm not choosing one of those.” She declared.

“Doesn't matter, I'll choose one.” Harry skimmed over the box for a moment then plucked one out. “What do you think?”

Hermione didn't respond, just gave him a bland expression and looked away.

“If you don't like it I'll choose another.”

“I don't like it and I don't want another!”

“Woman, you're being ridiculous.”

“ME! I'm being ridiculous? You're, you're horrible! You're just so argh!”

Harry rolled his eyes and gave the man an apologetic look.

“She just likes being difficult.” He whispered, as he put the ring back and began hunting for the one he'd seen her eye linger on. When he found it, he picked it up and held it in front of her. She gave him a stony look but her eyes flickering to the ring for a split second, wasn't missed by him.

“This one.” He said. “White gold, full diamond band, and put two emeralds in by the larger one in the center. Inscribe something sentimental in it and find a necklace or something to go with it so she had an entire jewlry set to match it at the wedding. Ginny'll send details on the dress later so you know how low it should hang and whether or not to make the earrings dangling or whether a bracelet is necessary.”

The man wrote furiously as he tried to take down all of Harry's instructions. Hermione was looking at him as though he'd lost his mind and he just shrugged at her kissed her frozen cheek. For once she didn't react to him invading her personal space; she just sat there in shock.

“Now, you're also here for wedding bands, am I correct?” The old man asked finally done writing and flipping to a new page.

“We might as well.” Harry nodded as he leaned back in his chair and watching the man collect the boxes before bumbling off the get down the wedding bands. Harry turned to Hermione who was still giving him and stony look. “Stop looking at me like that, you know you wanted it.”

“That's too much Harry.” She whispered.

“Nothing's too much.” He told her settling back in his chair once again.

“How do you live with yourself? Just throwing around money like that. You know there are people who could actually use the money.”

“I don't just throw around money. I spend as I see fit and at the moment I see you have no diamonds. So I'm starting you out since you're going to need something for the wedding and engagement parties. I'm sure Ginny will be ordering you all sorts of jewlry to match whatever clothing you buy today. And yes I'm aware people could use the money when you've gained access to my private funds, you'll see how much of it goes to charity and whatnot.”

“So someone takes it out of your account every year but do you actually care what happens with it. Do you even check to make sure it gets where it's supposed to go? What have you done lately to help anyone but yourself?”

“I'm an auror and I go around saving lives all the time, but let's get something straight right now. I owe the world nothing. I've already given them my entire life from day one. I was their child prodigy. I was used to make everything right for the majority of my life and there was no what Harry wants. It was what the Ministry wants what they felt like letting me know about myself, my family. So now it is about what Harry wants. I'm in control now and can do what ever the hell pleases me and I could careless what the world wants or thinks about what I do.”

“If you think I'm supposed to feel sorry for you and be okay with that, you're insane. Yes, I'm sorry you were treated like a puppet for the Ministry for such a long time but that doesn't mean you go around bitter and act like the world is beneath you and you own it. And it will never be about what you want. Hasn't anyone ever told you with great power, comes great responsibility? I'd of thought by now you'd have accepted that.”

Harry gave her a cold look. Yea, he'd definitely heard that before. He'd heard that from the person he'd trusted above all. And even with all his wisdom and greatness he'd been killed, weakened by someone else's folly.

“You know nothing.” He hissed. She met his eye with a defiant look.

“Then explain it to me because all I see is a selfish boy who has yet to grow up. It's nothing compared to yours but my childhood wasn't all flowers and sunshine either, Harry.”

Their intense glares were only interrupted by the clearing of a throat as a glass case was set in front of them and opened.

“Pick one.” Harry whispered.

Giving him a hard look she decided not to argue with him right now and turned the case to face her. The old man was looking back and forth between them trying to figure out what he'd missed in the time he'd been away.

“We'll take the diamond bands set in silver.” Hermione decided.

“White gold, I don't want silver to touch her. She's worth more than that.” Harry interjected. She stared at him confused for a moment. She'd thought he was angry with her but his words confused her.

“White gold, then and I suppose you'll need to inscribe something in them.” She finished.

“Alright, we'll start on those today and have the whole lot sent to you as soon as possible.” The man said closing his tablet and shaking both their hands before closing the case and disappearing through the doorway.

“Let's go.” Harry said grabbing her hand and leading her back to the fireplace. They were silent when they returned and just parted ways without any form of good bye.

-->

7. 5. The Wedding Committee

Chapter 5: The Wedding Committee

Hermione never made it to the destination of her bedroom as she was met halfway there by Ginny who grabbed her arm and steered her out the door to her waiting car.

“We're a bit behind schedule but that's alright we have all day to shop. We can cancel our lunch reservations and just have a café meal instead.” Ginny babbled on as she and Hermione made their way to the car. Hermione yawned and tried to focus on what Ginny was telling her as they rode to Ginny's apartment in the near city. It was difficult for Hermione to really comprehend any of what Ginny was saying with her mind reverting back to Harry every other word. `He's so complex.' She thought pressing a hand to her forehead.

“We're here!” Ginny sang out as she pulled into the car park. Hermione hadn't really noticed until now that this was the first time since meeting Harry that she'd ridden up front in a car. She pushed open her door and smiled slightly also noting that she hadn't done that in a while either. `And I thought I'd never get used to this stuff.' Hermione thought as she stepped out of the car and followed Ginny inside and into the elevator.

“Ooo this is going to be so much fun. They're going to love you and it'll be excellent.” Ginny squealed.

Hermione glanced at Ginny out of the corner of her eye and knew she was in for a headache. She liked Ginny of course but the wedding seemed to have turned her into a red haired tornado and Hermione feared meeting more overly excited women she barely knew. Everyone had been lovely of course but she really just wished she could revert back to her simple close relations wedding she'd thought she'd have. The lift stopped and Ginny pressed her wand tip to a key pad on the elevator panel.

“Ensures that no one can get into my apartment without me.” Ginny informed her as the doors slid open revealing a magnificent living room. Immediately after stepping out of the lift they were on plush white carpet. The whole room was decorated with a modern art feel. Hermione had a definite feeling Ginny didn't exactly see children in her future because the whole house screamed do not touch. The black leather couches looked as though they'd never been touched and they surrounded a glass table which sat on an expensive looking modern rug. In all it looked as posh as Ginny, Hermione for once, wasn't surprised. The young woman was after all a high powered fashion designer. Her whole world revolved around appearances.

“Come, come.” Ginny tittered as she ushered Hermione through the living room and turned immediately right which lead into a post kitchen a mix of black and white marble and stainless steel. The utilities were separated from the dining area by an island which housed a bar on one side and stools with posh expensive looking women perched on them. Hermione froze on the divide between the carpet and marble. She felt as if another step would lead her into the moving cover of a Gladrags magazine and she'd be horribly out of place looking like an average joe. `I have got to learn how they all do that.' She was very aware that she wasn't inferior to these women but they sure did have a way of making you feel like it without even trying. All they had to do was lift the corner of those perfect glossed lips in a half smile and you felt as though there was more a chance of hell freezing over than you had fitting in.

Hermione was trying to think of the quickest means of escape when Ginny latched onto her arm, grinning like a mad woman and dragged Hermione to the edge of the circle of women who looked as if they had been strategically placed around the kitchen.

“Hermione I want to introduce to you the most amazing women you'll ever meet: the vivacious Lavender Brown, tantalizing Pavarti Patil, elegant Cho Chang, darling Luna Lovegood, and the talented three, Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnett, and Katie Bell. Ladies, Hermione Granger.”

Hermione attempted a smile trying her hardest not to cringe under the scrutiny of these beautiful people. It wouldn't be hard remembering their names as they appeared regularly in the news and in popular magazines. It blew her mind that she was actually meeting the people her friends used to only ever dream about meeting their entire lives, gossiping over whatever hit the papers about these socialites.

“We're going to have so much fun. It's going to be so wonderful having you here.” Lavender gushed, springing out of her chair to envelope Hermione in a brief hug and pull her deeper into the room.

“Hmm, yes her aura is so peaceful, an honest innocence about her.” Luna commented, misty eyes traveling over Hermione.

“Right, whatever exactly that means, I agree with Luna and Lav. This is going to be super fab having you here.” Pavarti proclaimed.

“You'll love it here.” Angelina grinned. “You'll have absolutely no problem fitting in, I can tell.”

“Are you a sporty girl? Play quidditch perhaps?” Cho asked.

“We can teach you if you don't” Alicia and Katie put in.

“Er, eh, no actually. More the books and cleverness girl. I don't tempt gravity unless it's necessary. Though I might try my hand at tennis again.” Hermione stuttered, completely overwhelmed by their enthusiasm. For looking so unreal, they were so . . . what was the word? She really didn't have one to describe these people.

“Thank goodness, no offense guys but it's so tough being out numbered by all you quidditch buffs. To be honest Lavender and I enjoy looking at the players more than the actual sport.” Pavarti giggled. “Angelina, Katie, and Alicia play on the same team as Harry. They've played together since we were in school. Quite an unbeatable pairing I suppose. Though Cho does give Harry quite the run for his money when their teams meet.”

“I have yet to beat that man but I'll get him one day.” Cho grinned.

“Air certainly is his element, isn't it?” Luna agreed.

“But today we are not to dwell on the men folk. It time for some serious female bonding. We should go out and have some fun. After all, there's lots to do.” Ginny grinned, sweeping up her purse and linking arms with Hermione. “Shall we ladies?”

Hermione plastered on another sugary grin and nodded though inside she was beginning to truly wonder what she'd gotten herself into.

* * *

Harry leaned against a wall in his kitchen, muttering irritably to himself. How was it that woman always provoked him to say something rash. Now she was probably off somewhere thinking he was the worst person alive. The part that bothered him, was that he actually cared. Were it any other person he could care less what they thought about him but she was increasingly on his mind and her opinion was becoming valuable. When that had happened he really didn't know but it pissed him the hell off that it did. She was changing things, changing him and he wasn't at all appreciative of it.

Suddenly, he found himself wanting a family, wanting her around, wanting her to be happy. It was becoming increasingly noticeable that she dropped into his life and was determined to leave her mark with or without trying. He refused to believe in love that was a bunch of sappy crap used to sell books and cheesy movies however, he would admit that he was lacking in a long-term female companion. She was definitely going to be a long-term companion. He didn't mind his ever growing lust for her. When the time came she'd open up to him and he'd sort all this mess out. Tell her to take this damn spell off him.

He gave a curt nod to himself, deciding on this plan of action and proceeded to snatch up the plate of snacks that had long since been sitting on the counter waiting for him. Balancing several plates and the food tray in his arms, he levitated the cups and beverages behind him to return to his study. It took everything he had to hold back his laughter at the state of his closest friends inspecting his daughter as though they'd never seen a child before. It probably wasn't that they hadn't but that they were all confirmed bachelors and it just blew their minds that Harry had a child. That Harry was settling down. That they might be called upon to baby-sit and hadn't a clue what to do with a little girl:

“So what exactly does it do?” Dean asked, watching Lily closely as she sat on the floor by the coffee table, coloring.

“I dunno, she's pretty darn cute, maybe she just sits around looking all sweet and innocent, like most women.” Seamus shrugged.

“Then she must be a little devil underneath if she's like any of the women we know.” Fred and George exchanged grins.

“No, she has to have a purpose and I don't think they're as devious when they're little as when they get all grown up. I'm pretty sure she talks a little genius if her step-mother's anything to go off of. She's and adept walker too, like she's been doing it for years. I've never actually been around a little kid before so I'm not really sure how she does it.” Ron said.

“You idiots, of course she talks and walks. I've seen her walk and Harry told us she could read. Do any of you know how to take care of it though?” Draco snapped.

“It's another species. Of course we don't know how to take care of it. It's a girl!” Seamus replied.

“He's got a point!” Dean replied.

“Buy her something shiny that seems to work with most women.” Draco decided.

“Maybe she could help us play pranks on people?” Fred suggested.

“Yeah, no one would expect her to be in on the pranks and you can't hex her for it.” George replied. “She's just a kid after all.”

“You aren't going to do any such thing to her.” Bill shouted.

“Because if Harry doesn't kill you for it his fiancée probably will.” Charlie added.

“For once I am stumped. I don't know how she functions so I can't explain how to take care of her!” Percy grimaced. “Girls are just too complex, even for me.”

“Why do you keep talking like I'm not here?” Lily finally inquired, in a very Hermione like manner. The room was in an instant uproar as the bewildered men moved away from their now talking specimen. Lily giggled at their antics. “What are you doing? Is this a game? Can I play too?”

“How can she hear us?” Ron hissed across the room.

“She isn't deaf you git!” Draco glared.

“She sounds so smart for someone so young.” Percy gasped.

“You, prat, I told you she was plotting against us!” Bill grumbled.

“Do any of you speak little girl?” Ron asked.

“Do any of us look like girls?” Dean snapped.

“Let's try simple communication!” Charlie suggested.

“Right, um . . . Seamus first!” Dean said pushing Seamus from behind the chairs.

“Erm . . . uh . . . Hi, I'm Seamus and I'm a friend of your dad. Do you understand?” Seamus asked speaking really slow and clear.

“Why wouldn't I understand?” Lily asked, face creasing in confusion. “I don't like this game. Where'd my daddy go? I want to show him my picture.”

She held up the paper she'd been coloring on, grinning broadly. “Do you like it?”

“Well, Harry's not dead, and she is just a little kid, I mean, she can't be too dangerous.” Ron declared.

“Hold your dragons mate, I don't know much about little kids but I do know, they're like exploding snaps. They look harmless but the slightest thing can set them off. They scream and shout and it's scary!” George responded.

“Maybe we shouldn't go near her then?” Seamus responded.

“Honestly, Harry plays with her all the time so she can't be that bad.” Draco grumbled before getting up and going over to Lily. “Are you some form of little disaster waiting to happen or not because I'm not spoiling you rotten if you're a bleedin' nightmare?”

“But I don't want to be rotten.” Lily whimpered. “I've been a good girl.”

“Oh now you've done it. Look her lips quivering. Any minute now it's going to start. You've set her off.” George scowled.

“Er, chocolate, we need chocolate. Kids like chocolate.” Ron announced.

“Then someone find some chocolate.” Charlie shouted.

Harry decided now was his time to make an entrance and slipped in silently to stand beside Dean. He slipped a chocolate frog wordlessly into Dean's hand wondering what exactly it was they planned to do once they found some chocolate. Dean hadn't seemed to register just who gave him the chocolate at he held it up triumphantly and shoved it into Ron's hands.

“What are you giving it to me for?” Ron cried.

“You're the one who gave us the tip about chocolate. You try it.” Dean snapped.

“Cowards.” Ron muttered under his breath as he inched closer to the sniffling girl. He plastered on an overly bright smile as he dropped to one knee holding out the chocolate to her.

“We come in peace.” Ron declared offering her the treat.

Harry burst into laughter, unable to contain himself any longer at his friends' antics. `I hang out with nutters.' He decided and he clutched his sides in laughter, having put down the tray of refreshments minutes ago.

“I wish I had, had a camera because that would have been priceless. You lot can be so stupid. You're all supposed to be big tough guys and you were afraid of a little girl.” Harry laughed.

“Shut up Harry. You never know with females. They're weird they have those mood swing things.” Ron muttered getting off his knees.

“Yeah!” The others grumbled trying to reclaim their dignity.

Harry just continued to laugh at them, shaking his head and wiping his eyes.

* * *

Hermione couldn't believe how incredibly fat she was suddenly feeling. She'd absolutely despised all those weight obsessed girls in her school days but it was near impossible to not feel as though it was time to hit the gym when you were in the only four in a world of zeros. The other girls didn't seem to care what size she was, they were simply interested in dressing her up but the manager insisted on being the personal shopper to his favorite customers was making it increasingly clear that four simply wasn't done. He hadn't said much beyond his first comment upon learning her size. `I don't believe anyone around here carries anything that large.' Ginny had shot him a glare so fierce he'd been mostly silent where Hermione was concerned unless he was muttering under his breath about trying to find something in size four.

“Oh Hermione just ignore him, he spends his life chasing after male models. He's just jealous that Harry isn't gay and will find any reason to complain about you because you're the woman Harry's about to marry.” Cho whispered in her ear as she held up a shirt to Hermione for her to try on.

“He better get over it fast or he won't be the first to boast Ginny's newest line.” Lavender smirked.

“Or maybe we should just cancel the shopping trip and I'll go into town later. I can't even begin to imagine the price of these clothes when that belt over there is over three thousand dollars.” Hermione suggested. The tinkling of Ginny's laughter told her she was about to have another budget what budget moment.

“Hermione stop worrying so much about cost and just enjoy it. Harry'll take care of everything else later. He wasn't kidding when he said it's probably impossible to break the man's bank account.” Ginny informed her.

“But I don't want to break his bank account; I don't want to even dent it.” Hermione interjected.

“Trust me with the way you shop, you don't have to worry.” Pavarti tossed over her shoulder as she passed by with a shop assistant informing him that Hermione would have the skirt she was currently modeling in every color because it looked absolutely smashing on her. Hermione's eyes went wide as she watched him move to the shelves and begin pulling down skirts.

“I can't afford all those.” Hermione whispered.

“Hermione does it comfort you at all that those are Virginia originals and I promise I won't be ripping my sister in law off.” Ginny pleaded. “Just relax and enjoy this. For once just go shopping and don't think about the clothing's worth. Just fall in love with the fabrics, the colors, the accessories. Let's play dress up, as though we were little girls.”

Hermione looked around at the pleading faces around her as she stood on the cat walk that led from the dress rooms. With a sigh, she dropped her shoulders closing her eyes asking herself what harm it could do to play along for a while. After all, what woman hadn't dreamt of at least one all expense paid shopping trip in her life.

“I suppose, if I'm going to be Mrs. Potter, I might as well look the part, right?” She sighed. The women around her nodded eagerly seeing as they'd won her over. “Then you'll have to help me because I haven't a clue what I'm doing.”

Ginny emitted a short ecstatic squeal as she waved over a handful of attendants arms with clothing items and accessories. “We're going to make you a posh Italian diva!”

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8. 6. Learning to Adjust

Chapter 6: Learning to Adjust

Hermione was half asleep; trying to take very accurate notes on everything Ginny was telling her. Her series of engagement parties were looming ever closer and before such it was highly important that Hermione memorized the names and stasis of everyone worth knowing. If she was going to pull off being Mrs. Potter she had to know everything there was to know about “his world” as she'd come to call it in her mind. It all seemed to so unrealistic when this all started weeks ago but by now Hermione was beginning to find that this wasn't just some bizarre dream. People really did live like this and it wasn't exactly a cake walk. She'd wanted to strangle herself the first time she'd thought it but it really did take work to keep up with the fast life and maintain the posh appearance everyone around her seemed to pull off with no effort at all.

Ginny and the girls had put her through a crash course of charm school and were filling in her important peoples and places gaps. For all the things she'd thought she'd known having always been top of her class, Hermione hadn't known the half of the people and places she'd ingested over the last few weeks. She constantly chastised herself feeling as though she was neglecting Lily to put on some show for people she didn't really care to impress but found Lily had a schedule busier than hers if possibly. She was constantly off somewhere with Harry who was determined to make up for all the years they'd spent apart in a matter of days. Lily's room consisted of every toy the world had seen, she'd been taken to Disney World, sat first class at quidditch matches, been dressed in clothes more expensive than their former house, and treated like some lost princess finally returned to her people. She'd made the transition into “his world” quite smoothly. She was even beginning to get used to the cameras, Hermione had noted at one of their many photo shoots for some family magazine cover. Everyone wanted to plaster her and Lily on the cover of their magazine, sell a poster with them on it, even make a doll out of them. It was crazy.

Hermione spent several long nights on the phone with her step-mum and dad convinced they were her lifeline to reality. She refused to let herself be swept up by all this. They'd had to reschedule their family get together because Harry was out of town at a match and Hermione and Lily had shown up alone with Ginny. Ginny had raved for hours about the quaint little town and how she loved its unhurried peaceful manner. She'd talked about the wedding the entire dinner and had assigned each of Hermione's family members some task before they left. Hermione had been glad she brought the red haired tornado with her, it lessened the questions about Harry's whereabouts as everyone was so overwhelmed by Ginny's enthusiasm.

All Hermione craved now was a day off. Harry hadn't been kidding when he'd told her getting involved with him was a twenty-four hour job. The longer she stayed there, the more she began to worry that maybe this life just wasn't for her but Lily seemed to be enjoying being with her father so much and if Hermione would stop and be honest it really wouldn't be so bad if she'd just allow herself to be one of them. She didn't have to keep herself at the distance she was but how could she just throw caution to the wind and completely change her life, everything she'd taught herself to believe.

“Maybe we should finish later?” Ginny's suggestion cut into Hermione's thoughts, having noticed Hermione seemed to be in her own world despite the fact that she had never stopped writing. “A bit of a break's in order by now, yea?”

Hermione sighed nodding. A bit of a break was definitely in order. “Maybe we can just pick this up tomorrow? I mean, we have time right?”

Ginny looked at the tired woman in front of her and offered her a gentle smile. “Of course we do. Let me know when you're ready. Get some rest.”

Hermione nodded again and watched Ginny gather up the papers around her. With another small smile she turned to leave, flipping out her cell phone and plunging into another facet of wedding plans. `Merlin, does she ever stop?' Hermione thought. `Better her than me I guess.' She made slow progress to the stairs and eventually found herself outside Lily's room. She leaned her head against the door for a moment then pulled back and knocked gently before opening the door.

“Hey you.” Hermione murmured quietly seeing Lily lying on the floor reading a book, with Sirius curled up beside her.

“Hi mummy, are you not busy right now too?” Lily asked, forgetting the book in an instant and hugging on to Hermione's side.

“Thought it was about time I take a breather. Where's your father?” Hermione asked.

“He's at practice; we're going to dinner after.” Lily grinned, in a way Hermione noticed she always connected with her father. Lily seemed to simply glow under his affection and never missed a chance to spend time with him.

“Oh, and where are you two off to this time?”

“Three, you're coming too. He'll know you're not busy now, so you come too.” Lily pouted.

“We'll see.” Hermione responded not wanting to say anything that might upset her daughter. “How about we go paint my art room now? Daddy says it's done.”

“Yay, I wanted to paint with you again.” Lily whispered as if it were some secret that no one else was supposed to know. “I missed painting with my mummy.”

“I missed being with you too Lils. I missed being with you too.” Hermione murmured picking the child up and carrying her to the art room she hadn't entered since day one which now seemed so long ago.

Hermione paused in the doorway, taking a deep breath. For a room that was still bare it was extraordinarily beautiful. The floor was no longer covered with tarps and shiny, smooth oak wooden floors gleamed before them. Staring straight ahead, she could see out into the gardens below. The pools sparkled beyond the gardens and the beauty of it all overwhelmed her momentarily as she set Lily down beside her and they both pad quietly into the center of the room. There were easels set up around the room and a couple smaller ones placed lower to the ground for Lily. A sideboard lined the right wall and was lined with paints and tools for her. On the left wall, she spotted what she figured was the art door Harry had mentioned before that would allow her access to restock her art supplies.

“Well, how should we decorate this Lily?” Hermione finally asked.

“Can we make flowers?” Lily murmured uncertainly.

“Flowers? Not a bad idea. An extension of the garden, and make it look like there's no wall there, it just goes on.” Hermione murmured to herself as she spun slowly taking in all the room. She moved closer to the glass and surveyed the garden for a minute as Lily watched her. Picking up a blank sheet of paper and a pencil from the sideboard then began sketching out the room she was envisioning. Lily clambered up onto the sideboard and watched over Hermione's shoulder as the idea began to take life on paper. The upper walls would be blue with clouds and enchanted to change with the weather outside so it would look as though they were outdoors. The lower walls would be covered with flowers and shades of greens and yellow for grass and be enchanted to sway with the wind whenever a breeze made the flowers outdoors dance.

Hermione removed her wand from her back pocket and flicked it, turning the walls a beautiful sky blue. Leaving Lily sitting on the sideboard, Hermione found some sponges and ventured into the closet to find a dark green paint and some trays to pour the paint in. Setting them down on the sideboard, next to Lily, she gave her wand another flick to protect the floor from spills. Hermione checked the labels on the paint cans to be sure there was nothing harmful in the paint and cast a spell the vent the fumes from the room. After prying open a can she filled two trays, set them on the floor near a wall, and gestured Lily over. Taking the sponges into their hands, the sat on the floor as Hermione instructed Lily to simply pat the walls to give it a sponged green look, that would be the grass. She flicked her wand once more to turn on the wizarding wireless and fill the room with music, before putting her wand away and beginning to pat the walls with green paint.

* * *

Harry let out a breath as he set down the weights he'd been working with. Grabbing a towel from the nearest rack, he swiped at the beads of sweat covering his face and neck.

“Alright there, Harry?” Oliver Wood asked as he plopped down on a bench across from Harry.

“Splendid.” Harry replied, motioning for Oliver to toss him, his water bottle.

“Hey Harry, we're going to the pub after we get done here, you interested?” Seamus called from across the gym.

“Can't, I'm taking Lily out to dinner.” Harry winced, knowing what was coming next.

“Yea, Seamus, Harry's a family man now. He can't just go out and get hammered whenever he fancies. He's got to ask the Mrs. first.” Dean grinned as he and the rest of Harry's close friends crowded around him, laughing.

“Oh, you're funny Dean. Real funny.” Harry said, rolling his eyes.

“I do try.” Dean grinned.

“So when are we going to meet this fiancée of yours.” Anthony Goldstein, a fellow auror, asked as he joined the huddle.

“Yes, we're absolutely dying to meet her.” Percy commented as he shoved his wave into the group.

“She's gorgeous, you're all going to falling over yourselves in a jealous rage once you see her.” Collin Creevy commented.

“You've met her then?” Fred asked.

“Of course, I've met her, I'm the most sought after photographer in all of Europe. Who do you think put her on every magazine from here to America?” Collin rolled his eyes.

“He isn't lying. She is definitely a looker. Though I do believe, Harry will be lost to us once this is final. I'm sure she'll be whipping him into shape.” Ron joked.

“Ron, she'd have more luck training Sirius than she would with me. I'm not cashing in my lifestyle, I'm just getting married to keep Lily happy.” Harry growled.

“Of course you are mate. It always starts that way. Just think about poor Lee Jordan. He got married too and now . . .” George stopped for a dramatic pause and pretended to sniffle. “now, you never see the poor bloke any more. He's off being a family guy. Doing family things. Merlin rest his soul.”

Harry burst into laughter. “That's because he moved back to England and is the head of the department of magical games and sports, you dolt.”

“Just the same, he'd of never gone if he hadn't gotten married.” Fred put in stubbornly.

“He'd of never gone if he hadn't gotten promoted. Do stop being so dramatic. Hardly anything is going to change.” Harry pronounced getting up. “Now I really must be off. You'll all meet Hermione next week at the first engagement party.”

“Oh come on Harry, it's not even dark yet. The sun's just setting. Surely you can stay a while longer.” Draco demanded.

“No can do, I have to shower and find out where Hermione's gotten off to so she won't throw a fit when she gets back and Lily's missing. Heaven forbid Lily go missing with her father.” Harry said.

“Like I said, gotta ask the Mrs. first.” Dean quipped, waggling his eyebrows.

“Shut up, Dean.” Harry muttered as he broke through the ring around him and made his way to the locker room. `I don't have to ask her anything.' In reality this was mostly due to the fact that she probably still wasn't talking to him since their little episode at the jewelry store but he didn't have to admit that.

He apparted home after collecting his things and took a minute to stretch as he made his way to the stairs. Mrs. Weasley had apparently arrived some time during the day and informed him that Lily was getting dressed, before disappearing in the direction of the room she had chosen for herself. Harry was momentarily bewildered until he remembered that she'd be staying with them until the wedding. Shaking his head, he continued toward his room. Upon, entering his room, he peeled off his sweat soaked shirt and made to move towards the en-suite bathroom when the sound of music caught his ear. Turning back, he stuck his head out of his door trying to determine the source. He'd been self assured Hermione was out with the girls and surely Mrs. Weasley would allow Lily to have music playing that loudly in her room. Picking his way down the hall, he stopped outside the art room, which was clearly the source of the playful beat. Shower forgotten in the stead of curiosity, he pushed the door open to see what was going on.

His mouth went dry upon opening the door and being greeted with the site of Hermione's nearly bare back and the knee length peasant skirt swishing around her legs as she danced in a world of her own. She was making a sweeping motion with her hand, dragging a sponge dipped in white paint along the wall. She stood on her toes as she created clouds on the wall. Her hair was up in a clip, allowing him to watch the muscles in her back work as she reached up. There was a knot at the nape of her neck and at the middle of her back telling him that she was wearing a halter that only covered the front. Normally seeing a woman dressed this way was no big deal, less flashy that what he was used to but this was Hermione. His conservative Hermione who he assumed never pranced around showing this much skin in her life. Ginny had definitely been to work here, he decided.

He watched the skirt cling to her hips then flow out to swish and swirl around her muscled legs as she did a brief spin to dip down and get more paint on her sponge. He flickered his gaze around the room briefly seeing that the walls were now blue and the bottom half of the wall she was working on had been sponged green. He watched her calf slip into his vision once more and he followed the pale skin up to the skirt to settle once more on her hips. She was so wrapped up in her song; she hadn't yet noticed his intrusion into her haven. Forgetting she was probably still angry, he couldn't stop himself from advancing into the room until he'd come up right behind her, placing his hands on her hips and gently pulling her back into his arms.

A gasp of surprise escaped her as she suddenly found herself enveloped in his embrace. Any lasting anger she'd felt towards him was forgotten as he pressed his face into her neck and pressed soft kisses to her pulse point.

“You really are the most tantalizing vixen, I've ever come across.” He breathed into the junction between her neck and shoulder.

“That had better be your way of saying you're sorry.” Hermione admonished, shaking herself and trying to reach for reality once more. If they were fighting, she could be sure that she was still herself.

“Sorry for what?” He asked dumbly.

With much effort Hermione fixated her features into a glare and turned around in his arms. `Focus Hermione, you've told him he can't kiss his way out of everything, now stick to it.' Hermione coached herself to keep from losing herself in his eyes.

“You know very well what. I already told you I won't tolerate your selfish, childish views on things, it's about time someone taught you, you can't have everything you want, starting with me.” She snapped wriggling out of his arms and folding them over her chest.

“You're not honestly still on about that are you?” Harry growled, folding his arms as well and letting out an aggravated huff.

“You can't very well think I'd just forget about it.”

“Actually you could but instead you are choosing to remain upset over something that's not going to change, so you might as well get used to it.”

“I won't. I'm not about to let you screw up all the morals and values I've instilled in Lily.”

“You think I'm going to screw Lily up. I'm glad you have so much faith in me as a father.”

“Have you given me any reason to think better of you. Merlin, if I had to sum you up in two words or less the first words that come to mind are insensitive bastard. I think that's pretty accurate.”

Harry glared at her. The audacity of this woman. How the hell was she going to insult him in his own home? He was really considering the possibility that she was bi-polar, one minute she seemed to be fine and the minute he opened his mouth she was snapping at him. Somehow he'd managed to really upset her because out of all their encounters he couldn't recall her ever swearing at him. To be honest he was really quite fed up with her attitude towards him and decided two could play her infuriating game.

“Well if we're hurling insults why don't we add frigid bitch to the pot.” Harry growled back.

“Oh, I'm frigid because I don't degrade myself by throwing myself at everyman I see or because I have absolutely no interest in you.”

“No interest in me! Ha, now we both know that's not true in the slightest. You want me but you're too damn insecure to admit it.”

“You know absolutely nothing about me so don't even try to pretend you understand how my mind works.”

“Fine, I may not know how you're mind works but I definitely know how your body works and you want me. Even now when you want to despise me, you can't help but want me.”

“Ugh, you're so full of yourself, it's no wonder my sister liked you. I don't need some bogus relationship like you guys had. The only interest I have in this relationship is for Lily's sake.”

His eyes flashed at the mention of Fleur and she knew she'd hit a soft spot. There was no time for apologies though, as she found herself up against the wall his hands on either side of her head and dark green eyes glaring down at her. The challenge she saw there made it impossible for her to back down or apologize anyway.

“Define bogus, Hermione. I'm curious to know what's going on in that head of yours, since as you said earlier I clearly don't know.” Harry demanded.

“Fake, unrealistic, fantasy, imaginary, take your pick. I have more.” She bit back.

“You think this is fake.” His voice had dropped to a sensuous rumble as he brought a hand over to trace her bottom lip with his thumb; holding her eye with his own as he let his hand trail down her throat, over the curve of her breast, and down her flat stomach to rest on her hip. “'Cause I don't think what's going on here is fake or unrealistic in the slightest. This attraction is very real, there's something going on here, between us but you seem to be doing everything in your power do avoid it.”

`Merlin I love her angry. How does she keep doing this to me?' Harry thought suppressing a groan as he leaned in closer to her, eyes roaming hungrily over the soft full curves before him. He could feel her breasts rising and falling quickly against his hard chest as he continued to lean in until his lips were mere centimeters from hers.

“I don't know what you're talking about.” She ground out, squirming to try to get away from him despite being against the wall. Thank Merlin for drying spells of she'd have paint all over her hair and clothes.

“Really?” He smirked trailing hot kisses up her throat and bringing his other hand down to her hips as well to still her against him.

Hermione's eyes widened and she stopped squirming the moment she felt how very much he wanted her. She wanted to be disgusted if not with him at least herself for enjoying the feeling of him against her but she couldn't bring herself to loath this moment.

“Are you absolutely certain you don't know what I'm talking about?” Harry whispered against her ear enjoying the feeling of her shuddering against his body when his breath made contact with her ear. “You don't feel anything, right now?”

“I never said that.” Her voice dropping to the same level of whisper as his.

“Then what? Hot maybe?” His words were accented with the cool air that suddenly made contact with her skin as he pushed her shirt up.

“A bit.” She responded without thinking. If she had been thinking she'd have never given him the satisfaction of verbally letting him know that he was really beginning to affect her. So far she'd prided herself on not giving into the attraction between them. She'd be a fool not to notice it but it was another factor she considered as giving into “his world”.

Desire flooded him at the innocence he saw in her eyes as she gave the reply automatically. “Then I suppose it's only right that I cool you down.”

Closing the space between them he captured the lips that had teased him since their first kiss, wrapping her lithe form in his arms. Harry made sure to take his time slowly exploring the soft warm mouth offered to him. He couldn't out right make love to her but he'd sure as hell make love to her mouth in hopes of changing her mind on the waiting until their wedding night idea. He felt her fingers digging into his arms as if trying to hold him to her forever.

Yet again he found himself thinking that there was no other woman he'd ever wanted as much as this hellion in his arms now. He wanted more than just one night with her, he wanted to possess her, to know her, but first he wanted her to recognize her own desire for him in return.

Her hands had slipped from his arms and her own were now looped around his neck drawing him closer searching for satisfaction she knew only he could bring. He loved the feel of her, the taste of her, and the soft whimpers that were threatening to push him over the edge.

Harry raised his head a bit and marveled at her strength as she fought to draw him back to her, standing on her toes as not to lose contact.

Despite her thoughts to stop and the warning bells going off in her head, Hermione couldn't bring herself to let go. She' long since lost control of her body to lust. Her back arched against him and her hips moving of their own accord. She felt his hand slipping between her thighs and parting them to make room for him. The warning bells were almost deafening as they sounded in her head telling her she'd let this go too far but she couldn't stop, she couldn't push him away.

He thrust his hips against hers and she felt the hard length of him push between her thighs, pressing against her softness sending electric shocks all through her body. She moaned at the sensations he was causing her by repeating this action.

Harry froze at the sound of her moan and let out a growl of frustration. This had gone farther than he meant it to and if he didn't stop now she'd more than likely kill him in the morning, if Lily and Mrs. Weasley didn't interrupt them first to remind him about dinner. It took all his will power to release her and he berated himself for the instant cold he felt without her body pressed against his.

“Any cooler?” He rasped slightly, running a hand through his dark hair.

Hermione was silent for a moment catching her breath, leaning against the wall for support. Her heart was racing and it felt as though fire were coursing through her veins. `Why the hell did he stop?' She wanted to shout at him but couldn't bring herself to use that much energy. Instead she settled for snapping at him for his little comment.

“No.”

“That's funny,” He said staring into her darkened eyes once more. “Because if this were fake you ought to be rather cool if not cold by now. People who don't like each other, aren't interested in each other, don't get this turned on by one another.”

“That's not true.” She snapped fighting back the blush that threatened to flood her cheeks at his words and as the realization of what she almost let herself do began to set in, but she couldn't let him see. No, she had to at least appear as though she were still in complete control. “Anyone can be turned on by sex.”

“Yes, but that wasn't sex, was it? It was me. Me taking care of your needs because you know I can. And when you stop being so damn stubborn and just admit what you want I'll gladly take care of those needs.” Harry growled his eyes sweeping her body once more before pressing a short kiss to her lips and disappearing out the door.

`Damn him.' She cursed angrily to herself. He'd succeeded in completely throwing her off. She was absolutely furious with herself for giving in to him. How could she be attracted to a man with such infuriating views on the world around him? `He's selfish, over bearing, head strong, childish . . .' her internal rant was cut off by a knock on the doorframe. She threw a furious glare in that direction expecting it to be Harry back with some snide comment but immediately blushed and replaced the glare with a smile, seeing Mrs. Weasley there. She had to suppress a wince seeing the woman. If she'd thought Ginny was overly enthused she'd been sadly mistaken. She'd made a grand entrance and dragged Hermione and Lily out of the art room for tea and absolutely raved over how darling Lily was, what a beauty Hermione was, and how glad she was that Harry had decided to settle down with such a sensibly girl. Hermione thought they wouldn't be able to escape once the topic of the wedding came up but Ginny decided to drop in at that moment and mother and daughter began talking amongst each other. As soon as an opening provided itself, Hermione had slipped out of the tea room with Lily right on her heels. They'd retreated back up to that room and stayed hidden there until Mrs. Weasley had come to collect Lily to dress her for dinner.

“Hermione what are you doing in here? Come, come girl. You should be getting dressed. You're dinner reservation is in less than thirty minutes.” Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, prodding Hermione out of the room.

“I didn't know we had reservations. Isn't it for two if it was reserved?” Hermione asked over her shoulder as she was ushered to her guest room.

“Of course not, I had Ginny change the reservation. How are the three of you to be a family if you never spend time together as such? Starting today, I'm going to see to it that you three spend more time together. I'm here now so you don't have to worry yourself over the wedding plans any longer. Everything will be just perfect. Now hurry along dear. Hop into that shower and I'll find you something to wear.”

Hermione wasn't given the chance to respond, she'd already been such inside her bathroom. Sighing she did as she was told, resigning herself to endure the most uncomfortable night she'd ever experienced in her lifetime.

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9. 7. Getting Serious

(A/N: The actually wedding dress description will once again be in the wedding scene not here. Though to save you detail overkill the other dresses will be in this chapter. W00t, this one's kinda long. At last, I'm making progress again. I'm terribly sorry about this wait.)

Chapter 7: Getting Serious

Engagement Week

Day 1

Hermione bit the inside of her cheek, trying to keep from showing how uncomfortable she was in this moment. Mrs. Weasley had been true to her word and after the art room experience Hermione had, had an almost wedding free week. Of course she'd spent most of it completing her art room with Lily. If Harry wasn't such a busy man she might not have gotten away with it. For this reason Mrs. Weasley gave him quite the tongue lashing whenever she saw him, claiming he was neglecting his intended. Now it seemed Mrs. Weasley's personal goal was to throw them together whenever she got the chance. In fact, at this moment they were sitting on the love chair in the spotless living room, Harry's arm thrown carelessly around her shoulders. She'd shot him a pointed look when he'd done so and he'd simply pretended as if he didn't notice how much it was bothering her to be this close to him. `It's dangerous being this close to him.' She'd decided that long ago but there wasn't anything she could do about it with Mrs. Weasley and Ginny going over their wedding check list with them letting them know where they stood on preparations.

So far they'd learned that the Creevey brothers had been contacted about the photographer and videographer positions. Hermione and Harry had chosen their music selections earlier in the week and Ginny had secured the most prominent musicians in the wizarding world telling them all she'd get back to them with a date. Ginny had already begun work on Hermione's wedding dress and the bridesmaid dresses following the idea Hermione had described to her and had the temps approved. Harry assured them Ron was taking care of the men's dress robes. A blush stained Hermione's cheeks as she had to once again bite her cheek until she was nearly drawing blood when the matter of bachelor and bachelorette parties came up. Ginny assured them, plans were underway by herself and her brother. While they'd been out shopping Ginny and the girls had experimented with different make ups and hair products on Hermione and they'd already decided and ordered make up and planned a hair style for the wedding, so that was one less last minute decision they wouldn't have to worry about. Ginny had presented them with a book to select their ceremony readings out of and told them to get back to her on it. Out of her monster list at least a third of it was over and done with. However, that brought them to the problem at present.

“Well.” Ginny demanded tapping her foot. “Have you decided on a date yet, because we honestly can't move even a single step more until we have a date? The first engagement party is tonight and everyone expects to have a date to mark on their calendar. I have newspapers, magazines, musicians, vendors, and hotels calling constantly about the date and I still have nothing to give them.”

“Um . . .” Harry and Hermione exchanged a look. They hadn't discussed a date. When they spent time together they were either fighting over something irrelevant or completely ignoring each other. Hermione was constantly berating herself for dropping to his level of this childish game of back and forth.

“Err, how about a spring wedding?” Hermione offered.

“Spring? What about rain, bugs, pollen?” Ginny asked.

“Winter's nice too.” Hermione tried again.

“Too cold, the ice sculptures would melt with the heating charms in place to keep the room warm since there's no way it could be held outdoors.” Mrs. Weasley put in.

“Summer then.” Harry snapped.

“It'll be far too hot, with that many people it'll be terribly uncomfortable.” Ginny murmured. Harry smacked a hand to his forehead, why bother asking if no season was good. `They might as well just decide on a date and just let us know when to show up.' Harry thought.

“Fall it is then.” Hermione proclaimed. Both Weasley women were silent as they contemplated the season. Finding no real conflict with the season they shrugged and looked expectantly at the seated couple waiting for a date. Hermione felt the intense urge to hit Harry for getting her into all this. “Well as you know we haven't exactly spent that much time on it so um, how about late August, early September. It should be just cooling down but still sunny and warm.”

Hermione glanced at Harry for his input but he just looked passive as he always did where the wedding was concerned. This only served to annoy Hermione who wished he would at least pretend to have some interest in their wedding. She quickly chastised herself, his opinion didn't matter. This wasn't a real wedding. It was . . . well she wasn't sure what it was since bogus and all it's similes were no longer at her disposal when referring to what was happening here.

Ginny was silent for a moment, then with a click of her pen she was scribbling in her notebook again and murmuring to her mother before looking up at the confused pair waiting on the love seat for her response. “Right, it'll be on August 23, thank-you. We have precisely three months to set this all up. I'll be seeing you two later; I have so venues to call now.”

With that she was gone again; her mother beside her, the two once again chattering about how much there was left to do.

“Did you say August 23?” Harry asked.

“No.”

“Then how did she . . ?”

“I have no idea. I like it though.”

Harry gazed at her for a moment. There was a slight twinkle to her eye as she grinned up at him. He couldn't resist returning her grin, since it was rare that he received any form of friendly look from her. “Alright then, three months it is.”

“Your birthday is going to come before that.” She murmured.

“How'd you know that?”

“Your birthday is like an unofficial national holiday back in England, I don't believe there is a magical Brit that doesn't know when your birthday is.”

“Interesting.”

Hermione laughed shaking her head at him as she rose from her seat. “I need to call my mum and dad. Then I'm supposed to go to Ginny's London studio for fittings with the girls. Where are you going to be?”

“I have a meeting, then fittings as well and I suppose the guys and I are just going to hang around the house the rest of the day.”

“I'll take Lily with me then, she needs to be fitted for her dress, anyway.”

“Fine by me.”

“Right then, bye Harry.”

“Ciao.”

Choose Wedding Date
Decide on Honeymoon
Get Priest
Choose Reception Venue
Make Guest List
Choose Maid of Honor
Choose Best Man
Register for gifts
Arrange for Engagement Parties
Plan Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
Choose Birds to send invitations
Buy Engagement Rings
Buy Wedding Rings
Choose Maid of Honor and Bridesmaid dresses
Order Wedding Cakes
Decide on Dessert Selection
Hire Caterer
Hire Band for Reception
Order flowers
Buy Shoes
Buy Wedding Dress
Plan Rehearsal Dinner
Order and send Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
Hire Musicians for Ceremony
Choose Theme
Choose Ice Sculptures
Choose Color Scheme
Decide on Dress Code
Get Marriage License
Hire Videographer
Hire Photographer
Order bouquets
Order Boutonnières for Men
Order Nosegays for Women
Order Invitations
Decide on Wine Selection
Choose Hair style and make up
Buy gifts for attendants
Buy Thank You cards
Announce Wedding to the Press
Buy Headpiece
Make Table Seating Charts
Decide on Menu
Decide on hors d' oeuvres
Decide on Dinner service
Decide on staff-guest ratio
Decide seated or buffet
Reserve Vegetarian meals
Reserve staff meals
Make Photo list
Choose Hotel for Wedding Night
Hire a limousine for church-reception transportation
Decide on liquor selection
Hire Bartenders
Verify Wheelchair accessibility
Choose Processional music
Choose Recessional Music
Choose Cocktail Music
Choose Reception Music
Choose Ceremony Readings
Prepare Birdseeds instead of rice
Schedule manicure/ pedicure/ wax/ massage
Schedule a Spa day

“Right, err, Ginny could you be sure to pencil in that Harry, Lily, and I are going to at my mum and dad's tomorrow. We're having a second family get together. They really want to meet Harry.” Hermione said as she leaned back in the passenger seat of Ginny's car. They could have used wizarding transportation and arrived in London much sooner but Ginny had so many stops along the way Hermione was glad they hadn't tried apparting to each separate location.

“It's already been penciled in. I promised you'd be free all day and you are. You don't mind if I pop in for a bit and check on those few little tasks I assigned when I met your family.” Ginny replied

“Oh, of course not. I'm sure they'll be thrilled to see you again. They quite enjoyed your visit.” Hermione responded, grinning to herself at the look of delight on Ginny's face. It seemed odd but try as she might not to, Hermione was beginning to see the petite red-head as family. If she'd had a sister she'd decided she'd want her to be like Ginny. The other woman was inspiring with her energy and willingness to lend a helping hand. She'd been so overwhelming in the beginning but now Hermione was trying to think of how she'd of made it this far without her.

Stopping outside Ginny's studio, which was becoming increasingly familiar as the wedding neared, Hermione stepped out of the car and opened the door for Lily to get out of the back seat. Holding her hand, the two made their way into Ginny's “in-progress” room. Inside, the other women had once again already assembled, with the addition of Hermione's close friends who attended Beauxbatons with her, her step-sister, and a friend of her step-sister. In all, Ginny was making a wedding dress, two maid of honor dresses, fourteen bridesmaid dresses, four junior bridesmaid dresses, five flower girl dresses, and something special for Hedwig and Crookshanks who were the ring bearers. The men of course had to order Harry's dress robes, two official best men robes, fourteen groomsmen robes, four junior groomsmen robes, and two bible bearer robes. The clothes alone should have been a good deal of stress for Hermione but Ginny was in complete control of the entire situation despite the fact that the men were supposed to be handling their own robes. Hermione had discovered that Ginny often popped in to check on the tailor creating the men's dress robes and had done most of the designing herself.

Scanning the work room now, she could see Lavender and Pavarti flitting around adjusting and pinning the other women in the room to save Ginny some of the trouble later. In the center of the room stood four adorable little girls, two with the darkest brown hair, Hermione had ever seen, a girl with pale blond hair which she was informed was one of Draco's cousins, and a girl with flaming red hair whom she easily guessed was an extension of the Weasley family. They were dressed in identical pale blue dresses, trimmed in white lace, with dainty little white gloves with a single button and the wrist. The dress was accented with hints of green and an exposed lining of pale green crinoline with a satin trim hem. It hung just long enough to be seen underneath the white lace trim of the outer pale blue skirt. There was delicate green embroidering on the front, telling of time, effort, and concentration Ginny had put into making them. There was also a thick pale green ribbon tied around each little waist, which Hermione considered to be the most adorable part of the dresses. There was a fifth little dress of a similar make only it was the reverse of the other girls. It was a pale green with white lace, a pale blue crinoline underskirt, a pale blue ribbon, and blue embroidering. All of them were short sleeved with a simple scoop neck.

“I wanted Lily to stand out.” Ginny informed her before Hermione got a chance to ask. “Supposing the aisle is wide enough they could go in a formation of a square with Lily in the center. What do you think? I've played with the placing of the colors a bit so they'd look fuller without being to warm for the girls. If they are of course there are cooling spells but to keep from having to enchant every little aspect of this wedding, I was trying to keep it somewhat simplistic by using tricks of the eye.”

“That's . . . that's a lovely idea, Ginny. They're beautiful.” Hermione grinned. Ginny thought of everything. Hermione hadn't even considered formations and accents and colors that would draw attention to different things. She flickered her eyes past the little girls, next, she examined the junior bridesmaids, they were teenage girls dressed in pale green whisper chiffon dresses with a pale blue satin ribbon around the waist that tied at the side at a bow with it's ends billowing to ends of the mid calf length gowns. It was strapless and the top was lined with a matching pale blue one and a half inch satin ribbon, they came together at the zip up the back leaving no extra ribbon hanging. Like the flower girl dresses, it had an exposed pale blue crinoline and a satin trim hem. Hermione could see the girls were thoroughly enjoying the swishiness of the skirts as they spun around watching it lift the faster they went.

Next, her eyes came into immediate contact with the bridesmaid dresses as her step-sister Gabrielle came rushing up to greet her. After a quick air hug as not to snag the dress she stepped back and did a slow turn to allow Hermione to take in the dress. The pale blue dress had a single one and a half inch shoulder which swooped down to a fitted top that clung to her figure until it reached the hips where several different layers of whisper chiffon overlapped at different angles giving the dress a fun dancing feel. It laced up the back with green strings and elbow length pale blue gloves covered her hands and arms and fastened at a single green button.

Hermione closed her eyes for a moment imagining the actual day. They'd decided the flower girls would wear their hair down in spiraling Shirley Temple curls and everyone else would wear a high pony tail with Shirley Temple curls spilling down. Ginny was still playing with different flowers to put at the base of the pony tails. They'd wear matching dangling diamond earrings or clip-ons for those who didn't have their ears pierced. They'd all have their make-up done professionally and a single white gold chain bracelet around their right wrist. As Hermione had always hated the idea of corsages and had decided on the bracelets instead.

“Right, now this will take just a moment, you sit right here, Hermione. We'll put on a nice little show for you to preview your bridal party and we'll both take notes on what we'd like to see improved.” Ginny told her before disappearing into the mesh of females to get everyone organized. Hermione waved to Lily as she was scooped up but Gabrielle to get dressed.

Sitting where she'd been instructed to stay, she picked up a notepad sitting on the end table beside her. Her name was written across the front of the pad assuring her that this was where she was supposed to take her notes. She wrote dress observations neatly at the top of the page with the quill that had been beside the notepad. Looking up expectantly she found that the room was suddenly empty besides at catwalk which she hadn't noticed when she first came in. Glancing around confused she saw Ginny appear at the head of the catwalk and make her way to the end before hopping off the stage and taking a seat beside Hermione grinning.

“Just keep in mind, they're not all finished yet, so there is tons of wiggle room left if you want anything added or taken away, `kay?” Ginny grinned.

Hermione simply nodded in reply and Ginny clapped her hands twice murmuring `let the fashion show commence.'

* * *

Harry leaned back in his chair at his office in the Ministry. His meeting had been relatively short as it was an update on the non-magical/magical relations campaign that had been going since Voldemort's end. He'd spent the entire meeting thinking about Hermione, crazy as it sounded. He hadn't been able to shake the thought of her all day. His mind had covered a wide range of topics each relating back to her and he surprisingly found himself missing her. It seemed odd to miss someone that irritated him so but he was beginning to question his irritation. Was he really irritated at her or their situation? Knowing he could have her body but never her heart. She was only doing this for Lily after all and all their arguments pointed to the same thing, she wouldn't change for him, she wouldn't be happy with him, she wouldn't love him. It irritated him that he couldn't make her fall head over heels for him and it irritated him more that he actually cared whether or not she was happy with him, whether or not she loved him.

He wasn't being fair, how could he demand her love and not return it. He'd outright told her when they first met he wouldn't and as far as he could tell he wasn't . . . he was just concerned about her happiness. After all who wants a grudging wife, right? He shook his head, that wasn't it. Perhaps he was in love with her. He snorted at the idea but turned it into a violent cough as he realized he was attracting the attention of the other men in the meeting with his internal battle that was rapidly coming out. He couldn't love her. He loved no one, except his daughter. Love caused pain and he was tired of pain, he was invulnerable to the heartache called love for any but his daughter. Lily was safe. Lily was his child and loved him seemingly as much as he loved her. It had only been a short while since they'd found each other but unconditional love for one another came as naturally as breathing.

Why couldn't she have been like Fleur? Why couldn't she have been undesirable? Why couldn't she have at least been a little ugly? Damn that woman. They said no one was perfect but Harry had decided Hermione was a close as any woman could hope to get. This would seem a contrast to his statements earlier when he'd decided she wasn't glamorous but who needed glamour? She was a natural beauty she didn't have to try to be impressive, she just was! Harry frowned. Why was he thinking this? Why was she plaguing him? Why couldn't he have just left her alone?

* * *

Hermione grinned as she sipped her tea, laughing with the women around her. The little girls and junior bridesmaids, other than Lily, had all gone home. Now it was just all her new friends and all her old friends. They'd spent the last couple of hours working on the dresses, making adjustments where necessary, changing little details, adding embroidered designs to all the ribbons, discussing other wedding details. They now sat on the floor looking through a bridal magazine for any ideas or details they might like to add to their dresses. Lily was having the time of her life being baby by the women who just couldn't get enough of her. She got to play dress up modeling several different ideas for touch up on the flower girl dresses because the others had gone home. Their ribbons had been extended to trail to the end of the dress like the junior bridesmaids dresses.

By now the women were discussing past weddings they had been too and the horrors of bridesmaids' dresses they'd worn before. They'd been repeatedly thankful to Ginny and Hermione for choosing something that wasn't hideous.

“Where's your dress mummy?” Lily suddenly asked. It finally occurred to Hermione that in all this time they hadn't even looked at her dress. Ginny let out a gasp as that very same thing occurred to her.

“How in the world could I have forgotten that? I suppose we got so wrapped up in the other dresses that we simply didn't even think about the most important one of all.” Ginny exclaimed hopping up and disappearing through a side door. The others giggled at their folly and gave Lily little compliments for remembering. Lily beamed under all the attention and looked up to Hermione with a grin. Ginny reappeared momentarily with a mannequin. Setting it in the center of the group of women she gave a flick of her wand and the dress began to materialize.

“It's my most secret creation. Unless I'm working on it, it's completely invisible. No one will be able to replicate or create anything like it until after its wedding day debut.” Ginny grinned. Everyone had drawn in a sharp breath staring at its magnificence no one able to think of anything they could possibly say about it. It took several moments and several attempts by silent mouths before anyone was able to break the silence.

“That is by far the most beautiful dress I've ever seen.” Lavender grinned.

“I can't really think of anything that needs to be done.” Pavarti murmured.

“All is well as far as my inner eye can see.” Luna's whimsical voice proclaimed.

“We're here for a fitting and to add any extra glamorous touches.” Ginny announced giving them a `you will find something to add to this dress' look. As a designer, Ginny didn't believe in perfection. There was always room for improvement and they were going to find some.

“Oooooo hurry and put it on I want to see it on you.” Cho urged.

“Can I?” Hermione asked enchanted by the dress. It was quite elegant in her opinion and she wanted to touch it, just to feel its silky smoothness.

“Of course you can. It's your wedding dress and to get it fitted and designed perfectly to your person you have to wear it.” Ginny laughed.

Hermione blushed as Angelina and Katie got the dress off the mannequin and passed it to her. Alicia showed her to the bathroom and she put it on quickly. She starred into the mirror at her reflection. She didn't believe she would ever been in a gown so beautiful. Of course currently it was falling down a bit without someone to tie it up in the back but it still looked splendid. Hermione was a bit confused by the zipper and numerous buttons on the dress but over looked it as she took in the rest of the dress. When she finally came out of her thoughts she made her way back to the living room where the other girl's grins turned to 100 watt smiles when she entered, even Lily was grinning from ear to ear proclaiming her mummy looked like a pretty princess.

Angelina quickly tied the dress up and did up all the buttons. Lavender on the other hand was pulling up a stool for her to stand on so they could check out the dress properly since Ginny had receded the cat walk after the earlier dress showings.

“Can you breathe?” Ginny asked, coming up beside her.

“Kind of!” Hermione breathed trying to properly catch her breath now that Angelina had tied the dress up.

“Perfect. You're probably wondering why put strings, a zipper, buttons, and a few snaps on the dress, aren't you.” Ginny grinned.

“It did come to my attention, but I figured you had a good reason.” Hermione answered.

“They were all applied strictly to annoy and completely frustrate Harry. He'll probably die when he gets the buttons undo and realizes he has to undo the snaps too. And after he finally undoes the snaps he's got to untie it and finally unzip it. He could always do it all by magic but he never refuses a challenge.” Ginny laughed.

Hermione blushed, thinking of Harry trying to get her out of the dress.

“What do you think about the dress?” Alicia asked.

“It's lovely. I love it!” Hermione responded.

“Did you have anything certainly in mind about what you definitely wanted?” Ginny pressed. “So far I've managed to get in everything we discussed on the first round but I love feedback.”

“No, I just knew I had always wanted one of those amazing sparkly white dresses you see in the movies. This is above and beyond what I had ever imagined.” Hermione murmured.

“Sparkly!” Ginny squealed. “That is so perfect. The embroidery gives a bit but we could totally make this like a . . . explode the moment, especially if we can talk to the lights guy. Brilliant! Someone get me some glittery fabric on the double.”

“Exactly! It'll be amazing.” Pavarti cried.

Everything was a blur as the other girls began rushing around finding glittery fabric and needles and silvery white thread.

“Do you want me to take it off so you can do this?” Hermione questioned.

“Oh no, of course not, we can get this done in a sec don't even worry about it.” Ginny said flippantly. “That was such a great idea.”

Hermione inwardly grinned. Maybe this wedding wouldn't be so bad after all. Everything was beautiful and Lily was happy. That's all she needed to know.

* * *

Harry glanced around his office; his nearest friends had been assembled there to help him come to terms with what was going on. The trouble was, there was he didn't know where to start, what to say, or how to say it without sounding pathetic. So far they'd only managed to discuss the fact that all they ever did was fight. They were in the process of coming up with ways to make peace.

“Maybe she'd open up to you and give you a chance if you guys found common ground. Some thing that interests you both, you know?” Dean suggested.

“Yeah, have you ever tried talking about anything, non-wedding related?” Seamus put in.

“I can't remember, and as I've said before it usually turns into an argument.” Harry sighed.

“Perhaps you should start by paying more attention to what you're talking about.” Colin interjected. “Women like men who listen; clearly you don't listen if you can't remember what you've been arguing about.”

“But we argument about everything, it's like she's looking to pick a fight.” Harry groaned.

“Perhaps she is, ever considered she'd resisting conforming to your idea of the world?” Colin interjected again.

“What could we possibly talk about, beyond wedding plans we really have no reason to talk?” Harry demanded.

“Well, what does she like? You could just start up a casual conversation when neither of you are busy.” George shot back.

“Pranks, really good ones maybe?” Fred asked hopefully.

“Highly doubt it.” Harry grumbled.

“Dragons maybe?” Charlie suggested.

“I dunno. Ferocious animals don't seem her thing.” Harry replied thoughtfully.

“She's muggle-born and probably enjoys the study of magical things. So maybe she might like them.” Colin supplied.

“I'll look into it.” Harry nodded.

“Books, clearly she is a smart girl and would enjoy an intelligent discussion about something worthwhile.” Percy commented.

The others nodded but looked off in all different directions knowing they'd never stoop so low as to actually read for a woman. What kind of bachelor read books that lead to intelligent discussion? Ron's eyes darted to Percy, nerds! Then to Colin, gay guys! Harry was neither.

“Er . . . I'll have to think about that one. We probably have totally different book interests.” Harry mumbled. Ron's mouth dropped open at the found that Harry actually sounded like he'd consider it.

“Flying, since you said she isn't fond of quidditch.” Draco suggested.

“Isn't fond of quidditch!” Fred and George cried.

“You heard me.” Draco replied.

“I don't know. Perhaps there's a connection between her distaste for quidditch and flying.” Harry asked.

“All right, food! Everyone likes food. You could talk about what she likes to eat.” Ron threw in.

“She's really into healthy stuff and the occasional sweets. I think I'd end up getting a lecture on my unhealthy diet, which is sure to change after the wedding.” Harry muttered.

“I'm running out of ideas.” Charlie mumbled.

“Ditto!” Draco agreed.

“You two are pretty much opposites.” Bill added.

“ Opposites attract, though.” Seamus thought out loud.

“Hmmmmmmmmm . . . ” they all sat in silence trying to think.

“Perhaps you're just shit out of luck, mate.” Draco decided.

Harry shot him a glare along with his sarcastic response. “I'm really loving your support here, really, I am.”

* * *

“All finished!” Ginny grinned, stepping back. The girls all looked at the dress on Hermione one last time as she did a slow twirl for them, before taking it off. They put it back on the mannequin and Ginny flicked her wand once again, making the dress slowly vanish. `It's perfect.' Hermione thought as she watched it slowly disappear. She didn't really want to take it off. She ran her fingertips lightly over the barely visible dress once more before it could no longer be seen or felt. Never in a million years would she expect this. If someone had told her she would be marrying Harry Potter in the most beautiful dress she'd ever seen she'd have laughed until she could barely breathe. She was a plane-Jane but lately she didn't feel like one. She felt special, as if something had changed. She realized she didn't feel as stressed and she didn't spend all her time cooped up reading. Everything around her was so full of life and beautiful. Everyday was magical.

“What do you say, Hermione?” Cho grinned.

“I missed that sorry?” Hermione blushed.

“We were planning to go back to Ginny's apartment for a bit before going to the first engagement party tonight.” Cho replied.

“That sounds like fun. I'd love to go.” Hermione grinned. “I should probably take Lils home first, though.”

“We'll apart back, mum'll take care of her and put her to bed. I'll send someone for the car later.” Ginny grinned, linking arms with Hermione. “We'll see you girls soon.”

Ginny blew a kiss, then she and Hermione apparted out of the room.

* * *

“Maybe you should spend more time together. You know? Just the two of you . . . so you can get to know each other. Lily on the other hand can . . . well, I dunno what you'll do with Lily but somehow we'll make her disappear.” Ron suggested. “Mum'll be thrilled to watch her. She keeps banging on about when she's going to get grandkids.”

“Where would we go that we could spend more time together?” Harry mused.

“You really don't have to go anywhere!” Colin pointed out.

“He's right you could both spend time at the villa.” Bill agreed.

“I could make dinner and surprise her. I suppose.” Harry said thoughtfully.

“She's muggle born isn't she? You could go see a movie. I bet she'd like that!” George suggested.

Harry nodded, writing this on a note pad. “What else? She is going to push me away until I break the barrier she clearly put up to keep me away.”

“Go for a walk. In the park so you can take Lily. If you run out of conversation start talking about her or what she's doing.” Draco told him. Everyone stared at him. That was surprisingly sensitive coming from Draco Malfoy. “Shut up.”

“I suppose there's a bit of a romantic in us all.” Colin laughed.

* * *

Hermione was sitting on the floor curled up in a warm blanket, her back leaning against the sofa. She sipped lightly at a glass of wine she'd been handed at the beginning of the night. She was studying each of the women and how they sipped their wine and handled their wineglasses. She found herself trying to mimic these elegant actions in hopes that by her wedding day she'd be able to look as posh sipping her champagne.

They'd been flipping through magazines giggling over gossip and shrieking over pictures of themselves. They mentioned the wedding here and there but mostly kept to a lively upbeat conversation about life in general. Hermione found each one so interesting, their careers, their upbringing, the event that caused such misshapen stories to appear in gossip columns of magazine. Flipping through a business magazine, Hermione came across a picture of all of the girls hugging and grinning together dressed as if coming out of a black tie event.

“You know, it seems so odd that I've never asked this but I'm sure with your age differences and interests you all couldn't have always been the best of friends. How is it you lot all came to know each other?” Hermione asked. Her friends Mandy Brocklehurst, Lisa Turpin, Sally-Anne Perks, Hannah Abbot, and Susan Bones, whom she'd grown up with perked up at this question. These were after all women they'd never once in their life expected to meet. Serena, Gabrielle's friend was an avid follower of trends and was rarely seen without the latest magazine, had made a study of these women all her life, she too was quite curious.

“Oh, it's simple really.” Cho said with a wave of her hand. “We met through Harry.”

“Really?” Susan asked. Cho was quite right, that was surprisingly simple.

“Our only real connection to one another is Harry, either by siblings friends, previous relationships, school, or career. Harry's an absolute genius as a host. He rarely throws soirées but when he does you'll bet you want to be on that list. He definitely knows who to mix and mesh to get a party started.” Ginny explained.

“A social butterfly one might say.” Angelina laughed. Alicia snorted at the idea of anyone describing Harry as anything as delicate as a butterfly.

“So then, next question: how did you all meet Harry?” Hermione asked.

“Well, as for me,” Cho started, “Harry and I went to Hogwarts together as you very well know. We dated all of his 6^th year, my 7^th year. We decided we were better off as friends and split up when I graduated. We kept contact and often made appearances together to stir up a story. As you know he's known as quite the playboy in part to some of the more risqué parties we attended and came out of all smashed up.”

“My story is quite simple really. I'm Ron's little sister. Harry and Ron are best friends, so inevitably we met. I had been completely obsessed with him when I was younger. I had heard all these stories and wonderful things about him. I'm was like that crazy stalker chic that security always had to remove. Colin and I started the first official Harry Potter fan club. Colin would pop up everywhere and take pictures. We'd snag a piece of gum he chewed or steal hair from his brush. We were absolutely mental. So he's always thought I'm a bit off but that's ok. During his seventh year we dated for a time, had a bit of an off and on relationship out of school but we eventually just gave it up seeing as to how I was over my childhood fantasy and we were mostly together for the fact that everyone was expecting it.” Ginny grinned, laughing at the memories of their Hogwarts days.

“Quidditch, of course.” Angelina, Alicia, and Katie jumped in.

“We played together while at Hogwarts, and still do.” Angelina told her, Alicia and Katie nodded with the contribution of ditto.

“I used to date Ron. So naturally I met Harry through Ron. Sometimes we went on double dates together.” Lavender recited.

“Same as Lavender, however, he always thought I was a bit crazy. I haven't the slightest clue as to why he'd think that.” Luna supplied.

“Lavender is my best friend. I met Harry through her and we dated for a while. We just sort of ended and I started going out with Dean and he chose a new flavor of the week.” Pavarti shrugged.

“That's very interesting.” Hermione nodded, thinking about this for a moment.

“So then you knew him while he was dating Fleur.” Gabrielle suddenly asked. They nodded but didn't say anything, knowing it was best to just wait for the question.

“You probably don't know the answer to this question but if you do . . . how . . . how did Harry feel about her?” Hermione asked quietly. There was silence for a long moment after that question. Gabrielle had grown tense waiting for the answer to the question she herself had been too afraid to ask.

“I think he liked her a lot, possibly even loved her at one time. I think the way they ended hurt him though.” Cho supplied.

“Yeah, he sort of went into a depression for a while after she left.” Alicia added.

“Um hm, he practiced terribly, but every game he cleared his mind and got to business.” Katie thought out loud. Everyone was silent once again making their own conclusions about the information. It seemed an eternity before Ginny broke the silence.

“So what about you and Harry? I've noticed he's been oddly distracted lately? Intrigued?” Ginny grinned.

“Yea, how's that going?” Hannah asked.

“Inquiring minds need to know.” Luna added.

“I dunno, we fight a lot, I suppose. He gets on well enough with Lily but between us we find any and everything to argue about. There's something there but it's dangerous territory. Even I agree that perhaps it's best unexplored.” Hermione sighed.

“Or perhaps it needs to be explored. Passion is not your enemy.” Luna told her. Hermione opened her mouth to say she highly doubted it was passion but was cut off by Luna. “Neither is lust.”

Hermione snapped her mouth shut giving her a bewildered look. Then a blush crossed her face. I'd be lying if I said there was no lust but lust isn't love.

“Perhaps this is love.” Gabrielle supplied. Once again Hermione didn't get a chance to speak. “We part veela are very sensitive to pheromones, you know.”

Hermione blushed again. She was caught. She'd toyed with the idea of love but decided lust was all they had between them. However, she knew enough about veela's to know that even a quarter veela could sense emotions and hormones to some degree. She couldn't bring herself to look at Gabrielle after she said this. What if she was right?

“Come on Hermione, we're not experts, as none of us are married, but maybe we can bring you some piece of mind.” Ginny smiled.

Hermione was silent considering her next move. What did she have to lose? They wouldn't tell him, they were her friends and maybe they could reassure her that she wasn't going crazy.

“Well, well, he's really sweet when we aren't fight and an amazing father to Lily. They've only just met and he's been so loving towards her, like they'd never been apart. I suppose most of it's my fault, I've been extremely difficult and he still puts up with me. He's a great kisser, too. He makes me feel . . . I've never it felt before. I don't have any words for it. And . . . and maybe, just maybe I might, possibly, be in love with him.”

* * *

Harry kissed Lily's forehead lightly, watching her sleep. Mrs. Weasley had put her to bed earlier because she would not be attending tonight's engagement party. It was a black tie affair at the most ritzy building in all of Italy. She'd be dreadfully bored and he'd agreed with Hermione to wait until tomorrow night for the one in England with her family.

“Shouldn't you be getting ready?” Mrs. Weasley whispered, entering the room. “Let the little dear sleep. She's not going anywhere. Dobby'll pop in if she wakes up early.”

“I know that. I just wanted to watch her for a bit.” Harry said, quietly. Giving Mrs. Weasley a small smile, he got up and stretched before following her out of the room. “Has Hermione returned yet?”

“No, not yet, none of the girls have. I'll let you know when she gets back.” She told him. Harry nodded then departed down the hallway to find his dress robes for the evening.

* * *

Hermione sprinted up the stairs to her room, glancing at her watch for what seemed the millionth time. She was running late. For what was possibly the first time in her life, she was not on time, not on schedule. When would the madness end? Mrs. Weasley was waiting for her when she arrived and Hermione rushed through apologies. The elderly woman simply laughed and motioned for her to begin undressing while she worked on her hair. At one time in her life Hermione would have been uncomfortable changing in front of a woman she'd just met but Mrs. Weasley had such a motherly aura it was impossible to be uncomfortable around her.

“Don't worry. The guests of honor are never late, everyone else just arrives too early. I've sent Dobby to Harry to tell him you've arrived so you needn't worry about him.” She said as she gave a flick of her wand to straighten Hermione's hair. She had the sides pulled back in minutes and a large emerald hair ornament clipped at the center of the back of her head to hold it out of her face. She gave a few more flicks and her hair twisted into tight spiral curls to bounce against her back when she moved.

By now, Hermione had pulled on her dress which matched the emerald in her hair. It was a strapless sleek creation, which tied in the back. It clung to her form, only until just below the hips where it released into a full skirt that allowed for movement. She pulled strappy black high heeled shoes onto her feet and sat quickly for Mrs. Weasley to apply her make-up. She loved the glosses Mrs. Weasley used on her. With just the right amount of color and gloss, she always managed to make her lips look more lush and fuller. With several quick thank-yous to Mrs. Weasley, she grabbed her shawl and was out the door.

“You know, you'd make a much more elegant entrance if you weren't running down the stairs.” Harry grinned from the bottom of the stairs.

“Harry!” Hermione gasped, not realizing he'd been standing their waiting. She missed the last step in her hurry and was easily caught by him. “Sorry. I'm late I know. I'm sorry.”

“Don't worry about it. The guests of honor are never late.” He grinned helping her straighten herself back up. “Are you ready?”

“No, I just ran down the stairs like a madwoman because it's always been a fantasy of mine.” She quipped brushing by him.

“Strange, you might be the only person in the world who fantasizes about such things.” Harry returned.

Hermione threw a scalding look over her should as she entered the garage. Rather than retorting she inquired as to which car they'd be taking.

“Hermione when have we gone anywhere in a car?” Harry asked, catching her elbow and steering her towards the circle driveway, where a limo was waiting.

“What's the point of having so many cars if you never use them?” Hermione asked.

“I've driven them all at least once in my lifetime but if you haven't noticed I collect cars and brooms. So using them isn't really their purpose.”

“That's a waste.”

“Actually it isn't it. Since I bought them that means someone got paid to make them. I'm helping the economy.”

Hermione stared at him for a moment. “Tell me something, were you thinking that when you bought it?”

Harry sighed, honestly, he just couldn't win. “No, I was thinking that's a really great car but looking back on it I see that I was in fact helping the economy so I can't be a bad guy.”

Hermione rolled her eyes, stepping into the limo. “You're awful.”

“And you look beautiful.” Harry smiled.

“What?”

“It's a compliment.”

“Shut-up Harry.”

* * *

Harry's arm was wrapped lightly around her waist as they entered a beautiful Romanesque building. Hermione was glad for his arm or else she would sure she would have smashed into a wall. Half blind was an understatement, after that brief walk from the limo to the foyer; she'd decided the paparazzi's goal in life was to blind anyone who attempted to enter a building gracefully. Or maybe that was just the goal for people who hadn't been celebrities all their life. Harry seemed completely unfazed by having to walk down the flashing aisle of doom. He just strode through as though he didn't notice a thing.

She shivered as his finger tips brushed her arms, while removing her shawl. She watched him primp and adjust his robes inspiring her to glance in a mirror to make sure still looked alright. Once satisfied she turned to find him watching her.

“I, err, didn't want to look . . .” She stammered. Her eyes went wide as she suddenly leaned in and kissed her cheek.

“You look gorgeous.” He confirmed. She just stared at him, mouth slightly open. Harry chuckled, tucking two fingers under her chin and snapping her mouth shut. “Let's go.”

He offered her his arm, which she lightly slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow. Trying to will away the blush staining her cheeks, Hermione allowed him to lead her to a set of double doors.

“Alright, someone is going to announce us, and then those doors will open. There's a grand staircase leading down to the actual ballroom floor. Don't let all the people overwhelm you. Remember deep breaths and I'll be by your side as much as I can so no worries.” Harry told her.

Hermione looked at him once again. He was helping her. He was going to stay with her. She hadn't realized she'd been holding a breath in fear that she might embarrass them both somehow. Oddly enough, he gave her confidence. Nodding, she turned to face the door, holding her head high like his as the first strip of light from the parting doors fell on them. Taking a deep breath like he'd suggested, they proceeded onto the balcony. There, they paused for a moment as several flashes went off at once, before making the slow descent down the grand staircase. Hermione's eyes darted around the room, everything looked so shiny and expensive and there were people everywhere. She decided all of Milan and then some must have found their way into the ballroom. `Oh Merlin.' She did a mental check going through all the names and faces she'd had to memorize for nights like this. No one stood out. What if she forgot a name? Or a title of some sort? What if she forgot which couples were divorced and no longer wished to be associated? Who was having an affair to avoid mentioning in a conversation? Hermione was reeling trying to recall it all. The deep breaths forgotten she felt her breaths become short and shallow, tension sweeping her body.

Harry noticed the sudden panic Hermione seemed to have worked herself into. He was glad that once again, at the bottom of the staircase they had to stop for pictures. Giving him a chance to lean in and remind her to relax. The photographers went crazy when he pressed a soft kiss to her left temple. She glanced up at him, eyes looking like a scared child. He fought the urge to take her home and snog her senseless. Merlin, he loved those eyes, those innocent eyes that in this moment cried out for his help.

“I'll be right here, love.” He repeated, taking her hand from the crook of his elbow and into his own.

* * *

He'd been true to his word and right here lasted for at least the first two hours of the party in which Hermione had been introduced to and scrutinized by every soul in the building. He'd only disappeared from her side when he'd realized they'd been through everyone and only Draco, of his groomsmen, was there. He'd gone off to find out what was holding them up because he wanted to introduce them to Hermione.

She'd gone right back into her panic when he said he'd be right back, she'd finally relaxed and become somewhat comfortable with him there holding her hand, squeezing it reassuringly. He'd been thoughtful enough to help her find Ginny before leaving to berate his best mates. Ginny glowered when asked about their whereabouts.

“They're going to be fashionably late.” Was all she said, Luna took it upon herself to explain that this meant it was a black tie affair and Ginny had thrown a fit at their casual robes demanding they go find some for the party and not to set foot inside that building until they were presentable. This wouldn't have been a problem if every prominent designer and store owner hadn't closed early to be able to get to the party. Hermione had laughed, deciding then that'd she'd like Harry's friends probably as much as she liked these women she'd come to call friends.

* * *

“Harry, we're really sorry we're so late mate. Ginny went absolutely bonkers on us mate. Apparently we weren't posh enough to set foot in her black tie affair.” Ron muttered, rolling his eyes. “She's a right cow sometimes, you know that.”

“Anyway, we're through the door now so she'll just have to approve. We transfigured our robes, ourselves since no one was open and she told us we couldn't wear anything old or that had been seen before.” Dean said.

“I think we look really good, actually.” Seamus grinned.

“You look like a mess.” Colin interjected coming up beside Harry. He'd just come from chatting with Ginny and Hermione, and he absolutely adored Harry's fiancée. The woman was just too charming. He'd be damned if she had to meet anyone looking like some two-bit designer knock off model. He whipped out his wand and gave two flicks, making their robes more elegant and black. He'd only noticed them entering the room because they wore every color under the sun, navy, brown, deep greens. `Dolts!' With a sniff he declared his work done and disappeared back into the crowds of mingling people.

“What was wrong with our robes?” George inquired.

“This is a black tie event.” Harry said rolling his eyes.

“Yea, and?” Fred asked.

“For heavens sakes you lot were dressed in anything but black dress robes.” Harry snapped.

“Well if Ginny would have stayed perhaps she could have given us some of her clothing spells but our knowledge in such areas are limited. It's the best we could do.” Dean shrugged.

Harry rolled his eyes again, shaking his head.

“So then Harry, where's this fiancée of yours?” Oliver asked.

Seamus suddenly whistled drawing their attention before Harry could answer the question. “We can deal with that introduction late, my question is who is that?”

He pointed to a petite girl in an emerald dress, long brown curse dancing down her back. She was standing with the Creevey brothers and a couple of well known designers including Ginny, laughing at something Colin had just said.

“She is a looker, isn't she?” Fred grinned, peering around George to get a better look. Ginny touched her arm and pointed to them, whispering something to her. She smile and gave them a brief nod of her head, before turning back to Ginny.

“All right mate, I need a name, I saw her first.” Seamus said.

Harry found it impossible not to laugh at them. Putting a hand over his mouth he tried to keep to quiet chuckles as they continued to gawk at Hermione.

“Well?” They all demanded. Seeing that Harry wasn't going to answer, Ron took it upon himself to clue everyone else in.

“That my dear friends, is Harry's fiancée, Hermione Granger.” Ron grinned.

“What?” They exclaimed.

“That beautiful woman is Harry's future wife!” Dean demanded.

“Indeed.” Ron nodded.

“But you said . . . how are you . . . I mean you haven't . . . even though she's . . . ARE YOU MAD?!?!” Seamus nearly shouted. He snapped his mouth shut, ducking his head, noticing that they were drawing attention to themselves.

“No, we haven't. I already told you that.” Harry ground out, not wanting to be discussing this here.

“You're an idiot. If my future wife looked like that, there's no way in hell she'd be sleeping by herself.” Fred said.

“Ditto.” Oliver murmured.

“Well I suppose that's why none of you are engaged. Do you want to go meet her now or not?” Harry snapped.

“Touchy, touchy. Getting a bit possessive there, mate.” Ron laughed. Harry growled to himself, walking briskly back to Hermione's side, glaring daggers at any man who so much as gave her an appraising look. She was standing between Draco and Ginny now, who were discussing wine selections for the wedding. Not knowing much on the subject Hermione simply listened and took mental notes on things to know about wine and vineyards.

She was surprised when Harry suddenly came up behind her and pulled her into his arms. She glanced at him confused as his arms came around her waist and she was suddenly locked in his protective embrace. She was tense for but a moment before relaxing into his hold and leaning back against him. `This is nice.' She couldn't help but smile. The smile dropped off her face as she glanced up at the angry look on his face. `Or perhaps I've done something to upset him.' She chewed her bottom lip trying to recall what she could have done to make him so annoyed.

She pasted a smile on her face as his friends came up to introduce themselves. She smiled at Ron recognizing him and went to give him a polite hug but Harry didn't release her for such, so she shook his hand instead. She could have sworn she heard Draco snickering beside them, and glanced at him confused but his face didn't portray anything. Dean and Seamus both shook her hand enthusiastically raving about how pretty she was until a growl from Harry shut them up. His friend Oliver was amusing asking her if she was interested in attending a quidditch match and promising to have the best seats reserved for her and Lily to come see one any time. Percy introduced himself quite eloquently and brushed a light kiss to the back of her hand. Fred and George decided to imitate their brother and made a big show of kissing her hand and talked animatedly with her for a moment about their joke shop. Bill and Charlie were much more simply in their greeting and she smiled at their cool composure despite having such animated company. She met Terry Boot, Blaise Zabini, and Anthony Goldstein who were aurors with Harry and were a bit harder to get a hold of because they were always on top secret cases but they promised they'd be there at the wedding no matter what. Lastly, Ernie MacMillian and Neville Longbottom had just arrived from England gave Hermione a quick update on the latest news in England. Of course, it wasn't the kind of news she usually looked into because a) they lived in completely “different worlds” and b) she had read Herboligist Daily only once or twice in her lifetime, not really that interested in the subject.

`Things are going to be very interesting.' She grinned watching them spread throughout the room. Laughing loudly, greeting friends, and adding an extra flavor to the party that she hadn't realized was missing.

-->

12. 8. Meet the Granger

Chapter 8: Meet the Grangers

Engagement Week

Day 2

Hermione got up and stretched grinning into the warm sun. Last night had been oddly fun, in that playing dress up kind of way. Harry had been relaxed after a while and they seemed to have forgotten any disagreements between them as they made a show of being a couple in love. The twins were an absolute riot, pranking those not watching their drinks carefully enough. Ginny nearly threw her brothers out she was so furious. Chuckling to herself at the memory, Hermione slipped out of bed and headed for the shower.

She made the trip quick before pulling on her favorite pair of trainers, jeans, and a camouflage tank top. She didn't bother with make up before traipsing out the door to Lily's room. She froze in the doorway, a bewildered look etched on her face as she found Lily dressed and Mrs. Weasley brushing her hair.

“Err, morning?” Hermione said, entering the room.

“You'd be better off with afternoon, dear.” Mrs. Weasley grinned, waving a hand at the clock on Lily's nightstand. Turning instantly, Hermione's eyes went wide as saucers. How had she not looked at the time? She had realized it was bright when she woke up but not that bright. It was almost noon.

“Oh my God. I don't believe I've ever slept that late in my life. I am so sorry, Molly. I'll …” Hermione was cut off by Mrs. Weasley's tutting.

“You'll be doing nothing but scurrying off to breakfast. Lily will join you just as soon as I'm done with her hair. Harry ought to be down there already, you just let me know if he's gone off and disappeared. I'll give that young man a tongue lashing he'll never forget.” Mrs. Weasley said, waving Hermione out of the door. “Off you go now dear, don't eat too much though, I expect your mother will be wanting to cook for you.”

Hermione nodded dumbly, waved to Lily, and turned to leave. Once the door shut behind her, she stopped to assess what had just occurred. `Mental, I'm going absolutely mental.' With no other choice, she made her way down the stairs to the breakfast nook. Harry, fortunately for his sake, was already there, buried behind the Daily Prophet, plate empty. Ginny was there as well, tapping away at a laptop, cell phone firmly attached to her ear. Hermione almost laughed. It was her first time, since the first day, really seeing either of them in what a normal person would consider casual clothes. Harry wore and emerald polo shirt, dark blue jeans, and trainers, while Ginny was wearing a black lace up tank, low rise jeans, and strappy black sandals.

“Alas sleeping beauty has awakened.” Harry grinned, lowering his newspaper, grinning.

“Er, sorry about that.” Hermione blushed sliding into the seat across from Ginny.

“Don't worry about it, you've been needing the rest.” Harry said before flipping the paper back up and obscuring himself from view again.

“Eat up, I asked the house elves to make a light breakfast since your mother will probably be cooking lots.” Ginny instructed, never looking up.

Hermione nodded silently and reached for the tray of fruits, cheeses, and breads before her. She marveled at the arrangement and found herself thinking she was on some exotic TV show. The marble floor, the stone walls, the windows flooding the breakfast nook with natural light, it seemed so unreal at times. With a sigh she fixed herself a plate and leisurely ate a small breakfast.

* * *

Harry's eyes skimmed the page before him but never picked up a single word. His eyes kept drifting back to Hermione. His mind hadn't wandered far from her since the night before. He went to sleep thinking about her, woke up thinking about her, he even dreamt about her in between. To be perfectly honest he was starting to think he needed help, he'd never been an obsessive person but she was more captivating with each day. Yesterday had only made him more concession of how much he wanted to be with her and take care of her. He found himself coming to terms with the idea of possibly falling in love with her. Not that he was, he reassured himself, it was just a possibility that wouldn't be so horrible as one might think. Being in love might not be that bad with a woman like Hermione. She was kind, beautiful, honest, and . . . oh there were so many more ands there were dozens of words he could have chosen for this woman and seemingly not enough to describe how he felt about her. All his pondering always led back to the word love but . . .

`Gah, make it stop!' He shouted at himself. `Can't I have five seconds peace without thinking about her and this love business. Give me a break!'

“I'll be outside.” Harry muttered, throwing down his newspaper. Perhaps if he got away from her . . . no, dumb plan, he'd been away from her all morning until breakfast and that hadn't stopped his conscience giving him the third degree about what was going on in his life right now. Sweeping out of the room he decided to battle his conscience for a new topic elsewhere.

* * *

Hermione watched him go before turning to Ginny with a confused look. “Did I do something?”

“Why would you think that?”

“He just sounded kind of . . . I don't know, exasperated or something and it wasn't until after I showed up.”

“Nope, he's just been kind of moody lately. He'll come `round before we get to your house though. Are you ready?”

“Yea, I guess so. What about Lily?”

“I've had a plate prepared so she can eat during the drive.”

“Alright then, let's go.”

* * *

Hermione took the hand, Harry offered her as she stepped out of the limo onto the dirt path of her parents home. Since Hermione had left they'd bought a cottage out in the country to get away from the hubbub of city life. Hermione grinned looking over her step-mother's prized garden, the soft twittering of birds playing in the bird bath, brought a smile to her face. She could hear laughter and see the smoke of the grill coming from around the back and figured her some of her aunts and uncles had decided to make an appearance too.

Lily followed Ginny out of the limo and quickly bypassed the adults, heading straight for the door. She didn't make it to the door before it was thrown open and she was met by her grandmother, who swept her up into a large hug.

“Oh my goodness, Lily dear, you're getting so big. And look just how pretty you are.” Mrs. Granger cooed setting her back down.

“Is that my Hermione?” Mr. Granger's voice sounded from inside the house. “I thought I heard something.”

Hermione grinned, dropping Harry's hand and dashing forward into her father's arms.

“Daddy!” She squealed giving him a tight hug.

“Ah, that is my little girl.” He grinned affectionately dropping a kiss on her cheek. “And I remember Ginny, so this must be Harry.”

Ginny shook his hand and enthusiastically before pushing Harry forward to greet the man. Mr. Granger took a second to remove his glasses and clean the lenses before resettling them on his nose. Looking up and down he took in the man his daughter was about to marry with an aloof hand shake.

Harry wasn't easily intimidated but he found himself a bit wary of the way the elder man was looking at him. Judging by their enthusiastic greeting Harry was sure Mr. Granger was in no way ready to give up his daughter into the care of another man.

“It's a pleasure to be meeting you see.” He forced out with a small smile.

“Um hm.” Mr. Granger continued to eye him for a second more before looping his arm through his daughter and inviting her inside along with Ginny and Lily.

Mrs. Granger chuckled, smiling up at Harry. “Don't mind him. He has no sons and is taking full hazing upon himself and his nephews to complete but I'm sure he'll come around.”

“Thanks, somehow I have a feeling I'm going to need your confidence.” Harry laughed as Mrs. Granger tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and led him out back.

“I'll just go see where Lily disappeared off to and don't you worry about a thing.” Mrs. Granger grinned, leaving him at the back door of the house.

With a deep breath, he stepped through to the backyard where there were a number of people covering an array of ages. An elderly couple, he assumed to be her grandparents, sat at a picnic table holding little children. There were a few people around that seemed to be his and Hermione's age that must be her cousins. Judging by the way the men were giving him a once over, he was certain they were her cousins, the other couples that were older than them seemed rather indifferent and happy to be with the family, `must be the aunts and uncles.'

He couldn't help the smirk that crossed his face seeing a few small dogs running around the yard. They weren't nearly as big a Sirius but at least he could claim she wasn't a 100% bona fide cat person. Harry nearly jumped out of his skin when Ginny popped up at his side from seemingly no where. “What are you doing just standing around there? Mingle! This is about to be your family!”

“You know funny as it sounds, I don't know a single person here and the majority of the male party here is still deciding whether I live or die so excuse me if I take a moment to assess the best strategy for meeting the family.” Harry quipped.

Ginny stared at him blankly for a minute before a huge grin split her face. “Oh my God, Harry I completely and totally forgot, you've never had to do this before.”

“Do what?”

“Meet the parents.”

“Aw, this is absolutely priceless, your first serious relationship, though I wouldn't tell them that. Not good for your first impression.”

“I figured that much out on my own thanks.”

“What are you two over here whispering about?” Hermione asked, coming up on Harry's other side.

“Gee, what is it with you two and popping up today?” Harry snapped.

“Um, sorry?”

“Don't worry about him, he's just jumpy because he's not sure how to go about making a good first impression.” Ginny informed her.

“What? I never said that. Stop putting words in my mouth Ginny.” Harry cried.

“You see, he's completely on edge.” Ginny grinned.

“Oh Harry, there's nothing to worry about.” Hermione smiled at him.

“I'm not worried, where'd you get that idea from?”

“He's in denial too, that's absolutely adorable.” Ginny laughed.

“I'm not in denial, I'm . . .”

“ARE YOU THREE GOING TO STAND OVER THERE ALL DAY OR DO WE GET TO MEET YOUR FIANCE SOME TIME TODAY HERMIONE?” One of her cousins shouted across the yard.

“WILL YOU HANG ON A SEC?” Hermione shouted back, with a glare. “Eh heh, so sorry, Jonathan's the outspoken one in the family.”

“He's also the funny one, reminds me of Ron actually.” Ginny grinned.

“Peachy, they're not all like her brothers are they? I have to admit, I pity the guy who tries to marry you Gin.” Harry said.

“Nope besides John they're not similar at all. My family's quite reserved actually. My parents are dentists, and most of my cousins either own book shops or small businesses of their own. My aunt and uncle by the lemonade own a small café and the two by the kiddy pool with their grand children own a day care center. My aunt sitting with my grand parents is a nurse and her husband is a lawyer, they're John's parents, he's a lawyer too, by the way, so don't let him try to talk circles around you.” Hermione informed him.

“Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.”

“Good then, come on.” Hermione tugged gently on his arm, leading him towards her family. Harry followed sullenly trying to remember why he agreed to this.

“Harry, this is my father's only sister Amelia and her husband Cameron. They're John and William's parents. And these are my grandparents on my father's side Alice and Rupert.”

Harry smiled and shook hands with both elder couples, linking each to the description she'd given him. He really hoped he wasn't going to be expected to know anything about muggle nursing, though he was sure he could keep up with muggle law. Thankfully they merely made small talk about what he did for a living which he decided to just say law enforcement and be very vague with descriptions. He was having mild difficulty keeping a straight face whenever Hermione turned her head to muffle her laughter as he tried to keep all his answers vague. Her grand parents were much simpler to please they just made inquiries about the wedding which Hermione could easily answer and some Ginny had tested him on at breakfast. He was almost reluctant to leave knowing they'd be the easiest people he'd talk to all day.

Next he was introduced to the couple who owned the day care. He mentally named himself the king of BS as he was grilled about his philosophy on children. They asked about his family and were animatedly sympathetic as he gave his simple they died when he was young answer. Hermione excused them before he had to go into any detail. She knew her aunt could be just a bit too curious sometimes.

The last of the indifferent elder couples was the couple who owned the café. They were surprisingly easy to get along with. They invited the Harry to stop by for tea any time and briefly discussed the latest flavors they'd come up with. He found it peaceful how in sync the couple was, finishing each others' statements and explaining how they bounced ideas off of each other. He grinned thinking maybe he and Hermione might be that in sync one day once they sorted out all their differences. He stole a glance at Hermione wondering if she was thinking the same thing he was. She was just smiling, her arms wrapped around his as she leaned her head against his shoulder. He couldn't help but grin. He liked that idea maybe they could balance each other out with his more extreme nature and he reserved. It could work.

Harry was extremely reluctant to leave the harmonized aura the café couple had created. The part he was dreading the most was coming up. Having to deal with Hermione's male cousins wasn't something he was looking forward to. Somehow the thought of having to prove himself worthy of her just didn't thrill him. What if he didn't pass? Would they convince her to call off the wedding? Would she actually agree to calling off the wedding? Would Rupert battle his lawyers for joint custody or full custody on her part? She'd definitely have more knowledge about him to build a strong case now. He paused to study her for a moment. Would she really do that?

Hermione frowned, she didn't understand the look Harry was giving her suddenly but she knew she didn't like it. She questioned him with her eyes but he simply shook his head and pointedly looked elsewhere. With a sigh, Hermione shrugged off his mood and turned to begin the trek towards her cousins. She honestly didn't know how they'd respond. She was sure her father probably told the men to act tough but there certainly wasn't anything threatening about a shop owner with glasses and a permanent cold, which is how she'd describe all of them but John. He was definitely the black sheep of the family but by far the most fun when growing up. She'd been tempted on more than one occasion to tell him about her magic just because he'd be the only one to find it cool rather than call her insane. It was impossible to stop the grin that spread across her face as she approached her favorite cousin.

“Well, it's about time. I was beginning to think maybe you'd forgotten about your favorite cousin.” Jonathan grinned, pulling Hermione into a hug.

“I don't think it's at all possible to forget you, that'd be too much a miracle.” Hermione joked.

“You're funny.” He grinned rolling his eyes. “And you must be Harry, whom I've heard nothing about.”

Harry took the hand offered to him, not quite sure how he was supposed to respond. “That'd be me indeed.”

“You'd have heard of him if I thought you were important enough to tell. Just be content that now you are.” Hermione quipped, taking Harry's hand and steering him towards her other cousins. “Harry this is…”

“Thomas and his wife Felicity, Tom, Fee this is Harry. So what do you do for a living?” John jumped in.

“Very nice to meet you, Thomas, Felicity.” Harry grinned, shaking their hands. “And as for what I do, I do a lot of things, sports and law enforcement being my main fields.”

Harry flickered a glance to Hermione who was grinning at the loose description of his jobs.

“I'm a lawyer myself but what kind of sports are you into?” John jumped in again as Tom was about to return Harry's greeting.

“Anything really, rugby, football (soccer), tennis, etc.” Harry shrugged.

“I'm not really a sports person myself.” Thomas jumped in giving Jonathan a sharp glare. “I own a bookstore with Felicity. Do you like books Harry?”

“I'm rather fond of reading when I have the time but work keeps me busy most of the time.”

“I suppose I ought to introduce myself because if I don't I doubt I'll ever get the chance. I'm William and this is my wife Victoria. And since we seem to be spinning this interview off with jobs I'm a banker.” William interjected.

Harry found it difficult to contain the laugh that threatened to escape him at William's introduction. Despite what Ginny said William instantly reminded him of Percy.

“It's very nice to meet you both.”

“Well I suppose before they start throwing fits as well this is Simon, Calvin, and Daniel.” John stated gesturing to the three single men left. They exchanged brief waves but there was no time left for conversation as Mrs. Granger called everyone together for a light lunch.

* * *

Hermione grinned watching Harry's face. When they were at the villa it was everywhere that he'd never had a real family experience but when they were out together, sometimes it was easy to forget. But she could see it now, as he looked half in awe half in wonder at the easy flow of the people around him. How the children played and laughed at their table and the dogs periodically begging someone into sharing something from the table, the husbands and wives finishing each others statements, brushing hands, and laughing together. He seemed most fond of watching her grandparents, so old by still so in love. Sometimes he'd watch her for a bit when he thought she wouldn't notice but she'd always bask in the glow of his attention for a bit before grinning at him, letting him know he'd been caught again. She'd blushed when he'd subtly slipped his fingers between hers. She blushed even now as she looked down at their intertwined hands. Her step mother had grinned and poked her father, less than subtly, pointing to their hands when she noticed. He gave Harry a warning look then stabbed into his potato salad but Hermione had seen the small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth afterward.

“So Harry, my brother tells me you live in Italy?” Amelia asked.

“That's correct.” Harry agreed.

“Well, dear tell us about your home.” Amelia prompts, laughing a bit.

“Ah well it's a villa, Romanesque style, very old, mostly stone.”

“It's beautiful.” Ginny jumped in. “I have pictures.”

`Pictures?' Harry mouthed at Hermione, who simply shrugged. Ginny flashed him a grin after digging the picture out of her purse and passing them around.

“Well it certainly is beautiful.” Amelia commented.

“And big.” Cameron added.

“Yes, that too dear.” Amelia laughed.

“You're moving there Hermione?” Felicity asked.

“Yes, actually most of my things are already there.”

“Already?” John cocked his head.

“Not what I meant.” Hermione blushed as her grandparents exchanged words among themselves about impatient couples these days.

“Well it's a fine place dear but awfully far away to be raising my grandchildren.” Marpessa, Hermione's stepmother commented.

“Mum! Ten pages ahead, we haven't even talked about that yet!” Hermione exclaimed.

“Really Mara, don't encourage them. They aren't even married yet.” Her father added.

“They're already living together Uncle, I don't know what you're trying to protect her from.” John threw in.

“Must you always be so...?” Hermione started.

“So what?” John challenged.

“Don't even get me started with you.” Hermione snapped.

Harry glanced at Ginny who was covering her mouth trying keep in the laughter. He had to admit it was awfully amusing how suddenly animated everyone was. Giving their opinion on them living together, whether or not they should move back to England, and what baby names they liked. He listened for a moment as Hermione's parents argued over whether she should be living at home till the wedding at which point Ginny jumped in assuring everyone she was there constantly and her mother was staying at the villa to keep an eye on things. Slowly things dulled back down and talk returned to the wedding. He opted to zone out as he really didn't have much to say unless asked a direct question. He was pulled out of his sudden interest in the clouds but none other than John.

“You ever play paintball, Harry?” He asked.

“No, I've heard of it though. Why?”

“Well this afternoon, before the engagement party of course, some friends of mine invited me for a round. Naturally I told them I couldn't make it but if you're interested in trying it out we can take the guys and go do something because talk about flowers and dresses. We'll do some male bonding, what do you say?”

“I suppose I've got nothing better to do.” Harry shrugged.

“I'd be careful, those things shoot rather fast and John's leaving out that he and his friends are nerdy enough to compete in their ridiculous paintball game thing.” Hermione whispered, having heard the offer.

“I'm a seasonal aura, love. Whatever this paintball is, I think I can handle it.” Harry grinned, kissing her on the cheek. “I'll see you later.”

“Be careful anyway.”

“I'm always careful.” Harry grinned as he followed John, who'd persuaded the others to join them.

Hermione gave a half wave as she watched them go as Ginny slipped into the seat beside her.

“So we should talk about venues and menus. Anyone know a good priest to perform the service?” Ginny grinned pulling out a pen and notebook.

“You were just waiting for them to leave weren't you?” Hermione whispered.

“Of course.” Ginny grinned. “Now we have our fun.”

“Mmm, more wedding planning, how fun.” Hermione returned sarcastically.

* * *

“Must we really play this, John. It's such a barbaric pointless game.” Thomas complained.

“Come on Tom, don't be a nancy boy. Just put on the gear and pretend you're having fun. It's Harry's first time, don't ruin it.” John told him. “Now, I've promised me mates we'll get in some practice for the big tournament coming up so I'll have to play on their team but I trust you lot can hold it together. The rules are rather simple as I told you so best of luck, have fun, and try not to get too shot up, that'd just be too embarrassing.”

“We'll keep that in mind especially as I'm shooting you, don't embarrass John.” Calvin grinned.

“You barbarians have fun.” William waved sarcastically, as he found a bench to read on.

“How did he get out of playing?” Thomas griped.

“Because he is a nancy boy. Now come on.” John gestured them into the field to meet his team. “It'll be fun.”

* * *

“Hermione? Sorry, I never did get the chance to ask you, how did you and Harry meet? I mean, this all seems to have just come out of no where.” Victoria asked. There was a general murmur of agreement throughout her aunts and a few heads popped up from down in the garden where the remaining men were playing cards.

“Oh well ah, it, it isn't much of a story is why and I guess it just slipped my mind to tell you. I ah, I met him because of Lily, of course. As he is her father…”

“Oh, so you've been dating quite a few years now. I mean, I never got the full story on how Lily came into your life but I know Aunt Marpessa has mentioned her visiting with you a few times.” Victoria grinned.

“Um, yea, yea, we'll go with that.” Hermione grinned. She suddenly found herself grateful for not bringing Lily around the entire family more. Glancing up she noticed the expectant looks around her, minus her mother's slightly confused face. They were expecting something more.

“Oh, let me tell the story. I've heard it so many times.” Ginny grinned.

“Er, by all means.” Hermione forced a smile hoping Ginny could come up with something.

“It's my fault really. We were in England on business for a few weeks and Lily was in day care. Hermione was restoring a mural in the building across the street. Well I was completely lost and couldn't think of the name of the day care Lily was staying out and Harry's meeting was going late so I couldn't call to find out where she was so while I was running all over England trying to find his daughter it was time for the daycare to close. Lucky, Hermione was finishing up for the day and noticed the lone child at the daycare that was well past closing time. Being the kind heart she was she said she was Lily's nanny and signed her out. Lucky again, there was a café across the street so she and Lily were able to get an early dinner and watch the daycare. Harry arrives, furious at me but more worried about Lily. They meet and the rest is history. Hermione picked up Lily from daycare fore the week Harry met them at the café. Coincidentally Harry had more business trips to England than usual and here we are, planning a wedding.” Ginny smiled, spinning the tale, eyes shining at her little romance, face poised as if she believed every word.

If it wouldn't give them away Hermione was certain her jaw would have hit the floor presently she couldn't allow for that so she just put her all into faking a smile. Everyone oohed and awwed over the story and she found herself once again showing off her ring while giving Ginny a pointed look and trying to avoid her stepmother's questioning gaze. She finally gave in a mouth a brief `we'll talk later' before shifting the conversation back to favorable wedding venues.

* * *

A horn sounded somewhere in the general direction of the main building, signaling the beginning of the match. Following instinct Harry slipped behind a blow up obstacle to assess the situation. Holding his gun ready, Harry made a quick careful check of everyone's positions. Paint splattered on the obstacle just left of his shoulder. `Missed one.' Pivoting to the left he made two shots one hitting his opponent in the chest and the other in the center of his forehead. `One down.'

* * *

“The priest from my old church can probably do the service. He'll be at the party tonight, right mum?” Hermione suggested. Since getting back on track they'd hashed out all the food allergies in the family that would need to be avoided at the wedding and come up with a few possible venues at which to hold the wedding.

“Yes, he'll be there. I'm sure he'll be thrilled to do the service.” Marpessa nodded.

“And he'll be okay with coming to Italy if the venue we choose ends up being there?” Ginny asked.

“Possibly, we can ask him tonight.” Marpessa shrugged.

“Oh, I've brought along dresses for everyone to try on; I need to get sizes just right. I'll just be a moment to call the car back with the dresses.” Ginny grinned, hopping up from the table.

* * *

`I should probably treat this a little more seriously.' Harry decided taking a brief look off to the side and doing a mental check, noting only Daniel and Simon remained with him, while John's team still had five, having only lost one player. Closing his eyes for a moment, he listened, opting to use aurar skills rather than continue to pretend he had little to no skill at this, making a bold move he ran to another obstacle and pushed it over so it was low enough to shoot over but high enough to block most incoming shots. From there he easily took out two guys with a single shot to the back each.

By then he'd been spotted and had to move quickly to avoid being taken out himself. In an attempt to help, Simon squirmed around the obstacle he was hiding behind and shot at the guy advancing on Harry. Unfortunately he left his back uncovered and was shot several times in the chest.

“Thanks for that.” Harry couldn't resist calling. He highly doubted Simon could hear him through the muffling of the mask but it couldn't hurt to try to be friendly. Simon grinned holding up two thumbs before hustling out of harms way. `Two more!'

* * *

“Mum, you're gorgeous!” Hermione exclaimed, twirling her mother around, admiring her elegant suit.

“It is very fetching isn't it, dear. Ginny, I don't know where to begin. I love it.” Marpessa smiled.

“Oh it's not done yet. There has to be a lighter lining and some glitter added. We really must look for a nice wedding broach to put on that'll be lovely.” Ginny tittered.

“So Hermione have you started collecting?” Felicity asked.

“Collecting?”

“You know, something old, something new, something borrowed…” Felicity listed.

“And something blue.” Victoria jumped in.

“Er, no, am I supposed?” Hermione asked. `It's possible, I've said the wrong thing.' Hermione winced at the shocked faces she received for that comment.

* * *

`Where the bloody hell is he?' Harry crept around a circular obstacle careful to make as little noise as possible. It was just him and John now. All he had to do was find him. `Find him or lure him out!' Making a quick decision Harry strolled out in the open, looking around as if trying to find a team mate. He heard him before he saw him. Dropping to the ground and rolling out of the way, Harry narrowly avoided getting hit but John was quick and didn't give in easy. Gaining his feet, Harry ran for the nearest obstacle as John ran along side the obstacle he was hiding behind, shooting quickly as possible. `Not the best plan but effective.' Harry thought as he glanced at the fresh paint spot on his leg. `Do I fake a limp?' Shrugging off the dumb thought, he looked for the best angle to get John from now that he knew where he was. `Be creative.'

* * *

Hermione had managed to escape the women for a brief bit to spend time with her father. With Lily holding her hand, the trio walked slowly around the backyard.

“Daddy, do you like Harry?”

“How could I know, I've only just met the boy.”

“But you've formed an opinion.”

“As a father it is my job to give the impression I don't like him at all so my true opinion is a complete and total secret.”

“Then you like him.”

“Who says I said I like him?” He grinned. “Course he does just appear out of nowhere whisking my daughter off to Italy, planning a lavish wedding, and still we know so little about him.”

“I like him.” Lily grinned from Hermione's side.

“I bet you do poppet.” He grinned picking her up.

“Daddy don't hurt you're back.”

“I'm fine my dear. Fit as a fiddle in fact, fully ready to march you up that aisle. Darling, you what this all comes down to, don't you?”

“What, what comes down to?”

“If he makes you happy love, that's all I need to know. He's fine with me if he meets that single requirement.”

“He does Daddy, I really think he does.”

“Think?”

“Know. You know what I mean.”

“Course I do, I just like giving you a hard time.”

Hermione grinned as her father pressed a kiss to the side of her head. “I love you too, Daddy.”

* * *

Running as fast as he could, Harry bent his knees and sprung into the air, landing on a blow up obstacle he bounced into the air. He grinned as John's shocked face as he flipped himself in the air, aimed, and shot. After landing, he turned back to see John still standing stunned, touching his face guard between the eyes and coming down with paint on his fingers.

“You shot me?” He murmured still staring at his fingers. “No, you flew through the air and shot me. . . You're, you're bloody amazing. Now that, that display right there, definitely deserves a drink!” John exclaimed laughing jovially. “Let's change it up and have a round, yea? Not to get all lashed up or anything but definitely to celebrate. OY, YOU LOT OVER THERE! STOP GAWKING AND LET'S GO!”

* * *

Harry found the house fully decorated for the second engagement party, upon his return with the others. As promised they hadn't had much but they'd definitely spent the better part of three hours hanging out at the pub getting to know each other better. Now, back at the house he was directed upstairs to find Hermione. She was sitting on her bed from when she lived with her parents. He figured not much had changed as the room still looked as though it belonged to a teenage girl. The girl was definitely a bookworm but she was well liked, judging but the wall completely covered in a collage of shaped photos. The wall her bed leaned against, he figured she'd painted herself. It was the beginning of a mural that looked like it would have eventually been the entire neighborhood, had she finished it.

“Hey.” He murmured, knocking lightly to announce his presence before entering.

“Hey yourself.” Hermione grinned.

“Watcha looking at?”

“Some old pictures. Mostly my dad and me.” Hermione offered, holding them up. A brief shudder slid down her spine as he sat next to her, taking the pictures. She was silent, staring at his profile as a small smile graced his features while he admired the pictures. “This must be some sort of record.”

“What?”

“We've gone almost all day without fighting.”

“Really.”

“Yea.”

“I didn't think we fought at all today.”

“No, we haven't, have we?”

Even knowing she'd never hear the end of it if one of grandparents decided to pass by the door, Hermione couldn't resist the look he was giving her now. Slowly, looking into his eyes as if asking for permission, she kissed him, a slow sweet kiss, like a lazy Sunday morning. Another shudder coursed her spine as his hand trailed up her back to wrap lightly around the back of her head. She let her head fall back into his hold, as he tilted her face up more to meet his loving kisses.

“FOUND `EM!” John shouted down the stairs from the doorway. Jumping at the sudden noise, Hermione snapped up and knocked foreheads with Harry and they both drew back clutching their head, glaring at John. “I wouldn't be interrupting anything would I?”

“I hope you have a good reason for being here.” Harry grumbled.

“Now remember celibacy is key, children.” John joked, snickering to himself.

Harry smirked as Hermione caught him full in the face with a well thrown pillow. “Now that was uncalled for. Haven't you heard the phrase, don't shoot the messenger. Geez, you're guests are arriving.” John grinned, dancing out the room.

“This early?” Harry asked.

“I should have known. You're meeting “the neighborhood” after all, where early is on time and on time is far too late.” Hermione grinned.

“Oh fun!”

“Fun fun fun. Oh did I mention Ginny invented a how we met story.”

“No, be quick, I'll need to learn it before we get downstairs.”

“It's a long one; we'll just let her tell it. She does love it so.”

“I'm sure.”

-->

The Deal

1. 0. Prologue

2. 1. Meetings & Greetings

3. 2. And So It Begins

4. 3. Planning

5. 4. The Rings

6. A/N

7. 5. The Wedding Committee

8. 6. Learning to Adjust

9. 7. Getting Serious

10. A/N (sorry sorry)

11. A/N: I'm Still Here

12. 8. Meet the Granger