At Last

A/N: Well here’s the first chapter of At Last, which will detail the month before Harry and Hermione’s wedding. It’s only going to be about 4 chapters long, so you’ll have the whole story by next Saturday. We’ll be continuing our regular posting schedule.

This is a fluffy story, which we think everyone needs after the angsty parts of Time of their Life. Thanks to all of you that stuck with us through THAT story and we hope you’ll all enjoy this one as well. Reviews are always appreciated! :D

"It's just until the wedding," Hermione Granger stood with her arms crossed over her chest. "Harry honestly you'd think I'd asked you to get the moon for me with the way you're acting."

"The wedding is over one month away, though," Harry said, frowning at her. He'd been drinking pumpkin juice when she'd walked into the kitchen and casually announced that she thought they should abstain from sex until after the wedding. It surprised him so much his sputtered juice all over the kitchen table. He walked over to the sink and grabbed a dish rag and began mopping up the mess.

"Well it'll make things that much nicer on the wedding night," Hermione replied stubbornly.

He looked at her. "Care to explain that?"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "It'll make things more special," she said.

"Let me get this straight," Harry said, leaning against the table. "You think that we'll be able to sleep side by side---night after night----and not do anything?"

"It's called self control Harry," Hermione replied, taking the rag and rinsing it out in the sink. "Honestly, I should think you have a little in there somewhere."

"As a matter-of-fact, I do," Harry said smugly. "And what about you? I'd be willing to wager you'd cave in before I did."

"I'm not placing bets here," Hermione said firmly. "Look, when I used to dream about my wedding, I never thought I'd have sex until I was married." she shook her head. "I don't regret that we've been intimate but I'd at least like to make the wedding night extra special."

Harry could tell this meant a great deal to her and that she felt strongly about it. "If it means that much to you okay. But, how about we make a compromise?"

Hermione eyed him warily. "What sort of compromise?"

"Well, let's think about this logically," he said. "There's one month until the wedding. That's four weeks, Hermione. That's 28 days."

"What's your point?" she asked.

"That's an awfully long time, don't you think?" he asked her. "What if we...shortened it just a little?"

"Shortened it how?" Hermione asked. "Two days?"

"Now you're talking," he said grinning at her. "Two days is perfect!"

"I knew you weren't taking this seriously," Hermione shook her head.

"I am," he said crossing the room and taking her hands in his. "I am taking this very seriously. Okay, how about two weeks?"

"Three," Hermione countered.

"Two and a half," Harry said stubbornly.

Hermione sighed. "Fine," she conceded. "Two and a half weeks,"

Harry smiled and held out his hand. "Shall we shake on it?"

Hermione reluctantly put out her hand.

"Deal," Harry said as they shook hands. "And I don't want you coming around trying to tempt me, either. I intend to honour our agreement."

"Please," Hermione scoffed. "I have far more self control than you do Harry Potter."

"No, you don't," Harry said, with a laugh.

"I do too!" Hermione snapped. "Who put you through that cut off a few years ago when you were always distracting me from studying? Who goes to the library when you're getting all amorous?"

"You make it sound as if I'm at you every single minute of the day," Harry said, feeling a bit hurt that she thought this.

"Well not all the time," Hermione said. "But most of it."

Harry shook his head. "Let me see, who was it who nearly pounced on me the other night in her parents' kitchen? Who was that? Hmmmmm...."

"All right so we both don't have a lot of self control," Hermione turned pink that that memory. "So this will be good for us."

"I think so, too," he said. When she looked at him in disbelief, he laughed. "I do. You're right, Hermione. It will make the wedding night very special."

"Thank you," Hermione leaned forward and hugged him hard. "Can you believe it? Only a month left until we're finally husband and wife."

"I know," he said, kissing the top of her head. "And your mum called while you were out. She wanted to remind you of the second to last fitting for your dress." When Hermione groaned, he patted her back. "And she said again that you should wear your hair down instead of up."

"I'll wear my hair the way I like it, thank you," she rolled her eyes. "How do you like my hair? Up or down?"

"I think you beautiful either way," he said truthfully.

"Well thank you," Hermione kissed him lightly. "You're sweet."

"I have my moments," Harry said grinning at her.

"You have more than moments," Hermione kissed the corner of his mouth.

Harry pretended not to be affected by what she was doing. "Miss Granger? Are you trying to seduce me?"

"No," Hermione said. "Although maybe I should, seeing as you completely blew off my month long cut-off."

"I didn't blow it off," he said defensively. "Besides, if you really wanted to go an entire month, you would have stood your ground. It's not an easy task to get you to change your mind. I've learned that pretty well by now."

Despite herself, that made Hermione laugh. "All right Potter you win."

"Could you repeat that again?" he asked, leaning in close. "I didn't quite hear that?"

"Stop it," Hermione hit his shoulder. "While you're still ahead."

"And if I don't?" Harry asked challenging her.

"We'll move it to three weeks," Hermione gave him a look.

"Right then," Harry said smiling at her. "I'm just going to stop while I'm ahead."

"Right," Hermione said. "I've got to go meet with Lavender and the rest of my bridesmaids."

"Are you going to be gone long?" Harry asked her. "I was thinking we'd catch a movie tonight."

"We're having dinner with Luke and Anna," Hermione reminded him.

"I forgot all about that," Harry said.

"I know," Hermione said, kissing him again. "It's all right. We've both been busy. I can't wait until this week is over so I can concentrate on nothing but the wedding." her finals had been tough this term.

"Just the wedding?" he asked.

"The wedding... and you of course," Hermione looped her arms around his neck.

"I thought you had to go," he said, leaning in for a kiss.

"I do," Hermione replied. "But I have a minute for this," she kissed him again.

"And for this," he said, shamelessly moving his hand under her t-shirt.

Hermione let her head fall back. "Always have time for that," she whispered, her eyes half closed.

"You know they probably wouldn't mind if you were late," he said, kissing her neck.

"They're used to it by now," Hermione replied breathlessly.

"And you used to be so punctual," Harry teased as he lifted her t-shirt up over her head.

"It's all your fault," Hermione let him lay her on the kitchen table. "I can't believe it..."

"I can't believe we'll make it two and a half weeks," he said smiling down at her.

"No, I can't believe there's one place in this house that we haven't made love yet," Hermione giggled. "Right here on this table."

"I think we're about to remedy that," he said laughing with her.

"I think so too," Hermione pulled his head down again.

*** *** ***

Cho smiled reassuringly at the jeweller. The man obviously wasn't in the best of moods and the fact that Hermione hadn't shown up yet hadn't improved matters much. Cho hada very good idea what was keeping her friend, but she wasn't about to share that with this insufferable man.

"You have something on your collar, madam," the man said coldly.

Cho looked down at her shirt and frowned. "My daughter. She was eating biscuits and before I left she gave me a hug."

Hermione practically sprinted through the doors. "Sorry I'm late everyone," she gasped.

"No, you're not," Lavender teased.

"I am too," Hermione frowned at her cousin. "Hi Anna," she smiled.

"Hey Hermione," the redhead grinned back at her.

"So did you tell Harry yet?" Cho asked, giving Hermione a hug.

She made a face. "We shortened the time to two and a half weeks," she replied.

"Fork it over," Lavender said, looking to the other girls. Hermione watched as her friends handed a smug Lavender money. "I knew you'd cave in."

"Lavender!" Hermione glared at her cousin. "You're horrible!"

"That may be, but I'm also quite rich now," Lavender said, stuffing the money into her bag. "I may just pick myself up something really nice since we're here."

Hermione shook her head. "Perhaps I can lengthen the time so you'll have to give it back," she smirked.

"Ladies, ladies," Luna said, getting between them. "I thought we were here to pick out some accessories. And I think if we don't do it soon that horrid man is going to lose his temper."

"Do you think that's his real hair?" Lavender asked, lowering her voice. "I don't think it is."

Anna burst out laughing. "Lavender!" she said between giggles.

"Tact," Hermione shook her head.

"She's about as bad as Ron sometimes," Luna said, laughing. "Which reminds me, do any of you want any puppies?"

All of them turned to her with a gasp. "You mean Paddington..." Hermione trailed off.

"He sort of got a little amorous with our neighbour's dog," Luna explained. "Anyway, last night she gave birth and the horrible woman gave the puppies to us because she thinks it’s our fault that Paddington wouldn't leave her dog alone."

"Oh no," Hermione said. "But they need the mother dog during the first few months! You can't separate them yet."

"We haven't," Luna said. "She's making us keep the mother---who goes by the name of Tippy, by the way. You lot should have seen Ron last night when he took them out. Tippy got away from him and he was hollering out, 'Come here, Tippy. Come here, Tippy.'"

The rest of them burst out laughing. "I can just see that," Lavender wiped her eyes.

"Well, in addition to Paddington and Tippy, we have six puppies to look after," Luna said. "Ron's about to lose it."

"We'll take one when they're weaned," Hermione said. "I've been dying for a dog ever since Ron gave you Paddington."

"Luke and I will take one too," Anna grinned.

"Thank you," Luna said. "I kept trying to tell Ron that we needed to get Paddy neutered, but you should have heard him. You would have thought I was talking about him."

Hermione laughed. "Men are so defensive of their... things. Even if they're not theirs!"

Lavender and Anna doubled over in fits of laughter, much to the annoyance of the jeweller, who finally gave up and walked away.

"Okay," Hermione tried to stop giggling. "I think we need to find a new clerk."

"I think she's right," Luna said. "And I really can't stay long. Ron's at home watching the puppies and he's working the night shift at the joke shop."

"All right," Hermione began looking. "So I know normally I'm supposed to pick your gifts out myself but do you guys want necklaces or earrings?"

"There were some really pretty silver necklaces over there," Cho said motioning over her shoulder.

"Oh, I saw those," Anna said. "They were really nice."

Hermione followed her friends over to the display. "Ooh, I like those," she peered over her cousin's shoulder.

"Is there anything I can help you ladies with?" another clerk said, coming over to them.

"Yes," Hermione pushed her way to the front. "We'd like to take a closer look at these, please." she pointed to the case.

"Excellent choice," the woman said, stepping behind the counter and unlocking the display. "This is sterling silver, of course. And we have a number of charms and pendants that go with the necklace."

"Great!" Hermione beamed. "You guys can each pick out something to go on it."

The clerk pulled out another display of charms and all of the girls huddled around the counter to make their choices.

A half hour later, all five girls left the shop satisfied. "They'll have them ready in a week," Hermione put the sales slip into her purse.

"Thanks so much, Hermione," Luna said, giving her friend a hug. "I really should get going. I'll owl you later, okay?"

"Sure," Hermione hugged her cousin and Luna goodbye.

"One month left, Hermione," Cho said, grinning at her friend.

"I know," Hermione smiled as she, Anna and Cho began to walk down the street.

"I can't believe how calm you are," Anna commented. "I'd be so nervous, but you are just so...together."

Hermione shrugged. "I guess I don't figure there's anything to be nervous about. This is Harry... just Harry."

"Just Harry must have been just a little surprised when you sprung your little idea on him," Cho said with a laugh. "How'd he take the news?"

Hermione made a face. "He talked me down," she sighed. "There's just something about that face he makes, and those eyes of his, that I can't say no to."

"Which explains why you were late today," Anna teased.

"Sod off," Hermione said. "You try saying no to him when he gives you 'the look'."

"She's as lost a cause as he is," Cho said.

"Thanks a lot," Hermione pretended to be offended. "Anyway, what are Neville and Chiaki up to while you're here?"

"She and Neville were baking biscuits," Cho said laughing at the memory of it. "Well, he was anyway. She was the official taster."

Hermione and Anna laughed. "She's so cute. I love how her eyes light up when she sees you."

"She's my little angel," Cho said.

"Aye and Harry's as well." Hermione smiled. "You should really see him around Chiaki, Anna. He absolutely adores her."

"He and Ron are both spoiling her rotten," Cho said shaking her head. "I was thinking of maybe getting one of Paddington's puppies for her. You don't think she's too young for a dog, do you?"

"She's a year and a half," Hermione mused. "That really depends on whether or not you're planning on having any more babies." she grinned at her friend.

"We're trying," Cho said.

"Lots and lots of trying right?" Anna teased.

"When we can," Cho said, blushing a bit.

Hermione laughed. "Well I've got to get home, get a bit of last minute studying in before we meet for dinner tonight," she said to Anna.

"Ditto," Anna said. "See you tonight at eight."

"Right," they waved. "You coming back with me for a bit?" Hermione asked Cho.

"Sure, that'd be great," Cho said. "I could sure do with teasing my best mate about getting cut off again."

"Aye and maybe get your money you lost out of him," Hermione joked.

"You read my mind," Cho said nodding.

*** *** ***

Hermione sighed happily as Harry tugged her closer as they walked down the street towards her parents' house. "I'm so glad my finals are over," she smiled.

"You and me both," Harry said. "I could hardly move downstairs with all the books and notes and such lying about."

"Sod off," Hermione bumped his shoulder. "I cleaned everything up!"

"Only teasing," Harry said quickly. "I do feel kind of bad that you're going to be spending all day with your mum going over wedding stuff and I am going to spend it on a golf course getting my arse kicked by your dad. I think you may be the one who got off easier than me this time."

She laughed. "Well if you'd read that book more closely that my dad got you for Christmas you'd be able to show him a thing or two,"

"Perhaps I could use some magic when he's not looking," Harry said, only half-joking.

"Cheater," Hermione grinned affectionately at him.

He laughed along with her until they walked up the driveway to the house. "Please tell me that isn't your grandfather's car," Harry said, frowning. "Your dad didn't mention anything to me about him coming."

"I wonder why he's here," Hermione mused. "Goodness, I've never seen so much of him before. We normally only see him once or twice a year at most."

Harry grimaced. "Did you notice how he started calling me 'Henry'? He knows my bloody name, Hermione. He's just doing it to spite me."

"Harry," Hermione was now the one frowning. "I know my grandfather isn't the nicest or easiest person to get along with. But he IS my grandfather. I appreciate the effort you've put forth with him even though he's so cantankerous."

Harry felt bad. "You're right. I'm sorry. I will be on my best behaviour today. I promise."

Hermione smiled at him. "Thank you love," she kissed him, tugging gently on his bottom lip. "You're the best Harry Potter."

"Except on the golf course," Harry joked. "And you're not so bad yourself, Miss Granger."

"I love you," Hermione gave him another kiss as they stood in front of the door.

Elinore must have been watching them walk up the sidewalk because she swung open the door before either of them knocked or rang the door bell. "Good morning," Elinore said, smiling at them both.

“Mum!" Hermione pulled apart from her fiancé.

"Oh, hush Hermione!" Elinore said with a laugh, ushering them inside. "I've seen the two of you kiss before. How are you, Harry?"

"Good thank you," Harry kissed her on the cheek. "And yourself?"

"Busy as always," Elinore said. "I've decided to take this last month off from the office so I can devote all of my time to the wedding."

Harry grinned at Hermione, who turned so her mother couldn't see her roll her eyes. "Mum, what's Grandpa doing here?"

"He's not been getting out much lately," Elinore explained. "And I don't want him to just sit around his house. I sort of convinced Robert to include him today."

Now Harry was the one to turn his head and Hermione discreetly elbowed him. "Why don't you go find my father Harry," she suggested.

"I could stay with you two until they're ready to go," Harry said.

Elinore grinned. "Don't be silly, Harry. I'm sure you have better things to do with your time than talk about flower arrangements and catering. Robert's in the kitchen."

Harry nodded reluctantly. "All right," he said. "Let me know if you need me for anything,"

“See you later," Elinore said, putting an arm around Hermione and leading her into the living room. "Now, sweetheart. We have loads to cover today."

"Mum," Hermione began. "We've already made almost all the arrangements. What could possibly be left?"

"Well, I know you decided on lilies for the bouquet, but what would you think of possibly doing something a little different?" Elinore asked, handing Hermione a portfolio. "One of my patients owns a flower shop in Notting Hill and they have some of the most beautiful arrangements and I thought you'd want to take a look at these..."

Hermione sighed and hoped her cousin would put in an appearance soon. Lavender was a good person to be a buffer between her and Elinore. "They are nice," she conceded. "But I want the lilies for a specific reason."

"Oh, Hermione," Elinore said, her tone apologetic. "I completely forgot. They're in honour of Harry's mother. I feel so terrible."

"It's okay Mum," Hermione replied. "Maybe we can work some into these," she pointed to one of the pictures.

"That's wonderful," Elinore said happily. "And I told Ruth---she's the florist---that we'd come in and see her tomorrow afternoon."

"All right," Hermione replied. "What time is the dress fitting this afternoon?"

"One," Elinore said, setting the florist's portfolio down on the coffee table.

"Okay," Hermione leaned back on the sofa. "Merlin, I can't believe that the wedding is coming up so fast. It feels like just a few months ago that he proposed."

Elinore nodded. "My little girl is getting married. It seems like just yesterday I was teaching you how to walk."

Hermione grinned. "Time sure flies," she said.

"Yes it does," Elinore said. "So, Hermione...have you thought anymore about how you wanted to wear your hair? Because, I really do think it will look much better down."

"Mum!" Hermione groaned. "I'll wear my hair the way I want to!"

Elinore ignored Hermione's comment and picked up a bridal magazine and thumbed through it until she found the picture she wanted. "See, look at her!" Elinore said, laying the magazine on Hermione's lap. "That's just like your dress and that girl has the same hair as you. Look how beautiful her hair looks down like that with the veil."

"That's not the veil I have," Hermione said. "Mum, I'll figure out how I want to wear my hair when we get closer to the wedding all right?"

"Fine," Elinore said, forcing a smile. "Whatever..."

Hermione sighed. "Mum I'm not trying to be difficult here okay? I just don't know how I want... my final look to be yet. I want to wait until my dress is fully put together with my veil and then I'll see."

Elinore smiled. "You're right. There's plenty of time for that."

"Right," Hermione leaned against her mother.

"So, has Harry given you any ideas about the honeymoon yet?" Elinore asked, deciding to change the subject. "I know he said he wanted it to be a surprise, which I know is killing you."

"No," Hermione frowned. "I wish he'd give me one or two tiny hints."

Elinore laughed. "Well, I'm sure whatever it is, it’s very romantic and lovely."

"I'm sure it will be," Hermione said, idly flipping through another magazine. "Harry's very good with the romantic stuff."

"That's where you lucked out," Elinore said.

Hermione grinned. "I really did luck out didn't I?"

"Yes, you did," Elinore said. "And so did Harry."

*** *** ***

Lavender stood back and looked at Hermione. Her cousin stifled a yawn as she held her arms up so Lavender could take a better look at the side stitching.

"There's still something....missing," Lavender finally said, looking critically at her handiwork and shaking her head.

"What could be missing?" Hermione rolled her eyes. "There's nothing else that could fit in this dress Lavender."

"You wouldn't understand," Lavender said. "You're not a designer."

"Guess not," Hermione looked at her reflection. She loved the dress she'd commissioned her cousin to design for her. It was quite slim fitting with spaghetti straps and a long detachable train that was currently spread out behind her.

"I think it looks absolutely beautiful," Elinore said, wiping a tear from her cheek. She and Hermione had a nasty row a few months back when Elinore had expressed her wish that Hermione wear her wedding dress. Lavender, of course, had saved the day and told her aunt how she wanted to design Hermione's dress.

Lavender smiled and placed a few pins in the fabric of the dress. "Lot better than that old thing Aunt Elinore wanted to put you in, eh?" Lavender whispered in Hermione's ear.

"Right," Hermione whispered back. "I'm glad you like it Mum," she smiled. "I can't wait for Harry to see me in it."

"He can't see you in it until your wedding day!" Lavender lectured. "You know its bad luck!"

"I know that," Hermione said. "I know all those goofy traditions."

"Goofy or not, I believe in them," Lavender said firmly.

"Right," Hermione sighed. "Can I take my arms down please?"

"Sure," Lavender said. "We're pretty much done for today anyway. I think I'm nearly finished."

"Okay," Hermione stepped down and headed back into the dressing room.

"Hermione," Lavender called out to her cousin. "You really don't have to lie to me to make me feel better. You really do love the dress, don't you?"

"Of course I do!" Hermione called back as she carefully pulled the dress off. "If I didn't love it I wouldn't be here right now would I?"

"I know," Lavender said. "But you know how insecure I can be."

"Lavender, it's a beautiful design," Elinore said reassuringly.

"Thanks," Lavender said proudly.

Hermione came out of the dressing room, handing the dress back to her cousin. "I still can't believe you have your own shop." she smiled. "Honestly, and how you can manage to do Wizarding and Muggle designs at the same time."

"I wouldn't have been able to do it without Madame Malkin's help," Lavender said, gingerly putting the dress back on the mannequin. "And I really enjoy doing the Muggle designs. They're a lot more interesting than robes."

"Well you can't really decorate a set of robes like you can a dress," Hermione replied.

"You'd be surprised what some people want, though," Lavender said, grinning. "I still can't believe that one woman wanted dress robes with feathers. She looked like a stuffed chicken."

Hermione and Elinore both laughed. "That definitely had to be the most interesting set I've ever seen." Hermione chuckled.

"Are you sure you don't want me to add a few feathers to your dress?" Lavender asked teasingly. "Or I know...a bunny tail?"

Hermione shot her cousin a look as Elinore looked at them both quizzically.

"I think I'm missing something," Elinore said, looking between her daughter and niece.

"You don't want to know Mum," Hermione glared at Lavender.

"Inside joke," Lavender explained. "Well, what do the two of you have planned for the rest of the afternoon? More wedding plans?"

"Everything else is pretty much taken care of," Hermione said. "So it's just waiting for Dad and Harry to finish golfing."

"And your grandfather," Elinore reminded her.

Hermione began to giggle. "I wonder how they're doing out there with Grandpa. Maybe they'll finally break through with him."

"I wouldn't count on it," Lavender said shaking her head. "He's pretty set in his ways."

Hermione shook her head. "Harry really wants to impress him too. He thinks Grandpa hates him."

"He doesn't hate him," Elinore said. "Harry doesn't really think that, does he?"

"I don’t' know if he thinks he HATES him," Hermione said thoughtfully. "But he doesn't think Grandpa likes him at all."

"It's just the way he is," Elinore said, defending her father. "He's always been that way your father. He's that way with Seamus. He's that way with Harry. He doesn't think anyone is good enough for his girls."

"I keep telling him that but he says he has to keep trying," Hermione shrugged.

Elinore opened her mouth to respond, but her mobile phone trilled. She excused herself and went into the backroom of Lavender's shop to take the phone call.

"Is she still driving you mad?" Lavender asked, keeping her voice down.

"Here and there," Hermione replied. "She keeps bothering me about how I'm going to wear my hair, and she's got a client of hers that's now going to do the flowers. We have to meet her tomorrow, so I'm hoping you can go with us." she sighed. "I feel bad being so temperamental, because I know they're paying for all this and I'm their 'little girl'... but at the same time I like having my own say in things."

"I can understand that," Lavender said. "It's all she can talk about with me, too. I wasn't going to mention this, but she doesn't like that you chose blue for the bridesmaids' dresses. She thinks you should have picked peach or yellow."

"You guys all liked blue," Hermione replied. "I only went along with the colours you liked! The only thing I said I didn't want was red."

"I know that," Lavender said, motioning for her cousin to keep her voice down so Elinore wouldn't hear them. "How do you think I feel? I've been put in the middle between the two of you."

"I'm sorry," Hermione apologised. "I don't want you to feel that way."

"It's okay," Lavender said. "I just hope to stay neutral, but I'm on your side mostly. I do have one thing to say, but I promise that your mum didn't put me up to it. It's just my own, honest opinion."

"What is it?" Hermione asked, slightly wary.

"I think you should wear your hair down," Lavender said slowly. "I just think with the style of the dress and the veil...it would look so much better down."

"I've been thinking that too," Hermione said. "Although since we're going into the salon the day before the wedding to try out hairstyles, I figured I'd try one of each to see what I liked better."

"That's a good idea," Lavender said, as Elinore rejoined them.

"I just spoke with your father," Elinore said to Hermione. "They just finished up."

"Great," Hermione hugged her cousin. "Thanks again Lav. We'll see you tomorrow?"

"Of course," Lavender said, hugging her back. "Give Harry my best."

"Will do," she replied. "Come on Mum, time for some damage control."

*** *** ***

Harry sat in the back of Robert's car, wishing the ride back to the Granger's was shorter. Malcolm was currently holding court in the front seat, and was being his usual charming self.

"Where on earth did you learn to play golf, Henry?" Malcolm asked. "All I have to say is it’s a good thing you're not a professional at it, you'd not make any money at all."

"I never played until I met Robert," Harry replied, trying to keep his voice from sounding too aggravated. He truly wanted Hermione's grandfather to like him, but it seemed as if that goal was less and less plausible the more they saw of him.

"Come on, Malcolm," Robert said, keeping his eyes on the road. "Harry didn't play that badly. He's improved every time he's gone out there."

"Thank you Robert," Harry smiled. "That book you gave me at Christmas actually had some good tips."

Robert opened his mouth to respond, but Malcolm turned around in his seat and looked at Harry. "What is it that you do again, Henry?"

"It's Harry," He replied. "And I work in law enforcement."

"I'm sure we've told you that hundreds of times, Malcolm," Robert said with a sigh. He'd enjoyed the afternoon about as much as Harry with Malcolm's snide comments every two minutes.

"Law enforcement," Malcolm repeated thoughtfully. "Are you going to work at Scotland Yard?"

"No, just somewhere in London," Harry said, choosing his words carefully.

Malcolm was silent for a few moments and both Harry and Robert relaxed, hoping it he would keep quiet until they returned home. No such luck as Malcolm again turned around and looked at Harry. To Harry's surprise, however, Malcolm's comments weren't directed at him, but at Robert.

"I still can't believe you allowed your only daughter to live with a bloke before they were married," Malcolm said finally.

Robert looked properly at his father in law. "I don't control Hermione Malcolm," he said coolly. "I let her make her own decisions. And besides that she's happy. What more can I ask for my daughter besides that?"

Malcolm nodded. "I suppose you're right. Hermione's happiness is what matters most."

Robert nodded. "That's exactly how I feel."

"Same here," Harry added.

"So, what about your family, Henry?" Malcolm asked. "I haven't met them yet, have I?"

"You've met my friends, and they're my family," Harry answered.

"Malcolm, I'm sure Ellie has told you about Harry's parents..." Robert said, also choosing his words carefully. He didn't want to bring up any soft spots for Harry. "And besides, which...he's a part of our family now."

Harry smiled at Robert through the mirror, his words meaning more to him than he could possibly say.

Malcolm only nodded and then turned around and looked out the window of the car.

"So, Harry," Robert said. "Hermione tells me that you won't tell her where your honeymoon destination is."

"No, I want it to be a surprise for everyone," Harry said. "I'll tell everyone where it is at the reception."

"She's dying to know," Robert said. "I heard her and Ellie speculating about it the other night. I take it you haven't shared this news with Cho, right?"

"Of course not," Harry replied. "I'm surprised she kept me proposing a secret. We had to blackmail her so she wouldn't."

"Lovely girl that she is, she can't seem to keep her mouth shut," Robert said with a laugh. "And that little girl of hers is going to be a heartbreaker when she grows up."

"Tell me about it," Harry grinned. "And she's already being spoiled rotten by me and Ron."

"That's what godfathers are supposed to do," Robert said. "I really do wish I would have had the opportunity to meet yours. He sounded like a great man."

"He really was," Harry replied.

"What happened to your godfather?" Malcolm suddenly asked.

"He was... in the same line of duty I'm going into," Harry said hastily. "He was killed during a... robbery."

To Harry's surprise, Malcolm looked at him sympathetically. "I'm sorry to hear that, Harry."

Harry tried not to show his shock, but nodded. "Thank you Malcolm."

Malcolm gave a slight smile and turned back around.

Harry shared a surprise glance with Robert as they turned into the driveway. "I hope Hermione and Elinore are back," he said.

"They should be," Robert said, parking the car. "Ellie said they were on their way home when I phoned her."

Harry jumped out of the back seat. "I'll help you with the clubs," he offered as Malcolm wandered towards the house.

"Sorry about Malcolm," Robert said quietly to Harry. "He tends to talk without thinking, sometimes."

"It's all right, Ron does the same thing except he's not crabby all the time," Harry replied.

Robert laughed. "Well, despite his faults, Malcolm does really care about Ellie and Hermione and Lavender. I expect that's why he's the way he is."

"I think so too," Harry nodded. "I guess it's just one of those cases where we just grin and bear it."

"How about we go inside and grin and bear it over some ale?" Robert suggested. "I think we both need it after today."

"A double?" Harry laughed.

"You're on," Robert said laughing as he followed Harry inside the house.

A/N: You guys are all really amazing. 68 reviews for one chapter! That made us both quite happy!! We’re glad you’re all enjoying this fluffy interlude before… part 4 ;) hahaha but we’re not saying ANYTHING about that yet!

Hope you enjoy this next bit and please tell us what you think!!

Hermione couldn't believe she'd allowed Lavender to talk her into this. This was just a waste of time in Hermione's opinion and she would much rather have spent her time shopping in a book store where she could get something much more useful.

"Tell me again why we have to do this?" Hermione asked her cousin. "I have pyjamas."

Lavender rolled her eyes. "Honestly Hermione, every woman needs sexy lingerie for their honeymoon and especially for the wedding night."

"I don't see why," Hermione said logically. "I mean, why spend loads of money on something that is just going to get tossed to the floor?"

Lavender gave her a look. "It's for the appreciation Hermione, honestly."

"Okay, okay," Hermione said, following her cousin into the store. This whole scene reminded her of the time she and Lavender had bought those swimsuits when they were at Hillsdale. She smiled as she remembered wearing that bikini for Harry. Perhaps, Lavender had a point.

"And I know if I wasn't with you, you'd pick out something dowdy or frumpy," Lavender began examining a rack of skimpy lingerie. "Or both."

"Dowdy or frumpy?" Hermione asked, affronted.

Lavender turned to her. "Come on Hermione, you know you don't have the best fashion sense."

"Are you trying to help me or lower my self-esteem?" Hermione asked sarcastically. She watched as her cousin held up a negligee. "Okay, Lavender...that is...that's..."

"Perfect," she tossed the sheer bit of fabric at her cousin.

"This is see-through!" Hermione exclaimed. "I'll look like a tart in something like that!"

"That's the whole point Hermione!" Lavender sounded exasperated.

Hermione put the negligee back on the rack. "I'm not wearing that. I want something sexy, but not trashy. Come on, Lavender. I'm sure we can find something in here that we'll both agree on."

"All right," the blonde turned to another rack. "How about this?" she asked several minutes later, holding up a deep blue silky knickers set.

Hermione looked at it and ran her fingers along the smooth fabric. "That's not bad actually. I like the colour, too."

"Go in and try it on," Lavender encouraged. "I'll take a look around for anything else." she held up her hand. "And before you say anything, no, I promise it won't be trashy."

Hermione nodded and headed off to find the changing rooms.

Lavender smiled after her cousin and swiftly filled her arms with lingerie she thought Hermione might like. "How's it going in there?" she called.

"It's going okay," Hermione said, clasping the bra top.

"Do you like it?" Lavender tossed some of the new things she'd picked out over the door.

Hermione looked at her reflection in the mirror. She'd always liked the colour blue. She had a feeling Harry would like her in this, too. She smiled. "I think this one is a keeper."

"Great!" Lavender said. "You need at least four more."

"Four?" Hermione asked.

"Well you're going on a weeklong honeymoon," Lavender said.

"True," Hermione said, slipping out of the knickers set. She pulled on the lace-trim chemise gown that Lavender had picked out for her. This, too, looked nice on her as well. It was an off-white colour. "This would be really nice for the wedding night."

"Now you're getting the idea," Lavender grinned.

"This would be so much easier if he'd just tell me where we were going," Hermione said, pulling off the gown.

"He won't tell ANYONE," Lavender crossed her arms. "I mean, I can see why he wouldn't tell Cho, but come on, he could spoil the rest of us."

"He's hiding whatever it is really well," Hermione said. "The suspense is killing me."

"Me too," Lavender said. "How's that green one?"

The green one in questions was a silk chemise that also flattered Hermione's figure. Hermione turned around and looked over her shoulder into the mirror. "This one looks nice, too," Hermione said. "I have to hand it to you, Lav. You know what you're talking about."

"Thank you, I accept tips and flattery," Lavender joked.

Hermione laughed. "You'll get both from me. You've been fantastic throughout this whole thing, Lav. You are definitely exceeding my expectations for your maid-of-honour duties."

"I'm glad," Lavender smiled. "And I'll expect the same from you if or when I ever get married."

Hermione was changing back into her own clothes. "Have you and Seamus talked about that?"

"Not really," Lavender replied thoughtfully. "We're both so busy with our careers. I wish we saw more of each other but I suppose once things calm down we'll have plenty of time for that."

"You will," Hermione said, reassuringly.

"Good choice," Lavender nodded approvingly at her cousin's selection. "And you picked out five," she grinned.

"You're feeling really smug right now, aren't you?" Hermione asked.

"I am," Lavender pulled two out of the stack. "These are on me," she said.

"Lav," Hermione started to protest, but her cousin waved her hand dismissively. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Lavender replied. "I'm glad to do it."

Hermione smiled as the salesgirl rung up the order. "I think I may use one of these on a test run with Harry tonight."

Lavender laughed. "No cut-off yet?"

"We have one more week before the cut-off begins," Hermione replied. "I figure I'd go out with a bang, so to speak."

Her cousin laughed. "You are both too much."

A few moments later, she and Lavender walked out of the store, carrying their bags.

"It's been a good day," Lavender said. "We bought stuff."

"Yes, it has," Hermione said. "Now, can we please go to the book shop?"

*** *** ***

Hermione pulled the blue lingerie over her head, letting her hair out of the tie to fall down her back. She liked the way the silky fabric felt on her body and was glad Lavender had talked her into buying it. Harry would be home from training soon and she wanted to surprise him.

Harry unlocked the door and sighed heavily. It had been a particularly trying day at training. They only had a few more days until this round of training was complete and Harry couldn't wait until he had the time off. Kingsley Shacklebolt was a fair teacher, but he was definitely a taskmaster. He absently began going through the post on the table in the foyer.

"Harry..." Hermione called in as sultry a voice as she could manage.

Harry was still rifling through the letters as he came into the living room. He didn't look up as he sank onto the sofa.

Hermione stared at him from across the room where she was lounged in a rather seductive pose on the other sofa. "Harry..." she said again. "Been a long day love?"

"Very long," Harry said absently, tossing the letters onto the coffee table. He leaned back and closed his eyes.

Hermione sat up, swinging her legs over the side. "So long you can't even take a look at your future wife?"

Harry sighed. "I'm sorry, Hermione. It's just that I just had one of the worst days of training. And you wouldn't believe..." his voice trailed off as he had finally opened his eyes and looked property at her. "Whoa..."

"Mmhmm..." Hermione got up and went over to him. "What wouldn't I believe?" she asked, placing herself on his lap.

Harry smiled and ran his hand along the lacy fabric. "Where did you get this?"

"At the store with Lavender," Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Remind me to thank Lavender next time I see her," he said huskily before kissing her.

"That's more like it," Hermione said when they broke apart.

"How many days do we have before we don't get to do this anymore?" he asked.

"I don't know," Hermione was currently pressing her lips to his neck. "A week and a half?"

"We're just going to have to make these remaining days count," he whispered before bringing her lips to his again.

"Yes we will," Hermione kissed him back, her hands moving over his broad shoulders. "I hate it when I wake up in the mornings and you're already gone."

Harry smiled as she worked on the buttons of his shirt. He fought the urge to ravish her then and there. “I’d much rather stay in bed with you...."

"Same here," Hermione arched her back as Harry's fingers slid under the lingerie. She pulled at his shirt and tossed it to the floor, her mouth immediately attacking his.

Harry shifted position so he could lay her back on the sofa. He kissed along her neck and then worked his way down.

Hermione let out several tiny cries as his lips brushed over her skin.

Harry didn't know the number of times that he and Hermione kissed or how many times they'd made love, but he knew it wasn't just his imagination. It did get better every single time.

Hermione moved as Harry began to push up on the tiny nightgown, allowing him to pull it off over her head. "This is an easy one," she grinned, as she wore nothing else.

He looked down at her and laughed. "I take it you bought more than just this one then?"

"Maybe," Hermione pulled him down so she could kiss him again. "But you're going to have to wait for the honeymoon to see them. Where were we going again?"

"How many times do I have to tell you that I'm not going to tell you until the reception?" he asked. "I do give you credit for your efforts to try and get it out of me."

"Come on," Hermione wheedled. "Just a tiny hint?"

"I guess a small hint couldn't hurt," he said grinning down at her.

"Yes!" she would have bounced if her fiancé wasn't situated on top of her.

Harry laughed. "Okay, but you are only getting one hint. Where we're going...it's very warm."

"Its warm here!" she hit his shoulder. "That's not a hint!"

"Okay, where we're going, it's warm...and tropical," he said grinning as he watched her mind at work trying to find out where they were going. "And I made sure that the place we're staying at has a very big bed with great room service."

Hermione shook her head. "You're insufferable Potter. It's a good thing I love you so much."

"I could say the same about you," he said. "You have no idea what satisfaction it brings me to know something you don't."

Hermione hit his shoulder again. "I love you but sometimes I don't like you at all," she pouted.

He laughed. "If this whole seduction scene is what you do when you don't like someone..."

"Sod off," Hermione pulled at his jeans.

"Is there something in there that you want?" he asked teasingly.

"Harry Jr," Hermione nodded.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Let's not tell our friends about that, okay?"

"What?" Hermione asked, a smile growing on her face. "What's wrong with Harry Jr?"

"I had no idea that you named it, is all," he said laughing.

"He should be proud," Hermione continued to pull at his jeans. "He's a very good Jr."

Harry laughed and sat up to pull his jeans off. "Well, he's not too happy that he won't get to see you for two weeks."

"He'll survive," Hermione pulled him to her as he dropped his jeans on the floor.

He kissed her again feeling like the luckiest man on the planet. He didn't know what he'd done to deserve her, but whatever it was he was thankful it brought her into his life. He lifted his hand to her face and caressed her cheek before taking a strand of hair and putting it behind her ear. "I love you," he said softly.

"I love you too," Hermione kissed him gently.

*** *** ***

While Hermione was away at a last-minute fitting for her dress, Harry had invited his side of the wedding party over to the cottage for some planning of their own. Ostensibly, that's what they were doing, but the wedding hadn't come up much in conversation. Ron had yet to arrive and Neville and Seamus were tossing popcorn at each other's mouths. Harry was talking about football with Luke. Luke had agreed to fill in for Dean Thomas, who was going to be out of town during the wedding.

"So where are you guys taking me?" Harry asked, turning away from Luke to look at the rest of his groomsmen. "Considering my best man hasn't even shown up yet."

Neville grinned. "And your best man is the one who will be keeping the rings, right? This doesn't bode well for the wedding day."

"I wonder if he'd be angry if I changed my mind," Harry was only half joking.

"He just might be," Neville said, wincing as Seamus threw some popcorn at him that hit him in the eye. "Hey!"

"Give the guy a break," Seamus said in defence. "He's got Fred and George at the shop this week and no doubt they're using him as a test subject again."

"Poor Ron," Neville said, shuddering. The door opened and everyone laughed. Ron was notorious for never knocking. Ron, however, didn't look to be in much of a good mood. Without a word to anyone, he sank down onto one of the sofas beside Luke.

"Sorry I'm late," Ron muttered.

"What's the story this time?" Harry asked.

"You don't even want to know," Ron said, shaking his head.

"Sure we do," Harry got comfortable on the sofa. "We're your friends Ron."

Ron sighed. "You want to know who you're looking at? I'm not just Ron Weasley, mates. I am Draco-Sodding-Malfoy's brother-in-law is what I am."

Harry, Seamus and Neville all stared at him with their jaws dropped. Luke was confused. "Who's Draco Sodding Malfoy?" he asked.

"A member of my family now," Ron said angrily.

"And that's a bad thing?" Luke asked.

Harry nodded vehemently. "Very bad. Draco Malfoy is... well he's like Gordon Devereaux, only not psychotic."

"Mum's beside herself," Ron continued. "Ginny broke the news in a letter. Can you believe that? A letter! And that's not even the best part...."

"Why doesn't this surprise me," Seamus muttered.

"She's pregnant, too," Ron said crossly. "Mum was beside herself over the fact that her only daughter got married without any family present...but the pregnancy was the tip of the iceberg. Ginny said she doesn't plan on coming home anytime soon because she knows we won't accept her or her husband...Merlin, just thinking about it makes me sick."

Harry winced. "That's... just..." he shook his head.

"I'm not surprised," Seamus interrupted. "After what she did this past summer to you and Hermione, not to mention what Ron had to do... she's really a complete stranger now."

"We all sort of figured Malfoy would get tired of Ginny and she'd come back home," Ron said, sighing. "But, I guess if you can say anything good about this, at least the bastard did the right thing this time..." Ron's voice trailed off as he looked at Neville. "Oh, Nev. I'm sorry, I didn't mean..."

"It's all right," Neville said. "I'm glad he did what he did. Otherwise Cho and Chiaki wouldn't be mine."

"That's true," Ron said, feeling better. He looked around at his friends. "Hey, I'm sorry I brought all of you down, too. Let's talk about something else."

"All right," Harry agreed, knowing Ron didn't want to talk about the situation anymore.

"Did we want to tell Harry where we're taking him?" Seamus asked. "We could just surprise him."

"Hey don't surprise me," Harry said. "I want to know where we're going the night before the wedding!"

"So he can clear it with Hermione," Seamus teased. "She's had him whipped from day one."

"Damn right she has," Harry grinned. "And Seamus I wouldn't talk. You're Lavender's lapdog."

Ron guffawed. "He's got you there, Seamus."

"Another one who shouldn't say anything," Harry teased.

"Sod off, Potter," Ron said scowling at him.

"It's a good thing Ron," Harry said. "Luna's a good thing."

"You're right," Ron said, relaxing. "She's a very good thing."

"Alright, let's vote here." Neville took charge. "Tell Harry or don't tell Harry?"

"Tell him," Seamus said. "As long as he promises not to clear it with the old ball and chain..."

"Uh oh," Harry said. "That doesn't sound good."

Ron, Seamus, Luke and Neville exchanged smug looks. "Hermione probably wouldn't approve," Neville said. "In fact, if Cho found out, I'd probably be sleeping on the sofa."

"Fine, so bloody tell me already!" Harry was getting impatient.

"I kind of like the idea of keeping him in suspense," Ron said laughing.

Harry glared at him. "It's not too late to make someone else best man," he said.

"Okay," Ron said, his smile fading. "Okay. Let's tell him."

Harry sat up eagerly much like Paddington when given a treat.

"Okay, well we thought we'd start the night off at a pub," Seamus began. "Get the tame stuff out of the way first, you know?"

"Right," Harry nodded.

"After that," Neville looked at Ron. "Be ready for a night at the Veela Snatch," all the men started laughing.

"I've never been there before," Luke said grinning. "And as far as Anna knows, I've still never been there. She'd kill me."

"Exactly," Neville said. "So it's only a guy's night, and we don't tell the girls anything. Ever."

"Do you think we have a death wish?" Seamus asked. "I have no plans on mentioning this to Lavender, but you know they're going to ask. I say we just tell them we spent the night getting pissed and playing darts or some rubbish like that."

"Well we can also say that we aren't asking THEM what they're doing with Hermione," Ron said reasonably.

"True," Luke said. "We can say we'll tell them, if they tell us first..."

Harry laughed. "That'll keep them quiet." he snickered. "This will be great though. I'm really looking forward to it."

"Looking forward to what?" Hermione asked, coming into the room. No one had heard her come inside. When no one answered her, she looked at Harry. "Why do I get the feeling I just walked in on something?"

"Because you did," Harry jumped up and kissed her cheek. "And no, we're not telling you what it is. It's a guy thing."

"Harry James Potter," Hermione said, folding her arms.

"Hermione Jane Granger," Harry imitated her.

"You had better not get pissed the night before our wedding or pass out beside some stripper," Hermione said sternly. "And if any of you lot get him that way, you'll have to answer to me. Have you got that?"

"Yes dear," Harry said, actually afraid at the look in her eyes. "And I'll have a sobering potion ready just in case."

"You had better," Hermione said. Seamus snickered from behind Hermione's back and mimed striking a whip.

Ron snickered and tried desperately to turn it into a cough. "I've got to get to the shop," he said, standing up. "Harry, I'll leave you to tell Hermione the GREAT news," his words were tinged with sarcasm.

"Great news?" Hermione asked, confused as she watched the other men scurry off as well. "I sure do know how to clear a room, don't I?"

"Aye well..." Harry sat down on the sofa. "Once you hear the news you'll know why they left."

Hermione sat down beside him. "Bad news?"

"You could say that." Harry replied. "Ginny sent a letter home telling her parents that she married Draco Malfoy,"

"You're kidding!" Hermione said, cupping her hand over her mouth. "It's just I never thought he'd marry her..."

"None of us did either," Harry replied grimly. "And that's not even the worst of it. Ginny's pregnant."

"Pregnant?" Hermione asked.

"Pregnant," Harry nodded. "And she told them that she's not coming home because she knows they hate Malfoy." he shook his head.

Hermione shook her head, trying to process this information. She hadn't thought too much about Ginny since they'd left Hillsdale. Although she knew the girl was Ron's sister, she never saw herself ever being able to forget or forgive all the terrible things Ginny had done. "I hope she doesn't come back. I'd be happy if we never had to see her ever again."

"Same here," Harry said.

"When I think about what she tried to do..." Hermione said, but her voice trailed off.

"I know," Harry slid his arms around her. "But at least it didn't work."

Hermione rested her head on his shoulder. "I know."

Harry kissed the side of her head. "How did your fitting go?"

"Great," Hermione said, yawning. "Lavender's finished."

"That's great," Harry said. "I can't wait to see you in it."

"And out of it, too, right?" she asked teasingly.

"Of course," Harry grinned. "By then I'll be nice and randy thanks to your little idea."

"Hey, you went along with my little idea," she reminded him.

"Not willingly," Harry replied.

"But you did because you knew it meant so much to me," she said, grinning at him.

"Right," Harry sighed. "Bloody guilt me about it for the rest of our lives if I didn't go along with it."

Hermione looked at him with a hurt expression on her face. She shook her head and shrugged out of his grasp and got to her feet. "I'm going to go upstairs."

"Hey now," Harry caught her hand. "I was only joking Hermione."

"No, you weren't," Hermione said angrily. "Every time I've mentioned it, you've had something smart to say."

"I'm sorry," Harry apologised. "It's like I said the day you brought it up, if it's that important to you then it's important to me too."

"No, it's not," Hermione said. "You think it's stupid. You'd think I was asking you to go without for a year instead of a couple of weeks."

Harry felt ashamed as she pulled her hand away and stomped up the stairs. "Hermione!" he called, running up after her. "Come on sweetheart I'm sorry. I won't make any more jokes about it."

Hermione slammed the bedroom door in his face.

"Hermione!" Harry pushed it open, starting to get irritated. "What do you want me to say dammit? I told you I was sorry and I said I'd stop joking around about it! I didn't know you'd get so angry! I'm not a bloody mind reader!"

"But you knew how important this was to me, but you kept on making your snide remarks about it," Hermione said, rounding on him.

"I'll stop!" Harry said. "I told you downstairs that I'll stop doing it if it bothers you that much!"

Hermione walked away from him and sat down on the edge of the bed. "I'm sorry for getting so upset," she said quietly.

Harry sat down next to her. "I'm sorry for making the remarks. I know this is important to you all right?"

Hermione nodded. "It's just been a really hectic couple of days and I think the stress is catching up to me."

Harry pulled her close as he had downstairs. "It's all right," he said. "We were bound to have those little pre wedding arguments sooner or later."

"Things had been going too well, hadn't they?" she said with a laugh.

"Just a little," Harry grinned.

"I've got an idea," Hermione said suddenly. "How about we spend tonight not worrying about the wedding or wedding details. We just veg out in front of the telly and order pizza and just have a quiet night in?"

"That sounds good to me," Harry agreed. "I was supposed to meet Neville and some other trainees but I'll owl and cancel."

"You don't have to cancel," Hermione said. "We could do it another night."

"No I want to," Harry insisted. "I'd rather be with you."

"I was hoping you'd say that," she said, kissing him.

"Do that again and I'll be your slave the rest of the night," Harry said, winding his arms around her waist.

"Really?" she asked grinning mischievously at him.

"Uh huh," Harry said. "Really,"

"What would I have to do to find out what the guys are planning for your bachelor party?" she asked.

Harry's face fell. "I'll DO anything, not SAY anything." he recovered quickly.

"Damn," Hermione said, leaning back on the bed and pulling him down with her. "I guess I'll have to think of another way to get it out of you then..."

"Well what are you girls doing that night?" Harry countered.

"We're just having another sleepover at Ron and Luna's," Hermione said simply. "We'll probably watch a few movies, do each other's hair...that sort of thing."

Harry stared at her. "That's all you're doing? I don’t believe that for a minute."

"It's the truth!" Hermione said defensively. "What did you think we were going to do? Go to some club and watch some greasy bloke with muscles take his clothes off? No thank you..."

"I'm sure Lavender will make plans for one to come to you then," Harry said. "She's not the type to have a quiet night in when she has the right to take you out and get you pissed."

"The only greasy bloke with muscles I'd like to see take his clothes off is you," Hermione said truthfully. "Not that you're greasy, of course. But you know what I mean."

"Aye I do," Harry leaned down and kissed her. "Is this your way of telling me you'd like me to take my clothes off?" he grinned wickedly.

"Saw right through me, didn't you?" she asked.

"I know you pretty well by now," Harry laughed.

"As I know you," she said, turning him over and straddling him. She began to make quick work of his buttons.

Harry let her undress him, and then it was his turn. He slowly worked her jumper over her head, purposely taking a long time. "What happened to our quiet evening with pizza?" he asked, running his hands around her back to unclasp her bra.

"We'll get to that," she said softly. "Eventually."

*** *** ***

Harry had never been so relieved to have a training session end as he was with this one. Every muscle in his body ached and he wanted nothing more than to get in the door and have Hermione give him a massage. He slid his key into the lock and opened the door. "Hermione?" he called. "Are you home yet?"

"In the living room," she called out. She had spent most of the morning taking it easy and was at the moment camped out in front of the television watching an old movie.

Harry fell onto the sofa beside her. "I'm finished," he mumbled.

"You look awful," Hermione said sympathetically.

"Thanks a lot," Harry positioned himself so his head was in her lap. He gave her his best puppy dog expression.

Hermione tried her best to ignore him as he stared up at her with that begging look on his face. "Harry, the movie's nearly over...can't you wait five minutes and I promise I will give you one of my patented Granger massages."

"Okay," Harry grinned as she began to run her fingers through his hair while she concentrated on her film. He watched her and caught one of her hands in his, bringing it to his lips. "Only two weeks left," he said softly.

Hermione smiled down at him. "Two weeks..."

"I can't wait," Harry replied.

"Neither can I," she said. "We're going to be an old married couple."

Harry laughed. "Look at Cho and Neville. No one can call them an old married couple. And we have more sex than they do."

"Yes, but they'll be having more than us for two weeks at least," Hermione teased, as the closing credits to the movie came on the screen.

"What?" Harry was momentarily confused. "Oh..." he closed his mouth before he could let any other words slip out.

"Good boy," Hermione said, patting him on the head. "Are you ready for your massage now?"

"Sure," Harry felt slightly less enthused now that he realised what wouldn't be accompanying his massage.

Harry sat up and Hermione turned him to the side so she could sit behind him. "It would probably be easier if you took off your shirt," she said.

"Right," Harry began to pull it over his head. "Help me?" he asked.

Hermione laughed as she helped him pull the shirt over his head. She noticed he had some bruises on his shoulder. "Harry! Did you get these today from training?"

"Probably," Harry winced. "It was brutal."

Hermione kissed his left shoulder. "Let me know if I hurt you," she said, as she started to massage his shoulders.

"Okay," Harry let his head droop forward as her hands worked over his upper body. "Merlin that feels so good," he muttered.

"You're really tense," she said softly. "You know what you need?"

"What?" he asked, knowing what he needed but not wanting to say it aloud- he knew that would make her angry.

"A good night's sleep," she said firmly.

"Maybe," Harry said. "I can't wait to sleep in tomorrow, that's for sure."

Hermione leaned in and as she did so, her breath tickled his neck. She certainly wasn't making this easy on him and a part of him wondered if she knew exactly what she was doing.

"How's that feel?" she asked throatily.

"Amazing," Harry grunted, trying to think of anything to keep from being turned on at her touch.

Hermione smiled. "Admit it, Potter. This is the only reason you want to marry me, isn't it? Unlimited massages?"

Harry smiled, his eyes closed. "Maybe," he teased.

"You'll pay for that one, Potter," she said, moving her hands down to his waist and tickling him. He was too quick for her though as he quickly had turned the situation back in his favour to where he was right on top of her. "Harry, let me up!" she said laughing.

"Gotcha," Harry grinned before leaning down to kiss her.

Things quickly started to get out of hand as Harry deftly worked his hand under Hermione’s t-shirt.

"Harry," Hermione started to protest between kisses. "We should probably stop..."

Harry immediately pulled his hand out of her clothes. "All right," he said. "Sorry..."

"It's okay," she said breathlessly. "It is the first day of the cut-off..."

Harry sat up, moving down the sofa. "These next two weeks aren't going to be easy are they?" he asked.

"No," Hermione admitted, sitting up. "But we're going to be strong and get through it. I just keep telling myself the wedding night will be fantastic."

"Aye," Harry said. "That's what's keeping me going."

Hermione tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Did you want me to continue with the massage or are you all set?"

"Keep going for just a little while longer?" Harry asked.

"Sure," Hermione said, still a little flustered by what had just happened. Again, she reminded herself that by denying themselves now it would make the wedding night all the more special.

For the next ten minutes she worked her hands over his shoulders and neck. "There..." Harry felt the last knot loosen. "You're fantastic you know that?"

"I've got magic hands," she quipped. "Merlin that was a terrible pun wasn't it?"

"Yes it was," Harry laughed. "But you're so gorgeous that you're forgiven."

Hermione grinned. "Are you flirting with me? Because if you are, I will have you know that I am engaged."

"You're engaged?" Harry asked, pretending to be surprised. "Who's the lucky bloke?"

"He's only the most charming, most handsome, most wonderful bloke in the entire world," Hermione said dreamily with a dramatic air.

"Sounds like a real winner," Harry leaned in and gave her another kiss before pulling his shirt back on.

"Oh, he is," Hermione said, nodding. "I'm a lucky girl."

"And I'm a lucky guy," Harry kissed her again. "Thank you for the massage."

"You're quite welcome," Hermione said, looping her arms around his neck. "You do realize that I expect to be paid back for that."

"Oh?" Harry wound his arms around her waist. "And what will you be seeking for your payment?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" she asked coyly. This time, it was she who initiated a kiss.

"Not just that I hope," Harry said after they broke apart. "The massage was worth far more than just a kiss."

"Do you have any idea how badly I would love to go upstairs with you right now?" she asked.

"I have a pretty good idea," Harry said. "But I know... the wedding night will be far better..."

"Exactly," Hermione replied. "This isn't going to be easy. I was thinking I might move in with my parents until after the wedding."

"What?" Harry sat up straight. "You can't do that!"

"It would be easier," Hermione said. "You've not been home an hour and on the very first day of our cut-off---we've not been able to keep our hands off of each other, Harry."

"But we haven't had sex," Harry replied. "And I don't intend on breaking our agreement either."

"I just don't want us to be tempted," Hermione said.

"Are you saying that you could sleep alone for the next two weeks?" Harry asked.

"No," she admitted.

"I can't either," Harry replied. "It's like you said that first day we talked about this, it's all about self control," he leaned back and shook his head. "I don't want you to leave, but I can't go the next two weeks without touching you or kissing you either."

"So what should we do?" she asked.

Harry grinned. "I have an idea," she moved off him and sat down. "Close your eyes."

"What? Why?" she asked confused.

"Just do it," Harry got up. Once he made sure her eyes were closed, he grabbed the pillow off the side of the sofa.

"What on earth are you doing?" she asked with her eyes still closed.

Harry bit his lower lip to keep from laughing. "I know how we can work off sexual frustration," he said. Without waiting for her reply, he hit her square in the face with the pillow.

"Ow!" Hermione said, falling back onto the couch. "Harry!"

"Come on," Harry cracked up at the look on her face. He tossed the other pillow at her.

"How old are you?" she asked, looking at him bemusedly. "You can't seriously think I'm going to hit you with this. I haven't had a pillow fight since I was six."

Harry swung out again and caught her side. "Come on Granger, don't be scared," he said cockily.

"Harry James Potter," she retorted. "If you hit me with that again, I'll just have to..."

Harry grinned and hit her again. "You'll have to what?"

"Lay you out," Hermione said, swinging at him with all of her might and hitting him square on the face with her pillow.

Harry was still laughing as he set his glasses on the table. "You have a bit of an advantage now," he said. "You're a big blur."

"Afraid of getting beat by a girl?" Hermione asked teasingly, striking him again on the back with her pillow.

"No," Harry got her on the stomach. "Never have been," he smirked at her.

"Never been beaten by a girl? Or never been afraid of getting beaten by a girl?" Hermione asked, moving out of the way as he came at her again.

"Neither," Harry missed her but quickly turned around and nailed her side.

"Hey!" Hermione said, laughing. "Okay, okay. Truce?"

"Truce?" Harry asked. "I'm half blind here and YOU want a truce?"

"Just wanted to see if you'd fall for it," she said, hitting him upside the head again. "This is actually quite fun."

"I'm an Auror in training," Harry growled playfully. "I trust no one."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "I forgot...CONSTANT VIGILANCE!"

Harry nearly fell over laughing. "You sounded just like Moody!" he clutched his stomach, the pillow lying forgotten to his side.

"Did I really?" Hermione asked, laughing.

"Yes," he reached over and pulled her onto the sofa. She hit him again over the head before dropping her pillow. "You win," he said, retrieving his glasses.

"That was fun," Hermione said, still laughing.

"Aye it was," Harry said. "And we worked off a bit of stress didn't we?"

"That we did," Hermione agreed. "So do you feel better?"

"I do," Harry nodded. "And I hope you do too. I don't want to hear any more about you moving out."

"You won't," Hermione said, resting her head on his shoulder. "It was a moment of temporary insanity on my part."

"Right," Harry kissed the side of her head. "What say we throw something together for dinner? I'm starving now."

"I could always make the only thing I know how to make," Hermione suggested. "And you do like it..."

"I do," Harry nodded. "Come on," he grabbed her hand.

Author's note: Thank you all so much for the response we've gotten in this story. It is four chapters---and that's not going to change. We've already finished this story and are hard at work on Part IV. Ginny and Draco will play a BIG role in that one, but you aren't going to hear anymore from them in this story. As always we appreciate all your thoughts and comments---please continue to review!

Hermione was standing in the closet throwing some items in her overnight bag---a pair of pyjamas, her dressing gown, her shoes. The bachelorette party her friends had planned was taking place at Ron and Luna's flat. After the party, Hermione and the rest of her wedding party were going to stay at Luna's.

She couldn't believe that the next time she set foot in this cottage, she'd be a married woman. Harry entered the closet and started absently going through his jumpers and shirts. "Hot date?" Hermione asked teasingly.

"What makes you think that?" Harry joked.

"Well, this is the second time you've come back in here to find something to wear," Hermione answered, trying to hide a laugh. "Where on earth are they taking you that you're so worried about what to wear?"

"Nice try Granger," Harry replied with a grin, taking a dark blue shirt off a hanger. "But for the last time, I'm not telling you where we're going tonight. Just as I still don't believe you when you say you're only staying at Ron and Luna's."

"I don't see why," Hermione said, pouting. "I AM going to Ron and Luna's. I told you we're just having a simple sleepover. I imagine the wildest thing we'll do tonight is putting mud on our faces or something like that."

Harry laughed. "Right," he pulled off his t shirt and slid the other one on, buttoning it up the front. "We're just going to some club, they won't tell me where yet."

Hermione nodded, unconvinced. She decided to have a little fun with her fiancé. "Um, Harry. I hope you don't mind, but my mum thought it might be nice if my dad and grandpa came along with you tonight."

"Say what?" Harry spun around.

"I thought I'd mentioned that," Hermione said, turning away from him so he wouldn't see her trying to keep her laughter at bay. "My dad was really excited about it, too. He thinks it will be just the thing you lot need to bring you closer together. Grandpa was really excited about it, too. He's not had a proper night on the town in ages."

Harry narrowed his eyes at her. "You know, I think you just might be pulling my leg here Granger."

"I most certainly am not," Hermione said seriously. "If this is such an innocent night on the town, I wouldn't imagine you'd mind having my dad and grandpa come along."

"Since when would your grandfather like doing ANYTHING involving me?" Harry asked, crossing his arms.

Hermione couldn't hide it any longer. He certainly had her there. "You should have seen the look on your face!" she said, laughing.

Harry growled playfully and ran towards her. "You think you're hilarious don't you?" He dropped her unceremoniously on the bed.

"That I do," she said giggling.

Harry kissed her. "You know, the next time we're on this bed we'll be married," he moved his mouth over her neck.

"One more day," Hermione said happily. "It seems like only yesterday you were teaching me how to dance...and look at us now."

"I know," Harry laughed, digging his fingers into her hair. "What a crazy turn life has taken hasn't it?"

"Yes it has," Hermione said, kissing him.

Harry pulled her over on top of him, opening her lips to kiss her deeply. "I can't wait for tomorrow... and tomorrow night," he grinned wickedly.

"Me too," she whispered. "I've missed being with you, but it really will be worth it tomorrow night. I promise."

"I know it will," Harry brushed her hair back. "Otherwise I wouldn't have gone along with the whole deal..." he laughed so she wouldn't think he was serious.

She smiled down at him. "Just promise me one thing...you'll behave yourself tonight. I don't want you hung over tomorrow afternoon at the altar."

"We've got a potion brewing already just in case." Harry replied.

The doorbell chimed downstairs and Hermione groaned. "Well, we know that's not Ron..."

Harry grunted as she got off him. "I want you to behave yourself too tonight," he grinned cockily at her.

"I will," she said, sliding off the bed. She went into the closet and retrieved her bag. When she came back out, she found Harry still sitting on the bed. She smiled at him. "I guess this is it."

"This is it," Harry nodded. He leaned over and gave her one last kiss. "Have fun tonight okay?"

"You too," she said softly. "But not too much fun---if you know what I mean."

"Right," Harry replied. "Exactly."

"Okay, well I'll see you tomorrow afternoon," she said, still standing in front of the bed. "I'll be the one down front with the veil."

"And I'll be the one hyperventilating at the altar," he joked.

"I'll make sure Ron has a paper bag for you," Hermione said, punching him hard on the arm.

He laughed. "See you tomorrow," he kissed her again.

Hermione smiled and headed for the door. "Behave yourself," she called over her shoulder.

"That goes double for you!" Harry shot back.

"Good night, Mr. Potter," Hermione said to him.

"Good night future Mrs. Potter," Harry called cheekily.

*** *** ***

Ron laughed as his best friend downed the pint he had just gotten. "That's a boy Harry!" he shouted over the loud music.

Seamus motioned for the bartender to get them another round. "I should have brought my camera along to film this for posterity."

"What and have the girls see this a few years down the road?" Ron snorted. "Definitely not one of your better ideas Finnigan."

"Couple of years down the road?" Seamus asked, shaking his head. "I was thinking we'd show this at the reception tomorrow."

Neville shook his head. "Not a good idea Seamus, not with Hermione's father there. He'd behead both you AND Harry. We don't want Hermione to be a widow already do we?" he grinned at Harry.

"Don't mention her grandfather!" Ron interjected before Harry could respond. "That man is scary! And we're supposed to be having a good time!"

"Right," Neville raised his glass. "Get the groom another drink!

"So this is your very last night on earth as a bachelor," Ron said as the bartender handed Harry another pint. "You'll sleep with the same woman---night after night, day after day."

"You say that like it's such a bad thing," Harry replied.

"I didn't say it was good or bad," Ron said defensively. "Hell, I'd be lucky if Luna was the only woman I ever slept with..."

"That's because Luna's the only woman who'd have him," Luke said cheekily.

Harry laughed at his redheaded friend. "Are you saying you plan on sleeping around Ron?"

"No," Ron said, shoving Harry. "I didn't say that at all. You know that I never know how to articulate...I love Luna...only Luna."

"And Susan Bones, and Padma Patil, and Pansy Parkinson," Seamus grinned at him. "Ron's been in love a lot," he told Luke.

"PANSY PARKINSON?" Neville practically screamed. "I never knew you went out with her! Ron, she was a Slytherin!"

"I didn't!" Ron's face was bright red even in the dimly lit club. "Seamus is just being a prick."

"You used to talk about her in your sleep," Seamus continued grinning. "We saw him staring across the Great Hall at her a couple of times, too."

Harry slugged down some of his pint. "I remember that," he nodded. "Ron was a lovesick fool."

"I never liked her!" Ron said defensively.

"You did too," Harry chortled.

"Did not!" Ron retorted. "What are you looking so smug about, Finnigan? As I recall, you once said that in the right light Millicent Bulstrode was and I quote--quite pretty."

Now it was Seamus's turn to turn red. "That was in second year before she got huge," he muttered.

Luke laughed. "Well, what about Harry? Who did he fancy when you were at school?"

Ron grinned. "Let's see, you started with Cho..." he began

"He went to the Yule Ball with Parvati Patil," Neville chimed in.

"You really didn't have a lot of time for stuff like that though," Seamus said a bit thoughtfully.

"I guess a little thing like saving the world could sort of create havoc on your love life," Neville teased good-naturedly.

"Aye," Harry lifted his glass. "But now I've got the best girl in the world and she's marrying me tomorrow!"

"Here, here!" Neville said, raising his glass.

Harry drank his pint down again as Ron shouted encouragement. "My head's starting to spin," he moaned.

"Mission accomplished," Ron said proudly. "But maybe we should CUT HIM OFF until the Veela Snatch."

"Shut the fuck up Ron," Harry replied. "I'll be getting it good tomorrow night."

"Play your cards right and you may get it good tonight," Ron teased. "I'm only kidding, of course."

"I promised to be good," Harry said.

"And we were all threatened by his fiancée that we had to make sure he keeps that promise," Neville reminded the group.

"She can be a bit scary when she's mad," Neville said.

"A bit scary?" Ron asked. "You obviously have never eaten her biscuits or came in to the cottage without knocking..."

Harry grinned. "I forgot about that time you ate all her biscuits," he laughed. "Ron was shaking so hard his knees were knocking."

"She was about as bad as her grandfather," Ron said, shaking his head. "At least we know where she gets it from."

"Hey," Harry frowned. "That's my fiancée you're talking about."

"I wonder what the girls are doing right now," Neville said, standing in between his two friends. "Ron, did you get anything out of Luna?"

"Not a word," he shook his head.

"Lavender looked pretty smug when I saw her," Seamus said. "She's up to something."

*** *** ***

"Hermione!" Lavender sang out. "Are you ready for the best evening of your non married life?"

"The best evening of my non married life was spent with Harry," Hermione said grinning at her cousin.

Lavender made a face. "Fine, second best."

"Actually the second best was also spent with Harry," Hermione said laughing.

Everyone else laughed as Lavender rolled her eyes. "Well fine, for the LAST night of your non married life, which is NOT spent with Harry... I have a surprise for you."

Hermione frowned. "Oh no. Lavender, please tell me you didn't..."

Lavender laughed. "Oh I did, Hermione."

"Lavender!" Anna squealed. "You didn't tell us you were doing that!"

"Surprise!" she clapped her hands together.

"But we're not dressed for...you know," Hermione protested. "We're sitting here in pyjamas!"

"Like they care Hermione," Lavender tossed her blonde hair over her shoulder. “They’re getting paid and that's all that matters." she turned. "Come on out!" she called.

Luna grinned excitedly as she looked at Hermione who was covering her eyes. "Yeah, come on out!" Luna called out.

Anna stared at both of them. "Are you both mad?" she whispered.

"Come on, Anna!" Luna said, swatting her friend on the arm. "There's no telling what our men are doing at this very moment. Why shouldn't we have a bit of fun, too?"

"But I don't think they're doing THIS!" she whispered back.

"I KNOW they're probably doing this," Luna whispered back as Lavender turned on some music. "This will help us forget."

"I know they're doing something like this, if I know Seamus and Ron at all," Lavender grinned as two of her male models came sauntering out of the kitchen.

"Oh my!" Cho said, fanning herself as the first one started dancing in front of her. "I'm not the bride-to-be. You want the brunette over there covering her eyes."

"Hermione I'd like you to meet Beau," Lavender indicated the blond. "And this is Paul," she grinned at the brown haired man. "They're your entertainers for the evening."

Hermione dropped her hands from her eyes and reluctantly stood up. "It's nice to meet you both," she said quietly, glaring over Paul's shoulder at Lavender.

Anna was still watching with her hand clapped over her mouth as Lavender and Luna began laughing and dancing in the middle of the room. "Come on Hermione!"

"We heard you could dance," Paul said encouragingly to Hermione.

"I... yeah I guess I can," Hermione allowed both men to help her up. "I've never danced with anyone but Harry though," her face was red.

"That's not true," Cho teased. "You danced with Dudley!"

Hermione glared at her. "Thanks for reminding me. My feet still haven't forgiven me."

"Come on, Hermione," Luna said, pushing her friend toward Paul. "Show him what you can do."

"That's okay," Hermione felt shy. "I'd rather watch you two."

Paul shook his head. "But they're not the ones getting married...you are." Before Hermione knew what he was doing, he'd spun her around and pulled her close.

Hermione gasped as he pressed himself against her. "Merlin!" she said aloud.

"If Harry could see her now," Lavender whispered to Cho. She laughed as Beau was dancing with Luna and also trying to get Anna involved, but Anna was shaking her head and laughing.

"He'd probably kill us," Cho replied. "Although I have it on good authority that they're at a club tonight..."

"Which one?" Lavender asked.

"I told Neville I didn't like him going there," Cho leaned in. "They're at the Veela Snatch!"

"THE VEELA SNATCH!" Lavender exclaimed. Hermione stopped dead in her tracks and looked at Cho.

"That's where they are?" Hermione asked, pushing Paul away.

"No," Lavender covered. "We were just talking about how nasty that place is that's all."

"That's where they are, isn't it?" Hermione asked. She shook her head and for a few moments, Lavender and Cho wondered if Hermione was plotting storming that particular club and dragging Harry out by his ear. To their surprise, Hermione pressed herself against Paul and began dancing with him again.

"Oh my goodness," Cho said quietly.

Hermione was dancing with Paul, but her mind was racing with questions. Her fiancé had gone without sex for two weeks. Tonight, he'd have beautiful women dancing in front of him. She kept telling herself that Harry wouldn't be unfaithful any more than she would. Besides, she told herself, she trusted him.

"Wow you must really be angry," Paul winked at her.

"Just a little," Hermione admitted.

"You're Harry Potter's fiancée right?" he asked.

"I was until I found out where he was tonight," Hermione joked.

"Oh come on," Paul dipped her back. "I've seen those articles about you two, before I even worked for Lavender. The bloke's crazy about you."

"I know," Hermione said, feeling slightly better. "I'm just telling myself to trust him."

"I'm sure you can," Paul smiled. "And don't be mad at Lavender, Beau and I are harmless. We saw her plotting for a stripper and convinced her to use us instead. We can both use the bonuses."

"I'm not mad," Hermione said as he spun her around again. "I just wish I'd had a little advanced warning, but it was meant to be a surprise and I'm actually having a nice time."

"Good," Paul pulled her close again.

"I can't believe that's where they went," Lavender was saying to Cho as they watched Hermione and Paul dancing. "I have half a mind to go over there and spy on them."

"Should we?" Cho grinned. "I'm very tempted."

"I say we do it," Lavender said conspiratorially. "And I imagine everyone else would go along with it."

*** *** ***

Harry watched with wide eyes at the scene in front of him. He was in quite a drunken haze at the moment but still enjoying himself immensely.

"Doesn't that one look just like Fleur?" Ron asked drunkenly. He shuddered as he remembered that Fleur was now his sister-in-law.

"I guess," Seamus was also quite pissed. "By the way Ron how is your newest in law?" he began laughing as did Harry.

"Pregnant," Ron said, laughing. "Again."

"Malfoy’s pregnant?" Harry stared at him in horror. "Am I missing something here?"

"I thought you were talking about Fleur," Ron slurred. "And thanks for ruining my buzz Finnigan by bringing up Draco Mal... what was his name again?"

Seamus snorted. "Your newest in law and you think it's Fleur," he laughed. "Malfoy Ron, Malfoy. Like your sister's name is now Ginny Malfoy."

Ron groaned. "I can't believe of all people---Draco Sodding Malfoy."

Harry laughed at him. "And you're related to him now," he teased.

"Not by blood," Ron pointed out. "If you'd just fallen for my sister, you could have prevented this mess, Harry."

"No thanks," Harry replied. "I liked her as a friend until she turned into a Malfoy clone and tried to break up me and Hermione."

Seamus nodded and motioned for a waitress to bring them another round. As he did so, he thought he caught sight of someone who looked suspiciously like Lavender.

"What are you looking at?" Harry noticed Seamus staring into the back of the room from their front row seats.

"I thought I saw Lavender," Seamus answered, laughing. "But I'm probably hallucinating...or whatever."

Harry looked where Seamus had been staring. "Wait a minute, I think I saw her too!"

"That can't be her though," Seamus slurred. "She's at Loony's."

"Luna's," Ron said, stumbling in his seat. "LUNA."

"Lavender!" Hermione hissed, dragging her cousin behind a wall. "If you keep doing that, they're going to see us!"

"I think Seamus already DID see me," she replied. "But he's probably too pissed to realise it."

"Would you look at that girl?" Luna whispered behind Hermione. "Did you see how she was pawing at Ronald? And he certainly seemed to be enjoying himself, too."

"I don't think Ron realises what's going on," Anna said, peering over Lavender's shoulder. "I don't think Luke does either, and I can't tell if I'm angry or relieved about it."

Cho ventured out from behind the wall to get a glimpse of Neville who was laughing at something Seamus was saying to him. She was relieved to see that out of the group, he seemed to be the one on his best behaviour.

Lavender, who was laughing at something Luna had said gasped as she saw one of the girls onstage come down and plop herself on Harry's lap. "Hermione!" she poked her cousin.

"What?" Hermione asked peering out. Her mouth dropped open as she watched the girl put her arms around Harry's neck.

Harry was almost too pissed to realise at first what the girl was doing. "Um hey..." he uttered. He tried to push the girl away.

"We could go in the back," the girl whispered in his ear. "If you prefer privacy..."

"I'm..." Harry turned his face as the girl tried to lean in. "Hey I'm getting married tomorrow!'

"You're not married yet," the girl pointed out.

Harry pushed her hands down as she tried to run her fingers through his hair. "I may as well be," he said. "I love my fiancée and I'd never cheat on her. Sorry."

The girl simply smiled at him and shrugged her shoulders before getting off his lap. "If you change your mind, I'll be over there."

"I won't," Harry shook his head. She sauntered away and he turned to glare at Ron. "Please tell me you didn't put her up to that."

"I didn't," Ron said. "But hey...you are the Harry Potter."

Harry rolled his eyes. "She killed my buzz."

Hermione leaned against the wall and smiled at what she'd just seen. "Let's go back to Luna's. I've seen enough."

Cho shook her head. "You've got him totally whipped Hermione. I absolutely love it."

"I don't know about all that," Hermione said with a contented sigh.

"Of course you do," Lavender took a deep breath of the night air. "It's no secret to anyone Hermione. I've never ever seen a guy look at a girl the way Harry looks at you."

"He's really great, isn't he?" Hermione asked, not really needing anyone to answer. "I can't believe we're actually getting married tomorrow. This is really happening."

"Yes it is," Luna gave her a one armed hug.

"And I can't wait to see his face when you come marching down the aisle in that dress," Anna chimed in.

"I'm looking forward to seeing him dressed up, too," Hermione said. "I just might need one of you to catch me when I swoon."

All the girls laughed. "Well let's get home so I can pay Paul and Beau," Lavender said. "Then I think you need a good night's sleep Hermione. You're going to be busy from the moment you wake up tomorrow."

"You're right," Hermione said, wondering how she was going to be able to sleep as excited as she was. She said a silent prayer that nothing would mess up her wedding day.

*** *** ***

Harry stumbled out the door, laughing at Ron who was even more pissed than he was. "We're a right mess aren't we?" he leaned against the side of the club.

"Harry! Where are you? There's like four of you," Ron said, trying to focus.

Seamus snorted. "Come on you guys," he had stayed sober to make sure they all got back all right. "Let's get you that potion so you're not sick in the morning.”

"We wouldn't want that," Harry said, leaning on Neville for support.

"Nope," Neville stumbled a few steps.

Ron started giggling again and Seamus just shook his head as he helped his friend along. "How much did you drink, Ron? I lost count after the tenth shot."

"This many," Ron held up all his fingers.

Seamus laughed. "That many, eh? Well, it's a good thing you're not a Muggle or you'd have one hell of a hangover."

"Right," Ron mumbled as he nearly fell over some pebbles. "Stupid Muggles."

"Hey my in laws are Muggles," Harry said. "That's not very nice of you Ron."

"I didn't mean they were stupid," Ron said, turning around and getting in Harry's face. He tried to pat Harry on the shoulder, but missed by nearly a mile. "They're good peoples. Good, good peoples..."

"Right," Harry said dubiously as they came upon Neville and Cho's place, where they were staying for the night.

"We need to be really, really quiet," Ron practically yelled. "We don't want to wake the baby."

"The baby isn't here you git," Neville said. "She's with my Gran."

Ron, obviously thought this was funny as he nearly collapsed in a fit of giggles.

"Let's never take him drinking again," Seamus said, helping Ron to his feet.

"No kidding," Harry said as Neville disappeared into the kitchen and came out a few minutes later with the sobering potion. "Thanks," he drank from the mug quickly.

"No problem," Neville said, taking a sip from his own mug. He hadn't drank nearly as much as Ron and Harry, but he definitely didn't want to wake up with a raging headache tomorrow. Neville looked at his watch. It was nearly two in the morning.

"What time is it?" Harry asked, the effects of the potion already making his alcohol induced haze fade away.

"Nearly two," Neville answered. "It's officially your wedding day."

Seamus grinned at his friend. "Getting those tied down feelings yet?" he teased.

"He had them the moment she agreed to help him at Hillsdale," Neville said, grinning at his friend.

"You're one to talk," Harry replied.

Neville nodded. "I wouldn't change a thing."

"Same here," Harry sat down on the sofa, pulling the blanket on the back of it over himself. "I'm going to sleep..."

"That sounds like a plan," Neville said, heading toward the bedroom. Ron, who had collapsed at the foot of the sofa the moment they'd entered the flat, turned over. "Reckon we should just wait until the morning to give him the potion, eh?"

"He'd probably deserve it," Harry mumbled, his eyes already shut.

"Good night, Mr. Granger," Neville said turning out the lights.

"Sod off Longbottom," Harry said as sleep overtook him.

*** *** ***

All around her, people were bustling about over last minute details, but Hermione felt unbelievably calm. She wasn't nervous. She'd been asked that question loads of times since they'd woken up this morning, since she'd arrived at the church. She kept telling them all that she was perfectly fine. Everyone looked at her as if she was crazy, but she kept reassuring them that she was absolutely fine.

Hermione sat in a comfortable chair as Lavender was applying her makeup. Hermione still hadn't made up her mind about how she wanted to wear her hair and if her mother asked one more time what she planned to do, Hermione felt she was going to scream.

"Okay," Lavender said, standing back so Hermione could see her reflection. "How do you like your makeup?"

Hermione looked in the mirror. "Brilliant," she smiled. "Thanks Lav."

"Now, all we need to do is your hair and you'll be set," Lavender said. Elinore stepped forward at these words. "What have you decided?"

"I don't know," Hermione said. "Mum don't even start," she held up her hand.

"I wasn't going to say anything," Elinore lied. She resumed her position on the small sofa.

"What do you think?" Hermione asked her cousin. "I'll go along with what you want."

"I think with the veil and the style of the dress that you'd really look beautiful if you wore your hair down," Lavender said. "We could either style it straight or we could curl it...either way would be beautiful."

"I'm in your hands," Hermione said. "Honestly, at this point it doesn't matter. I just can't wait for the ceremony to start."

Lavender smiled. "I think we'll curl it."

She leaned in and whispered in Hermione's ear, "And your mum is looking quite smug and pleased."

"I hate giving her the satisfaction," Hermione muttered back.

"Don't let her get to you," Lavender said, starting to work on Hermione's hair. "She's being a typical mother-of-the bride."

Luna came back into the room and was grinning from ear to ear. "I can report that the boys have arrived. They are all present and accounted for and Harry said that you better not even think about leaving him at the altar."

"Tell him he's stuck with me," Hermione laughed. "I'm not going anywhere."

"And there's some little boy running down the aisle," Luna reported. Elinore groaned. "That would be Nicholas. I'll go take care of that."

"Thanks Mum," Hermione called.

Elinore smiled at her daughter and then left the room.

"The boys are taking it easy. Neville and Seamus were playing Exploding Snap when I left and Harry was listening to some music. Ron was eating, as usual." Luna said.

"How does Harry look?" Hermione asked. "Is he nervous?"

"He looked rather calm," Luna said thoughtfully. "And he was joking around like it was any other day. He's like you, I think. Ready."

"I'm definitely ready," Hermione said. "Well... soon as Lavender finishes my hair and I get my dress on. Then I'll be really ready."

Cho shook her head. "Wait a minute! I can't believe we forgot this! Hermione!"

"What?" Hermione looked alarmed. "What is it?"

"Something Old, Something New...," Cho began. "We forgot about that!"

"That's an old superstition," Hermione said.

"But you have to do it!" Lavender said. "I know you don't believe in superstitions, but its right up there with the groom not seeing the bride before the wedding. Let's see. Well, you've already got the something borrowed---Aunt Elinore's letting you borrow our Grandma Brown's earrings."

"My dress is new," Hermione pointed out.

"The earrings could be considered her something old, too," Luna suggested.

"So something blue..." Cho looked pensive.

"Blue garter," Anna said, twirling it around on her finger before handing it to Hermione.

"Thank you," Hermione laughed.

"Crisis averted," Anna said, smiling at her friend.

"It's really been a smooth sailing day," Hermione said as Lavender finished her hair. "No big problems or anything."

"Knock on wood," Lavender said, knocking her fist on the dressing table.

Hermione laughed. "How much time until the ceremony starts?" she asked.

"An hour," Anna said. "Think you can wait until then, Mrs. Potter?"

"Just barely," Hermione said. "I'd best get dressed then." she smoothed down the robe she was wearing. "It's really nice of this church to let us use the classrooms as dressing rooms."

Elinore walked back into the room and stared at her daughter. A fresh set of tears came to her eyes as she looked at her little girl. "Hermione...you look like an angel."

"And you're not even in your dress yet," Lavender teased.

"Don't cry mum," Hermione grinned. "At least wait till I'm down the aisle with Dad."

"I can't help it," Elinore said, wiping a tear away. "You're my little girl and this is your wedding day! I'm supposed to get emotional."

"I suppose you are," Hermione gave her mother a hug. "Want to help me get into my dress then?"

"I'd love to," Elinore said, smiling at her daughter.

Luna grinned. "I'll just go and check on the boys again. Do you want me to deliver any messages to Harry for you, Hermione?"

"Tell him I can't wait to see him," she replied.

"Will do," Luna said, leaving the room and heading down the corridor to the room where the groom and his wedding party were getting ready. She knocked on the door. "Woman on deck! Is it safe to come in? Are you decent?"

"Come in," Harry called.

Luna walked inside and saw that the blokes were all still dressed in their regular clothes.

"You lot do realise the ceremony begins in less than an hour, don't you?" Luna asked incredulously.

"Yeah?" Ron asked. "What of it?"

"Do you plan on getting ready?" Luna asked, glaring at him. "Of course, I wouldn't want to interrupt your game!"

"Come on, Luna," Harry said. "I've never beaten Ron at Wizard's Chess. I may just have a shot now."

"You'd better be out there in the main hall on time," Luna said. "Or you're in for it tonight Ronald Weasley."

Seamus snickered behind Luna's back and she quickly rounded on him. "And that goes double for you, Finnigan once I tell Lavender."

"In ten minutes we'll get ready," Harry made a move on the chessboard. "It won't take as long for us as it does for you girls. How's Hermione look?"

"Like an angel," Luna answered. "And she wanted me to tell you that she can't wait to see you."

"Tell her I can't wait to see her either," Harry grinned.

"Checkmate," Ron said grinning at his friend.

"Bastard!" Harry exclaimed.

"And my undefeated record is still in tact," Ron said proudly. "We do have time for one more..."

Luna grabbed the chessboard. "No you don't. I'll just take this with me."

"Luna!" she closed the door on Ron's protests.

Harry laughed. "She's right. We should probably get ready."

"How long does it take to put on one of these?" Ron whined. "I enjoy kicking your ass at chess Potter."

"You should," Harry said, standing up. "It's the only thing you're able to kick my ass in."

"May I remind you who caught the garter at Neville and Cho's wedding?" Ron smirked.

"Yes, but that's rubbish," Harry said dismissively. "You weren't the next one to get married, were you? Which goes to show you, that garter was meant for me. I let you have that..."

"Boys, boys..." Neville said. "We've got to be down the aisle in less than an hour."

There was a knock on the door just then. Seamus opened the door to reveal Remus Lupin. "Professor," Seamus said, standing back and ushering Lupin inside. "What brings you here?"

"I couldn't miss Harry's wedding," Lupin smiled at them all. "Something we thought might never happen..."

"Very funny," Harry said, smiling at him.

"I was hoping I might have a word," Lupin said.

"Sure," Harry replied.

Neville, Seamus, Luke and Ron quickly made themselves scarce. Once they were alone, Lupin sat down in a chair. "So how are you feeling?" Lupin asked.

"I'm fine," Harry replied. "Sobering potion."

Lupin nodded and laughed. "You're doing a sight better than James did on his wedding day."

"What was he like?" Harry asked curiously.

"He was pacing about---nervous as could be," Lupin recalled. "It was strange to see. Your father was the most confident person I've ever known and he was so nervous that morning. He tried to put on a front for Sirius, but he told me he was afraid he was going to stumble over his vows or pass out when Lily walked down the aisle."

"Did he?" Harry asked, trying to picture his father as Lupin was describing.

"He was okay the moment he saw your mum though," Lupin said. "She was always beautiful, but on that day, she...she took everyone's breath away."

Harry nodded. "I think Hermione might do the same for me," he grinned.

"I think she will," Lupin said, a wistful tone to his voice. It was times like these when he missed his old friends most. "I'll leave you to get ready then, Harry."

"I'll see you in the church hall," Harry hugged him. "Thanks for coming."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Lupin said. "Good luck today, Harry."

"Thanks," Harry smiled as his friends came back in the room.

"All right, Harry?" Seamus asked.

"Everything's great," Harry pulled his tuxedo shirt on.

*** *** ***

Hermione admired her reflection in the mirror. "I don't know when I ever looked better than this." she said, unable to keep a smile off her face.

Her bridesmaids just stared at her, not knowing what to say. The looks on their faces said it all.

Elinore began to cry again. "Hermione..."

"Mum," Hermione said. "Come on, you don't have to cry! You're going to get me started and then Lavender will kill you for making me ruin my makeup."

"My little girl," Elinore whispered.

Hermione gave her mother a hug as there was a knock on the door. "Come in!" she called.

Her father stepped inside. "Sweetheart, are you ready?"

"I think so," Hermione said, smiling as her father looked at her. "What do you think, Dad?"

"Absolutely gorgeous," he smiled at her. "I see your mother's been in tears again."

Elinore swatted her husband on the arm. "I'm supposed to be emotional."

"I'm supposed to be more emotional," Robert teased her. "I'm giving away my daughter in ten minutes."

"There's still time to change your mind, Uncle Robert," Lavender teased.

Robert smiled at his niece. "Wait till it's your turn dear,"

Lavender grinned. "You'll have to give me away, too."

Robert hugged his niece. "I'd be honoured," he smiled. "Ellie, the head usher is waiting to bring you in first."

"Okay," Elinore said, squeezing Hermione's hand. "I love you, sweetheart."

"Love you too Mum," Hermione kissed her cheek and watched her leave. "All right, I guess this is it." she grinned at her friends.

Lavender handed Hermione her bouquet. "This is it," she said softly. "And we all know that you're beyond ready."

"I'm completely ready," Hermione replied.

Robert held Hermione's free hand and led her out of the room. "I had a few words with my future son-in-law before I came to get you," he said to his daughter.

"What did you say to him?" Hermione asked.

Robert grinned. "I just welcomed him to the family and told him that I was proud to have him as a son-in-law and if he ever thought of hurting you, I'd beat him to a ruddy pulp."

Hermione laughed. "He knows all that already," she shook her head but was still giggling.

"I thought I'd refresh his memory just in case," Robert said winking at her.

They all lined up outside the doors. All the groomsmen were waiting up at the altar with Harry and Hermione grew impatient as bar after bar of Pachelbel's Canon in D was played. "Can't we go in yet?"

"Not until they play your song," Robert said, squeezing Hermione's hand.

"And remember, Hermione---you're to walk slowly down the aisle," Lavender reminded her. "Don't go charging up the aisle like the chapel is on fire."

"I know that," Hermione rolled her eyes at her cousin. "I just don't ever remember this song being so long."

"I feel like a complete idiot," Ron whispered to Harry through clenched teeth. In the middle of the church he saw his own parents beaming at him. Molly was already in tears and Hermione hadn't even made it down the aisle. "Dress robes are better than this monkey suit."

"I know," Harry tugged at his collar. "At least after pictures are taken we can take off the jackets.

"Pictures?" Ron asked through clenched teeth. "Remind me to put you through this same torture when I get married, okay?"

"Everyone has pictures," Harry hissed as Luna came down the aisle. His heart was beating faster and faster as he tried to catch a glimpse of Hermione.

Anna was next and she winked at Luke as she slowly made her way down the aisle.

"Two down, two more to go," Ron whispered to Harry.

Hermione tapped her foot as she watched her friends walk slowly down the aisle. "Lavender you'd better be quicker than that," she whispered.

"I could always apparate to the altar," Lavender joked. "Of course, certain members of the audience would probably pass out."

"Funny," Hermione said. "It's almost your turn."

Cho made her way down the aisle and Harry fought the urge to run down there and push her along. Thankfully, when it was Lavender's turn, she did seem to walk a bit faster than the other three girls.

Hermione gripped her father's arm. "Ready Dad?" she smiled at him.

"Not really," Robert teased. He'd put on a brave front so far, but now the moment had arrived to give her away and he suddenly found himself reluctant to do so. She was his only daughter. Images of her as a baby, as a precocious little girl and as the young woman who stood beside him now passed through his mind. Tears welled up in his eyes as he looked at his little girl. "I love you, Hermione Jane."

"I love you too Dad," she kissed him on the cheek. Hermione heard the music begin to play and the doors reopened. She scanned the room eagerly for Harry and broke out in a smile when her eyes met his.

"Whoa," Ron whispered from behind Harry. Harry didn't really hear him, though. He was concentrating on the vision that was walking toward him. Luna had been right. She looked just like an angel.

Hermione was hard pressed to keep from running down the aisle but her father's arm kept her grounded. What felt like twenty minutes later, they had made it down to the front.

"Who gives this woman in marriage?" the vicar asked looking at Robert.

With a trembling voice, Robert said, "Her mother and I do."

Hermione squeezed her father's arm and gave him another kiss on the cheek as he passed her over to Harry, who was still staring at her as if she was a ghost.

"Hi," Harry finally whispered.

"Hi yourself," Hermione whispered back and both of them faced front as the vicar began to speak.

Harry barely heard the opening remarks as the vicar discussed the meaning of marriage and how it shouldn't be entered into lightly. He tried to listen, but he couldn't stop thinking in his mind that all that he'd ever wanted was right here.

Hermione felt the impatience rise back up in her as the vicar droned on. She wanted to get to the part with the rings so she could say her vows and finally kiss Harry.

"Harry James Potter, do you take Hermione Jane Granger to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort her, and cherish her as long as you both shall live?" the vicar asked, looking solemnly at Harry.

"I do," Harry repeated immediately.

"Hermione Jane Granger, do you take Harry James Potter to be your husband? Will you love him, comfort him, and cherish him as long as you both shall live?" the vicar asked, smiling at Hermione.

"I do," Hermione said, squeezing Harry's hand.

They exchanged rings; Harry slid her matching wedding band on over her engagement ring and Hermione let her hand linger on his for a moment when she put his band on.

"By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the vicar smiled. "You may kiss your bride."

Hermione was positively beaming as Harry lifted her veil. Before he could bend to kiss her, she rose up and pressed her mouth hard against his.

The congregation laughed and applauded as the kiss came to an end. The vicar announced proudly, "Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Harry James Potter."

Hermione laughed as everyone applauded again and Harry pulled her close. They went down the aisle, both of them wearing identical grins that practically lit up the room.

The members of their wedding party were right behind them and all of the girls were wiping tears from their eyes. Hermione smiled at Harry. "We did it," she said softly. "We're married."

"We did it," Harry echoed. "You look stunning Hermione."

"Me?" she asked, grinning. "Look at you! I wanted to run down the aisle, but my dad wouldn't let me."

Harry laughed. "It was well worth the wait," he bent over and kissed his new wife softly.

"I love you, Mr. Potter," she whispered.

"I love you too Mrs. Potter," Harry couldn't stop grinning as people began to pour out of the church hall.

Molly Weasley walked up to Harry and enveloped him in a bear hug. She was too overcome with emotion to speak and Ron couldn't help rolling his eyes. "Mum, if you're like this over Harry, I wonder how you'll be when I finally get married," Ron joked, shaking his head.

"Harry dear you're so handsome dressed in your suit!" Molly ignored her son. "And Hermione, you look so lovely!"

"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione said, giving the older woman a hug.

Molly moved on to Luna as Elinore and Robert approached them. "Oh sweetheart what a beautiful ceremony," Elinore was clutching a soggy handkerchief.

"It really was, wasn't it?" Hermione asked. She hadn't cried all day, but now that the reality of it all was sinking in, tears welled up in her eyes. When her father looked at her with concern, she gave him a reassuring smile. "Tears of joy, Dad. Tears of joy."

"Just making sure," Robert smiled. He leaned over to whisper in his daughter's ear. "Don't let your grandfather see you crying or he'll think Harry said something to make you upset." his tone was joking.

"You're right," Hermione said, laughing.

The wedding party stayed close to the new bride and groom as everyone filtered out, and then they gathered around for several photographs. "When can I take this jacket off?" Ron whined. "It's too hot!"

"Ron," Luna hissed. "You're acting like a child. I'm sure you can stand in that jacket for a few minutes to take pictures for your best friend's wedding. Can't you?"

"Yes," Ron muttered, smiling widely as more pictures were taken.

"Can I get a few of the bride and her attendants?" the photographer asked. Hermione nodded and her side of the bridal party gathered around her as the photographer instructed.

"How does it feel to be married?" Neville asked patting his friend on the back as they watched the girls getting their pictures taken.

"Absolutely fantastic," Harry replied without hesitation.

"I think she feels the same way," Neville said, motioning toward Hermione.

"Neither one of you has stopped smiling since the ceremony ended." Seamus joined them.

"I imagine I won't stop smiling all day," Harry said looking again at Hermione. "I don't think I've ever been this happy and its all because of her."

"It's a great feeling," Neville nodded, looking at his own wife.

"So when do we get to find out where the honeymoon will take place?" Luke asked.

"I wouldn't be surprised if the two of them made themselves scarce before the reception--if you know what I mean," Ron teased.

"We're waiting for tonight, smartass," Harry replied. "And I'll announce where the honeymoon is after the speeches."

"Don't remind me about the speeches," Ron groaned. "I still can't believe I have to give one, but don't worry. Luna helped me out."

"Then we at least know it'll be good," Neville snorted.

The bridesmaids stepped away so Hermione could get some photographs with her parents. She waved her hand to Harry, motioning for him to join them. "Come on, husband," she said beaming at him.

Harry grinned and joined them, curving his hands over her waist. "This is great," he murmured in her ear.

"I know," Hermione said softly. "I didn't even know it was possible to be this happy."

"Me either," Harry said as Robert and Elinore moved off and the photographer began snapping shots of just the two of them.

Finally the photographer finished and Ron let out a sigh of relief as Luna finally allowed him to take off his jacket and loosen his tie. "That's much better!" he said happily.

"And you even get to eat pretty soon, too," Luna teased. "You're about as bad as Paddy."

"I am NOT as bad as that monster," Ron said indignantly.

"Yes you are," Luna said smiling at him. "When you don't get your way, you pout and pace back and forth---just like he does. When you're hungry, you get the same look in your eyes that he does when we give him his dog biscuits."

Harry, Seamus and Neville began to laugh at him. "Does he do tricks too Luna?" Seamus sent a smirk Ron's way.

"He does," Luna said smugly. "And he gets rewarded for them, too."

Ron grinned back at his friends. "Take that you lot." he replied.

"Down boy," Seamus said, patting Ron on the head as he and Lavender walked past them toward the parking lot.

Harry was very much looking forward to the ride to the hotel where the reception was being held. "Just you and me alone in a few minutes," he said quietly to her.

"You, me and the driver," Hermione pointed out.

"We can put up the separation," Harry replied.

"Now why didn't I think of that?" Hermione asked. "And they call me the smart one."

"I don't know," Harry grinned as he held open the door to the car for her. "See you lot at the hotel!" he called to his friends.

Hermione giggled as they settled into the back seat of the limousine. "You can drive really slow if you want to," Hermione said to the driver. "Even take us the scenic route..."

"Right," Harry replied. "And if you don't mind, we're going to put this bit up." he hit the button for the separator.

"I missed you so much last night," she said, as he brushed her hair back and kissed her neck.

"I missed you too..." Harry paused, his lips just skimming her skin. "Well... after I sobered up that is." he grinned sheepishly.

Hermione pretended to act surprised. She didn't want him to know that she and the other girls had followed them. "Drank quite a bit, did you?" she asked.

"Aye," Harry said. "Ron got more pissed than I did though."

Hermione laughed, "As long as you behaved yourself..."

"I did," Harry said. "I promise you I did."

"So did I," Hermione told him, touching his cheek. "Other than a couple of Lavender's male models, the night was pretty uneventful."

"Lavender had male models?" Harry pulled away. "Why wasn't I told about that?"

"I wasn't told about it until the two of them walked into the Luna's flat," Hermione told him. "I wanted to kill her..."

"What did you all do?" Harry asked.

Hermione looked away. She was a terrible liar. "You know the usual things one usually does at a bachelorette party. The blokes didn't stay very long and you know after they left, we just listened to music and watched movies. You know things like that. Nothing really big."

"Uh huh..." Harry turned her face back around. "You danced with them didn't you?"

"Just one of them," Hermione admitted. "And it was just because I found out where you went."

"You what?" Harry asked.

"Cho told me," Hermione answered. "And I just had this image in my head of you being surrounded by all these beautiful women and I just...I was jealous. But I only danced with him. Nothing else. I promise. And he had nothing on you, Harry. Nothing."

Harry smiled at her. "I'm not jealous. In fact, I had one of the Veelas try and throw herself at me. Pushed her right away I did," he nodded. "Kept thinking about you all night."

Hermione smiled. "I thought about you all night, too. And all morning..."

"And all during the time before I saw you coming down the aisle," Harry added, leaning in to kiss her.

"And when we took the photos," Hermione said, loosening his tie.

"And when you got into this car," Harry let his hand run down the side of her dress.

Hermione kissed him and felt her resistance fading away. She didn't know if she'd be able to wait until tonight, especially with what he was doing with his hands at the moment.

"I really hope he's taking the long way," Harry murmured. "In fact I could skip the reception altogether."

"So could I," she whispered. "But, it would be really rude to our guests."

"Right," Harry chuckled. "Guess we'd better make the best of it until tonight."

Hermione nodded. "What did you have in mind?"

Harry didn't answer her, not verbally at least. Her mouth melted against his as his fingers twisted into her curls.

Hermione wondered if perhaps two weeks had been too long to make him wait. She brushed those thoughts away as she unbuttoned his shirt, eager to feel his skin under her fingertips.

Harry cupped her face with his hands as he kissed her harder. "I've missed this," he said, his lips brushing over her skin.

"Mmm...so did I," Hermione purred.

Harry pulled away. "If we get started we might not stop," he said.

"You're right," she said breathlessly. "And we did agree to wait until tonight."

"Well also we might look a little dishevelled," Harry ran his hand through his hair.

"Your hair usually looks like that," she teased.

"Yeah so at least I have an excuse," Harry laughed.

"I don't have my wand," Hermione said. "Did you bring yours?"

"Neville's got it," Harry replied.

"What are we going to do?" Hermione asked. "Your shirt's all wrinkled now and I know my hair looks atrocious..."

"Grin and bear it," Harry said. "And your hair looks fine. I'll put my jacket on and when we get in I'll grab my wand and straighten it out."

"Okay," she said relaxing.

"We should be at the hotel in about five minutes, Mr. Potter," the driver's voice came over the intercom.

"Uh... thank you," he called back.

Hermione gave Harry's hand a squeeze. "So...about this honeymoon..."

He laughed. "You'll find out after the speeches," he said.

"It really doesn't matter where we go," Hermione said. "Because we won't leave the bedroom for at least the first 24 hours anyway."

Harry laughed harder. "Right you are love," he leaned in and gave her another kiss.

"This is really real, isn't it?" she asked. "We're married. We're in love. No one's against us. My dad now thinks of you as a son. My grandfather seems to finally know that your name is 'Harry' and not 'Henry'. The wedding went off without a hitch. This has been the best day of my life and I never want it to end."

"You just said it all sweetheart," Harry caressed her cheek gently.

A/N: Here’s the last part to At Last. We’re glad you all have enjoyed this little fluffy adventure :D

We hope you’ll enjoy the last chapter, it’s a bit cheesy but we liked it, so we think you guys will too. We ARE the Queens of Cheese after all.

Also, at the bottom is the summary for the next fic, Dirty Dancing; Hillsdale Nights. Hehehehe

On one more note, we are also doing a bit of fic plugging. Ryoko Blue has updated her story Amulet of Torna and she IS working on the next chapter too! It’s a lemony one as well ;) So please go over there and give her some support, the girl needs some reviews to keep going on!!! Thanks!!!

The members of the wedding party plus the bride and groom were holding court at the front of the elegant ballroom where the reception was being held. Dinner had been served, but Hermione hadn't really done more than nibble at her food. She couldn't have even if she'd wanted to since every two seconds someone came up to congratulate her and Harry and they'd have to stand up and give hugs and pecks on the cheek.

Harry was just sitting back down again and ready to take a bite of his dinner when Ron started tapping on his water glass. Lavender caught on as did Luna and soon the whole room was filled with the sound.

"Guess they want us to snog," Harry grinned at his new wife.

"Guess we should give them what they want," Hermione said, blushing. Harry leaned in and caught her lips with his, keeping the kiss chaste.

"Weak!" Seamus called out. "That was weak!"

Harry turned to look at him. "I didn't know you were interested in seeing a not so innocent snog," he shot back.

"My parents are here," Hermione said laughing. "And my grandpa!"

"Right," Harry nodded. "And I'd like to stay married, thank you very much."

"How about we do the speeches?" Hermione asked, looking at Ron.

"Now?" Ron asked nervously.

"Yeah," Harry nodded. "Is ickle Ronniekins afraid to talk in front of a big crowd?"

Ron scowled at his best friend. He looked at Luna who gave him an encouraging look and walked to the centre of the head table to begin his speech.

"I've known Harry since we were 11 years old," Ron began, keeping his eyes focused on the notes before him. "We've had our ups and downs as best mates always do, but we've always been there for each other when it counted."

Ron looked up from his notes to see how the crowd was taking it in and to his delight and relief, everyone seemed to think he was off to a great start. Everyone except Fred and George who were laughing and making funny faces. Ron decided to ignore his brothers and just concentrate on his speech.

"I never in a million years thought he'd settle down," Ron said, again focusing on the papers before him. Ron had written loads of stuff about what Harry had gone through, but being as half of the audience were Muggles, Luna had reminded him to be vague in his details. "But I knew that if he ever did, he'd have to find someone who could handle him and keep him in line."

"When we met Hermione nearly two years ago, I knew from the beginning that he felt something for her. There was something in his eyes that I'd never seen before and he only got that way with her. She turned all of our lives around that summer and I truly believe that if she hadn't come along, things might not have turned out like they did." Hermione beamed at Ron.

Ron continued to drone on and on about love and happiness and the gift of finding another person. It was quite clear that Luna had helped with this particular part of his speech.

When he finished, Hermione's eyes were shiny with tears and Harry grinned at his best friend. "Thanks mate," he got up and gave the redhead a hug.

"I had a bit of help," Ron admitted.

Lavender stood up. “I guess this means it’s my turn,” she smiled at the crowd. “With me and Hermione being cousins, we saw a lot of each other very early on in life. And if someone had told me ten years ago that I’d be standing here at Hermione’s wedding as her maid of honour, I’d have asked them which leg of mine they were pulling.”

The guests laughed and Lavender smiled at her cousin and her husband before continuing. “We haven’t always gotten along, in fact there were times when we couldn’t even be in the same room together. I wondered if Hermione and I would ever have anything in common. Then two years ago we went on a family vacation and we met this guy here, who managed to sweep my cousin off her feet.

“I’d never seen anyone so lovesick, and now I'm not just talking about her. These two had it bad for each other right from the moment they saw one another in the parking lot. It took a little time and trouble, but they’ve managed to make it this far and now they’re married.” She raised her champagne glass. “To Harry and Hermione!”

"To Harry and Hermione!" the crowd echoed, raising their glasses.

Hermione stood up and hugged her cousin. "That was beautiful, Lavender. Thank you."

"You're welcome," Lavender grinned at her.

"Between you and Ron, I'm turning into quite the sap," Harry said, also giving Lavender a hug.

Lavender laughed. "I've reduced the great Harry Potter to tears," she teased. "World domination is next."

"I think you just may be able to do it," Harry said laughing. "Wonderful job on Hermione's dress, by the way."

"Thanks," Lavender pecked him on the cheek and took her seat next to Seamus as music started playing again.

Hermione wanted to sit down as well, but Harry took hold of her hand. "What?" she asked and then gave him a knowing smile as he led her to the dance floor.

"It's time for the dance already," He whispered in her ear. "Even though I've managed about three bites of my dinner."

Hermione laughed and squeezed his hand as they made their way to the centre of the dance floor and the lights dimmed.

Harry and Hermione had been quite late in picking their song, they had decided the week before that they both wanted "Your Song," by Elton John. "Does it bother you anymore being the centre of attention?" Harry asked softly.

"A little," she admitted with a smile.

"Just a little?" Harry asked, dipping her back a bit before bringing her back up and spinning around.

"I'm not used to it," she said giggling. "But it comes with being married to Harry Potter, doesn't it?"

"Aye," Harry said. "You'll have to get used to it, Ms. Minister for Magic."

"I guess I will," she said pressing her cheek to his chest. "Harry?"

"Hmm?" he asked, holding her closer.

"Ron and Lavender gave their speeches," she said coyly. "And you said you'd tell me where we were going on our honeymoon after the speeches."

Harry laughed. "I did, didn't I?" he teased. "Well maybe I should wait until we're on our way..."

Hermione looked up at him. "Tell me, tell me, tell me!"

"Eager much?" Harry enjoyed teasing her.

"I wonder if my parents would mind me staying at their house tonight?" Hermione asked.

Harry squeezed her gently, making her jump. "You couldn't stay away from me tonight if you tried... Potter." he laughed. "I almost called you Granger."

"It's going to take some getting used to," she said laughing with him. "But you're just trying to change the subject. Tell me where you're taking me!"

"All right," Harry said. "Have you ever heard of the Swan Islands? They're part of Honduras?"

Hermione beamed at him. "That's where we're going?"

"Yup," Harry grinned back at her, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's pretty remote but they have a nice hotel there and some street market shopping in case you want to bring any gifts back." He spun her around. "Other than that it's just you and me... for a whole week and no one to bother us."

Hermione flung her arms around his neck and he spun her around as the crowd watched the young newlyweds. "I think it sounds perfect," she whispered in his ear. "Absolutely perfect."

"Good," Harry kissed her gently as the song ended.

"Mind if I cut in?" Robert asked, tapping on Harry's shoulder.

"Sure," Harry grinned. He saw Elinore and cut over the dance floor to her. "Will you dance with me?" he asked, bowing down comically and kissing the back of her hand.

"With an offer like that, how could I refuse?" Elinore said, following Harry onto the floor.

Lavender watched her family out on the dance floor. "Come on Seamus," she said. "I don't like being the oddball."

"Lavender!" Seamus whined. "Do I have to?"

"Yes," she pulled on his arm. "You have to."

"Well, let's go toward the back," Seamus said reluctantly. "The last thing I need is to have someone making fun of me and no matter how much I love you---I will not do the Bunny Hop, the Electric Slide or the Chicken Dance."

"I need to get you pissed," Lavender grumbled. "Then you'll do whatever I want."

"That's not true," Seamus said shaking his head. "And besides, what kind of bloke do you think I am?"

"You're my bloke," Lavender smiled at him, leaning in for a kiss. "All mine..."

"And you don't even have to get me pissed," Seamus said, surprising her by twirling her around.

"Seamus have you been taking lessons behind my back?" she asked in surprise. "When did you learn to do that?"

"I sort of asked Luna for help," he admitted. "She was kind of enough to show me a thing or two...but don't get excited...I'm still learning."

Lavender kissed him again. "For that I won't ask you to do any of those silly dances," she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Maybe just the hokey pokey."

"Don't press your luck," Seamus said.

*** *** ***

Harry and Hermione managed to get some food in them and were cutting up the dance floor again when one of the hotel employees tapped him on the shoulder.

”They want to know if it’s okay to bring out the cake now,” the man said.

Harry looked at Hermione. “Sure,” he said. “That all right with you love?”

"Perfect," Hermione answered.

"Did someone say cake?" Ron asked.

"Figures you'd be around to hear that," Harry joked. "We get the first bites though Ronald."

Ron grimaced. "I've got seconds."

"You'll have thirds too I'm betting," Harry cracked.

Ron opened his mouth to retort, but stopped as the crowd oohed and ahhed as the waiters brought out the four-tiered wedding cake.

"Goodness," Hermione whispered. "I didn't remember it being THAT big when Mum and I went to the bakery."

"That's because Aunt Elinore made some changes," Lavender said, coming up beside her cousin. "She thought it should be bigger since we had such a large crowd coming. She didn't think you'd mind."

"As long as it's all chocolate," Hermione said.

"I wouldn't let her change that," Lavender said, laughing as Ron walked past them and stared in awe at the cake. "I think I'm in love," Ron said, his mouth agape.

"I beg your pardon?" Luna asked, coming up alongside him.

"With you!" Ron said quickly. "With you, of course."

"Good save Ronald," Luna smiled dreamily at him.

Hermione laughed as she and Harry walked over to the cake. She immediately picked up the cake knife and examined the cake wondering what the best way to slice it would be. She felt Harry watching her and she blushed.

"We're supposed to cut into it together, right?" she asked.

"I think so," Harry came up behind her and put his hand over hers on the handle. The photographer snapped several shots of them cutting into the cake. Harry picked up a relatively small piece and held it out to Hermione. "Open up," he smiled at her.

Hermione shook her head and closed her mouth.

"Hermione Jane," Harry said. "I have to feed it to you!"

"I've been to weddings before," Hermione said. "I'm going to open my mouth and you're going to shove cake in my face. I don't think so."

"I promise I won't shove cake in your face," Harry said. "And if I do, you can smear it all over mine."

Hermione looked at him uncertainly. "Okay..."

Harry grinned when she opened her mouth and he put the bite between her lips. "See?" he leaned forward and gave her a kiss.

"How does it taste?" she asked when they broke apart.

"Delicious," Harry said. "But I didn't taste the cake."

Hermione grinned and offered Harry a bite of the cake as well.

Harry opened his mouth but instead of doing what he did, she smashed the cake over his lips. "Hey!" he protested, laughing.

"I didn't make any promises," she sing-songed.

"You're a naughty girl," he shook his head, wiping the icing off his cheek.

She leaned in so only he could hear. "You'll find out just how naughty I can be tonight..."

"Is that a promise?" Harry asked wickedly.

"That's a guarantee," she said huskily. They stood back so the waiters could cut the cake for the guests. Harry led her back to the head table and she sat down on his lap.

"Look," he laughed. "Ron's practically drooling on the cake."

"Luna may have met her match," Hermione said. "So when do we leave for the honeymoon? Tonight? Or are we staying at this hotel tonight? You haven't let me in on the big plan and you know I can't stand being out of the loop."

"Hotel tonight," Harry said. "We have a portkey tomorrow around eleven that leads us right into the hotel there on the island."

"And if I know you, you've got something fabulously romantic planned upstairs, don't you?" she asked softly.

"A room that's been charmed to keep all sound inside," he grinned at her.

"I have a surprise for you, too," she said, thinking of the lingerie shopping spree she and Lavender went on a few weeks ago.

"Oh do you?" Harry slid his hands over her waist.

"Just a little something I bought especially for tonight," she said.

"I can't wait to see it," Harry kissed her gently. "Do you have it on already?"

She shook her head. "No, not yet."

"So you're naked under this dress?" Harry asked, eyeing her licentiously.

She slapped his arm. "No, you git. Of course, I'm not!"

"Damn," Harry licked his lips. "That would have been really..."

"Hermione Jane," Malcolm Brown said gruffly coming up to the table.

"Grandpa," Hermione said, feeling as if she and Harry had just been caught necking on the sofa.

"That cake is way too rich for my blood," Malcolm said, sitting down beside Harry.

"It's chocolate fudge Grandpa," Hermione replied. "I picked it out myself."

"You're just like your mum and grandma," Malcolm said, a slight smile playing on his lips. "They always loved the sweets. Much too rich for me."

Hermione smiled at him. "Well in a few minutes they'll have some plain old gelatine out on that table along with some sugar cookies."

"You are always thinking of your old Granddad," Malcolm said smiling at his granddaughter. "You looked beautiful today, Hermione Jane."

"Thank you Grandpa," Hermione hugged him. "I hope you're having a good time."

"As long as your happy that's all that matters," Malcolm said. "You make sure that young man of yours takes good care of you."

"He will," Hermione clasped Harry's hand in hers and squeezed it.

Malcolm kissed Hermione's cheek and even shook Harry's hand.

"Thank you, sir," Harry said smiling.

Malcolm grunted. "You take care of her like Robert takes care of Ellie," he said before wandering away in the direction of the dessert table.

"Did that just happen?" Harry asked, amazed.

"Yes," Hermione laughed. "I'll have to tell Dad when he just said."

"He'll never believe us," Harry said.

"You're right," Hermione leaned back against him. "This has really been the best day of my life."

"And it's not even over yet," Harry reminded her.

"That's the best part," she laughed.

The rest of the reception went by in a blur of champagne, dancing and even more offers of congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple. As the party started to die down, Elinore suggested that this might be the right time for throwing the bouquet and garter.

"All the single ladies need to go to the centre of the ballroom," Hermione called out.

Luna pushed to the front. "I'll get it Ronald!" she called out.

"No, you won't!" Anna said joining her, with Lavender in tow.

Cho shook her head. "Is that what they looked like at our wedding?" she asked her husband.

"Worse," Neville joked. He and Cho had spent most of the reception standing back and watching the party unfold. Chiaki was with them and she was presently asleep on her father's lap.

"I can't believe she's stayed asleep through all this," Cho stroked her daughter's hair.

"It means she'll probably be awake all night," Neville said. "So much for a quiet night at home, eh?"

Cho smiled and turned to watch her friend wrestle in the middle of the floor.

"One, two, three..." Hermione threw her bouquet behind her and turned to watch who caught it.

The ladies descended on the bouquet, but it was Lavender who emerged triumphant. "I got it!" Lavender said, holding it up high for all to see. "I got it! I got it!"

All the men laughed and turned to Seamus. "Oh no!" he moaned but he was grinning too.

Luna hugged Ron. "I'm sorry. She was too quick for me. But, you can make it two for two, Ron. Go get that garter!"

"Harry you can just hand it to me," Ron bragged. "I'd like to add Hermione's to Cho's.”

"Stand back," Luke said, pushing past Ron. "And let me show you how it's done."

"You can't even catch a cold," Seamus said to Luke.

"Guys, guys..." Harry said. "I haven't even gotten the garter off yet," he looked at his bride who was perching on the chair in the middle of the room. "Been looking forward to this all day."

Hermione grinned and looked at her husband. "I'm ready whenever you are..."

Harry wasted no time in getting on his knees and putting his head under Hermione's gown. He took his time getting the garter off, running his hands over her legs while his friends catcalled on the sidelines. "Got it!" he finally pulled it off, the lacy bit dangling between his teeth.

Hermione giggled and blushed crimson.

"Remember who your best mate is," Ron called out to Harry.

"Remember who pushed me aside last time?" Harry called back, standing up on the chair.

"All's fair in love and...garter catching," Ron said sheepishly.

Harry counted and then tossed the garter back and laughed as he heard the rubble of his friends falling over one another to catch it. "Oh no!" Ron emerged from the pile with a victorious smile on his face.

"Two for two Luna!" he called proudly.

"You do realise what this means, don't you Ronniekins?" Fred asked flanking his younger brother.

"Yeah, yeah," he grinned at Luna who flung herself against him.

"My hero," Luna said dreamily, kissing him.

Ron swung her around. "I'll catch ten garters if you keep kissing me like that," he smiled at her.

"We could spend our free time going to random weddings," Luna said grinning at him.

"Free food and garters," Ron nodded. "I like that idea."

"And champagne," she said. "Don't forget the champagne."

"Right," Ron kissed her before he was pulled away to take pictures with Lavender.

Luna watched Ron and couldn't help wondering if a wedding was actually in their future. She already knew that there was no one else she wanted to be with and she had a really good feeling he felt the same way.

"Your boyfriend may just give Harry a run for his money in the ego department," Seamus said smiling at Luna.

"It wouldn't take much would it?" she asked, smiling at him as he posed for pictures.

"He has some pretty big shoes to fill," Seamus said. "But I think he's well on his way. He's certainly got that smug look down, doesn't he?"

"Yes he does," Luna laughed. "But I love it... it's so Ron."

"Things are changing so fast, aren't they?" Seamus asked, a serious tone to his voice. "Two of my best mates are married now. One even has a child. You're a world famous reporter and Lavender's well on her way of dressing the entire globe. And Hermione's going to be Minister before she turns 30, if she has her way. It all seems so...grown up, doesn't it?"

"Aye it does," Luna agreed dreamily. "It's just funny how a few years ago we were all working at a resort together and now we've all seemed to find our way in life." she nudged his shoulder. "And you forgot yourself in there Mr. Finnigan. You're going to be making award winning films."

"I've still got a long way to go," he said, grinning. "Don't worry I'll remember to thank all of you little people when I win my first Oscar."

"You'd better or we'll come and find you," Luna teased as Ron finished up with the pictures.

"Stealing my girl, are you Finnigan?" Ron asked, still triumphantly waving the garter around his finger.

"Stealing mine?" Seamus shot back as Lavender clutched the bouquet possessively.

"No, she's way too high maintenance for me," Ron said, shaking his head.

"High maintenance?" Lavender asked. "I am not high maintenance! Tell him, Seamus! Defend my honour!"

"She's not high maintenance!" Seamus mocked indignation. "She's worth every seven hours she spends on her hair!"

Lavender hit her boyfriend with the bouquet. "I have never spent seven hours on my hair!"

"You're right love," Seamus said. "You've only spent six."

"Do you really?" Ron asked in disbelief.

"He's exaggerating," Lavender said, glaring at Seamus. "For dramatic effect. And besides, everyone knows that how you wear your hair sets your entire look. It's very, very important."

Seamus grinned at her. "And you're the most beautiful one here," he appeased her.

"I beg to differ," Ron said, wrapping an arm around Luna.

"I think we're all a bit biased," Seamus nodded as Lavender's glare melted away.

"Everyone!" Elinore said, in typical mother-of-the-bride mode. "We're fixing to send Harry and Hermione off. We should probably all take our places!"

"Where did they go?" Ron asked as Luna pulled him over by Hermione's parents.

"They were talking to Dumbledore," Luna said, motioning to an older gentleman who was engaging Hermione and Harry in conversation. He was dressed in a Muggle tuxedo and looked like a proper older English gentleman.

"I can't believe I didn't know that was him!" Ron said, laughing. "I even talked to him at the dessert table!"

"That's why you didn't know it was him," Lavender retorted, still smarting over his high maintenance comment. "You were too busy eating everything in sight."

Ron opened his mouth to retort, but Anna walked by with Cho handing out little bottles.

"What's this?" Ron asked when Cho handed him one.

"Bubbles," Cho answered, handing a bottle to Lavender and Seamus.

"Bubbles?" Seamus asked. "Why do we need those?"

"You know how at some weddings you throw rice at the bride and groom?" Lavender asked him. "Well, that can get quite messy and so Hermione decided that everyone would blow bubbles at them when they walk by and it won't be as messy and it'll look really beautiful with the lights and all..."

Luna smiled brightly as Ron and Seamus exchanged glances. "I'd rather throw the rice," Ron muttered.

"You'll blow bubbles and you'll like it," Luna said, pulling him beside her. "Everyone else is going to do it. You have to do it, too."

Ron rolled his eyes as did Seamus as Elinore pushed her daughter and new son in law over.

Hermione and Harry started their way down the middle of the two rows of people who blew bubbles as they rushed by. Hermione was giggling as Harry led her along and she couldn't help stopping by her friends and giving them hugs.

"Thank you so much," Hermione said, hugging Lavender. "For everything."

"Anytime," Lavender said. "Well... kind of. I hope you don't plan on being remarried."

"No, this one is it for me," Hermione said with a laugh. "And I promise to return the favour when it's your turn."

"Hopefully soon enough," Lavender waved her on.

Hermione and Harry finally made it through the throng of people and out the double doors to the ballroom. She was laughing and a bit wet from the bubbles.

"That was... interesting," Harry grinned at her. "Although I like the bubbles more than being pelted with rice."

"Not a good way to start the honeymoon," Hermione said and then put a hand over her mouth. "Harry! We're officially on our honeymoon!"

"Yes we are," Harry scooped her up while the rest of the guests outside the ballroom stared. "And I do believe we have plans Mrs. Potter."

"Harry," she said laughing. "You only have to carry me over the threshold. You aren't going to carry me all the way to our hotel suite, are you?"

"Why not?" Harry asked, walking over to the large stairwell. Ever since Hogwarts, he preferred stairs to the lift, which about twelve Muggles were currently waiting for.

"Good thing you've had loads of practise with the stairs in the cottage," she remarked, wrapping her arms around his neck. She saw that someone was following them and when she caught their eye, the man stopped and pretended as if he wasn't following them. She could also see at the top of the stairs there were some bizarre looking people waiting there, too. For one thing, it was summer and these people were dressed in woolly jumpers and thick trousers.

"What's going on up there?" Harry had also noticed the strangely dressed people.

"Don't know," Hermione said. She and Harry were nearly at the top of the stairs when a bright flash nearly blinded both of them. Harry stumbled a bit and Hermione thought for a horrible moment that he was going to drop her.

"What the hell," Harry had to set his wife down. "Who the hell are you?" he reached for the camera that the person held.

"I-I'm with the Daily Prophet," a middle-aged man in a grey jumper and corduroy trousers said, smiling nervously at Harry. "Our readers are dying to see photos from the wedding of the year...the century, even!"

"Yes," a familiar voice said, smiling broadly at Harry, a Quick Quotes Quill in her hand. Her bejewelled spectacles sparkled from the hotel lights and her blonde hair was styled in elaborate curls. "You remember me, don't you, Harry? I've written about you for years. And this must be your wife..."

"Get out of my face Skeeter," Harry snarled, angered that these reporters had found out about his wedding. "My life is none of your business. And I want nothing to do with the Daily Prophet after what you printed about me and my friends last year."

Hermione looked dismissively at Rita before grabbing a hold of Harry's arm. "Let's just go to the suite, Harry."

"Right," Harry glared at the group. "Stay away from me." he warned them.

"You can't really have thought you'd be able to have a wedding and not expect any press to show up, did you?" Rita asked haughtily. "Whether you want to admit it or not, your life is front page news, Mr. Potter. Our readers care about your life and what you do. And they'll always care. There won't be a day in your life when someone won't be following you or your family. I hope your new bride knows what she's getting herself into."

Harry tensed up and Hermione stood in front of him.

"Just ignore it, Harry," she pleaded with him, but her pleas fell on deaf ears and Harry was on his way back down the hall towardRita.

"I will not give you any interviews," Harry said furiously. "I will not pose for your fucking pictures, I will not do anything for you or your lousy paper."

Rita just laughed. "Come on, boys. We'll leave him alone...for now."

She smiled at Hermione who stood behind Harry.

"Good luck, Mrs. Potter," Rita said. "You're going to need it." With that, she and her journalist cronies walked down the stairs, leaving a very irate Harry in their wake.

"Harry," Hermione reached for his hand. "Come on... don't let her get to you. Luna's already got an article sent out about us in the Quibbler giving nothing but facts... this is already old news to the Wizarding World..." her last sentence was said quietly. "Don't let them ruin our first night as a married couple all right?"

Harry shook his head. "She's right, though. Everything we do---good, bad, indifferent---it's going to end up in their bloody papers! And Merlin help any children we have!"

"Harry," Hermione said, softly taking his hand. "I knew exactly what I was getting into when I fell in love with you. If you think I'm going to just let you go because I'm afraid of some short, trash journalist and her Quick Quotes Quill, you have another thing coming. Our friends and family know the truth. That's all that matters."

"I just wish I could stay out of the bloody spotlight." Harry muttered.

Hermione cupped his face in her hands. "We're supposed to be happy and knee-deep in champagne by now, remember?"

"Right," Harry couldn't help but smile. "Where were we?"

"I believe you were carrying me," she said smiling at him. "Before we were so rudely interrupted."

Harry scooped her up. "Like this?" he asked.

"Just like that," she said, leaning in to kiss him.

Harry carried her easily down the corridor until they came to their suite he'd gotten them for that night. "And here we are," he said softly.

Hermione smiled. "The honeymoon suite, I presume?"

"That's right," Harry struggled a moment with the card lock. "Damn these things..."

"Give me the card," she said. "Your hands are a bit full at the moment..."

"Thanks," Harry grinned as she unlocked the door. He opened it and she gasped as they moved inside.

The hotel suite was the most luxurious and elegant she'd ever seen in her life. He gingerly set her down, but she still held on to him.

"This is really nice," Harry nodded, looking around. "Sure beats my cabin at Hillsdale doesn't it?"

"It does," she admitted with a smile. "But I happen to have loved your cabin at Hillsdale."

"Holds a lot of memories," Harry grinned at her.

Hermione nodded. She took his hand and they explored the suite, though Harry already knew what was here as he had set the whole thing up earlier. When they reached the bedroom, Hermione's breath caught in her throat. The bed was lined with rose petals and champagne was chilling beside the bed. Soft, romantic music was playing from the stereo system and candles seemed to be everywhere.

"This is amazing," she whispered.

"It's all for you," Harry said in her ear, letting his lips linger on her skin.

"Wait, wait," Hermione said, reluctantly pushing him away. "This isn't right..."

"What?" Harry looked around. "Did I forget something?"

"No," she said reassuringly. "It's just that I need to make myself a bit more comfortable. Remember that surprise I told you about?"

"Ahh," Harry smiled. "Right... well I put our bags over there, and no, I didn't peek."

"Good husband," Hermione teased, slipping out of her shoes. "I'll go and get changed then."

"Right," Harry said. "I'll just get... undressed then."

"You do that," she said, grabbing her bag and heading for the bathroom.

Harry undressed himself down to his drawers and settled on the bed, waiting for her to come out of the loo. "What's taking so long?" he called impatiently.

"You'll see in a minute," she called back to him. "Haven't you ever heard that good things come to those who wait?"

"Yes but that doesn't have to apply to me," Harry called cheekily.

A few excruciating minutes later, Hermione called back out to him. "Close your eyes."

Harry did as he was told. "Okay," he said.

Hermione peeked out the door to make sure he had indeed closed his eyes and smiled when she saw that he had complied. She stepped out of the bathroom and walked over to him.

"Open your eyes," she whispered.

Harry opened his eyes as Hermione posed in front of him. "Holy Merlin..." his jaw dropped.

She toyed with one of the straps of her ivory silk chemise slip and smiled coyly at him. "Well, tell me what you really think..."

"I think..." Harry's brain was shutting down rapidly. "I think I married the most beautiful witch in the world..." he finally managed.

She smiled. "What does a girl have to do to get her husband to kiss her?"

"Get down here," Harry reached out to pull her next to him.

"It's been so long," she said, kissing him.

"It's been two weeks too long," Harry replied when her mouth left his. He began to press kisses over her exposed skin.

"Let's never go that long again," she said huskily. "Never, ever again..."

"No way," Harry said, lying back on the pillows.

Hermione cuddled up beside him and started kissing his neck.

Harry ran his hands freely over her body, taking the time to appreciate each curve underneath his palms. "This has been the best day of my life, you know that?" he pushed his right hand into her hair. "I only wish my parents could have seen me. They'd be so proud of me."

"I wish I could have met them," Hermione said, touching his cheek.

"Me too," Harry said.

*** *** ***

A couple of hours later, Hermione lay asleep in Harry's arms. He, however, was having troubling falling asleep. He couldn't get that incident in the hallway with the reporters out of his head. Begrudgingly, he had to admit Skeeter had a point.

Harry closed his eyes and pushed that image of Rita Skeeter out of his head. He was on his honeymoon, he was married to an absolutely amazing woman and his life was finally at a place where he was happy.

His thoughts were interrupted by the soft sound of someone humming a tune. At first, he thought it must be Hermione but it was so dark and he couldn't see anything. He opened his eyes and saw that he was asleep on a bed, but it wasn't the hotel. This looked more like a house---but whose house was this? He looked down and saw Hermione sleeping peacefully.

"Harry," a woman's voice called to him.

He turned sharply and saw two people standing next to the bed. His eyes widened. "Mum... and Dad?" he whispered.

Lily nodded and sat down on the edge of the bed. "Hello, Harry."

"What..." Harry looked back and forth between them. "How?"

"As verbose as your father, I see," Lily teased. "You look so much like him..."

"I don't know," James said, grinning at his son. "I think I'm better looking, Lils."

"Don't flatter yourself James," Lily replied.

Harry shook his head. "I must have had too much champagne..." he saw the empty bottle at the edge of the bed.

"You did," Lily said, patting his arm. "But that's not why you're seeing us, Harry. Do you really think we'd miss your big day?"

"You saw me?" Harry couldn't help asking. "You saw me get married?"

"Of course we did!" James said. "Lily cried like a baby."

"You teared up, too," Lily said, playfully hitting him on the arm. She smiled at her son. "You'll see what its like when you have children, Harry. And from what I've been told, they're going to be quite a handful."

"They?" Harry asked. "I'm going to have kids?"

"Of course," James answered. "You have to carry on the Potter name, don't you?"

"Right," Harry smiled.

"She's quite lovely, Harry," Lily said, motioning toward Hermione. "She made a beautiful bride."

"Yeah she did," Harry smiled down at Hermione, who shifted slightly. "I can't believe she married me."

"That's what I said about her," James said, leaning down and pecking Lily on the cheek. "Never worked for something so hard in my life..."

"That's because you were an arrogant, insufferable, smartarse....," Lily interjected.

"Don't run me down in front of our son, Lils," James teased.

Harry smiled, shaking his head as a sudden thought occurred to him. "Is... is Sirius there with you guys?"

"Why would you want to see him?" James asked pretending to be affronted.

"Maybe because I look a sight better than you do," Sirius said, coming into the room.

Harry's eyes widened. "Now I know I drank too much..."

Sirius laughed and shook his head. "Are you going to just sit there or are you going to give your old godfather a hug?"

"Can't get up," Harry sheepishly motioned to Hermione with his free hand.

Sirius nodded. "Very nice wedding, Harry. I still want to know who you got the dancing from because your dad has two left feet."

"Must have been Mum then," Harry replied.

Lily beamed at her son.

"Probably got all your good traits from her," James admitted. "I'm afraid all you got from me was messy hair and a touch of arrogance..."

"How true is that," Sirius chortled. "Wish I'd been around longer Harry. I'd have cured you of all that."

Lily laughed. "Would you now?"

"Aye," Sirius nodded.

James rolled his eyes. "We wanted you to know how proud we are of you, son," he said echoing Harry's thoughts from earlier that night.

Harry smiled, touched at his father's words.

"And don't worry, Harry," Lily said, standing up and looking down at Hermione. "She's not going anywhere. She meant what she said to you in the church. She wants to give you that family you've wanted for so long."

"She's amazing," Harry said softly. "She makes me happy."

"She says the same about you," Lily said, with a secret smile.

"Hey how do you know that?" Harry asked, but his parents and Sirius only smiled and began to fade away. "Wait!"

"Goodbye, Harry," Lily whispered. "We'll always be here for you."

"Wait!" Harry insisted. He shot straight up in bed, his bare chest heaving. "Wait!"

From beside him, Hermione began to stir. "They had to go," she said sleepily.

"What?" Harry looked over as Hermione's eyes opened. "What did you say?"

"Your mum and dad...they had to go," Hermione said hoarsely. "But they said they'd always be with us." She sat up in bed. "I had the strangest dream. We were asleep and I woke up and your parents were there...and your godfather. I wanted to wake you, but I couldn't."

Harry stared at her. "You had that dream?" he asked. "I had that dream too..."

"What?" Hermione asked in disbelief. "How is that possible?"

"I don't know," Harry shook his head. "Maybe from me talking about them earlier?"

She nodded. "It seemed so real."

"Yeah it did," Harry laid back down. "Damn... my parents came and then Sirius was here... and I thought it was just the champagne talking."

"So did I," Hermione said softly, cuddling up close to him. She rested her head on his shoulder. "Your mum said something that definitely intrigued me...she said that we were going to have kids. Plural, Harry. Kids."

Harry laughed. "You think we'd only have one?"

She laughed. "I suppose not. Your dad seemed to think I'd want enough for a Quidditch team, but your mum and I set him straight."

Harry laughed too. "Maybe enough for half a Quidditch team," he teased. "Three or four... Ow!" he said as Hermione hit his shoulder.

"Plan of having a few for me," she said. "You should let Cho tell you about what a joy labour is and then let's see how you feel about having three or four..."

"No thanks," Harry wrapped his other arm around her. "I'd rather take care of the first part and let you do the rest," he grinned at her.

"I know you didn't just say that," Hermione said, glaring at him.

"I was only kidding," he covered hastily.

"You had better be," she said, nuzzling his neck.

Harry pulled her closer. "What else did my parents say to you?"

"They love you very much and are quite proud of the man you've become," Hermione replied. "And they think we had a beautiful wedding."

"They said that to me too," Harry nodded, giving her a kiss. "What a night..." he sighed into her hair, still curled from the wedding.

"A long, wonderful night," Hermione said softly.

"And you know something?" Harry asked.

"What?" she asked.

"It's far from over," Harry grinned down at her.

"It is?” she asked, smiling back at him.

"We're both awake aren't we?" He asked wickedly.

"We are," Hermione said giggling. "I take it you didn't want to play a game of chess or watch some telly..."

"I have a few other ideas in mind," Harry's fingers left her hair and moved down her body.

"I have to say I like the way your mind works," she said.

"Do you now," Harry drew his hand back up her side.

"Mm-hmm," she murmured.

Harry kissed his wife as her hands travelled over his back. "Thank you," he said, pausing a moment to look down at her. "Thank you for making me the happiest man alive."

"You do the same for me," Hermione said. "I can't even begin to tell you how happy you've made me, Harry. My life changed the moment I met you. And I don't regret a single moment we've had together and I never will."

"Same here," Harry kissed her again.

As promised, here is the plot summary for the next story, titled Dirty Dancing; Hillsdale Nights

20 or so years after that fateful summer at Hillsdale, Harry, Hermione and everyone else are invited back to Hillsdale for a reunion. Chiaki struggles about meeting her father that gave her up so easily, Seamus and Lavender face each other for the first time since their break up 15 years previous. Harry and Hermione revisit their favourite spots and Julie Potter hopes to find romance just like her parents did. Will Nick Malfoy be the one to open her heart? Will Hillsdale work its magic all over again for every couple? H/H, R/L, D/G, N/C and many more!

See you all on Tuesday!