Eternity

Author’s note – Everything written in italics is a memory/flashback.

She didn’t know how long she’d loved him for. Her entire lifetime, give or take 11 years or so would sound about right. She felt she had a good excuse to be a little forgetful; she was after all 162 years old. Her mind tracked back to the first time she’d met him, so many years ago on the train to Hogwarts. She’d recognised him immediately from all the stories she’d read about him. There was no way she was going to fawn all over him though; she remembered that part very well! No – he was just a normal boy from an unusual background. In fact he was similar to her in some ways, he’d known nothing of magic growing up and his letter from Hogwarts inviting him to attend the great wizarding school had come as much as a shock to him as hers had.

As time had past she’d grown to realise what a powerful wizard Harry was, sometimes marvelling at the fact that he seemed to have an ability to sense the danger growing around him as he got older. There were times when he’d tried to push both her and their best friend Ron away from him – in an effort to protect them from what only he knew was to come. Over time he’d come to realise, with a gentle amount of persuasion from them both, that they weren’t going anywhere and would fight alongside him.

Hermione sighed deeply as her memory shot to the final battle with Voldemort.

They’d all prepared for so long, trained with Dumbledore and all the members of the Order. However…nothing could have prepared them for what took place on the first day of term in their final year. The attack launched by Voldemort and his Death Eaters was so vicious, so callous that many adults and students alike died in the first few hours. Dumbledore had feared the attack would come at Hogwarts, but even he had failed to predict the level of assault. New, never seen before curses were thrown at the school and its occupants. Madam Pomfrey fought to counteract as many of the hideous effects as she could, but even she had been thrown off guard by the complex level of the spells.

Snape had shown his true colours that day. At the opening stages of the battle, he’d rushed to his dungeon and thrown himself into creating new and far developed potions to combat the new curses. He’d taken on the appearance of a mad man as he ran about his dungeon ordering the younger students to assist him in his quest. As soon as he was happy that he’d prepared enough potions, he headed back to the battle and threw himself headlong into the frontline. His manner of fighting the Death Eaters was far from pleasant to watch, almost as though he was putting to rest so many painful memories from his past. He’d been fighting Lucius Malfoy when he’d fallen. Not by the hand of Malfoy, he was no match for Snape, but by the hand of Voldemort himself.

Voldemort had been protected by a ring of Death Eaters, quietly surveying the scene unfolding before him with a satisfied smile on his lips. He’d seen Snape and stepped out of his protective circle to utter the simple curse to end his life. Snape didn’t ever have a chance; his back had been turned to Voldemort when he struck. As he fell to the ground dead Voldemort was heard to mutter “You…you left me forever…you were always going to die by my hand…”

This was one of the few memories Hermione had of the battle; Dumbledore had ordered her back into the castle to assist with the healing. At Harry’s insistence she’d only received minimal battle training in the last few months, more concentrating instead on healing abilities. She’d had a feeling why, they’d argued for so long about it, but eventually he’d told her.

“Hermione, I can’t fight Voldemort if I know you’re in danger. I wouldn’t be able to protect you. Ron will be by my side – you must be ready to aide those that will fall.

Please, honour me this one request.”

The pleading in Harry’s eyes as he’d made his request stirred feelings in Hermione she barely recognised, but she couldn’t fight him and had agreed to devote her time to developing new healing skills.

The last she remembered seeing of Harry as she turned back to the castle was he and Ron pushing there way towards Voldemort. Ron had turned and was facing Lucius Malfoy whilst Harry was face to face with Voldemort – his Death Eaters having scattered at the sight of the Boy-who-lived.

Oh she was so tired. She closed her eyes for a brief moment and let out a long, drawn out breath.

“Mum? Mum? Are you ok?” she heard a voice calling to her

She slowly opened her eyes and saw herself looking into the eyes of her son, Michael. He wasn’t exactly a spring chicken either, she thought to herself. He must be at least 142 now.

“I’m fine young man…don’t fuss over me.” She smiled, as she berated her eldest son.

“Oh Mum, I’m not fussing – but after everything that’s happened today…I…I’m worried for you.” Michael replied, tears welling in his eyes.

“Michael, stop – what’s happened, has happened. It’s just the next big adventure, remember that. Your father would want you to think the same.” she took Michael’s hand and squeezed it. “You do look so like your father, so handsome…”

“Handsome?”

“Well you are!” cried Hermione as Harry took her in his arms. “Handsome, clever, brave and my best friend!”

Hermione had just run full speed at Harry as he entered the Hospital wing straight from the battle. She’d been so thrilled to see him alive that she was barely conscious of what she was saying to him. She felt as though so many hidden thoughts were rushing to the surface and she couldn’t stop her mouth from going into overdrive.

“Am I? Am I your best friend Hermione?” teased Harry

“Of course you are, you and Ron – always.” Hermione had shot back, whilst casting a downward glance at her shoes

“So…do you see Ron and I in the same way Hermione? It’s just…”

“It’s just what? Harry what is it? Has something happened to Ron? Oh – I just assumed you were both ok…please don’t tell me he was hurt in the battle!”

“Oh bloody hell – I’m fine you mental witch!” exclaimed Ron as he came into the hospital wing. He looked unharmed, if a little tired.

“Ron! Oh Ron!” Hermione had escaped from Harry’s grasp and had enveloped Ron in the biggest hug he’d ever had the pleasure to experience.

“Alright…alright…come on…ok Hermione, I can’t breathe…gerroff me!” Ron said as he was attempting to disentangle himself from Hermione’s grip.

Hermione finally let him go and stood between the two of them, her face suddenly looking very serious.

“Is it…over?”

Harry move forward and hugged her tightly “It is.”

Hermione returned his hug and felt him relax in a way she never had before. It was as though all the previous years were leaving him and he could finally see a future ahead of him – unplanned and unaffected by prophecy. Thinking back on the events later Hermione would also remember that she’d sensed a subtle difference between the way Harry and Ron had held her in those immediate moments after battle.

She was faintly aware of Ron excitedly yabbering about his final fight with Lucius, and how Harry had fought Voldemort in ways no wizard had ever witnessed. She was only faintly aware as she was far more aware of Harry looking at her very intently.

“You’re beautiful Hermione; you know that, don’t you?”

Hermione looked back into his deep green eyes, they looked so alive...

“Harry? What are you talking about?” Hermione instinctively moved her hand to his face and was subconsciously stroking his cheek.

“Exactly what it sounds like – I’m telling you you’re beautiful because you are. I don’t care who hears me say it. I’ve never told you before as I’ve always tried to keep you at a distance. I know we’d spoken and you’d insisted at staying close to me to help me prepare…but…I was always so worried for you…I could never let you know my true feelings out of fear for you. Now, there’s no fear anymore. Voldemort has gone – my future is no-longer dark with the knowledge that I may have died at his hand. I’m free now Hermione, I’m free to plot my own course. I’m free to tell you what I’ve wanted to tell you for so long. I love you Hermione. I always have.”

A single tear fell from Harry’s eye as he too cupped Hermione’s face in his hand as he spoke.

“Harry…you’ve no idea what this means…”

“I know. I don’t expect you to respond immediately. It’s got to be a shock…I’m sorry, I had to tell you.

Hermione immediately leaned forward and kissed Harry lightly. She pulled back slightly, but rested her forehead on his.

“It’s not a shock Harry. You just beat me too it…”

Hermione giggled at the memory. They’d spoken about that moment so many times afterwards. Hermione liked to gently tease Harry that he just couldn’t escape from his secret desire to hog the limelight, what with being famous, and simply had to get his “love decree” in first. He’d always responded with the simple fact was he had to get it in first, so that Hermione didn’t keep putting it off with visits to the library to check up on the true definition of love.

“Grams? What’s making you giggle so much?”

Hermione smiled as one of her littlest (and numerous) great, great grandchildren had shuffled up onto her bed and was looking up at her with big, green eyes.

“Just like Harry…amazing how that one trait just keeps on appearing…those eyes. You must remember that, Harriet – you have famous eyes.”

“But why are you giggling?” inquired Harriet, slightly confused at her Grams comments.

“I’m thinking about your Gramps. I’m thinking about my Harry. Sometimes the memories make me giggle, sometimes they make me sad. Mostly though, they make me happy.”

“I can’t think that Gramps would ever make you sad. He never made me sad.” whispered Harriet.

“Oh sweetie, he never directly made me sad. Sometimes I get sad thinking about everything he went through whilst he was growing up.” Hermione replied

“Mum,” said Catherine, her eldest daughter, “you know all the bad memories faded once he started his life with you. I remember him sitting and telling me the stories of everything you both did in the years after the battle. You filled him with new life, you were the reason he became the man he was.”

“We loved each other so much, it all fitted into place. Everything we did, everywhere we went…nothing could touch us. We were so happy.” Said Hermione, as fresh tears began to appear in her eyes.

Author’s note – everything in italics is a memory/flashback…

I realised I didn’t put a disclaimer at the start of this – suffice to say I own nothing, thought of nothing and will forever bow down to the abilities of J K Rowling!

Chapter Two – New Beginnings

“Come on! We’ve got to get going, the portkey is only activated for a few moments on the hour!” Harry yelled up the stairs towards the Headgirls bedroom.

“I’m coming! I’ve just got to get a few more books into my trunk!” Hermione yelled back.

The next thing she knew she was on the bed that she and Harry had shared over the last months. She wasn’t alone either; Harry had snuck up behind her and pulled her down onto the bed – muffling any protests by kissing her deeply.

“Hermione, as much as I would both love to watch you pack all your books, something you are doing simply because you can’t bear to think of the house-elves doing for you, we have to get going!” Harry attempted to say with a hint of anger in his voice.

Hermione looked back into his deep green eyes and said “And do you think this will speed matters along?”

Harry had absent mindly started to stroke the small of Hermione’s back and had moved his lips down to her neck, where he was gently nibbling his way towards her collarbone.

“Well…no…but…it helps distract you from the fact that I’ve just sent your trunk down to the house elves…” Harry mumbled as he ran his fingers up and down her bare forearm, still gently kissing her neck.

“Harry!” Hermione tried to protest, but again was silenced by Harry kissing her. This was it; this was when she truly felt relaxed. Having him so near, so attentive, so loving – she was able to clear her mind of any fears for the future that still lingered.

“I love you” she said, stroking the back of his head.

“I love you too” he replied, smiling and pulling her to her feet, “and my love will be even more for you once we’ve got to that portkey and got to where we supposed to be going!”

“And where exactly is it that we’re going?” Hermione enquired

Smiling, Harry replied “We’re going to a place where I can finally…” but he stopped, “No, not getting it out of me that easily!”

“You’re a nightmare, Harry Potter! If I didn’t love you so much…come on, let’s get going.” Hermione replied, attempting to frown, but failing badly when Harry grinned at her.

The school had been practically deserted, most students had already left. Hermione was quite annoyed as Ron had left hours ahead of them and she hadn’t had a chance to say goodbye. She knew she’d be seeing him again, but thought that on their last ever day at school he might have stuck around. She realised that, in fact, most of their year had left early – and she’d barely had a chance to say her goodbyes. Suddenly her need to pack all those books seemed unimportant.

“Harry, do you think we’ll see everyone again?” she said as they walked hand in hand towards the Great Hall.

“I’m sure we will. Everyone was so busy packing today it all seemed to go in a blur, didn’t it?” Harry smiled and squeezed her hand reassuringly

“It did, I didn’t even get a chance to see Ron before he left.” Hermione said

“Ron? Oh I wouldn’t worry too much – I’ve a feeling we’ll see him very soon.” Harry said.

They arrived at the Great Hall to find Professor McGonagall waiting by the saucepan that was to be their portkey.

“Ah Harry, Hermione – you’re here just in time. The portkey is about to activate and you’ve only got a few minutes to use it.” smiled Professor McGonagall

“Is Professor Dumbledore not here?” enquired Hermione

“I’m afraid not, he was called away on urgent business. He wishes you both well, and asked me to assure you he would see you soon.” replied the professor

Hermione looked at Harry and saw that he looked disappointed not to see his mentor before he left Hogwarts. Deep down she felt a little bit of anger towards Dumbledore, she couldn’t understand how he hadn’t waited to see Harry.

“That’s ok” said Harry, smiling “I’ll give him a few short words when we catch up!”

“The time has arrived,” said the Professor, “the portkey is activated, and it’s time for you to leave Hogwarts for the last time.”

The emotions inside of Hermione came bubbling to the surface and she enveloped a slightly shocked Professor McGonagall in a tight hug and said goodbye. Professor McGonagall fixed her gaze on Hermione and said,

“Take care of him Hermione. He deserves a rest now, love him well.”

Hermione was slightly taken aback by the Professors sudden openness but she smiled and said,

“Don’t worry, I will…I promise.”

Harry blushed slightly and took Hermione’s hand.

“Time to go,” he said, “Ready?”

“Ready” said Hermione

Harry took the saucepan and Hermione felt the familiar tug as they started on their journey. It took them no time at all to reach their destination, but Hermione never did manage to travel well by portkey and arrived by falling straight forward and found herself face down in thick, deep grass.

She pulled herself to her feet and looked around to see where Harry had bought her. She was amazed at what she saw, and felt blindly around her for Harry’s hand. She found it and turned to him,

“I don’t understand…”

The memories were strong now and Hermione knew what it meant. Her mind was sorting her life out, filtering everything into place. She’d listened to Harry, only hours before, describing what she was now thinking.

Again she scanned the faces around her. A mix of emotions ran through her.

“Michael, can you get me the photo album? You know the one.”

Michael went straight to Hermione’s bedside cabinet and pulled out a leather bound book, thick with photos.

“Now, all of you – inside this book is the story of our lives. It’s the story of this family from the very beginning. It traces back to Harry’s parents and their wedding, Harry’s birth, our wedding, the birth of our children, their marriages, and their children and so on. You must all keep building this book, always teach the children about their beginnings. Teach them about Harry.”

“Don’t worry Mum, we’ve already started” smiled Catherine as she took her mothers hand in hers.

“I need to remember, I need to see it again” Hermione said quietly as she turned the pages

“Harry, what’s going on?” Hermione asked as she looked around.

“I wanted to bring you here to ask you something. Something important.” Harry replied, looking slightly nervous

“But, we’re at The Burrow?” said Hermione

“We are indeed. I view this as my family home, it’s a place that’s important to me and therefore, I hope, important to you.” replied Harry

“Of course it is, Harry. I’m just a little confused.” Said Hermione, increasing the grip on his hand

“I can end that confusion.” Harry smiled

As he said this Harry dropped to one knee and gently took both of Hermione’s hands in his.

“Hermione, I love you more than I thought possible. You’ve helped me through so much and never doubted me. You’re the one I want to grow old with, have a family with – live a normal life with. Hermione, will you marry me?”

Hermione gazed at the man she loved kneeling before her.

“Harry, without any doubt...I’m sorry” she stumbled for words, making Harry a little nervous, “Oh Harry, without any doubt I will marry you. I want to grow old with you too, I want to show you what a family really is – I love you so much.”

Harry leapt to his feet and to Hermione’s complete surprise did a small dance on the spot and then pulled her into a hug and kissed her very gently.

“Always, Hermione. You’ll have me for always.”

“Always seems perfect to me”

“Hermione, there’s one other question I need to ask you.”

Without moving from her, without releasing his gentle grip from her, Harry leaned in and whispered,

“Hermione, will you marry me today? Right here?”

“How? Harry?” whispered Hermione

Behind them they both heard a gentle cough and they turned to see Albus Dumbledore standing at the entrance to the Burrow.

“I think I can answer that question Miss Grainger.” Dumbledore said, smiling, “Would you both like to some through to the garden?”

Hermione looked at Harry who now winked at her, and suddenly everything was fitting into place.

“Harry Potter, you’ve planned all this haven’t you? You’ve been keeping a secret from me!” said Hermione, playfully slapping Harry on the arm

“I have, but it will be worth it. Now do you have an answer for me? Will you marry me here, today?” he smiled and held both her hands again, his eyes searching hers.

“Of course I will Harry.” replied Hermione, leaning into him and giving him a chaste kiss.

They followed Dumbledore through the entrance to the Burrow and Hermione noticed how quiet the house was, assuming the Weasleys had gone on holiday once Ron had got home from Hogwarts.

Stepping out into the garden Hermione realised how much of a secret Harry had been keeping from her. As soon as they both appeared an almighty cheer rang out. Hermione scanned the garden and realised that the entire departing year from Gryffindor were standing in the Weasleys back garden! Not only that but she saw her parents, the Weasleys and most of the staff from Hogwarts.

“She said yes then, mate?” yelled Ron above the noise

Harry grinned at Ron and nodded his head, squeezing Hermione’s hand.

“Harry, I don’t think you’ll ever fail to amaze me.” said Hermione

“I do my best” he chuckled, “Now, you have to go and get ready. Are you ok with this?”

“More than you can imagine, Harry. I can’t wait to be your wife.” beamed Hermione

“Then I’ll see you back here in an hour, Miss Grainger” Harry said and kissed her on the cheek.

Hermione’s parents came over and her mother started talking excitedly about the dress that was being prepared. She was saying how amazed she was that it could be magically altered to any design that Hermione wanted. Hermione turned and looked at Harry as she walked away with her parents to get ready, amazed at how much love she felt for him at that one moment.

Hermione opened her eyes and looked across at the picture on the far bedroom wall. Beaming back at her was Harry, standing next to her on their wedding day. Surrounding them was all their family and friends, all waving at the camera. Hermione’s parents looked a little bemused in the picture, standing quite still, as was the muggle way when a picture was taken. The sequence in the picture always ended the same, with Harry turning to Hermione, taking her face gently in his hands and kissing her. What the picture didn’t show was the surge of love that both Harry and Hermione felt in that one kiss.

Hermione smiled and turned back to the photo album.

“Do you, Harry James Potter take Hermione Jane Grainger to be your wife? Will you protect and honour her, love and cherish her for the rest of your years?” intoned Dumbledore

“I will” said Harry

“And will you, Hermione Jane Grainger take Harry James Potter to be your husband? Will you protect and honour him, love and cherish him for the rest of your years?” Dumbledore addressed to Hermione

“I will” said Hermione

“You must both understand that the wizard bond of marriage is much stronger than those of our muggle friends. To join you together today binds your souls for eternity. You will always have one another; you will always find each other if lost. Time will not be able to separate you. The bond will fail for those that are not meant to be together.” Dumbledore said to them both

“Do you, Harry, wish to bond with Hermione for eternity?”

“I do” replied Harry

“And Hermione, do you wish to bond with Harry for eternity?”

“I do” replied Hermione

“Then it shall be so” said Dumbledore. As he spoke a blue light began to surround both Harry and Hermione. “The light represents your souls, their merging together, the bonding of love”

The feeling was so intense that Hermione instinctively reached for Harry’s hand, who took it and gently caressed her cheek with his other. Harry smiled and whispered,

“I’ll love you forever, Hermione.”

Hermione felt tears start to fall down her cheeks and looked towards Dumbledore, who now announced,

“The bonding is complete, I pronounce you husband and wife, wizard and witch. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you – The Potters”

Another rousing cheer erupted in the garden and Harry and Hermione found themselves enveloped in hugs from everybody.

“Right, time for the celebration feast!” shouted Ron

“I’d never of thought it would be you to announce that Ron!” laughed Harry

“Mate, all this secret keeping and sneaking around gives a man an appetite – let’s eat!” replied Ron as he slapped Harry on the back and kissed Hermione on the cheek.

They’d eaten a great feast and danced late into the evening. Both Harry and Hermione went from group to group of people receiving gifts and congratulations. More than once the comment was passed “Always knew it, always knew you two were meant to be together!”

As the evening drew to an end Harry took Hermione’s hand and led her to a quieter spot in the garden. They sat under a large willow tree and Harry wrapped his arms around Hermione, pulling her close to him under the night sky.

“Happy?” he asked

Hermione stroked Harry’s arms that were encircled around her and replied,

“More than happy. Thank you for today, it was beautiful.”

“I was so nervous you know. Deep down I knew you’d say yes, but wow…that was some scary moment when I asked you to marry me!” grinned Harry

“You hid the nerves well! Anymore tricks up you sleeve, or can I relax now?” giggled Hermione

“There’s one more thing we need to do.” replied Harry, with a slightly mischievous grin.

“Harry James Potter, I’ll have you know I’m a married woman now! I must behave in the appropriate manner.” said Hermione with an equally mischievous grin “What would it be that you, my husband, is suggesting?”

“My love, I’ve got one more place to take you. Are you ready to go?” whispered Harry

Hermione looked back at the group of people at their reception, and said,

“Let’s go, I don’t feel I can say goodbye to everybody – I’ve cried enough today. We’ll do a whirlwind tour of everybody when we get back. Now, where might it be we’ll be getting back from?”

“Ssshh,” said Harry, gently placing a finger to Hermione’s lips, “You must have realised by now that today I am master of the secrets.”

Hermione giggled and nuzzled into Harry’s neck,

“Ok then Mr Potter, lead on to the next surprise.”

Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out a small key.

“It’s a portkey that’s been designed to only activate when we both hold it, it’s going to take us to the first stop of our Honeymoon.” smiled Harry

Taking a deep breathe in preparation for the familiar journey, Hermione took hold of the key and immediately they both felt themselves being pulled towards their new destination.

This time Hermione managed to stay on her feet and looked around at her new surroundings.

“Do you like it?” asked Harry, sounding concerned

“Oh Harry, it’s perfect. It’s beautiful”

They’d arrived in the most wonderfully decorated room. There was a fire flickering in the grate, with two plump armchairs on either side. Set on a table by the chairs was a bottle of champagne and two glasses. Further back in the room was a large four-poster bed, with deep red covers and velvet cushions.

“Harry, where are we?” asked Hermione

“Well, believe it or not, we’re in the Leaky Cauldron!” laughed Harry

“I had no idea they had rooms like this! This is amazing” said Hermione, still gazing around the room

“I saw it about a week ago, I knew it would be perfect.” said Harry as went over to the table and began to open the Champagne. He poured some into the two glasses and he turned towards Hermione, handing her a glass. He looked rather serious as he did and said,

“Hermione, I know we’ve waited before…er…before we…went further with our relationship. I’ve loved sharing a bed with you over these last few months at Hogwarts, more than anything I’ve just loved the feel of you so close to me as you’ve slept.” Hermione noticed that Harry was getting increasingly nervous the more he spoke. “But, and I’ll understand if this is too sudden for you, what with the wedding being sprung on you and everything. What I’m now trying to ask you is…”

Hermione stopped Harry from talking by pulling him close and kissing him. If the truth were told Harry was quite relived that she’d done it as he’d been starting to babble.

“Harry, I know exactly what you’re asking. It’s not too sudden and I can’t think of a more perfect ending to this day than for us to make love for the first time.”

“Oh…” started Harry, but thought better of attempting to speak again, and instead took Hermione’s hand and lead her over to the bed. Hermione giggled nervously as she tried not to spill the Champagne she still had clutched in her free hand.

“Do you think the Champagne can wait?” Harry said

Hermione set her glass down on the bedside table and smiled at Harry. Nodding slowly she leaned forward and kissed him.

Harry eased her down onto the bed and whispered,

“Love you”

Hermione looked deeply into his eyes,

“Love you too”

That night they made love for the first time. As they made love they felt their new connection growing stronger, both physically and emotionally.

As they lay in each others arms, strangely neither feeling the need for sleep, Hermione said,

“You really are full of surprises, that was wonderful.” whispered Hermione

“We’re meant to be together Hermione; it makes it even more perfect. I’m so sorry for keeping you at a distance for all those years. You understand why I had to?”

“First I thought you were just being stubborn, but yes, I grew to understand why. Although I didn’t really understand my feelings then, my love for you was growing. I can’t even begin to describe the fear I felt when you were in battle with Voldemort. I was so glad to see you that day in the hospital wing…that was the day we finally admitted our true feelings.” said Hermione, as she ran her fingers over Harry’s chest.

“The moment I defeated Voldemort I knew I had to find you. I had to tell you every thought that had been growing louder in my head. I felt so free at that moment, and I finally understood exactly what I was feeling. I think what I felt for you played a strong part in my being able to defeat Voldemort. My love for you.” replied Harry

“Oh Harry, yours is quite a story. I’ll do everything in my power to make the future a brighter one, filled with love and happiness.” said Hermione, sealing her words with a deep kiss and pulling Harry closer.

“I guarantee the future will be brighter, my love” whispered Harry as he smiled at his wife. “In the meantime, let me show you how much I love you…” he muttered huskily as he pulled Hermione closer and they moved deeper into the night, sharing their love for one another.

Authors note - What happened there? I was all set to upload chapters on a regular basis and I�failed! New job got in the way. Curses to real life. I'm not overly happy with this chapter, but I thought if I posted it up it would get me going again! I feel it's got a few holes in places, but I can't seem to find the correct fill just now�Please review, be mean if you must - but I have no beta�so apologies in advance!

�Mum - I know you've told me many times before, but is it really true that I arrived 9 months to the day after your wedding?� asked Michael, as his mother gently turned the pages of the photo album, now resting on her lap.

Hermione laughed, �Completely true, Michael, completely true!�

�Were you happy? I mean, you'd barely left school and you'd not been married to Dad for very long.� said Michael, playing with the edge of the multi-coloured bed cover.

�Michael,� said Hermione gently �You were the most wonderful wedding gift that your father and I gave to each other - even though we had to wait a while to actually meet you.�

�Harry?� called Hermione from the hall of their new cottage. She'd just got back from work at the Ministry and was feeling particularly tired.

�Harry?� she called again, this time with a little urgency in her voice - she really didn't feel at all well.

�Hermione?� came Harry's voice from upstairs �I'm up here, be down in a minute!�

�I think you should come down now�� were the last words Hermione said before she crumpled to the floor.

When she woke up Hermione realised she was on their sofa, a blanket covering her from feet to chin and a very concerned Harry was inches from her nose.

�Hermione! Oh thank Merlin you're awake! I came downstairs and you were slumped against the door! What's wrong? Don't worry, I called the medi-wizard and he's on his way! Actually, maybe I should just take you straight down to St.Mungo's. Yes, that's what I'll do. We'll go straight away. I'll call Ron - he'll help!� gabbled Harry, looking completely panic-stricken

�Harry!� soothed Hermione, �Shush, I'm fine.�

�You're not fine! You fainted! Perfectly healthy witches do not faint!�

�That's right Harry, they don't. But pregnant one's sometimes do if they haven't been taking it easy like they should be.� smiled Hermione.

�That's simply not the point! Now, just sit tight and I'll just get Ron to�� Harry suddenly stopped babbling.

�Sorry - what did you just say?� he said, looking at Hermione with a look of total confusion on his face.

�I said, sometimes pregnant witch's faint.� replied Hermione, without even breaking his gaze.

�Right�pregnant witches sometimes faint�fainting�sometimes�oh good grief! You're pregnant!� exclaimed Harry

�I am, well about 6 weeks. I was waiting to be sure.� answered Hermione, this time searching Harry's face for some sort of response.

�You're pregnant�with our child.� said Harry as he dropped to his knees beside the sofa. He gently removed the blanket from Hermione and placed his hand over her stomach.

�Hermione, you're going to have our child�� whispered Harry. Tears had formed in his eyes and he was looking up at Hermione beaming from ear to ear.

Hermione placed her hand over Harry's,

�Our child.� she whispered

�That has to be one of my favourite memories.� said Hermione, patting Michael's hand. �You caused quite a fuss for one so young, making me faint like that! Your father was so worried. It wasn't exactly how I'd pictured telling him, but in the end it was perfect.�

�I remember Dad telling me about that.� said Catherine �He found it so unbelievable that he'd been given the chance to live a normal life. Finding out you were pregnant, it made everything fit into place for him. He was finally going to have a family of his own.�

�And quite a large family at that!� replied Hermione. �Look at you all,� she said as she looked about the room, �he was so proud of all of you, everyone of you. You became parents, grand-parents and you little ones will be parents one day!�

�Is she sleeping?� asked Catherine, looking at her mother in concern

�I think so. Oh Catherine, the time's getting close isn't it?� said Michael, barely able to get the last words out

Catherine hugged her brother and replied �It is, but remember what Dad's always told us - it's just the next adventure. She's so happy right now, recalling all these memories.�

�I know, she looks so calm. Dad was so right - she's perfect and quite amazing.�

�I heard that, young man.� whispered Hermione, who had now opened her eyes and was looking at her two eldest children. �Your father always exaggerated.�

�I don't think so Hermione. He wasn't mental.� said a familiar voice

Hermione looked up and saw a flash of red hair and the smiling face of Ron Weasley looking back at her.

�Ron! You came, I'm so pleased you came.� said Hermione as she leaned forward and gave Ron a bone crushing hug

�Oi, go easy on an old man! The years of Quidditch haven't been kind, well actually I think I'm just bloody old!�

Hermione released him from her grip and said �Seeing you makes it so much easier. You were always such a special part of our lives Ron, we both loved you so very much.�

�Ah, if Harry had only been a bit slower on the uptake I could have got you first.� he replied with a grin

�Ronald Weasley, when will you ever learn to behave?� said Hermione smiling

�Never Hermione, never.� he chuckled. Then, becoming more serious he said �Have the memories started yet?�

�They have, it's so calming. I've always had the memories, of course - but to have them put in order, it almost feels like I'm re-living the past.�

�You know he's waiting for you, right?�

�I know, typical Harry. He always had to check things out for himself first, make everything perfect.� said Hermione

�Using his fame again, eh?� laughed Ron

�Something like that!� chuckled Hermione

�I'm sorry I missed him. I really am.� said Ron, looking downcast

�You were here Ron, in his memories. You're here now, so you haven't really missed him. He's not far away.�

�And I guess I'll see you both again soon�� said Ron, tears starting to roll down his cheeks.

�Next big adventure Ron�next big adventure��

Ron nodded and sat gently down next to Hermione and took her hand in his. He'd loved her his entire life, but not in a way that Harry had. He'd loved them both so much and was so happy when they'd married. He'd settled down not long afterwards, with Luna , he'd met her again whilst touring with the Cannons. He and married Luna and settled in France, bringing up a beautiful family. They'd had two boys and a girl. The decision had been made that all the children should go to Hogwarts when the time came. Although the war was long over, concerns were still raised about the safety of those children whose parents had fought in the final battle, and Hogwarts was deemed the safest place.

�Ron, tell me what you're thinking about?� asked Hermione, looking at Ron's distant stare.

�Our children, when they first went to Hogwarts. It amazes me to this day��

�That they found one another? I think that just proves the bond that exists between us all. We fought so closely for so many years; I think it was almost inevitable.�

Fate had played a quite a turn when Ron and Luna arrived at Kings Cross to drop their eldest son, James, off at the station. Ron and Luna's work commitments had kept them in France, and although they had managed to see Harry and Hermione on occasion, their children had never met.

As Ron ushered James through the wall at platform 9 &