2. The Wedding and Wedding Night

A/N: Hello everyone. I want to thank everyone who reviewed with the prologue chapter. I'm glad you all liked it. You all had a lot of questions about Harry and those will start to be answered in this chapter.

Oh and I was impressed that one of the review noticed that at the very beginning of the chapter I described Hermione as a `young girl' not `young woman'. I did this because Hermione still sees herself as a `young girl'. This whole story is going to be from Hermione's PoV and she will soon no longer she herself that way. So, well done Meresger on catching that.

I hope you enjoy this chapter and please Read and Review.

Arranged to Be Yours

Chapter 1

The Wedding and Wedding Night

Hermione was woken by her overbearing Mother, who was much too excited for that time in the morning. She dressed quickly in traveling clothes and pulled her long, brown, bushy hair into a loose bun on the back of her head.

Once finished she meet her Mother and Father in the courtyard where she could see a few house servants loading the last of her trunks to the back of the carriage. The sun was barely crossing the horizon when she was helped into the carriage by her Father.

Hermione tried to lean against the side of the carriage to get maybe a bit of sleep before she was sold off to her “husband”.

“Hermione dear sit up, Ladies do not slouch.” Her Mother broke the silence of the traveling carriage.

“I wasn't slouching Mother, I was trying to get some sleep.”

“Well you should have done that last night. Now sit up.”

Hermione sat upright but not before she glared at her Mother. She hated this. It wasn't fair she wanted to be asleep in her own room, in her house in London. But no, she was stuck in a carriage on her way to God knows where to a man who wanted to do Lord knows what to her later that night.

“Father, how much longer?” Hermione asked long after the sun had risen over the horizon.

“Not much dear. Are you getting excided about your marriage?” Her father asked her hopefully.

“Something like that.” She once again took to looking out the carriage window at the countryside passing by.

After what seemed liked far too long her Mother grabbed her arm.

“Hermione look, that's the Manor we used to live in!”

Hermione turned to look out the other carriage window to see the place she used to call home standing off in the distance. She did remember the house barely. She remembered many warm days she spent out in the large front yard running, playing, laughing with the girl with dark red hair and the boy with jet black hair. There were others she played with while she was there but she was unable to see them in her memories.

From what her Mother had told her the boy with black hair was the one she was to marry. But for the life of her she could not fully remember him.

She was brought from her musing by sensing the carriage slowing down and turning slightly to the right. When she looked out her window again the church door was in front of her. The butterflies in her stomach went wild when she saw the two people standing off from the church.

One was a woman with that dark red hair and the other was a tall man with dark black hair. Was this Harry? He had glasses now but he looked much older then she did. Maybe the war had aged him.

“David we're so glad to see you. It's been much too long.” The man said as her Father got out of the carriage followed by her Mother.

“It's good to see you too James. Lily you are looking as lovely as ever.”

“David - you good for nothing cad.” Lily laughed as David kissed her cheeks. “Jane, look at you, you haven't aged a bit”

“One could say the same about you.” Jane kissed James cheeks then Lily's.

Hermione sat in the carriage and watched her parent's interaction with Mr. and Mrs. Potter.

“Hermione dear, why don't you come out?” Her father reached in and helped her out of the carriage. “You both remember our daughter Hermione? Hermione, this is James and Lily Potter.”

“It's lovely to meet you again.” Hermione smiled slightly as she greeted them.

“Look at you.” Lily started as she took both of Hermione's hands to look her over. “You've grown so much. I remember watching you and Harry running around the estate for hours on end. Well let's get you inside and ready shall we? James, why don't you take David to see Harry and your Father?”

James nodded and he David walked through the front doors of the church. While Lily and Jane whisked Hermione off to a side door.

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This was hell on Earth. She was sitting in her wedding dress which was completely shapeless. The long sleeves covered her arms, the neck was cut so it surrounded the base of her neck to the point it almost cut off her air. Then there was the dress itself, it was long and white. It barely came in at her waist and made her look bigger then she was.

“Mother could you please pull in the waist just a bit please.” She begged.

“Hermione I told you that this is what you wear to get married. I wore almost the exact same thing.”

“Please just a tiny bit. I'm not asking for it to hug my body just make it so I don't look like a house!”

“Lily, what do you think?” Jane asked her.

“Well I don't think a little will hurt that much.”

“Oh all right, come here.”

Hermione moved in front of her Mother and watched as she took in the dress so it fit her better. After she was done Hermione once again turned to the mirror to see that she now look closer to her 125lb weight, not the 200lbs it had made her look.

“Now dear let's take care of that hair.” Lily said as she walked up behind her. “We're going to have to braid it then put it back in a bun so why don't you have a seat.”

“Can't I just wear it in a long braid?” Hermione asked as she sat on the vanity seat.

“Oh course not! Hermione, only your husband is to let your hair down!” Her mother scolded her.

“Sorry, I didn't know.”

She waited until Lily had finished with her hair before she looked back in the mirror. When she saw herself the realization of what was happening finally hit her. She was getting married to a man she didn't know. She was going to be leaving her family, not to see them for months, maybe years on end. Tears started to fall from her eyes as she finally realized her life as she had known it was over. She was no longer going to be a daughter but a wife. Soon, she knew, she would become a mother. A sob escaped her throat as she quick turned from the mirror.

“Hermione dear, what's wrong?” her mother asked her.

Hermione felt her mother pull her into a hug when she did not answer right away.

“Please don't make me.” Hermione whispered into her mother's ear.

“Lily, would you give us a few minutes?”

Hermione clung to her Mother as Lily left the room. As soon as the door was shut Jane pushed her daughter back from her.

“What are you thinking asking me not to make you? This is your duty as a woman.”

“Mother please I don't want to marry him. I don't know him. Please, please don't make me marry him!”

“Hermione Jane Granger, we made a deal with the Potters when you were born and we are not backing out of it. You need to get over this idea that this is not the way things work. This is how your Father and I married and this is how the Potters married.”

“But Mother” Hermione was silenced by her mother smacking her across the face.

Her mother had never hit her. Hermione raised her hand to the place where her mother's hand had struck her.

“Now you listen to me Hermione. I will not tell you this again. You will be getting married to Harry today whether you like it or not. Do you understand me?” Hermione nodded mutely. “Good now let me heal your face. You don't need a hand print on your face when you get married.”

Hermione removed her hand and let her Mother take away the red hand print on her cheek. After she was healed Hermione grabbed a handkerchief to dry her face. As she did so a knock can to the door.

“Is everything alright?” Lily asked as she stuck her head in the door.

“Yes Hermione was just having a pre wedding moment. Just going to miss being near her Mother and Father that's all.”

“Well that's very understandable.” Lily walked fully into the room followed by another man.

He was about the same height as James but he's hair was a salt and pepper color. “It's time to test her.” He said

“Hermione this is Mr. Potter, Harry's Grandfather.”

“It's lovely to meet you. What test?” Hermione asked.

“To test your purity and your fertility girl.” The man barked to her.

Hermione nodded mutely as she watched the man take out is wand and point it at her.

“Castimonia.”

Hermione felt the spell hit her and a bright white light engulfed her.

“She's never been touched, very good. Now for her fertility. Fertilitas.”

Again a white light surrounded her body before quickly disappearing.

“Excellent, she will give Harry many children. The wedding can go on now.” Mr. Potter turned briskly and left the room.

“I'll tell David to come back here so he can give Hermione away.” Lily too left the room.

“Here we need to put your veil on dear.” Her Mother said to her as she sat her down on the vanity seat.

As her Mother pinned the veil to her hair Hermione saw her Father enter the room. When her Mother finished Hermione stood and let her Mother kiss her cheek before she moved the veil to cover her face.

Hermione watched as her Mother left the room and her Father took her arm to lead her out of the room.

Her Father walked her into the chapel of the church where she saw her Mother sitting to her left, Lily and James Potter to her left with Mr. Potter sitting next to them.

Then standing in front of her was someone who must have been Harry. He looked much like his Father and Grandfather, but as she got closer Hermione could see that his eyes were a brilliant green unlike his Father and Grandfather's brown eyes. He looked as nervous as she was. Maybe he didn't want this too. But what could she really do about that now.

When they stopped they were standing in front of the man who would marry her and the man beside her. She forced herself to stop thinking.

Then she watched helplessly as her Father took out her wand from his pocket and handed it to Harry. Who in turn placed it in his own pocket. After that the rest of the ceremony became a blur to Hermione. She could not believe that her Father had just handed off her wand to almost a complete stranger.

She barely heard the Minister pronounce them husband and wife when the ceremony was over. Hermione watched as Harry slowly lifted her veil over her head so he could see her fully for the first time. He gave her a small smile before their family gathered around them.

“That was lovely don't you think?” Lily said to the group.

“Yes, quite.” Jane responded.

“These two need to be off. They have things to take care of.” Mr. Potter interjected.

Hermione felt sick but couldn't help but look over at Harry, who, she was happy to see had turned pink. He nodded wordlessly to his grandfather and took Hermione by the hand and walked out with their family to a carriage that was waiting for them.

Hermione was shocked to see that the sun was getting close to setting below the ground. Her Father kissed her cheek and her Mother gave her a brief hug.

“What about my things?” Hermione asked.

“Dobby has already taken them to our home.” Harry spoke for the first time. His voice was soft but had that distinct masculine tone to it. She liked it.

“Dobby?”

“He's my…I mean our house elf. We're getting Winky from my parents too. She'll be able to help you with…um…you know.” Harry said with his cheeks turning that light pink shade again.

“Oh.”

Hermione felt Harry's hand come to rest on the small of her back to lead her to their carriage. He took her hand and helped her into the carriage before quickly getting in after her.

But before the carriage was able to move the door opened to reveal Mr. Potter Sr.

“Harry I need a word with you before you and your bride leave.”

“Yes sir.”

Harry stepped out of the carriage and walked over to talk to his Grandfather. Hermione watched has the older man spoke in hushed tones to his Grandson. After he said one thing she saw Harry's eyes cut over to her as he nodded mutely to him. That seemed to be enough because Mr. Potter clapped the young man on the shoulder and stood back as Harry once again returned to the carriage.

No sooner had Harry sat down did the carriage start moving. They had been riding for a few minutes before Hermione broke the tense silence.

“How long will it take us to get there?”

Harry looked out the window before looking at her. “A little over half an hour. My parents and grandfather live another half an hour past our home.”

Hermione nodded wordlessly before she turned her gaze outside.

“I hope you like it.” Hermione turned back to him. “The house I mean. It's where I was born. My parents moved to the main estate house with my Grandfather when I was ten. So no one has lived there since. I only got a chance to clean up some of the rooms in the house. If you don't like them feel free to change them. I don't have much of an eye for decorating. We have horses if you like to ride and lots of land to ride them on. That's the main way I use to get to the main house. It doesn't take as long to get there by the trails as on the road by carriage. Am I talking too much?”

“No you're fine. It's nice to hear about where I'll be living.”

“I'm sorry that we won't be living close to your parents. We'll try and visit when we can. I don't know how often that will be but we will make time.”

A silence fell around the couple as the carriage continued to their home. After a short while longer Harry again spoke up.

“We're here.”

The carriage turned to the right and Hermione was able to see a mansion coming into view. The large gray stone mansion had many windows that lined the front of the home and there was a light in the front room of the house.

“Looks like Dobby left a light on for us before he left.”

“Why did he leave?” Hermione asked as the carriage stopped.

“My grandfather thought it was best that we had the house to ourselves this evening.” Harry said softly as he stepped out of the carriage.

Hermione nodded once again as Harry helped her out of the carriage. He led her into the foyer and quickly lit the rest of the candles that lighted the stairs with a swish of his wand.

“You must be tired from your day. I'll show you to the master bedroom.” Harry let his hand come to rest on the small of her back as they walked up the large wooden staircase to the second floor.

After walking down the hallway Harry stopped them at the door at the end wall of the hall. He opened the door to reveal a large room that was in done in red and gold. There were dressers on either side of the room and in the center of the back wall was a large bed.

Hermione gulped at the sight of it. She slowly moved into the room and aloud her hand to touch the softer fabric of the comforter.

“I hope Dobby put your things on the side of the room you like.”

“Th-they are fine.”

“I'll leave you to sleep. Have a goodnight.” Harry turned and started to leave the room.

“You're leaving?” Hermione asked slightly confused.

“Yes I thought you'd like to sleep.”

“But I thought we…” Hermione broke off unsure how to continue.

“I didn't think you would want to. I mean we haven't seen each other since we were children. I thought you'd be more comfortable this way.” The blush on Harry's cheeks returned.

“Is this what you and your Grandfather were talking about?”

“Uh no quite the opposite.”

“Oh. Well thank you Harry.”

“You're welcome, have a goodnight.” Harry turned and walked to the door.

“You too Harry.”

Harry nodded before walking out the door and closing it behind him. Hermione was getting ready to try and take off her dress when a knock came to the door. She walked over and opened it slightly.

“I forgot to give this back to you.”

In Harry's outstretch hand was Hermione's wand.

“I could run away with that if I wanted to.” She said.

“You could run away whether or not I gave this back to you if you really wanted too.” Harry said with a slight smirk on his lips.

“Thank you.” Hermione pick up her wand and watched as Harry nodded before turning and walking into the open door down the hall and to the left.

She closed her door and returned to get changed into her night clothes. Once she was in bed she lifted her left hand to look at the new ring that adorn her finger. It was a very pretty ring, she had to admit. The lone diamond was sitting in-between to two deep red rubies. Hermione started to wonder if Harry picked it out himself or if it had been in his family and had no choice then to use it. She let her thumb absentmindedly rub the ring as she let herself go into deep thought about what had happened today.

“I'm married. I got married today.” No matter how she thought of it, it still sounded odd.

Then a new thought popped into her head. One she thought she'd never have. “Why didn't he stay with me tonight. I thought that that's what a husband would want. He did say that he thought this is what I would want. But what if he doesn't find me pretty enough. Maybe that's why.”

A dark cloud came over Hermione's thoughts at that point. A few tears leaked from her eyes as she rolled over to her side. She needed to sleep. It was late and she would have to get up in the morning and try to figure where she stood in her new life.

Slowly the travel and events of the day took over and Hermione feel into an uneasy sleep.

A/N2: The next chapter I am still working on so it may be a bit before I get it posted. The spells that were used in this chapter were Latin words that I looked up so if they are not right please forgive me. I'm sure you all think that this chapter is also way to short but they will hopefully get long as I go. As always thanks to my beta Ken and Read and Review please!

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3. The first day of a new life

A/N: Well I have to say that I'm overwhelmed by how everyone has taken to this story. This was an idea that came to me one night that I couldn't get away from. I'm surprise to say the lest at the fact that this story has gotten so many reviews. I love you all and I'm so happy that you guys are sticking with me on this. I'm in the middle of writing the next chapter now. I hope to have it off to my beta this weekend. As always thanks to my beta Ken who deals with my horrible grammar and sad spelling mistakes. Without you I don't think this story would be as well liked as it is. And of course I am just barrowing these characters from JKR who came up with a world that is such fun to make ones own. I answered everyone's review from the last chapter and hope that you all review again on this chapter. I love hearing what you think and I sadly live for it. SO next time you hear from me will be when I'm getting ready to post again.

Chapter 2

The first day of a new life

Hermione was dreaming of being in her grandmother's home sitting in the window seat reading one of her favorite books in her lap, when she felt like she was being watched. She turned her head to look around the room but she could see no one.

“Mrs. Potter.”

Hermione turned her head quickly to find the source of the noise.

“Who?”

“Mrs. Potter.”

Hermione closed her eyes and when she opened them she all she could see was large green eyes. As her vision came into focus she could see that the large eyes were connected to an equally large set of bat like ears.

Hermione let out a blood curdling scream as she backed her body against the headboard of the bed. She watched as the small creature fell from the bed and landed with a thump on the floor.

“What's going on?”

Hermione stopped screaming to turn and see Harry standing in her now open door.

“What…is…that?” She asked as she pointed over the side of the bed.

She watched Harry enter the room, wand in hand, and make his way to where she was pointing. When he saw what she was pointing to a smirk came across his face as he put his wand away.

“Dobby, were you face to face with her when you tried to wake her?”

The small creature nodded, his ears flopping, and proceeded to turn and hit his head against the bedside table. The sound echoed in the room and Hermione cringed at the sound.

“Dobby stop it.” When he didn't Harry came closer and picked it up by the back of its shirt. “Dobby stop it. Hermione knows you didn't mean to scare her. Why don't you go and finish breakfast.”

The creature named Dobby nodded before disappearing from Harry's hand.

“Sorry he didn't mean to scare you. He just tends to forget that people don't like to be woken up by someone being face to face with them.”

“What is he?” Hermione asked again.

“Oh he's a house elf. Have you never had one before?” Harry asked her as he sat on the edge of the bed.

Hermione looked down at her lap before looking back up at him to answer. “No. My Grandmother was a muggle and had maids. After we moved to London we had a maid there as well. My parents are both muggle born. I've read about house elves though. I don't like the idea of them though.”

Harry's brow wrinkled slightly. “What do you mean?”

“Well…they're not paid for what they do. I mean they do all this work for no pay and that's slavery.” Hermione looked at Harry to find him smirking at her once again. “It's not funny.”

“I wasn't laughing at you I swear. It's just that I do pay Dobby. But I won't be paying Winky when she starts working for us and it's not because I don't want to, it's because she won't let me. Dobby is a very unusual house elf, most don't want to be paid.”

“Oh sorry.”

“No don't be. So you like to read?”

Hermione smiled slightly. “Yes, very much, I have loads of books I brought with me. They are in one of my trunks.”

“Well we have a library. I haven't gotten a chance to clean it yet. We could do that today and get your books set up if you wish.”

“I think that would be lovely.” Hermione smiled and felt a blush creep up on her cheeks.

“I will leave you to get dressed.” Harry stood from the bed and walked to the door. He smiled at her before closing the door behind him.

Hermione sighed as she rested back against the headboard. As she sat there she began to think of what she needed to do today.

Well, unpacking needs to be done. Harry said we could clean out the library and put my books there. I need to find out what he thinks of me. I want to know why he didn't want to stay with me last night.

Hermione stop it! She scolded herself. He told you why and you should be grateful that he did that for you. Do you really wish that he'd stayed here with you last night? Taking your clothes off, touching you without a care, forcing you to do something you did not want to.

I don't think he would have force to do anything I didn't want to. Would it have been all that bad?

You have got to be kidding me! You don't know him and yet now you are so willing to give yourself over to him.

Look I don't understand it myself. But I feel like it wouldn't have been that bad. Plus it would have been nice to feel wanted.

That's what this is about feeling wanted? What's happened to the girl who didn't care what people think about her?

She grew up and is married now. She has a husband and she's starting to like him after only knowing him twelve hours.

Hermione was shocked out of her thoughts when she realize that she was standing in front of the full length mirror making sure her dress was on correctly. She had chosen something that she used to wear to work out in the small garden they had in London. She was slightly disturbed by the fact that she didn't remember getting out of the bed.

After pressing down the front of her dress once more with her hands Hermione left her bedroom and slowly headed downstairs. Once at the bottom of the stairs Hermione came to the realization that she had no idea where she was going.

“I was wondering what was taking you so long.”

Hermione spun quickly to see Harry standing in a door smiling at her. She felt a blush creep up her cheeks.

“I'm sorry I took so long I had a lot on my mind. I hope you don't mind I didn't dress up but if we are going to be cleaning I didn't feel like having to go and change after eating.”

“No that's fine. I did the same thing. Dobby has breakfast waiting for us.” Harry moved back into the room.

Hermione nodded and walked in behind him to see that they were in the kitchen not the dinning room.

“I didn't think we needed to sit at a 50 seat table when it's just the two of us. No need to yell at each other across a room.”

Harry held out a chair at the small wooden table set for two. She sat down and waited until Harry was seated before looking down at her plate.

“I didn't know what you would like so I told Dobby to make a bit of everything.”

Hermione was shocked to see that there were four different type cooked eggs sitting there waiting to be eaten. As well as bacon, sausage, ham and potato cakes.

“I always have porridge for breakfast.” Hermione said as she looked over all the food.

“Oh…Well if that's what you'd like I could have Dobby make you some.” Harry looked a bit disappointed that he hadn't put the one thing she did eat on the table.

Hermione quickly backtracked. “No! This is fine. My mother was the one who always made me eat that stuff. I've just never really had anything like this before.”

“Really?” Harry looked at her a bit confused.

“Well there was this one time that my grandmother had a big breakfast like this. But I was really young I don't really remember it. So what is all of this?”

“Well that just means you'll have to try a bit of everything then doesn't it?”

“I couldn't possibly eat that much I'd get fat.” Hermione complained.

“I don't think one real breakfast will make you fat. Besides I think if anything you might be too thin.” Harry added quietly.

“Oh.”

“Okay this is scrambled eggs, this fried eggs, they call this sunny side up, and this is a hard boiled egg. I'll split that with you. See what you have to do is crack open the shell. Now you are supposed to use this tiny spoon to do that but I can never seem to get it to work right. SO I just drop the egg on my plate.” Harry let the egg drop and Hermione laughed slightly as she watched him peel off the shell.

“Okay now you can eat it. What I do is add salt and pepper I think it gives a bit of a better taste. Here try.”

Harry held out a fork with a piece of the egg on it for her. Hermione hesitated a second before opening her mouth. She closed her lips around the fork and Harry slowly pulled it back out.

“Well?”

“Not bad, okay what's next”

Harry laughed loudly before starting to feed Hermione the different types of eggs. She liked all but the sunny side up eggs.

“That's disgusting!” Hermione screeched as she spat the egg out in her napkin. “Harry stop laughing!” She hit him lightly on the arm. “Who would eat that? I mean the yoke is all running.”

Harry laughter died slightly as he answered her. “I don't know. I don't like it either but my grandfather eats them every morning so I know that someone likes them.”

“Yes well… okay I think I'll just have the rest of that hard boiled egg.” Hermione quickly reached over and snatched the second half of the egg from Harry's plate.

“Hey! I was going to eat that, give it back.”

Hermione shook her head defiantly before popping the egg into her mouth.

“Why you little…” Harry had a smirk on his face as he stood up out of his chair and started to make his way over to her.

“Now Harry you wouldn't want to do anything rash now would you?” Hermione said as she too got out of her seat.

“You ate my half.” No sooner had the statement left his mouth did Harry start to run.

Hermione let out a slight scream before taking off running through the kitchen with Harry hot on her heels. He was finally able to grab her around the waist and pull her to him.

“Did you think you would be able to escape me?” Harry laughed as he turned Hermione in his arms.

“Yes, well I thought I'd give it a try but yo-…” Hermione stopped when she realized how incredibly close she was to Harry.

His eyes were greener then she had originally thought. She watched as his eye's lost the laughter that had been there only moments and move from her eyes down to her lips. Hermione quickly pulled back from his embrace and looked at the bottom of her dress. She felt his arms let go and watched as his feet left her view.

“Did you …um… what anything else to eat or do you want to get a start on cleaning the Library?”

“I'm full now lets start cleaning.”

Harry led Hermione out of the kitchen and down the hall to a dark cherry door. He opened the door and Hermione could smell the dust and books the permeated the room. She loved it.

Hermione stepped into the room first and all she could see in the dim light was the massive bookcases. Suddenly light filled the room and she could see in fact that the floor to ceiling bookcases covered two of the four walls. Most of the shelves already housed books and Hermione was eager to see what was here. She turned to see Harry pulling open more curtains that let more light into the room. It was only when all the curtains were open could Hermione see the horrible condition of the room.

Dust seemed to be at lest an inch thick and the paint on the walls was chipped and faded in places. The books themselves didn't look all the bad but she suspected that there was a charm on them to keep them in good condition. The furniture in the room had been covered in sheets but she had no doubt that they were as dust covered as everything else.

“Well what do you think?” Harry asked as he walked over to her.

“It's going to be a great room once we get it cleaned, but that may take all day even with magic.”

“I know the rest of the house is a lot like this as well. We have our work cut out for us. It took me a month to get the few rooms I got done before you got here.”

Hermione was almost afraid to ask but she did. “How many rooms did you get done?”

“Only six. The master bedroom, two guest rooms, the kitchen, the dinning room, and the parlor.”

“And um… how many rooms are left?”

“Well on this floor we have another parlor, ballroom, and the Library. On the second floor we have nine more bedrooms. Then there's the outside but Dobby said he and Winky would take care of that.”

“So if we worked everyday we should have this done in about a month. Wow.”

“Well let's open the windows and start trying to get the dust out.”

Hermione nodded and soon the room was starting to fill with the smell of dust even more then before. As they continued to work the smell of dust became less and the smell of the fresh outdoors became more. It was one o'clock before the dust seemed to be gone and they took a quick lunch break before returning to the room to paint.

“So what color do you think we should paint?” Harry asked as the looked around the room.

“Well, I think maybe a yellow. It's quite a cheerful color and it will help to lighten the room a bit. Plus I think it will look good with the dark wood of the bookshelves.”

“Sounds good, you know you are much better at picking out colors then I am.” Harry stated before he conjured the paint. “Is that the color you wanted?”

Hermione looked down at the paint before nodding. “I'll paint the trim and the lower half of the wall and you do the ceiling with you wand and then work on the higher bit of the wall.”

Harry moved over to start to paint the ceiling and Hermione took the bucket of paint and moved to the door and paint the wall beside the door frame.

“Do you remember the secret room we used to hide in?” Harry asked at one point.

“No. Where is it?”

“Over there behind that wall. You can't get to it from here though. What you do is go out to the hall and walk towards the kitchen. The sixth panel from this door is the door to the room. You have to push on the lowest part of the panel and it will open to a small room that looks into here. I can't believe you don't remember it. We spent a lot of time in there.”

“What did we do in there?” Hermione asked as she continued to paint.

“This and that, played games, ate lunch sometimes and that was the place were you gave me my first kiss.” Harry said smiling slightly at the memory.

“I-I kissed you?”

“The day you left. You and your parents came over and you started crying because you didn't want to leave. So while our parents were having tea we went in there for a while. You didn't stop crying for a bit. But then I don't know you just stopped and then you kissed me. It wasn't much but still I think I knew then that you'd come back. At lest I always hoped.”

Hermione nodded and went back to painting. This was something that she never really thought about. She had known that they knew each other before but she forgot they were in effect each others best friend. How could she have forgotten the fact that she gave him their first kiss? Hermione's head spun as she continued to paint.

It was some time later before Harry and Hermione met up on a wall.

“How's the painting coming?” Harry asked her.

“I would guess about the same as yours.” Hermione laughed back.

“Hey there's no need for that.” Harry said as he turned to her but no before letting a little paint hit her.

“Why you…” Hermione didn't even finish before she smacked Harry's leg with her paint brush.

“Oh that's it, now you're going to get!”

Harry shot some more paint at her before he moved away from her. Hermione quickly stood and chased after him. Paint was being thrown everywhere and Harry and Hermione were quickly getting covered. Harry was able to grab a hold of Hermione's arm and pulled her to him. He let his paint covered hand run across her check only causing Hermione to shriek and throwing the paint brush behind her.

“WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?”

Both Hermione and Harry froze. Hermione watched Harry's eye's look behind her and widen slightly. He quickly pulled Hermione up right and turned her to see Mr. Potter Sr. with a large yellow paint streak across his clothes.

“I will ask again what is going on here?”

“We were painting Grandfather, things got a bit out of hand is all.” Harry said rather quickly.

“Leave us girl, Harry and I need to have a little talk.” Mr. Potter said to Hermione.

Hermione looked over at Harry, who besides looking rather unhappy, nodded. Hermione started to quickly leave the room when Mr. Potter grabbed her arm.

“I'll take this thank you.” He said as he pulled her wand from her pocket before pushing her towards the door.

Once outside Hermione looked down the hall.

`Sixth panel.'

Hermione walked quickly to the sixth panel and pushed on the lowest part until it moved aside. After she crawled in she could see why two children would like it so much. She was brought out of her musings by the voices and the movement through the wall. Harry was standing where he had been when she left but Mr. Potter had moved closer to him.

“Grandfather it's her wand she should be able to have it and use it.” Harry said harshly.

“So she can kill you while you sleep and run off. I think not.”

“She wouldn't do that.”

“Just because you knew her as a child doesn't mean you know her know Harry. I'm trying to protect you. I'm surprise she was still untouched when she came here yesterday.”

“Grandfather do not talk about her like that. She's a good person.” Harry said defensively, making Hermione smile.

“She was raised by muggles mostly. We're lucky she doesn't already have a child.”

“GRANDFATHER!”

“Don't you dare take that tone with me young man! Speaking of children should I be expecting a grandchild in nine months?”

“I don't know.”

“You did take her to bed last night didn't you?” Harry's grandfather asked making Hermione blush even though she was not in the room.

“Grandfather that's none of your concern.” Harry said tightly he didn't look happy to Hermione.

“It is to my concern. It has to do with my family and I would like to know that the family will go on after my death. You are my only heir Harry.”

Harry slammed his fist down on the desk beside him. “Do you think I don't know this? Do you think I don't know why? BECAUSE I DO KNOW BECAUSE YOU NEVER LET ME FORGET IT!”

“Harry”

“I think it's time for you to leave Grandfather and I need to talk to me wife. I will walk you out.”

With that Hermione watched Harry walk out followed by Mr. Potter. Hermione didn't think of leaving the small room she was hidden in.

She started looking around the dim lit room. That's when she saw it. It was her name written lightly in the wall. But her name wasn't alone Harry's was before hers and there was more writing but it was covered in dust. Kneeling so she was more at eye level she wiped the dust off the writing.

“This is the secret room of Harry and Hermione. Here we spent many days playing and telling stories of things and places we have never seen. This will be our spot for as long as this house stands.”

After reading the small note in her own young handwriting, it was only then that she truly started to remember her time here as a child. It wasn't much but she could remember writing this. It was after she had kissed Harry and he promised he'd never bring anyone else in here. The memory brought a slight smile to her face.

“I thought I would find you here.”

Hermione turned to see Harry ducking in the small door before coming to sit beside her.

“You wrote that they day you left.”

“I know I remembered. How's your hand?”

“Saw that did you?” Hermione nodded. “It's fine.”

“Then let me see to make sure.” Hermione took his hand carefully to into hers.

Se could see the bruise starting to form from where he hit the desk. She would need her wand to heal it and as if Harry was reading her mind he handed her, her wand.

“Thanks.”

“I told my grandfather it was my choice to give you back your wand because I trusted you.” Harry winced as Hermione started to heal his hand. “But you may not want to flaunt the fact that you do have your wand in front of him for a while.”

“So I guess turning him into a newt would be out of the question.”

Harry laughed. “Yes I believe it would be.”

“There all better. Why did you get so upset when he brought up you being his only heir?”

“It's nothing.” Harry said shortly.

“Oh it's just you seemed really upset I wanted to see if I could help that's all.”

“You can't so leave it.” Harry's voice was much harsher this time.

“I'm sorry.”

Harry stood quickly and moved toward the door. “It's late I'm sure Dobby has dinner ready for us.”

“I'm not that hungry. I think I'll just go to bed.”

“Fine.”

It was only after Harry left the small room did Hermione stand and leave herself. She knew she had hit on something that was to close to Harry. What ever it was it seem to make him very short and rude with her. That was not the Harry that she knew from earlier. Most men would be happy to be the only heir to a family it meant that they would get everything. They would not have to fight siblings for the families land and homes.

As Hermione climbed into bed the thought of siblings still ran through her head. She did not have any and as far as she new neither did Harry. Because if he did have a sibling she would have met them, but that made no since because he had just said he was the only heir.

Soon Hermione thoughts subsided and she fell asleep dreaming of a small redheaded girl in a pink dress dancing in the grass.

A/N2: Just to let you guys know I plan on starting to give cookies to the next chapters of my stories on my live journal. So if you want to check that out here is the link:

http://www.livejournal.com/users/k_t18

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4. The Days that Follow

A/N: Hello everyone I'm sorry that it's taken me so long to update but work has been crazy. I loved all the reviews and love to hear who you guys think the little girl is. So keep up those reviews I do love them and answer them. Ok this chapter has a lot on information that you might not get all at once. But later it will come in handy. I hope you guys like it. I am now writing the next chapter in this story but I don't know when it will be done. I hope to have it done before HBP comes out. I hope you all like this chapter and please review!

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Chapter 3

The Days that follow

Hermione was awake by the time Dobby came to tell her that breakfast was ready and waiting for her on the table. When she got to the kitchen Harry was already sitting at the table eating.

“Good morning.” Hermione said as she sat down at her seat.

“Good morning. I figured we could finish up with the Library today and put your books in there.”

“That's fine.” Hermione place a hard boiled egg on her plate and began to peel it.

“Did you sleep well?”

“Yes, and you?”

“Fine.”

They fell back into a silence which lasted the rest of breakfast and into finishing the Library. It only ended when it was lunch.

“We should eat then get your books.” Harry stated as he pulled Hermione from the floor.

“What type of books do you have?” Harry asked as they ate.

“Oh, all types really. Medical, Healer, Plays, Magic, History, Fiction, Poems, different Languages, and a few Romance books that my mother gave me. That's all I can think of now.”

“Have you read them all?” Harry asked still in awe.

Hermione blushed slightly. “Almost all of them, I had gotten quite a few when my grandmother passed. She always encouraged my reading. That's why I do have so many books. She used to read to me everyday when I wasn't at school. She told me that no one has an excuse not to be knowledgeable. When I was at school she would send me a book once a month so I would read about things that had nothing to do with magic. She wanted me to be well versed in both worlds. She was afraid that if I only ended up learning about magic I would become a slave to it.” Hermione sighed sadly. “She was right in a way; I would never be able to thank her for what she instilled in me.” Hermione turned head to try and stop the tears from falling down her face.

She felt Harry's hand rest on top of hers on the table. “You loved her very much didn't you?”

Hermione nodded as she felt the tears slid out of her eyes and down her cheeks. Harry's hand left hers and wiped the tears from her cheeks.

“I was at school when she died. My parents they…d-didn't even bring home for her funeral. They told me in a letter.” Hermione let out a sob unable to go on.

She felt Harry move until he was standing over her. Hermione let him pull her up from her chair and wrap his arms around her trying to comfort her. This only made her sob harder as his hands rubbed her back.

“Let it out Hermione.” He whispered. “I wish I could have been there for you then.”

Hermione clung to Harry as her sobs started to slow. It was a short time later before Hermione was ready to leave Harry's arms. When she did Harry wiped the few remaining tears from her face before kissing her forehead.

She was shocked to say the least. The only other person to ever kiss her anywhere was her father, and on the rare occasions her mother. No boy had ever looked at her twice in school unlike the other girls, who always had boys falling at their feet. Hermione smiled slightly before she allowed Harry to lead her to her bedroom to get her trunk full of books.

The rest of the day was spent in the Library organizing the books to her liking. There were many moments of stolen looks and `accidental' touches. Hermione was eating it up. She loved it when she caught him looking at her, or when his hand would brush hers when passing her a book.

They were able to finish the Library shortly after dinner. Once they were done Harry opened a bottle of champagne to celebrate the completion of their first room together. After the bottle was completed Harry helped a slightly dizzy Hermione up the stairs and to her room. He left her just inside the door after she assured him that she would be okay on her own.

That night it was much easier for Hermione to go to sleep. She had changed quickly into her night clothes and only stumbled once on her way to the bed. But once under the covers her eyes fluttered shut and she dreamed of more private moments with Harry.

The next few days followed in much the same fashion as she and Harry moved on to clean the large Ballroom. It took them three days to get it clean. The dust combined with the fact that the whole room was wood and needed to be polished took much longer then either thought it would. But once it was clean and shined they took a test run to make sure the floor was `danceable'. It was. Hermione couldn't stop smiling as Harry twirled them around the dance floor.

It was the end of the first week in October when they finally got to working on the second Parlor. They had decided to cover the walls in the room with a dark red paint that seem to make the room comfortable and warm. The furniture had to be cleaned several times before it even began to be able to be used. They were in the middle of hanging curtains on the third day of working on the room, when a knock came from the front door.

“I wonder who that could be?” Harry said as he walked out of the room.

Hermione walked to the doorway of the Parlor, wiping her hand in the apron around her waist, and watched as Harry answered the door.

“Hello Harry.” Said a friendly male voice from the other side of the front door.

Harry laughed out as reached over to hug the man, then another person the door was blocking Hermione from seeing..

“What are you all doing here?” Harry asked as Hermione watched him hug someone else.

“Well we thought we'd come see how you were handling married life. Speaking of which we have yet to meet your wife and the girls have been dying to get their hands on her.”

“Ronald! You make it sound like we're going to maul her or something.” Came the airy voice of a woman.

“Harry, are you going to make us stand out here all day?” Another female voice added.

“Oh, I'm sorry, come on in.” Harry said as he moved out of the way.

Hermione watched as a redheaded man slightly taller then Harry walked in the door with a woman with golden blond hair that was sitting twisted on the top of her head. Then a brown haired man who was about the same height as Harry walked in with a woman who had red hair, just like the other man, sitting neatly tied to the back of her head.

“Hermione,” She jumped slightly at Harry calling her name. “Come here I want you to meet some people.

Hermione nodded and walked over to the small group who were all looking her up and down.

“Hermione these are some friends of mine. This is Ron Weasley and his wife Luna Weasley.” Harry said about the tall redhead and blond. “And this is Neville Longbottom and his wife Ginny. We all went to school together. Everyone this is my wife Hermione.”

“It's lovely to meet you all.” Hermione said slightly shyly. “Are you two related?” She asked Ron and Ginny.

They both laughed and nodded but it was Ginny who spoke up. “We're twins actually.”

“Wow twins that's really rare.”

“Rare huh? We're the second set in our family we have older brothers who are twins as well.” Ron laughed out.

“That amazing.” Hermione looked down at her hands when she noticed that she was in fact wearing her cleaning clothes that were spotted with dirt, dust and paint. “Oh I should go change. We have been cleaning. If you'll excuse me while I change.” She turned and quickly made her way to her room.

Hermione was just about finished changing when a knock came to her door. She opened the door slightly to see Harry standing on the other side of it.

“Hermione may I come in and talk to you for a moment?”

“Yes.” Hermione stepped out of the way and let Harry into her room.

She watched as he took a look around the room before turning his attention back to her.

“Well you see the reason I need to talk to you is because the Weasleys and the Longbottoms will be staying the night.”

“It will be nice to get to know your friends and to have guests in the house.”

“Yes it will be. I'm sure that they'll be quite taken with you. The problem is we haven't had time to clean any of the guest rooms. The only bedrooms we have done are this one”

“Yours and the one other guest room.” Hermione finished for him.

“So you see the problem. I was wondering, if it's alright with you of course, if I could move in here with you.” Harry ended somewhat hesitantly.

Hermione's heart did a bit of a flip flop in her chest as she thought of what this would really mean. It would mean that they would start to have a real marriage. They would start to sleep next to each other and then it would move on past just sleeping. A small, and somewhat frightening, thrill went through her body.

“Hermione?” Harry question making her jump slightly.

“I'm sorry I was just thinking.”

“If you don't feel comfortable with me moving in here it's all right we can work something else out.”

“No, it's fine I was just thinking that's all. I think you should move in here with me.” Hermione said feeling the red blush creep up her face.

Harry smiled “I'll go tell Dobby to move my things into here.”

Harry moved to go to the door but Hermione stopped him. “Harry, can you do me a favor?”

He turned to her. “Yes.”

“It's just that I left my wand downstairs and I can't reach the last few buttons on the back of my dress. I was wondering if you could get those for me.”

Harry nodded and Hermione turned so he could reach the buttons. Slowly she felt Harry's fingers fasten the back of her dress. She felt his hands rest slightly on her back when he was done before moving them away.

“All set.” Harry said as he moved around her.

“Thank you.”

“I'll go talk to Dobby now. Everyone's sitting in the Parlor when you're ready to head back downstairs.”

“I shall be downstairs in a moment.” Hermione said.

Harry smiled once more and went to the door. It was only when he was stepping out of the room did Hermione hurry over to him.

“Harry, you have a spot on your cheek.”

Harry moved his hand to his cheek to remove the spot Hermione had pointed out.

“Did I get it?” He asked when he brought his hand away.

Hermione smiled “No, not quite. Here let me.”

Hermione moved in front of Harry and slowly placed her hand on his cheek rubbing it to remove the unwanted spot. She was about to take her hand away when she felt Harry's cover hers.

She moved her gaze to his eyes that were dancing behind his spectacles looking over her face. But when his eyes finally stopped on her lips Hermione felt her breath hitch in her throat. Slowly Harry brought his eyes back up to hers before his head dipped closer to her own.

She knew he was going to kiss her. She knew that she could pull away. She knew that this would change things. She knew that she should pull back a part of her knew that they weren't ready for this.

But she didn't pull back. She felt her eyes close as Harry's face went out of focus. Hermione felt Harry's lips lightly brush hers before he pulled away. A sigh left her lips as Harry pulled himself upright again.

Hermione opened her eyes to see Harry looking her over to gage her reaction. She smiled lightly and Harry returned the gesture.

“I'll see you downstairs then.”

“Yes.”

Harry turned and left her, no she corrected herself, their bedroom. That brought another smile to her face as she closed the door.

At first when Harry had brought up the fact that they would have to start sharing a room Hermione was nervous at what that would mean. But know she knew that they were just taking the next step in becoming a real couple. They were going to have a real marriage.

“He kissed me!!!!!!!!!!” Hermione almost felt light headed when she thought of this. This was a very good thing Hermione finally decided as she walked back downstairs.

Upon entering the Parlor she saw that Harry was not with the group. After taking a deep breath Hermione fully entered the room and took a set on the small couch by the window.

“So Hermione, where did you grow up?” Ginny asked her.

“Outside of Paris on my Grandmothers estate, I was born not to far from here though.”

“Why did your family move?” Ron asked.

“The war.” Hermione said darkly. “My parents didn't think it was safe for me to be here.”

She could see all their faces had darkened somewhat at the mention of the war. A small part of her wished she could have been here during it.

“Yes, I can see why they wouldn't have wanted you here though that.” The man named Neville said. “Sometimes I wish I wasn't here for it.”

“Oh Nev.” Ginny cooed as she placed herself in her husbands lap, wrapping her arms around his neck.

“I'm sorry.” Hermione said quickly. “I didn't mean to bring up bad thoughts.”

“It's alright Hermione.” Neville said. “The war was just hard on those who were here. Everyone lost someone.”

“Did you go to a Wizarding school in France?” Luna's airy voice asked.

“Yes I did. Beauxbatons.”

“Oh I've heard its lovely there.” Ginny said as stood up and move to sit beside Hermione.

“Yes the country around the school was quite beautiful at times.”

Hermione turned when she heard Harry clear his throat from the door way.

“I thought I'd let everyone know that Dobby has dinner ready for us in the dinning room.”

“Ah Dobby, I love that little elf's cooking.”

“Ron you love anybody's cooking.” Harry laughed as Ron and the other passed him going out the doorway.

Hermione was the last to leave the room and when she passed Harry she felt his hand slid into place on her lower back.

She couldn't help but look up at him and smile. He smiled back and led her to the dinning room.

Hermione loved this side of Harry. He laughed, smiled and talked out fun times with his friends. Even though she did hate eating in the dining room and having to sit so far from Harry, this was one of the best meals she had had since she had moved in.

After dinner the men went to the Library for an after dinner drink and smoke. The women went back to the Parlor to talk.

“Hermione we brought you something. It was given to me by my cousin when I married Ronald. And then I gave it to Ginny when she married Neville. It seems only fitting that we give it to you.”

Luna passed Hermione a black leather bound book that seem to be well worn.

“Thank you. I love books.” Hermione said as she felt the books cover with her finger tips.

“Oh we are sure that Harry will love this book too.” Ginny added.

Hermione gave her a questioning look before opening the book to an odd page somewhere in the middle. On the page that opened to was a picture of a man and women without clothing. The man had the women pressed against a wall and was…

Hermione snapped the book shut, face blushing, before looking up at the two women.

“I-I think you have mistaken this book for something else.” Hermione stuttered.

“No we didn't. You see Hermione that is to help you and Harry in the bedroom. It will help bring the two of you closer.” Ginny told her as she got up to sit next to Hermione.

“We know this must be hard for you Hermione. To come here and not know anyone, we were lucky we have known our husbands all our lives. We give this to you so that you and Harry can hopefully find what Luna and Ron, and myself and Neville have.”

Hermione nodded and placed the book beside her on the couch. She let what they said settle into her mind. That is what she wanted. She wanted herself and Harry to be like them, like they had known each other all their lives not just a month. If that book could do that then she would read it cover to cover.

“May I ask you a question about the war?” Hermione asked after a while.

Ginny looked over at Luna who nodded her head. “Yes.”

“Neville said that everyone lost someone in the war. Who did Harry loose?”

Both Luna and Ginny looked at each other before looking back at Hermione.

Luna was the first to speak up. “We probably shouldn't tell you this but Harry being, well Harry, there may be no other way for you to find out. I don't know if you remember that Harry had a younger sister.”

“She had red hair like their Lily didn't she?” Hermione asked quickly.

“Yes,” Ginny told her. “It was two years ago she was only 13. Nobody really knows what happened except Harry. All we know is that she and Harry ended up trapped in a room with Death Eaters and You-Know-Who.” Ginny stopped and looked at Luna before looking back at Hermione. “Harry was the only one to come out of the room alive.”

Hermione's heart stopped when she heard this. How was it a fifteen year old went into a room with a wizard feared by most of the country and come out alive. Let alone the only one alive.

“Harry was the one that ended the war?” Hermione asked the women.

“Yes.”

“How?”

Luna's eye's softened. “He never told us what happened in that room. The only person he's told, we think, is his godfather.”

Hermione nodded as she took in this information. The girl she had dreamed about was Harry's little sister. A part of her mind must have remembered her and knew that she should have been at the wedding. There was only one other question she had.

“What was her name?”

“Emily Louisa Potter.”

They all turned back to more pleasant conversation about school and home life. They were in the middle of talking about their old dorm rooms when Harry, Neville and Ron came in.

“Are you ladies ready to turn in for the night?” Harry asked as he put his hands on Hermione's shoulders.

“Yes it does seem to be that time.” Luna said as she stood and wrapped her arms around Ron.

The three couples made their way upstairs where Harry and Hermione showed the other two couples to their rooms.

It was only after they were in their room did Hermione become somewhat nervous at what was going to happen. She set the book that Luna and Ginny gave her on her bedside table.

Hermione changed quickly into her nightgown and washed her face in the washroom before going back out to the bedroom. She had just settled into bed when Harry came out of his washroom in just his under shorts.

Hermione couldn't help but stare at him. She had never seen a man this undressed before. His chest was much wider then her own and his chest and stomach were flat.

“I hope you don't mind but I haven't slept in a nightgown since I was a child. I could find a shirt to sleep in.”

“No!” Hermione said quickly. “Its fine, I don't mind.”

Harry climbed into bed beside her and blew out his candle before pulling the covers over himself.

“I saw you caring that book upstairs, where did you get it?”

“Oh,” Hermione blushed as she blew out her candle and slid under the covers. “Luna and Ginny gave it to me as a wedding gift. It's a cookbook.

“That was nice of them.”

“Yes it was.”

“Goodnight Hermione.” Harry said before he lend over and kissed Hermione's cheek.

“Goodnight Harry.”

Hermione smiled as she turned on her side to sleep.

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5. Truth and Scare

Chapter 4

Truth and Scare

A/n: Hello everyone! I'm sorry that this took so long to get put up but my beta went on a trip and things were delayed a bit. I loved all the reviews you guys left and am answering them now. Let me say this, the more reviews I get the faster I write and the fast the next chapter will be posted. In this chapter you get a little bit more information about Hermione and Harry and fluff. Just remember that things are not always as they seem. And as always I don't own Harry Potter JKR does. And she's done such a fine job in HBP *sarcasm*. And thanks as always my beta Ken and Miscard who has taught me how to make Hermione's life miserable. *wink wink*. On with the chapter.

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Hermione felt like she was being held down. She opened her eyes to see that in a way she was.

Sometime during the night she and Harry must have moved closer to each other. Because now her back was plastered against his chest and his arm was wrapped securely around her waist.

At first Hermione panicked, they shouldn't be this close to each other. Then she felt Harry's breathe whisper over her cheek and she could help but relax back into him.

Hermione's eyes closed as she took in this small moment were this life felt real. Her marriage felt real.

The moment was broken by a `taping' noise from the window. Her eyes flew open to see the large barn owl sitting on the window ledge.

She knew that owl. It belongs to her parents.

`Why now?' Hermione asked herself.

Slowly and carefully she pulled herself away from Harry and out of the warm bed. Not bothering with a dressing gown Hermione quickly crossed to the window and threw it open.

After untying the letter she told the owl to go to the kitchen to get a treat and water.

The letter wasn't that big, Hermione noticed as she set herself in the wingback chair by the window that over looked the grounds.

Slowly she opened the letter and her mothers familiar hand writing came into view.

Dear Hermione,

How is your new married life going? I know we didn't leave things on the best of terms. But you must know that I was doing what I had to do.

We made the contract with the Potter's when you were just a few days old. I know that you don't like it but that is the way the world works, both muggle and wizard.

I feel that I need to tell you that we did try to get you out of this arrangement. But the Potters would not let us.

Please do not take this out on Harry he probably did not know about it. But think of this as your big chance to get into a society that without being a Potter you would never see. Your children will be able to have anything they want.

Will write you again soon,

Mother

Hermione stared down at the letter getting lost in thought. She almost screamed when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

“Is everything alright?” Harry asked as he knelt down beside her.

“Y-Yes.”

“Then why are you crying?” He asked as he lifted his hand to wipe her cheek.

“Oh I didn't know I was.” Hermione replied as she leaned into Harry's hand slightly.

“What made you cry?”

“A letter from my mother.”

“Has something happened?” Harry asked worriedly.

“No, No, everything's fine. I just didn't realize how much I miss them.” Hermione lied.

“I can understand that. Maybe we can go see them after Halloween.”

“Yes that would be lovely.”

Harry stood and offered Hermione a hand out of the chair.

“We should get dressed for the day breakfast should be ready soon.”

Hermione nodded before going into her washroom to dress for the day. Winky was there waiting for her and helped her into her dress then left to help the other women in the house.

She walked back out into the bedroom and stood in front of the mirror making sure she looked alright.

“You look beautiful.” Harry said as he came to stand behind her, his hands resting on her hips.

“I'm not beautiful Harry.”

“You are to me.” He said as he kissed her cheek. “Let go to breakfast.”

Hermione blushed deeply as Harry took her hand lead her down the stairs. They only had to wait a few moments before they were joined by Neville and Ginny and Ron and Luna.

“Did you all sleep well?” Hermione asked as they started on their breakfast.

“Oh yes we did. The house is so lovely. You two must have been working very hard on it.” Luna said as the others nodded in agreement.

“Yes we have but we've had a lot of fun doing it.”

Breakfast went by with a comfortable conversation and as they all stood up to leave Ron spoke up.

“Harry what do you say you, me and Neville go a toss around a quaffle.”

“Sounds like a right good idea to me.” Harry said as he smiled. “Let me get my broom. Do you girls want to sit outside while we play?”

“It is a lovely morning.” Luna said.

“If you don't mind me asking what is a quaffle?”

All five of the turned to stare at Hermione, Ron even had his mouth open.

“You've never heard of Quidditch?” Neville asked.

“I've heard of Quidditch the boys at school played but I never went to the games.” Hermione explained. “Plus I was never taught to fly on a broom so I saw no real reason to go to the games if it was something I wasn't aloud to do.”

“You weren't aloud to play?” Ginny questioned.

“I wasn't aloud to fly. Girls weren't aloud to be taught how to at Beauxbatons.”

“I'll teach you how fly.” Harry offered.

“Are you a good flyer?”

This time the two other couples laughed lightly and Harry fought a smile.

“Harry here,” Neville said as he clapped Harry on the back. “Is the best seeker to ever play the game and one of the best flyers I've ever seen.”

“Okay I'll let you teach me but not today.” Harry nodded in agreement. “I'm going to go get a blanket so we can sit on the ground and watch you three. I'll even get Dobby to bring out something for use to nibble on later.”

A short time later Hermione, Ginny, and Luna sat beneath a large oak tree watching their men fly around tossing the quaffle back and forth.

“Harry is quite the good flyer.” Hermione said after a while.

“Oh you should have seen him in school. Luna do you remember the game against Ravenclaw when Harry caught the snitch right out from under Cho. She was so mad. Well I think that and having Harry telling her that he didn't want to be with her before the match didn't help.”

Hermione look sideways at the two women beside her. “Harry fancied this girl?”

Luna shook her head. “Oh no, he may have thought her pretty at one time but she wasn't the nicest of people. Plus Harry knew you were going to be coming back and didn't want to risk that. But Cho thought Harry a bit of a challenge.”

“Luna you are being much too nice about her. She tried everything in her power to get Harry. But she didn't really know Harry and he knew that she only wanted the Potter name.”

Hermione's brow wrinkled slightly. It was nice to know that Harry never had an eye for anyone. “What's so important about the Potter name?”

Both Luna and Ginny looked at her funny again.

Luna shook head slightly. “We forget that you don't know these things. The Potters are a really old family. Well our families are too. But well Harry was one of the only purebloods that didn't have his future wife at school with us.

“While most girls in school knew it was a lost cause Cho did not. Her father has a trade business that does very well but it wouldn't hurt for her to get someone like Harry. Plus when Cedric died, he was her promised one, it just fueled her on. She tried to use that you weren't good enough for him but I think that just backfired on her.”

That stuck Hermione. “Why am I not good enough for Harry?”

Both Luna and Ginny looked at each other once again.

Ginny was the one who spoke up. “We don't think that Hermione and not everyone does. I'm going to tell you this because I think it will be better to hear this from us then someone who doesn't want you here. Some people don't think you should have been aloud to marry Harry because you aren't a pureblood.”

“But don't let that worry you Hermione.” Luna added softly. “When some people at school found out Harry stood up for you.”

Hermione smiled slightly as she looked back at Harry who was flying fast toward Ron.

“Let's move on to a happier subject. When are you and Harry planning on having children?” Luna asked.

“We haven't really talked about that.” Hermione said as she tried not to blush. “What about you two?”

“Neville and I have decided to wait until the New Year before we talk about it again.”

“How can you wait?”

“Oh there is a potion that we take. It keeps me from becoming with child.”

“I have never heard about that.”

“Yes well that's because most people don't like the idea of it. They think it's unnatural.” Ginny answered.

“Well Ronald and I are having a child. Harry didn't tell you?” Luna asked.

“No he didn't. How far along are you?”

“Only two months. But we had been trying for three months before it happened. We were worried there for a time that we might not be able to have children but then it happened.” Luna said as she placed her hands in her stomach.

“Hey is everything alright?” Ron asked as he, Neville and Harry joined them.

“Everything's fine Ronald just telling Hermione our news because it seems as though Harry forgot to.”

“Please forgive me it seems that it slipped my mind.” Harry said as he bowed deeply in front of her.

The group laughed and soon they were all sitting eating the small basket that Dobby had fixed for them. The rest of the day was spent resting around the estate. The men flying from time to time while Luna, Ginny and Hermione talked of the child Luna was carrying and what it was like for them in school.

Hermione realized quickly that these two women were welcoming her into their lives and into their hearts.

Once they were seated at dinner talked turned to the two couple's departure in the morning.

“We'll be leaving tomorrow after breakfast.” Neville said as he passed the wine to Harry.

“I wish you could have stayed longer.” Hermione stated.

“Well we'll see you at the Halloween Ball in a few weeks.” Ginny said as she smiled at Hermione.

“Where is that being held?” Hermione asked.

“Harry have you told her nothing?” Ron said causing Harry to blush darkly. “The Potters host it every year. I'm sure your Grandfather will be happy to show you off.”

“Oh Ron that's tasteless.” Ginny scolded her brother.

Ron smiled as he took another bite of food. Nothing else was said on the issue. Soon the meal was over and everyone retired to bed early that night.

As Hermione climbed into bed she remembered what Luna had asked her earlier.

`When are you and Harry planning on having children?'

She needed to find out where Harry stood on this. She waited until Harry came out of his washroom and climbed into bed beside her.

“Harry may I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Do you want to have children?”

She could hear Harry choke on the water he had taken a sip of.

After clearing his throat Harry spoke. “Yes I would someday. Why do you ask?”

“Oh it's just that we haven't talk about it that's all.”

“Do you want to have children?”

“I never thought I'd have children. But I never thought I'd be married.”

“If you don't want to have children we don't have to have them. I won't force you to do anything you don't want to do.” Harry said as he took her hand in his.

Hermione looked down at their hands. How did she get so lucky as to get him? She then started to wonder what had made him this way. Was it his parents because it did not come from his Grandfather. Slowly she brought her eyes up to his.

“I think I'd like to have children with you.”

Harry smiled a sweet smile before dipping his head and kissed her. Hermione smiled as he pulled back from her.

“We should get to sleep. We'll have an earlier morning tomorrow.”

Hermione nodded as she laid down in bed and turned on her side.

“Goodnight Harry.”

“Goodnight Hermione.

***********

“Stop it!”

Hermione opened her eyes as soon as she heard Harry's voice.

“What is it Harry?”

There was no response. Slowly Hermione sat up at looked over at Harry who seemed to be still asleep. She lit a candle to get a better look at him.

His face looked as if he was in pain and sweat was dripping down his face. Hermione brought her hand up to wipe the sweat from his brow. In the process she uncovered a scar that seemed to be shaped like a lighting bolt.

“Leave her alone!”

Hermione pulled her hand back from Harry. He looked as if he was going to cry.

“Stop IT!”

“Harry. Harry wake up.” Hermione said as she shook his shoulders lightly.

“STOP IT!”

He wasn't waking up and Hermione was starting to panic.

“Harry please wake up!”

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!” Harry screamed so loud that it caused Hermione to jump back in fright.

Harry started thrashing on the on the bed and nothing that Hermione was doing was helping.

“HELP! SOMEBODY HELP!” Hermione screamed hoping someone would hear her.

No sooner had she said this Harry start screaming at the top of his lungs.

The bedroom door banged open as Ron and Neville came running in towards Harry, with Luna and Ginny heading towards Hermione.

“How long has he been like this?” Ron asked as he climbed on the bed.

“Only a few minutes, what's happening to him?”

“He's having a nightmare about the war.” Neville said as he stood at the side of the bed.

Hermione felt Luna and Ginny pull her off the bed giving Ron and Neville room.

“Do they know what they're doing?” Hermione asked Luna and Ginny.

“They use to room with him at school. He use to have them a lot when the war ended.”

Hermione watched as both Neville and Ron grabbed Harry and shook him forcefully. With that Harry stopped screaming and he's eyes snapped open.

In a blur of bodies Harry shoot up from the bed throwing Ron and Neville off him in his rush to the washroom.

Soon the sound of Harry's wrenching filled the room. Hermione moved swiftly from her spot near the bed to where Harry was kneeling on the floor. She filled a glass with water and filled the sink with cool water dunking a wash cloth in it. After wringing it out she placed it on Harry's neck to help cool him off.

Harry looked up and smiled weakly at her before leaning over to wrench again. After that round Harry sat back and Hermione handed him the glass of water she had left on the counter. She dunked the cloth again before wiping Harry's face and chest. She could feel the heat radiating from his skin as she did so.

“Are you alright?” Hermione asked as she rewet the cloth.

“I will be. Did I scare you?”

Hermione paused before wiping his chest again. “I couldn't seem to wake you. If it weren't for Ron and Neville I would have really started to worry.”

Harry nodded before standing and brushing his teeth. After he did so he turned and pulled Hermione into a hug.

“I didn't mean to worry you. I haven't had nightmares in so long I didn't think I'd have to tell you so soon. Please forgive me.”

Hermione felt him shudder against her. “It's okay Harry you did nothing wrong. Everything's okay.”

“No not everything's okay, but it's getting better.” Harry said softly. “Let's get back to bed.”

Harry pulled back and took Hermione's hand leading her back to bed. Hermione noticed that Ron, Luna, Neville and Ginny had already left.

They both climbed into bed but this time Harry pulled Hermione to him so her head rested on his chest.

“Goodnight Hermione and thank you.”

“Your welcome, goodnight.”

Hermione settled in with Harry and quickly fell asleep to the sound of Harry's heartbeat.

-->

6. Drunken Confessions

A/N: Hey everyone! Yes I am still alive. I know it's been quite awhile since I posted but I've had a lot going on here lately. I had to move for my new job as a nanny and the two older girls just went back to school not to long ago. So I only get to write when the baby is napping. Also I got all four of my wisdom teeth remove so that slowed me down a bit too. Now I've got a horrible cold and am running a temp of 100 for the past two days. But when my beta sent this chapter back to me I knew I need to post it ASAP. Ok I am going to warn you that there will be a bit of angst in this chapter. But I think I make up for it right at the end. As always thanks to my beta Ken and to all my readers and reviewers. I love hearing what you think of the chapters so please keep leaving reviews! Oh and one last thing, I keep getting asked what time this takes place. As of right now there is no set time. If that changes you will see it in the story. Ok on with the chapter. P.S: I soooo can't wait for GoF!

Chapter 5

Drunken Confessions

~~~

Hermione woke to find herself in the same position that she went to sleep in. Her head rested on Harry's chest and her arm rested not too far from her head on Harry's chest. When Hermione tried to move back from Harry she realized that she couldn't. Harry's arms, which were wrapped around her waist, tightened keeping her in place.

Hermione turned her head so she could look at him. It was funny, she thought, how different someone could look when they are asleep.

Harry looked much more his age asleep then he did when he was awake. She wondered why. What had the war done to him?

Hermione was overcome with the need to protect him, even if it was from his own memories. After a moment Hermione realized what she had just thought. When had keeping Harry safe become a priority in her mind?

Slowly Harry's heartbeat seemed to bring her out of her musings. Letting out a deep breath, Hermione pushed herself up to look fully at Harry's face. He was very handsome. Those green eyes that seemed to look right into her soul, a mouth that gave a crooked smile, that made him endearing.

Then there was that scar on his forehead. She had yet to see it before last night. Something told her that Harry worked very hard to keep it from view. Slowly Hermione brought her hand up to move his hair out of the way so she could look at the scar again.

It was, like last night, a thin line that stretched from his hairline to his eyebrow, with a jut in middle that made it look like a lighting bolt. Looking down at his face to make sure he was still asleep, Hermione reached up and slowly traced the raised skin with her finger.

She was just about to remove her finger when Harry's hand grabbed her wrist.

“What are you doing?” His voice, which was still racked with sleep, had a defensive tone to it.

“I-I was just” giving up on trying to explain herself Hermione ask the question she wanted the answer to. “Where did you get it?”

Harry's eyes darted away from hers as he released her wrist and sat up. “The war.” He stated simply before making a move to get out of bed.

But Hermione caught him before he could get away. “Who gave it to you?”

Harry turned to and looked at her. She could see the pain in his eyes.

“Hermione I can't talk about this.”

“You can't or won't?”

“Fine I won't talk about this. Not with you.”

“But you'll talk about it to other people? Harry, I'm your wife!” Hermione was shocked that she referred to herself as his wife. It was the first time she had ever done so.

“I don't talk about it to anyone. Especially you, because you are my wife.” With that Harry walked into his washroom and shut the door.

Hermione sat stunned. What did that mean?

Slowly Hermione got out of bed and went to her washroom to get ready for the day. Even as Winky was doing up her corset Hermione's mind stayed with what Harry had said.

Why did he not want her to know how he got that scar? It was just a scar wasn't it?

`Maybe he doesn't want you to know the horrors he knows. Luna and Ginny have told you that much.' Her mind told her.

`But I'm his wife.' She thought back. `I'm going to be with him for the rest of my life. I want to know what he has been through, so I can help him in the future. I want him to feel free with me. To know that his deepest darkest secrets are safe with me. I want be able to reassure him that what he went through won't happen to our children.'

`Your children?'

`What?' Hermione questioned.

`You were just talking about your non existent children with Harry. I though you were afraid of that?' Her mind shot back.

`I-I I wouldn't mind having children with him. I do have strong feelings for him.'

`Do you love him?'

`No. But I could very easily.'

“Mrs. Potter is you okay?” Winky asked.

“Hmmm? Oh yes I'm fine - just a bit lost in thought.”

The small house elf nodded before disappearing. Hermione flattened the skirt of her dress before stepping out into their bedroom.

Harry was standing over by the far window staring at the grounds. Taking a deep breathe Hermione walked over to him.

“I'm sorry.” Harry said as she came to stand beside him.

“You do not need to be. I just wish you would tell me these types of things. I do understand it's hard, but we are going to be together for the rest of our lives.”

Harry smiled, but it quickly turned to a frown. “I don't want you to find out what I had to become. I don't want you to see me as something else. Enough of this; breakfast must be ready for us and soon we will have the house to ourselves again.”

Hermione smiled slightly as she let Harry lead her from their room. Only to meet up with the other two couples in the hall.

“How are you feeling this morning Harry?” Ginny asked as they made their way to the dinning room.

“I am fine thanks. And thank you, Ron, and Neville for last night.”

“It wasn't anything we haven't done before.” Neville said as they sat down.

Hermione saw Harry nod sadly before starting to eat. For some reason she knew what he was thinking. She knew that he didn't want anyone to see him like that. He wanted it to be his burden. He was ashamed he could not handle it by himself.

She heard the glass break before she even realized it had dropped from her hand.

“Hermione?” Harry asked as he got up from his seat.

“Oh…I don't know what happened.” Hermione started to pick up the pieces of shattered glass from the floor.

“Hermione don't you may-“

But Harry's words were stopped when Hermione let out a whimper as a piece of glass cut through the palm of her hand.

“Hold still.” Harry grabbed her wrist to keep Hermione from recoiling. “Here, let's go clean this up.”

Harry took Hermione by the wrist from the room to the near by washroom.

“Dobby!” The small elf appeared in front of the duo. “Can you bring me the cut healing potion?”

“Oh's yes sir!” He popped away then popped back holding a small vial.

“Thank you Dobby.”

Dobby bowed until his nose touched the floor before disappearing once more.

Harry had Hermione hold the vial in her uninjured hand.

“I need to get the piece of glass out. This may hurt a bit.”

Hermione bit her lip as Harry pulled the small piece of glass from her hand.

“That wasn't so bad.”

Harry smiled slightly at her before taking back the vial of potion.

“I should warn you - this will hurt quite a bit.”

“What?!?” Hermione tried to pull her hand back but Harry kept a firm grip on her wrist.

“It hurts because it's pushing the skin back together and forces it to heal.”

Hermione nodded as she let Harry hold her hand over the sink. With a slight hesitation Harry poured the potion onto Hermione's hand. She barely hand time to think about the pain that shot though her hand before she felt Harry's lips crash into hers.

After the moment of shock wore off Hermione kissed him back, her uninjured hand tangling in his hair.

It was in that moment that something changed between them. Hermione could feel it. She felt her feet backing her up against the door taking Harry with her. She felt Harry's hand let go of her wrist and move to her waist while the other came to rest on her cheek.

Slowly Hermione let her mouth open under Harry's and soon she felt his tongue invade her mouth. Her first thought was one of revulsion but it was quickly replaced with one of bliss. Hermione never thought it would feel like this to kiss a person.

As if her body acted without consulting her brain she felt her legs spread apart and Harry's hips crashing into hers. It was only a moment later that she felt Harry pull away.

Hermione looked up at Harry to see his face, to see that it was bright red and his eyes refused to meet hers.

“I'm sorry Hermione. I j-just want to get your mind off the pain of the potion. I didn't mean, your hand looks fine now we should go back, everyone will wonder what's happened to us.” Harry opened the door behind her and left the room before Hermione could even reply.

She stood in the washroom for a few minutes after Harry left to replay what had just happened.

Harry had just kissed her. Then things went a little further.

A Little? Really Hermione that was more then a little. A few more moments of that and the two of you would have been acting just like that picture in the book Luna and Ginny gave you.

Hermione couldn't stop the blush that rose up her neck. It was true but the part that made her blush more was that she wished it had gotten farther. She wasn't quite sure how far but farther.

It was then that the look of shame that Harry had before he ran from the room that brought her thoughts back down to Earth, with so many more questions.

They had been so close and then just as quickly so far apart. But for some reason she couldn't get the look on his face when he realized what they were doing. He almost looked afraid. But what did he have to be afraid of, her?

Hermione shook her head and quickly left the washroom and went back to the dinning room where everyone seemed to have finished their breakfast and were now talking quietly.

“Oh Hermione is your hand alright?” Ginny asked as Hermione took her seat.

“Yes much better. Harry took very good care of me.” She smiled slightly but it quickly left her face when she saw him look away from her.

After that things seemed to slip into quite conversation until it was time for Ron, Luna, Neville and Ginny to leave.

Both men said quick goodbyes to Hermione before going over to say their goodbyes to Harry. Luna and Ginny quickly took their husbands places beside Hermione and pulled her further away from Harry.

“Hermione we just want to let you that if need anything, or have any questions don't think twice about owling us.” Luna said as she pulled her into a hug.

“Questions about what?” Hermione asked as she pulled back from Luna.

“About the book we gave you. I'm sure between the two of us we've tried about everything in there. And don't be afraid to show Harry, I'm sure he would love to go through it with you.” Ginny said as she too pulled Hermione into a hug.

“Thank you both. I've never really had any girls my own age to talk to and now that I'm here I think I will need some to talk to.”

“We know this is hard for you Hermione but remember we are always here.”

“Are you two ready to go? We need to get on the road if we are going to be home before nightfall.”

Ginny and Luna each hugged Hermione and Harry one last time before following their husbands out to the carriages to leave. Hermione watched the carriage carrying them leave before returning to the foyer, where Harry was still standing reading a letter.

“What is it?”

Harry looked up at her. “My father and grandfather need me to go over some of the family accounts. I shouldn't be gone long.”

“Will you be riding over?”

“No I'll apparate. It's much quicker that way.”

“Okay. Will you be home for lunch?”

“I hope so.”

There was an awkward silence before Harry spoke up again. “I will be leaving now.” After that there was a popping noise and Hermione was the only one left in the house.

With nothing better to do Hermione decide to explore the upstairs of the house. In the month that she had been here she had yet to see that other bedrooms upstairs.

Slowly Hermione made her way upstairs and one by one went through each bedroom. Most were in horrible condition and would need much cleaning. Others, including the one she thought was Harry's old playroom, were still in pretty good shape; the only work needed was heavy dusting.

After coming out of the playroom that was by Harry's bedroom she noticed another door. After quickly counting the number of rooms she had been in this one was extra. How had Harry mis-counted the number of bedrooms that they would have to redo?

Hermione went to turn the handle to see the state of this last room only to find the door locked. Pulling out her wand she unlocked the door with one simple spell.

The door creaked open and Hermione's mouth fell open when she saw that this room was spotless. There was no dust sitting, no cobwebs; everything had the look as though someone had just left.

Slowly making her way in she could see a few dolls sitting on the bed that overlooked the gardens. The wardrobe was filled with dresses that were begging to be worn. And sitting on the vanity was a small wooden box with Celtic carvings on it. Slowly Hermione lifted the lid and the light sound of an old Irish tune filled the air. Closing her eyes she let her hand play on the soft velvet inside the box.

But quickly the peacefulness that had surrounded her ended when her hand was pulled away from the box and its lid slammed shut cutting off the soft tune. Hermione's eyes snapped open to see Harry pulling her from the room.

“WHAT WHERE YOU DOING IN THERE?” He yelled at her.

“I was just looking to see what kind of work we had to do up here.”

“THE DOOR WAS LOCKED, how did you get in?” Harry asked his voice still thick with anger.

“I-I used a spell.” Hermione's confidence was starting to leave her.

“DID YOU NOT THINK THAT IT WAS LOCKED FOR A REASON?” Harry voice was getting louder as his hand tightened on her arm.

For the first time since Hermione had come here she was terrified of Harry.

“Harry please let go you're hurting me.” She pleaded quietly.

But Harry seemed to not hear her. “NEVER go back in there! Do you understand me?”

He shook her as if to try to get the message through to her but by doing so his fingers dug into her arm causing her to cry out. It was only when she whimpered did Harry come back to himself. His hand let go of her arm and she took her chance and ran to her room.

Hermione heard Harry call her name as she shut the door and locked it as quickly as she could. As she backed away from the door she jumped when Harry knocked on the door.

“Hermione open the door. Please.”

She threw her hands over her ears to block out the sounds of his pleas for her to open the door. Still being able to hear him Hermione went into her washroom and locked the door behind her before sitting on the floor opposite the tub.

Hermione sat there until the sounds of Harry's knocking and pleas ended and she fell asleep.

***

Hermione woke to find herself curled up on the floor of her washroom. She stood and stretched her back before slowly opening the door that lead back to the bedroom. She expected to see Harry but he was not in the room and looked like he hadn't been in the room since morning.

“Dobby?” Hermione called out.

With a pop the small elf was standing in front of her.

“Yes Mrs. Potter?”

“Do you know where Harry is?”

Dobby wringed his hands together before answering. “He is in the Library but Miss does not need to worry Dobby will take care of him.”

“What's wrong with him?”

“He upset when he came downstairs. He not want dinner. He just want firewhiskey.”

Hermione gasped. “Has he been drinking since?”

Dobby nodded his head fiercely causing his oversized ears to flop.

“Thank you Dobby.”

The elf nodded once more before popping away. Hermione looked over at the clock on the wall. It was almost 11 pm. So Harry had been drinking for the last ten hours. Feeling slightly worried about his health Hermione left their room and headed toward the Library.

When she entered the room it was dark except the small amount of light coming from the fire. It cast a slight glow on the room. She could see Harry sitting on the sofa in front of the fireplace with a glass in his hand and two bottles of firewhiskey at his feet.

Hermione slowly made her way over to him but he seemed not to hear her. She placed her hand on Harry's shoulder causing him to jump slightly and some of his drink to spill to the floor.

“Her-min-e?” He looked slightly surprised to see her.

“Yes Harry. Come why don't we go to bed.”

“You go to bed with me?” Harry said slightly slurred.

“Yes Harry.”

Harry slowly made his way to his feet but Hermione could tell that he was having problems keeping himself upright. Taking one of his arms she placed it around her shoulders and placed her own arm around his waist, allowing him to rest some of his weight on her.

They started to make their way back to the bedroom with Hermione doing most of the work. As they reached the top of the stairs Harry's foot caught on the top stair causing the two of them to crash to the floor.

Hermione landed with an “oomph” on top of Harry, who in turn started laughing.

“Come on Harry we're almost there.” Hermione said as she tried to get up but Harry seemed to have other ideas.

“You so pretty.” He said as he pushed some hair away from her face. “Always so pretty Her-mi-knee, always love Mi-O-nee. Why you never write back Neeny?”

Hermione worked her way past the three different ways Harry slurred her name to realize that he just said he loved her. That he always loved her. But wasn't able to dwell on that long because his question came floating back into her mind.

“Write back?” She asked.

“I write you every week you where gone. Never got letter back. Why you not write back? Still love me? Said you loved me when you go.”

Hermione tried not to cry when she saw the heart broken look on his face. She leaned down and gave his a quick kiss.

“I still love you Harry.” She whispered in his ear.

Slowly Hermione was able to get them both off the floor and to their room. After finally getting him on the bed she helped shed him of his clothes before tucking him into bed. He fell asleep quickly and Hermione took her time changing into her nightgown. All the while her mind raced with what had happened to all the letters he had written.

Where did they go? If she hadn't gotten them then who did? But then came the realization that he kept writing even though he never had gotten a reply. He never gave up hoping that she might write back one time. He really did love her. It wasn't just drunken rambling. He never looked at other women while at school and from what she could tell he had only wanted to be with her.

Then a strong wave of guilt flooded her body. She couldn't remember anything about what they had done together before she moved to France. She didn't remember telling him that she loved him. She barely remembered kissing him for the first time in their hideout. There were so many questions that she didn't have answers for. Some of the many questions that someone had to know the answers to; and she had a sick feeling that her mother could answer most of them.

Hermione looked over at Harry once more. His soft snoring filling the room, she couldn't help but to smile. He was so handsome. Hermione leaned over and kissed him softly.

“I do love you Harry.”

With that Hermione rested her head on Harry's shoulder and wrapped her arm around his waist before falling to sleep.

-->

7. The Guest Arrive

A/n: Hello everybody! Yes I know this chapter took a long time to come out but I had a bit of trouble with this chapter. It didn't seem to want to be written. But after staying up until 4 in the morning I finally got it written. Plus there were 10 days in there were I was at The Witching Hour having so much fun with lots of other HP fans. Plus some great people from our own ship when we had one crazy ass meet up. I don't know if any of you where there but if you where I hope you had a good of time as I did. And I will hopefully be going to Lumos in Vegas. If you have no idea what I'm talking about go to http://www.lumos2006.org it's a bunch of fun if you can go you should. I'm starting writing the next chapter today and hope to have it done soon. I again want to thank everyone for their reviews. I love them so much and I am replying to them as I post this. A bunch of you have asked the timeline for this story. This is a very brief over view of it.

Hermione and her parents left England when Hermione was 6 almost 7.

They lived in France from the time she was 6 until she was 16 when they moved to London.

The war ended when Hermione and Harry were 15.

Hermione went back to Beaubaton for her last year of school.

Harry, Hermione, Ron, Luna, Neville and Ginny are all 18 right now.

You may see some slight differences in this from the prologue of the story. But this is the time line I came up with a few chapters ago when I started to confuse myself. I hope that helps some of you. Ok enjoy this chapter and as always thanks to my Beta Ken. And I don't own Hp if I did I'd have a lot more money then I do.

Chapter 6

The Guest Arrive

Hermione was awake long before Harry even began to stir. She had a hangover potion with a breakfast tray waiting for him when he awoke.

She watched as Harry's eyes blinked open before shutting and throwing an arm over his eyes.

“Here drink this.” Hermione said as she placed the cup of potion to his lips.

Harry drank it slowly before sitting up in bed as Hermione stacked pillows behind him. She turned and picked up the tray holding Harry's breakfast, gently placing it across his lap.

“Why are you being so nice to me after what happened last night?” Harry asked causing Hermione's hands to still.

“Because Harry I do care about you and we'll be together the rest of our lives. Please eat, it will make you feel better.”

Hermione watched as Harry quickly ate his breakfast.

“Have you eaten?” Harry asked as he moved the tray off the bed.

“Yes I ate before I brought you yours.”

“Do you really want to be with me? After last night?”

Hermione looked down at her hands that she was twisting in her lap. “Last night was partially my fault. I shouldn't have gone into her room. It's just that…I wish you could tell me what happened. I know it's hard on you Harry but I want to be there for you. I know that you want to protect me from that. But I want to be here for you now when I wasn't able to be there for you then.”

Before she knew it Harry had pulled her into a hug his arms wrapping tightly around. “God I wish I could Hermione. But I just can't. I don't want your view of me to change.”

“It won't Harry, it won't.” Hermione whispered fiercely in his ear.

“I can not take that risk. I just got you back I don't want to loose you again. Please don't ask me again. Maybe one day I will be able to but not now not so soon.”

Hermione nodded into Harry's shoulder but refused to loosen her grip on him. They sat there for a long while holding each other.

After awhile they separated and Hermione left Harry to dress. A short time later Hermione met Harry outside one of the bedrooms that needed to be cleaned. Soon the pair were busy cleaning different rooms, getting them ready for future occupants.

The next few days went on like much like this. The nights were spent sleeping with Harry curled around her. Hermione found that she spent the days looking forward to the night. To the feeling of Harry holding her like she was his anchor to the world was incredibly empowering.

As the days turned into a week Harry had another nightmare that woke Hermione from what would have been a peaceful sleep.

“Harry!” Hermione yelled forcefully as she pushed down on his shoulders with all her might.

Much like the last time when Ron and Neville had done this Harry's eyes snapped opened and he ran to his bathroom to lose the contents of his stomach.

Hermione followed after him wiping his back and chest with a cool wet cloth as he tried to regain the strength to move from the floor.

Once he was able to move Hermione left him to clean himself up as she went back into their bed lighting the lamp next to it casting a soft glow on the room.

She watched as Harry staggered back to bed, somewhat blind with out his glasses, and climb into bed next to her.

“Do you want to try and go back to sleep or do you want to talk for a bit.”

Hermione felt Harry lean over and rest his head on her shoulder as they sat with their backs resting on the headboard of the bed.

“Let's talk.”

“Okay what would you like to talk about?”

“Anything. You.”

Hermione laughed a little. “What about me?”

“I don't know.” Harry sighed, his breath tickling her neck. “Did you have any pets in France?”

“Yes. I had a cat.”

“What happened to it?”

“Oh he's still very much alive. He lives with my parents in London now. Well that is if my mother hasn't killed him yet. She never really liked him.”

“What's his name?”

“Crookshanks, he's a half kneazle. Very smart. My grandmother got him for me for my birthday the last year she was alive.”

Hermione felt Harry shift until he was sitting up fully and looking at her.

“Why didn't you bring him with you?”

Hermione bit her lip. “My mother wouldn't let me.”

“But she doesn't even like the cat.”

“Yes well she didn't want me to bring him thinking that it would be rude of me to just show up with a pet that you might not let me keep.”

She could see Harry's brow crease. “Would you like to have him here?”

“Yes.”

“Then maybe you could write your mother and ask her to bring him when they come to the Halloween ball.”

Hermione turned to fully look at Harry a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Really?”

“Yes.”

“Oh thank you Harry.” Hermione squealed as she threw her arms around him.

As she pulled back from the hug she couldn't help but lean in a kiss Harry gently.

“What was that for?” Harry whispered against her lips.

“Aren't I allowed to kiss my husband when he does something sweet?”

But before he could answer Hermione found herself moving closer to Harry and kissing him again. Her arms moved around until they found their way around his neck letting her fingers play with the hair at the nape of his neck. She felt Harry murmur something against her lips but she didn't care - she just wanted to keep kissing him.

Hermione let herself be pushed back until she was lying on her back with Harry laying partly on top of her. As she let her mouth move up to his she went back to the moment in the washroom after she had cut her hand.

But this was different. It was much more personal then it was in the washroom. Hermione felt Harry's hands move until one was playing with her hair and the other was rubbing up and down on her waist.

“Harry” Hermione breathed softy as they kissed.

But it seemed that was enough to get Harry to pull away from her. She could feel his quick breath against her lips as he looked into her eyes.

“We should get to sleep, it is very late.” Harry whispered as he moved off of her.

“Okay Harry.” Hermione whispered back.

She watched as Harry turned off the lamp and settle back into bed. After a few moments Hermione could tell that Harry was not going back to sleep.

She reached over and grabbed Harry's hand - turning on her side to face him in the dark.

“Harry?”

“Hmm.”

“I just…I just thought I would let you know that…you can kiss me anytime you like. I-I like it when you kiss me.” Hermione could feel the blush fill her cheeks as she let go of Harry's hand and turn on her side away from him.

She could feel him moving behind her until his hand came around and re-grabbed her hand.

“I like kissing you too.” He whispered quietly before relaxing against her.

Hermione couldn't help but smile as she felt Harry go back to sleep and soon she too went back to sleep.

After that night Hermione found herself being kissed by Harry a least once a day, most of them were just small pecks on the lips. But sometime right before bed they would really kiss like they had before, with mouths open - tongues playing against each other. They began to sleep as close to each other as two people could get.

This went on for the last week and a half before Halloween. They had cleaned most of the guest rooms save Emily's room, Harry's old room and the play room. Hermione had not asked why they hadn't cleaned those rooms but she knew Harry was not yet ready to let go of them yet.

“Harry, who will be staying here?” Hermione asked as they ate breakfast on the morning their guest were to arrive.

“Ron and Luna, Neville and Ginny, then Ron and Ginny's older brothers and their families; Bill and Fleur and their daughter Madeline, Charlie and Victoria their son Arthur, Percy and Penelope their son Percy, Fred and Angelina their son Max, George and Alicia their daughter Grace. Are your father and mother going to stay here with us?”

“Yes I believe they are. But with all the people around here they may want to stay up at the main house.”

“They're more then welcome to stay up there if it's to noisy down here. I know my mother would love to really catch up with yours. Is your mother going to be bringing Crookshanks?”

“Yes I got the letter from her the other day. I dare say she is very happy to be getting rid of him.”

“I got him a house warming gift.”

Hermione smiled in surprise as she looked over at Harry. “You did?”

“Yes.”

“What did you get him?”

“You will just have to wait and see when he gets here.”

Hermione just smiled and rolled her eyes at Harry as she stood and cleared the table.

“Mrs. must not be doing that. Its Winky job!” The small house elf protested as Hermione place the plates in the sink.

“Winky I can clear the plates myself. You can still wash them.” Hermione relented when she saw the look on Harry's face.

“Why do you fight her?” Harry asked as they walked out of the kitchen.

“Because Harry I don't need her doing little things like that for me. I'm perfectly capable of doing it myself and so are you!”

“Look will just let her do her job. I know you don't like it but it makes her happy.”

“I'll try.”

“Thank you.” Harry leaned over and gave her a kiss that was interrupted by a knock at the door.

“It seems some of our guests have arrived Mr. Potter.”

Harry laughed as he slipped his arm around Hermione's waist and walk over to the door. When it opened there was a mass of red headed people waiting at the door.

…who all rained down on Harry at the same time pushing Hermione inadvertently to the side.

“Hermione!” Luna and Ginny squealed as they came over to her.

“How are you doing?” Luna asked.

“Wonderfully and how are you doing with the baby?”

Luna seemed to beam at this. “We are both doing fine. How about you? Have you and Harry decided to become parents yet?”

Hermione couldn't help the blush that came on her cheeks. “No we haven't decided yet. How are you doing Ginny?”

“Oh fine, fine.”

“Everyone I would like you to meet Hermione.” Harry yelled over the crowd of Weasleys.

Harry slowly went through the large group of people standing in front of her. She could help but notice that the children seemed to stay near Harry.

“I thought Bill and Fleur were staying with us as well.”

“Oh they were but Mum and Dad wanted them to stay at the main house with them. They don't live as close as the rest of us so they want to catch up with them.” Said the man named Charlie.

“Uncle Harry will you take us flying?” Charlie's small son Arthur ask while tugging on the bottom of Harry's jacket.

“You lot want to go flying?” Harry asked the children who nodded fiercely at Harry.

Hermione watched as Harry looked up at the children's parents who all nodded. “Well I guess.”

The children all yelled excitedly and made their way to the door with Harry picking up the small girl, Grace, who was barely three, and carrying her as he walked outside.

Hermione showed everyone to which rooms they would be staying in and letting them settle in as Dobby and Winky brought in their things.

When she was finally back down stair she went outside to see Harry flying in slow circles with Grace sitting in front of him on the broom.

“Are you Uncle Harry's wife?” Arthur asked.

“Yes I am.”

“I'm 5.”

“Wow.”

“Can we call you Aunt Her-my-knee?” The small boy said as he struggled over her name.

“Yes that would be fine.”

“Okay.”

Arthur seemed to think this was enough because he was soon yelling at Harry that it was his turn to fly.

Hermione watched as Harry made the switch of children before taking off faster then he had with Grace. She could her Arthur asking Harry to go faster.

As Harry carefully flew Arthur in wide circle, banking and varying altitude to please the little boy the Weasleys and both Longbottoms came out of the house with their brooms on their shoulders. “Hey Harry you want to play a bit of Quidditch?”

Harry landed smoothly and let Arthur off to play with the other children.

“Let's play.”

“Alright here's how we'll play. Harry, Charlie - do what you two do best, be the Seekers.” Fred stated.

“Now who else is playing?” George asked. “Alicia, Angelina, Ginny, Penelope, Luna, Hermione? Hey where's Victoria?”

“Taking a nap.” Charlie said.

Alicia, Angelina, Penelope, and Ginny all nodded as they each took a broom from Dobby.

“George you know I can't play.” Luna said as she patted her growing belly.

“Hermione?”

“I don't know how to fly. So no.”

“Are you telling me that the wife of THE Harry Potter - Seeker extraordinaire doesn't fly?” Fred threw a hand over his heart.

“Alright so Perc you playing?” George asked.

“Sure.” Percy said as he too took a broom.

“Okay so we have Charlie and Harry as Seekers. Angelina and Percy you're Chasers on Charlie's team. Ginny and Alicia you're Chasers on Harry's team. Fred you take beater for Charlie's team. I'll be beater for Harry's team. Penelope you can be Keeper for Charlie's team and Ron you're on Harry's.”

Hermione, Luna and the children moved over to the shaded area under the large tree to watch the game.

For Hermione it was amazing to watch this group play a game she had never seen. Luna helped by telling her what was going on from time to time. But after ten minutes Hermione had a good idea of how the game went.

The children seem to be almost hypnotized by the game. Hermione had long since lost track of time when she saw Harry and Charlie streak across the field.

Hermione couldn't tear her eyes away from Harry as he flattened himself against his broom, weaving in and out of the other players before turning his broom downward.

Hermione couldn't help but hold her breathe as Harry sped to the ground, his arm reaching out in front of him. She wanted to close her eyes but couldn't seem to make them listen to her.

Hermione watched as Harry pulled up slightly on his broom causing him to roll and crash into the ground.

Before Hermione even realized it she was running onto the field to where Harry lay. The rest of the group started to land and make their way to their fallen comrade. But Hermione pushed them out of her way falling to her knees by Harry's body.

The first thing she noticed was that Harry was breathing. She leaned slightly over his body her hand resting on his chest.

“Harry?”

Hermione watched as Harry drew a deep breathe before he started coughing. That was a good sign, Hermione knew it and slowly she saw his eyes open.

“Harry are you alright?”

“Breathe…knocked…out…I…got…it.” He said as he held up his had showing a small golden ball.

Hermione heard the group around them start to laugh.

“Of course that's what Harry worries about - catching the snitch. Not the fact that he just fell off his broom slamming into the ground at great speed.” Chuckled Ron.

Hermione seemed to be the only one not laughing and she could tell that Harry saw that.

“I'm alright don't worry.”

“Maybe we should get you inside so you can lay down for a little while.” Hermione suggested.

Harry nodded and slowly got to his feet with the help of Fred and George. As the group made their way back to the house Hermione couldn't help but want to stay near Harry as he walked. Once back inside Harry and Hermione made their way up to their room as everyone else went to the library to amuse themselves.

Once inside the safety of their room she lead Harry to their bed and let him lay down , then she curled up next to him with her head resting on his chest and her arm wrapped around his waist.

She was willing herself not to cry but before she could stop herself she was. Tears that would not seem to stop rolling from her eyes as they landed on Harry's grass stained shirt.

“Hermione are you okay?” Harry asked as he brushed back some of the bits of her hair that had fallen into her face.

“I'm fine Harry.” She said as she buried her face further into his chest.

“Hermione come on” Harry lifted Hermione's head until she was looking into his eyes. “What's wrong?”

“Oh Harry when I saw you hit the ground like that I didn't know what to do with myself. I was so worried that you had hurt yourself or worse. I didn't know what I would do if you had died.” Hermione sobbed letting her head drop back down to Harry's neck.

“Hermione I'm fine. Besides I've had much worse falls then that while playing Quidditch. What do you want me to do to make this better?”

“Hold me.” Hermione mumbled into Harry's neck.

“I can do that.” Harry said as he wrapped both arms around Hermione holding her tight.

They stayed like that for a long time until it was time for lunch. They made their way back to their guests and spent the rest of the time playing and talking. Hermione never left Harry's side the whole time. She just could bring herself to be away from him. After dinner the group went to their rooms to spend time with their loved ones after the children had been tucked away in their on little room for the night.

After Hermione had changed into her night clothes she came out of her bathroom with a bottle of healing potion for Harry to take to make sure that he would be fine by morning. As they curled up to sleep Hermione felt Harry kiss her cheek before saying.

“I would never do anything that would cause me to leave you.”

Hermione smiled as she curled up to Harry before finally going to sleep.

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A/N2: I need to know for an up coming chapter by review please tell me if you would have any trouble with this story turning R. If most people would like this story to stay PG-13 I will post an R version else where. Or vise versa. Thanks for the help guys!

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8. The Ball

A/N: My my 125 reviews for the last chapter. I don't think you guys know how crazy that is to me. I never ever thought that this story would do this good. It still makes my mouth fall open.

Ok as for why this took so long to write. Well one there is so much information in it and that it's 19 pages long. This was the first time I had to have a whole other file with just notes as to what I wanted to happen in this chapter as well so I wouldn't forget anything. It's been a bit crazy plus add in the holidays and a new family that I'm working for. Plus I had to drive four kids to Pittsburg to see there dad.

Now for the rating. I had always planned this as a R rated story it was just that if most of my readers couldn't or didn't want to read R I would post that else where. But As it seems most want R. So R it will be. What I'm going to do is post the PG-13 version on my Livejournal and put the link up to it in the AN. So all you have to do is pop in and go to the link. If the chapter that I post isn't R I'll lower the rating again. I only planned for about 4 or so R chapters so I don't see the need to keep the whole thing R all the time.

Now if you read the PG-13 chapter at my lj you can leave a review there or come back here and review. I don't care really either way which ever is easier for you.

As for the people who wanted me to write NC-17. It's not going to happen. I've tried writing NC-17 and it just doesn't sound right to me. R is as far as I'll go for now.

Alright I think I've talk enough so I'll let you guys read. As always I have to thank my beta Ken without whom I'd not be here. And I don't own HP I just play with it in my mind.

Chapter 7

The Ball

Harry and Hermione were both awakened by a small girl climbing into their bed and screaming at the top of her lungs.

Hermione had nearly screamed back but quickly realized that Grace was sitting on the bed.

When Grace did stop screaming she just grinned and scurried out of the room.

“What was that?” Hermione asked as Harry got out of the bed.

“That was George's idea of a joke. He and Fred like to take turns sending in the children to wake people up.”

As if to prove his point Hermione could hear little Grace screaming in another bedroom down the hall.

“It's not very funny. I nearly screamed myself.”

“That, I'm afraid, is the point. They started doing that with Arthur when he was two. Well we best get ready. Aren't your parents coming in today?”

“Yes they should be. I would think that they would be here sometime this morning.”

Harry nodded before going into his washroom. Hermione followed his lead and went into her own washroom to get ready for the day.

After dressing Hermione met Harry in their bedroom before they walked down to breakfast. Hermione couldn't help but notice how the house felt different; much more alive with all the extra people and children in it.

“Good morning everyone,” both Harry and Hermione said as they entered the dining room.

“Good morning, I hope you two woke up well,” George said with a rather large grin on his face.

“You know George,” Harry said as he walked around to his seat picking up Grace as she went to hug him. “It's not quite right that you send such a cute little girl to do your dirty work.”

“Yes but it does make it that much more fun for me. It's a shame Fleur isn't here. She usually screams back. I'm surprise that you didn't Hermione.” George said as he turned to look at her.

“Yes, well I nearly did. If I hadn't seen Grace sitting there I think I would have.”

“George, you and Fred should be glad that Fleur wasn't here. You know how she gets when you two do things like that to her. We never would have heard the end of it,” Ginny said as she too sat at the table.

“Oh, she needs to learn to relax as it is. It's not like the war is still going.” Fred said as he and the others started to eat their breakfast.

Hermione couldn't help but look over at Harry after Fred's comment. It seemed like he hadn't even heard Fred as he leaned over to tell Arthur something, but somehow Hermione could tell that he heard perfectly. He just refused to let it show. It was that that made Hermione worry a bit.

Hermione slowly ate her breakfast but stopped when she saw Dobby walk into the room and over to Harry.

“Hermione, your parents are here,” Harry announced as he stood up from talking to Dobby.

“If you'll excuse me,” she said as she got up from the table with Harry behind her.

She could see her parents waiting for her in the entrance hall just inside the door.

“Mother, Father you're here! How was your trip?” Hermione asked as she hugged each of them.

“It was fine dear,” her father answered shortly.

“I wish we could stay longer, but the Potters asked us to stay at the main house with them. I hope you don't mind.”

“No that's fine. I figured my parents would ask you to stay with them.” Harry replied as he stood beside Hermione.

“Well, we just stopped by to give you your cat,” her mother said as she pointed to the closed carrier beside her.

“Mother! You know he doesn't like being in that!” Hermione said tightly as she knelt in front of the carrier.

“Yes well you know how I feel about that thing.” Her mother spat.

“Jane, we really should be getting up to the house now. We will see you two later.” Her father stated before they both left.

Hermione opened the carrier and pulled Crookshanks out and on to her lap.

“Have you missed me?” She asked as she pulled the cat up so she was looking in his eyes.

Hermione saw Harry kneel down beside her.

“So this is Crookshanks?” he asked.

Hermione nodded and turned Crookshanks so Harry could see him properly. She could barely hold in the laugh at the look of Harry's face when he saw him.

She knew that Crookshanks wasn't the best looking cat in the world, but he was smart and always there for her when she needed him. That was all that mattered to her. So she didn't care that his face was as close to flat as one could get and his fur wasn't the slickest.

“Well he certainly is unique.”

“Yes he is. Look I know he's not-“

“Pretty? No. But he does seem to have something about him doesn't he? I think he will fit in lovely with the rest of us.”

Hermione couldn't help but smile at Harry. He really was a good man. She watched as Harry reached down and pet Crookshanks between the ears, and couldn't help but smile as Crookshanks started purring. Even though she wouldn't admit it, Crookshanks was the real reason she anticipated her parent's visit.

“You know, it looks like Crookshanks is the type that would enjoy a welcoming present,” said Harry, not taking his eyes off of Crookshanks for a second.

“Yes that's true, and I must admit I would love to see what you got for him.”

She watched as Harry stood up, and then proceeded to the library; Crookshanks safely in her arms.

In the library, she watched as Harry kneeled down to an empty corner of the room. Hermione was about to ask what he was doing when out of thin air appeared a miniature bed, a smaller version of their own. In his arms was a worn down old cloak that looked like it had many years of use.

“Why, it's a bed for Crookshanks!” Hermione exclaimed. “And it looks so much like our own... oh Harry…” she trailed off.

“I hope he likes it,” said Harry.

Crookshanks leaped out of Hermione's arms and immediately circled the bed, sniffing and scratching, paused, then slowly crawled into the bed and fell asleep, purring loudly.

“He's had such a long day, being cooped up in that prison for so long,” said Hermione as she bent down and scratched Crookshanks between the ears, the purring getting louder.

“I'll make sure Dobby has some food ready for him when he wakes up,” said Harry. “We best be getting back to our friends, they may start to wonder where we got off to.”

Hermione stood slowly and made her way over to Harry.

“Thank you.” Hermione whispered before giving Harry a small kiss.

Harry just smiled before taking her hand and leading her back to the dinning room.

“Hermione are your parents here?” Ginny asked as Hermione took her seat at the table.

“They were but they will be staying up at the main house with Harry's parents. They just stopped by to bring me my cat.”

“You have a cat?” Grace asked from her perch on her mothers lap.

“Yes I do. He's sleeping in the Library right now but maybe later you can play with him if it's alright with your mother.”

Grace looked hopefully up to her mother who nodded causing Grace to smile and clap her hands.

“Well that may have to wait until tomorrow sweetheart. We have to be leaving for the main house in an hour to get ready.” Alice said as she smoothed down her hair.

Grace looked slightly saddened by the news but quickly laughed when George picked her up from her mother's lap and tossed her in the air.

“Don't look so sad Gracie. I know how much you want to get into that dress that Grandma and Grandpa got you.” George laughed as he placed his daughter on his hip.

“Yes, that being said, I do believe we should all get ready to head up to the main house. I'm sure you ladies can't wait to get into your dresses.” Harry said as he too stood from the table.

Everyone else followed Harry's lead and stood from the table to get ready to head up to the main house.

After everyone had donned their cloaks and hats they got into carriages heading up to the main house.

Hermione found it funny that in her time here so far she had yet to be up to the main house. It was not like it was far from her own but somehow she and Harry had not had reason to go up there.

She was shocked at how big the main house was. She knew that it was in fact bigger then her own but this was far bigger then what she expected.

The large four story house was dress in orange and black streams of fabric that hung from the roof and draped down to grace the ground. She could see the house elves placing lanterns on either side of the drive to give off an orange glow. She knew that at night it would even more spectacular.

As they groups stepped out of their carriages they were greeted by Lily and James. Hermione barely heard Harry tell her he'd see her later before she was whisked away by Lily and the other women.

As she was being shuffled through the house she couldn't help but notice all the portraits that hug on the wall. Many of the men look like Harry. She guessed that these men where his ancestors. It was when she saw the portrait of Harry that she made herself stop. He looked quite handsome in the black and white dress clothes he wore. There was something else about the painting that Hermione couldn't put her finger on.

“Isn't that a good likeness to him?” Lily asked as she stood behind Hermione.

“Yes. When was it painted?”

“Oh let's see here it must have been 2 years now. Soon we'll have to get one with the two of you done. Then another once you two start having children.”

Hermione blushed but nodded as she allowed Lily to move her down the hall. They hadn't walked too much further when all the girls started going into one of the many rooms that seemed to line the hall.

In the room were many dresses hanging delicately on body stands. Hermione watched as each of the women went to a stand and looked over their dress. Hermione on the other hand just stood and watched not knowing which one to go to. Lily had told her a week ago not to worry about her dress, that she would get it for her.

“This way dear.” Lily said as she placed a hand on the small of Hermione's back to lead her to her dress.

Hermione had to admit that the dress that Lily had gotten her was lovely, even though it was pink. She had never been the type of girl who wore pink; she tended to go towards dark greens or blues. Her mother had always hated that.

“I do hope the size is right I got your measurements from you mother. Now let's start to get you ready. Your mother should be here shortly to help me with getting you dressed. Everyone can't wait to meet you. When they heard you'd be here almost everyone said that they would come.”

Hermione smiled slightly. It made her nervous to think how many people may be there tonight and that they would all be judging her in one way or another. She could feel Lily start to undo the back of her dress and Hermione could swear she felt her heart stop.

She had never been in her suit in front of other people before. Even though she went to a boarding school she was either dressed before the other girls were up or waited until they had left.

Hermione looked at the other women in the room. Most of them already had their dresses off and were laughing and talking to each other. Ginny and Luna were standing next to each other and Hermione could help but notice that the part of Luna's corset that would cover her lower stomach had been removed and a small bump could be seen there.

It was odd really that with her dress on you couldn't really tell that she was in fact carrying a child but with it off it was hard to tell that she wasn't.

As Hermione let her eyes scan the rest of the room she barely felt herself step out of her own dress. It was only when Hermione's eyes landed on Victoria that she couldn't stifle the gasp that came from her mouth.

“Hermione what is it?” Lily asked as she looked at her.

The other girls looked at Hermione before looking over at Victoria where they too could see that she was wearing the same type corset that Luna was.

It seemed only a matter of moments before they were all around her.

“How long have you known?” Ginny asked first.

“We found out about a month ago. Please don't be angry with us for not saying anything. But you know what a time we had having Arthur and all the ones I've lost - four since then. We were just worried that the same thing would happen this time. We didn't want everyone to know until I was at least three months.”

“Don't worry we understand. I have a good feeling about this one. I really do.” Luna said as she pulled the older girl into a hug. “Now our children will have playmates their own age. This will be so wonderful.”

“As lovely as that sounds I refuse to get my hopes up. I mean with what happened to Beth I just don't want to put to much hope on this one.”

Hermione couldn't help but feel a little lost with all of this. It was clear that Victoria and Charlie had been having a hard time having children but who was Beth and what had happened to her.

“Well why don't all you lady's get back to getting ready. We only have two hours before the ball starts.” Lily said.

Hermione walked with Lily back over to where she was to change. As Lily started to take the dress the form Hermione couldn't help but ask her about Beth.

“Lily who is Beth?”

She watched as Lily's eyes closed slightly. “Beth was Charlie and Victoria's daughter. She was stillborn. It was very had on all of them. But Victoria seemed to think that she was never meant to have children after that. Luckily she had no trouble Arthur. But since then it's been one loss after another. I just hope Luna was right on this one.”

Hermione nodded as she looked over at Victoria who was being helped by one of the house elves. Her eyes were distracted by the movement of the door. She was barely able to stifle the groan when she saw her mother walk in.

“Hermione sweetheart!” Her mother cooed happily.

“Hello mother.”

“Lily I have to say that I love the dress that you picked out for my Hermione. She always looked so nice in pink. Now let's see what it looks like on you dear.”

Hermione hated it when her mother helped her get ready. She always made her feel like she was not up to the level of the other girls.

As Hermione's mother and Lily helped Hermione put the dress on it was quickly obvious that the dress was just a touch too small. Oh it wasn't much but it was enough to make sure the top half was unable to be buttoned.

“Hermione dear it seems you are not the same size you were when you left me last. Is there something that you would like to share?” Her mother said in a sickly sweet voice.

“No mother.” Hermione said quietly not wanting anymore attention from anyone else.

“Oh” Her mother's voice sounded disappointed, “So you are not having a baby then?”

“No mother.”

“Well then you must watch what you eat Hermione. We don't want you to get all fat before you have a child now.” Jane chided her.

Oh goody it's starting already. Hermione thought to herself.

“Are you and Harry having problems getting pregnant?” Lily asked as she helped remove the dress.

“I, uh, I guess it just may take some time with us. I'm sure it's nothing.” Hermione was proud of herself. What she said wasn't a lie it just wasn't the whole truth.

“Well lets tighten up your suit then.” Jane said as she moved behind Hermione.

“If you two will excuse me for a moment I want to have a word with Molly.” Lily said as she walked over to a redhead older woman who had just come in the room.

Hermione wished desperately that Lily hadn't left her alone with her mother. She really didn't want to hear her ask questions about Harry or her weight.

“Hermione what have you been eating? I could tell you had gained weight when I walked into the room!” Her mother scolded her softly.

“Food mother. I've been eating food.” She didn't care that she was being rude she just wanted her mother off her back.

“Don't talk to me like that! What did you eat this morning?”

“Ham and eggs.”

“What?!? Have you been eating like that since you got here? Well it's no wonder that you gained so much. You need to keep eating like you did when you were at home with your father and I. It will keep you thin. You can't afford for Harry to lose interest in his wife.”

Hermione fought to stop herself from rolling her eyes but was jerked from her thoughts when her mother pulled tightly on her corset strings.

“Ow mother that's too tight.”

“Well you should have thought of that before you ate all that food.” Jane said before pulling once more and tying it off.

It was then that Lily came back over to the group and helped put Hermione's dress on with no problems this time.

Hermione was soon whisked to another bit of the room for her hair and makeup. After putting on what she thought was the right amount of makeup she let Lily fix her hair in a nice twist on the back of her head.

“It's all the style in Paris right now. Well that's what I hear.” She whispered in Hermione's ear.

She smiled at Hermione before going to see if the other needed any help. So Hermione sat and looked at herself in the mirror. She had never thought of herself as a beauty. But looking at herself now, she thought it was the close she was ever going to get. She couldn't wait for Harry to see her.

“Why are you not pregnant yet?” Her mother asked as she sat down beside her.

“I don't know mother. Could we please not do this now? I would like to have fun tonight.”

“We will talk about this before your father and I leave to go home.”

Hermione nodded and watched as her mother got up to talk to the woman named Molly. She hated when her mother got like this. But then again she was like this more than when she wasn't.

“Ladies it's time to head down. Now Hermione you need to come with me so the family can enter together.” Lily said to the group.

Hermione walked over to where Lily was before they both walked out of the room and away from the others.

They had walked down the hallway a bit before going in a small room.

“Lily every time I don't think you could get anymore beautiful you have to go and prove me wrong.” Hermione heard James say as he kissed his wife's cheek.

“Hermione.”

She turned at the sound of her name to see Harry standing on the other side of the room. He was staring at her as if he had never seen her before.

“You look amazing.” He whispered as he kissed her cheek.

“Thank you. So do you.”

Hermione meant what she said. Harry looked amazing in the dress clothes he was wearing. The rich black seemed to bring out his green eyes even more from behind his glasses.

“I want to kiss you so badly right now.” Harry whispered as he leaned even closer to her.

Hermione felt the blush rise to her cheeks. “Me too.”

Harry smiled widely at her. But after a moment his eyes shifted from her to something behind her.

Hermione too turned and looked to see Mr. Potter Sr. staring at them. She looked back at Harry who started to fidget slightly.

“Hermione listen,” He said as leaned in close to her once again. “I need you to give me your wand. You see my Grandfather asked me early if I had it and I told him that I gave it to you for getting ready. But he…um…well”

“It's okay Harry.” Hermione said as she took out her wand and handed it to him. “I know you don't want to take it away from me but it makes it easier to deal with your Grandfather.”

Harry smiled at her before looking over to see that his Grandfather was talking with his parents. When he looked back at Hermione he leaned in and gave her a quick kiss.

Hermione couldn't help the large smile that spread on her face when Harry pulled back.

Her happiness was interrupted when a tall man entered the room.

“Mr. Potter all the guests have arrived. You can enter the hall when you are ready.”

“Thank you Richard we will enter at once.” Mr. Potter Sr. said as he made his way from the room followed by James, Lily, Harry and Hermione.

Hermione stood by Harry at the back of the line near a set of doors. She started to feel herself get nervous as she watched Richard open the two large doors.

She could hear the sound of lost of people talking in the room and felt her nervousness grow.

“Don't worry Hermione I'll be right here beside you and I'm sure everyone will love you.” Harry whispered in her ear.

“Ladies and Gentleman,” Hermione heard Richard say. “May I present your host for the evening. Mr. James Potter the third. His son Mr. James Potter the forth and his wife Ms. Lily Potter. Their son Mr. Harry Potter and for the first time his wife Ms. Hermione Potter.”

At the sound of their names they started to walk down the small staircase into the hall where everyone stood and watched them many of whom where clapping softly.

Hermione knew she was blushing as she walked onto the dance floor with Harry. She looked at Harry as he placed himself in front of her to dance. When the music started Harry lead her around the floor with his parents in the first dance of the evening.

She loved dancing with Harry. He was light on his feet and moved so well with her in his arms. After the song ended the crowd clapped and some of them moved onto the dance floor for the next song.

Harry led Hermione over to where Ron, Luna, Neville and Ginny were standing.

“Hermione you looked lovely out there!” Ginny exclaimed.

“Thank you.”

“I'm sorry we won't be able to talk to you all long. Grandfather told me earlier that we had to make sure that everyone had a chance to talk to us.” Harry said as he stood by Hermione.

“Well yes of course. You are newly married and I'm sure that many of our friends from school want to see the famous Hermione.” Ron chuckled.

“Me famous?”

“Oh Hermione Harry talked of nothing but you most of years in school. Everyone knows who you are.” Luna informed her.

Hermione turned to look at Harry to see the blush creeping up his neck as he seemed to find great interest in his shoes.

“Yes well I ...uh... think we should make our way around the room. If we see everyone quick enough we should be able to be with you all later.”

“Have fun Harry.” Neville said as the two walked away.

They hadn't gotten ten feet from their friends before people started to descend upon them.

Hermione could barely tell who was talking and who wasn't as they looked her over. But Harry it seemed, to Hermione, was having no trouble keeping up with everyone's questions.

Slowly they made their way through the room meeting and talking to people here and there. Many of them seemed to be friends of Harry's parents or grandfather.

“Hermione I would like you to meet Bill and Fleur Weasley. Bill is Ron and Ginny's oldest brother. Fleur you went to Beauxbatons I'm sure you remember Hermione from school.”

Fleur looked at Hermione for a long moment before the look of recognition, that Hermione dreaded, crossed her face.

“Bushy, Bookworm, Granger! I almost didn't recognize you without your nose stuck in a book.”

Hermione couldn't help but cringe slightly when she heard that nickname that she had in school.

“Yes well things change.” Hermione said quietly.

“Well if you will excuse us Bill and I need to check on Madeline.”

After both Bill and Fleur left Harry pulled Hermione off to the side on the room.

“Did they really call you that at school?” Harry asked her once they were alone.

“Yes but it doesn't really matter now does it.”

“I saw the look you got when she called you that. It does matter.”

“Harry if you must know I wasn't the most popular person in school. If fact I think I was the least popular person. But I had my books and they made me happy. That was all I needed.” Hermione thought that sounded so good she almost believed herself.

Harry looked as if he was going to say something else but was cut off as he opened his mouth.

“Harry it's been too long since we've seen each other.” Said a female voice from behind Harry.

Hermione watched as Harry closed his eyes in frustration and a hand creep over his shoulder.

When the women that belonged to the hand made her way around and saw Hermione standing there she seemed to be taken a back.

Hermione looked at Harry to see find him looking right back at her.

“Hello Miss. Chang I'd like you to meet my wife Hermione. Hermione this is Cho Chang we went to school together.”

“Oh Harry why so formal? You use to call me Cho all the time in school.” Cho said as she moved much too close to Harry for Hermiones liking.

Hermione could almost see Harry gritting his teeth as he listened to this woman that Luna and Ginny had warned her about.

“It's lovely to meet you Cho.” Hermione said politely.

Cho seemed to look down her nose at Hermione even though she was shorter then her.

“Yes like wise. Well Harry you will have to make sure you write me. I miss seeing you like I did in school.”

With that Cho sauntered away. Leaving a very annoyed and ticked off Hermione behind.

“The nerve of that woman! I was standing right here as she threw herself at you. What kind of women does that in front of a man's wife?” Hermione huffed.

“Hermione I just want you to know that nothing ever happened between Cho and I she…well…it's too much to talk about here and now.”

Hermione smile and place a loving hand on Harry's cheek. “I know Harry. I know.”

Harry seemed to relax at this and the two proceeded to make there way back to meeting friends of the family.

I was almost an hour later and three glasses of punch when Hermione realized she needed a break.

“If you'll excuse me I'm going to go to the washroom.” Hermione said before walking away from the couple that they had been talking to.

After washing up Hermione started heading back to party but was stopped by a voice.

“Do you really think he wanted to marry you?”

Hermione turned to see Cho Chang walking up behind her.

“He didn't you know. His grandfather wouldn't let him out of the arrangement. He told me himself one night when we were alone.”

“It's funny that I don't believe you.”

“Oh but it's true. He's a wonderful kisser isn't he? Very good with his hands, knows just how to put them on your body to make you feel alive.”

Hermione felt the blood drain from her face. All the faith she had had in Harry seemed to be leaving her.

“So you do know what I'm talking about. How he likes to run his hands through your hair. It's wonderful the way it makes you feel isn't it?”

“I, unlike you, have class and refuse to talk to you about such things. Especially when I know you are nothing but a jealous guttersnipe.” Hermione watched as Cho turn a brilliant shade of red before she stalked past her.

Hermione on the other hand just wanted to be alone before going out to the party. She went in the first door she found and closed the door behind her.

“May I help you?”

Hermione turned to see Grandfather Potter standing behind a desk on the other side of the room.

“I…just needed a moment from the party is all. I didn't know anyone else was in here.”

“Yes well while you are here let me have a word with you. How is everything going with Harry?”

“Fine, we are happy together.”

He nodded slightly. “Lily tells me that you are not yet with child. Are you having problems?”

“Um no, no problems.”

“I see.” James Sr. walked around his desk and across the room to where Hermione was standing. “So if I were to do the same spell I did the day of your wedding it would be different?”

Hermione felt the blood drain from her face. She knew that if he did that spell and saw that she and Harry had not been intimate all hell would break loose.

She could not seem to form words as she stared unseeing at Harry's grandfather. But before any other thought was able to push its way into her mind she watched in fear as he said the spell.

Hermione watched as the white light engulfed her body. When it faded away she had barely a moment to see the rage in his eyes before she was slammed into the wall behind her.

“How dare you lie to me girl!”

Hermione had to bite a lip from crying out in pain as his hands tightened on her arms.

“If you didn't want to marry Harry then you should have gotten out of it when we gave you the chance.” He leaned in close to her so that his body was press tightly to hers. “If you are not caring Harry's child by Christmas I will make sure that you are at least carrying a Potter.”

Hermione's eyes went wide as he said this. He couldn't, wouldn't, would he?

“Do you understand me?”

Hermione nodded as the realization that he would in fact follow through with his threat if she didn't comply.

“Now clean yourself up before you come back out to the party. We wouldn't want the guest to think that you aren't happy.”

With that he released her arms and left the room. No sooner had the door shut did Hermione feel her legs give out beneath her and the tears started to flow. She thought about what he had said.

She wasn't sure how long she had been sitting there when the door to the room opened. Hermione started to wipe her arms but was stopped when her mother grabbed her arm and pulled her to her feet.

“You haven't given yourself to him yet? What is wrong with you Hermione! Don't you realize how lucky you are to be in this family? You as good as a muggleborn and you were lucky enough to marry into an old pureblood family with money and you seem to be willing to throw all that away.”

Hermione ripped her arm away from her mother's grasp as fear was replaced with anger .

“How dare you Mother! You lied to me. You said I couldn't get out of the marriage but they gave me a chance didn't they?”

“Do you really think I was going to let this opportunity go? This is your chance to get out of our life. Your children will have everything that they need and want.”

“That's not the point Mother! You should have told me let me decide! It's my LIFE!”

“How dare you speak to me like that! I did what was best for you.”

Hermione couldn't help but laugh at her mother. But it was then that she all of her other thoughts came to her mind.

“Why don't I remember Harry as child Mother?”

Her mother seemed slightly taken aback by this question.

“What are you talking about Hermione?”

“I don't remember much of what it was like here when I was little. I do remember living in France though. Also Harry told me he wrote me letters. Funny I never got any of them. Would you know anything about those Mother?”

Hermione watched as her mother took a deep breath.

“Everything that your father and I have ever done we did for your own good.”

“What did you do Mother?”

“You hated your father and I for making you move away from Harry. You cried the whole trip to France and for the first few days we were there. Then that letter came from Harry. You read it in your room. When you didn't come down for supper I went to your room to check on you.

“You were gone. When we found you where on a boat that getting ready was head back to England. You fought your father and I the entire way home. It was then that we decided that it would be best if you didn't remember Harry. Your father cast a spell you wouldn't remember him fully. And I made sure that you never got one of his letters again.”

Hermione had to will the pain and anger to the back of her mind before she could speak.

“What else did you do Mother? If you did all this and then had me marry Harry you must have done something to make sure the boys at school didn't take my heart.”

“You have always been too clever for your own good Hermione. How did you know?”

“No boy ever looked at me then more then a friend or someone to copy homework from.”

“It was for your own good that I did it. Those school age boys only want one thing from girls like you and I wasn't about to let that happen to you.”

“Can you never tell the truth unless backed into a corner Mother? You did that spell to make sure that I could marry Harry. You didn't do any of this for me. You did it for you. So you would move up in the social ladder. It's never about me it's always about you. Mother could you please leave. I can't be near you right now and I want the letters that is if you haven't destroyed them.”

Hermione watched as her mother turned on her heels and left the room shutting the door hard behind her.

As soon as the door was shut Hermione let all the pain and anger burst from her in a large sob. But it didn't stop there. Her legs quickly gave out from beneath her and more tears flowed from her eyes.

She had been sitting on the floor for a good five minutes before she felt a hand on her back.

“Hermione are you alright?” Harry asked as he knelt down next her.

Hermione let out a great sob as she threw her arms around Harry's neck.

“Take me home Harry, please! I can't be here any longer. Please Harry.”

“Okay I'll take you home. Let's go tell everyone that we are leaving”

“NO! Please Harry I don't want to go back out there. Can't we just leave?”

Harry looked at her for a long moment. “Alight I'll go tell me parents that you aren't feeling well and that I'm going to take you home. I'll also have the carriage brought around to the side of the house so you don't have to see anyone. Okay?”

Hermione nodded as before Harry gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before leaving the room. She tried to get herself to stop crying but her body wouldn't let her.

When Harry returned to the room he helped her to her feet and placed her cloak around her shoulder before leading her out of the room.

As they walked down the hallway Hermione could hear the party still going on. They quickly got into the carriage and Hermione curled herself close to Harry during the ride to their home.

Once she was back in the safety of their bedroom Hermione decided that things needed to be taken into her own hands.

She quickly moved over to where Harry was standing and started kissing him. She pushed her tongue into his mouth and rubbed it against his until he too started playing.

Hermione felt Harry's hands come down and clutch her waist, tightly pulling her closer to him.

“Make me yours Harry.” Hermione panted as she pulled away for a moment before going back to kissing him.

Only this time he did not respond when her tongue touched his. In fact the grip he had on her waist seemed to loosen as well.

“Harry please!” Hermione begged as she started to kiss down his neck.

“Hermione stop.” Harry's hands came up to her arms to push her away slightly.

What he didn't know was that he put his hands were his grandfather had squeezed her arms and she winced in pain.

“Hermione did I hurt you?”

Hermione shook her head as she moved away from Harry.

“Hermione what happened to make you so upset?”

As she looked at him she couldn't hold it back any longer. With tears spilling down her cheeks she told Harry everything that happened. From meeting Cho outside of the washroom to when he walked in and found her on the floor.

“I want you to listen to me Hermione. You are the only woman I have ever wanted. Cho is nothing but a sad and lonely woman who wants what she can't have. I will never let my grandfather hurt you. And no matter what your mother and father did to you I will help you remember what did when we were younger.”

Harry pulled her to him as her hug her tightly. Hermione smiled into Harry's neck as they hugged.

“Take off your dress so I can heal your arms.”

Hermione was surprised by this for a moment but then turn around so Harry could undo the back of her dress. When it pooled on the floor Hermione turned and watched as Harry healed the burses that had started to appear on her arms.

“We should get to bed it's been a very long day.”

Hermione nodded before taking off her corset, leaving her in only her under clothes, as she crawled into bed.

She watched for the first time as Harry shed his clothes before climbing into bed with her. Once he was settled into bed Hermione turned until her head rested on his chest.

“Harry will we ever…?”

“Yes.”

“When?”

“When we're ready.”

Hermione nodded into Harry's chest.

“Harry?”

“Hmm.”

“Would it help to tell you that I'm ready.”

“Soon Hermione.”

They both became silent after that. It wasn't long before Hermione could feel Harry's breathing change. A short time later Hermione found herself following Harry to sleep.

-->

9. Harry's Nighmare

A/N: Well I'm sure that most of you are wondering where I have been and why I haven't updated in Oh 5 months. Well first of all my life has become pretty crazy. I was in California for what was suppose to be a 5 day trip for work which turn into a 3 week trip. So that screwed me up for about a month will all the time changes. Then real life just hasn't given me time to write. With college classes I was taking, trying to take care of 4 kids while learning a new job to work at while the kids were at school, turning 22 and having a good birthday this year (My great aunt died on my birthday last year). Add in the fact that I think that my writing muse ran away from me for about a month and a half and I just couldn't bring myself to write anything. But over the last week I was finally able to write again.

I am going to warn you that I don't know when the next chapter will be out. I have two trips coming up and I'm not sure when I'll be able to write. I'll be in Germany for 6 weeks starting at the beginning of June to only come home to go to Las Vegas a week later for Lumos (if any of you are going to be there let me know) I can only hope I'll be able to write on the plane rides.

That being said the rating for this chapter is high PG-13. Nothing really graphic but there is implied. I hope you all like it and please leave a review cause I do try and answer them all and I love hearing what you guys think.

And I just came to realize that I have been writing this for a year. Wow time flies.

Disclaimer: I don't own these characters. If I did I would have money. But the story line is mine ;D

Chapter 8

Harry's Nightmare

Hermione decided that she loved sleeping this close to Harry. She had woken about five minutes before and had just laid there enjoying the proximity without having to care about the outside world.

As much as she didn't want to move she knew that she and Harry would have to get up soon. Slowly she turned her head to look up at her Harry.

Hermione discovered that she also loved to look at a sleeping Harry. She had found this out a week ago when one morning she spent almost an hour watching him sleep. She wasn't sure what it was about watching him like this that she found so delightful but she did keep coming back for more.

“You're watching me again.” A tired voice said.

Hermione could feel her face blush ten times red as she buried her face in his chest.

“Sorry I didn't know you were awake.”

“Oh I don't mind. I've gotten quite used to you watching me when you think I'm asleep in the morning.”

Hermione's head shot up. “You knew!?”

Harry blushed slightly. “Well yes, but that's because I tend to be watching you before you turn to look at me.”

Hermione knew that at this point her face was as red as an apple. But a part of her couldn't help but smile that he was watching her as she had been watching him.

“You watch me while I sleep?”

“I'm always watching you.”

Hermione launched herself at him. Her arms wrapping around him as she hugged him close to her.

As she felt his arms wrap around her and pull her closer to him. It was that small movement when she knew without a doubt.

“I love you Harry.” Hermione whispered into his ear before kissing him lightly under it.

For a moment Hermione didn't feel Harry move and she worried that maybe shouldn't have said anything. But as quickly as the thought came to her did she feel Harry flip her on her back with him hovering over her.

“Really?”

It took her a moment to realize that he had questioned her declaration.

“Well … yes.”

“Oh God Hermione,” Harry sighed before kissing her cheek, nose, forehead and right before his pressed his lips to hers. “I've loved you always.”

Hermione was barely able to take a breath before his lips were on hers and she couldn't help but think that even breathing wasn't as important when Harry kissed her.

She also found that she loved running her hands through his hair as well as down his bare back, feeling his skin and the muscles that hid underneath.

Harry moved himself so he was pressing her further down into the mattress with his weight. It was an amazing feeling to her, his body on top of hers, his tongue massaging hers, his hand rubbing her bare skin at her waist.

Hermione wondered how he was able to pull up her nightgown without her knowing. But then as his hand made slow soothing circles on her skin she didn't care.

On instinct Hermione felt her legs separate and Harry's hips come crashing into hers. As soon as they connected she felt the bump of his manhood. No sooner had she felt it did Harry sit up and move away from her.

“Harry?”

“I'm sorry.”

“But Harry”

“We should get ready. Everyone will be downstairs by now.”

With that Harry got up and walked quickly to his washroom.

Hermione waited a few moments before she too got up and walked to her washroom. As she closed the door she felt the tears start to fall down her cheeks.

Why didn't he want to be with her? He said that he loved her but every time they would get close he would pull away.

She cried as Winky helped dress her and do her hair. She was finally able to stop her tears and cleaned her face before leaving the safety of the washroom.

When she entered back into their bedroom she found it empty as well as Harry's washroom.

After taking a moment to gather herself she slowly made her was down to the dining room. To find it full of people, including her husband.

She watched as Harry continued to talk to Ron and refuse to look at her as she sat down. Luna and Ginny tried to engage her in conversation but she didn't feel like talking.

Hermione started to wonder if Grandfather Potter would do what he swore he would do last night because as it seemed this morning Harry didn't want to have anything to do with her that way.

She felt the tears start to well but before they could fall Dobby appeared.

“Mister Potter Mister Black is here to see you. He says you not see him last night.”

“Send him in Dobby.” Harry said as he stood up from the table.

Hermione watched as a man slightly taller then Harry walk into the room and embrace her husband.

“Harry you're looking good. I haven't seen you since you were a single man. Ah Hermione I haven't seen you since you were a little girl. Come let me see you.”

Hermione stood and walked over to Mister Black. He immediately pulled her into a hug before pulling back and looking her over.

“I always knew you would grow into a beautiful woman. I'm Sirius Black by the way - Harry's Godfather. How are you?”

“I'm fine, thank you. We didn't see you last night.”

“Ah yes. Well I ended up getting in a little late and you had left felling ill. But as I look at you seem much better, yes?”

“Oh yes I think it was something I had eaten last night that didn't sit well with me.”

Hermione saw Harry shift at the mention of them leaving early the night before.

“Yes well it's good to see you are feeling better. If you all don't mind I need to steal Harry away for a bit. It's good seeing you again Hermione.”

With that Harry and Sirius left the dining room. She was able to see them enter the library before she returned to her seat.

“Hermione are you feeling alright?” Luna asked as she sat.

“I'm fine thank you Luna.”

“Well what shall we do with ourselves today?” Ginny asked the group.

“I was thinking of taking a long walk around the grounds.” Victoria said as she wiped Arthur's mouth.

“I think that sounds like a lovely idea!” Alicia exclaimed.

“Hermione will you be joining us?” Luna asked her quietly.

“I'm still not feeling that well. I think I'll stay here, thank you though. If you'll excuse me I'm not as hungry as I thought I was.”

Hermione quickly got up from her seat at the table and left the room. As she walked toward the library she wondered just what she thought she was going to do. Go running in there and demand that Harry tell her what's going on and why he doesn't seem to want to touch her. No, she knew that she couldn't do that.

But she could find out what they were talking about. Hermione stood in front of the secret door for a minute trying to decide if she really wanted to do this. But when she heard the others start to leave the dining room she knew she had to do something.

Hermione quickly entered the hidden room to hear the sound of Harry talking.

“Sirius I don't know what to do! Last night after what Grandfather said to her. I know what I have to do but I just, I not sure.” Harry said before he flopped down in a chair.

“Well Harry I'm not sure what to tell you. I've known you Grandfather a long time and I would like to say that I'm shocked at what he did last night but in the last few years he's changed quite a bit.”

“It's because he blames me.”

“No Harry! No one blames you. You should know that by now.”

“I can't help it Sirius. You didn't see what I saw. You didn't stand there and do nothing.”

“Is that what this is about? Is that why you haven't made love to your wife?”

Hermione felt herself blush as she watched Harry's head snap up.

“You don't know that for sure.”

Hermione suddenly felt like she shouldn't be watching this. The part of her that wanted to know so badly didn't want to be here for this talk.

Slowly Hermione made her way out of the room and ran as fast as her legs could carry her to her bedroom. She threw herself on the bed as she felt hot tears falling from her eyes onto her pillow.

Hermione wasn't sure how long she was there but it was only when she felt a comforting hand on her back did she look up to see Luna's bright blue eyes staring back at her.

“Hermione what's wrong?”

Slowly Hermione sat up to look at both Luna and Ginny. Her mouth opened and closed a few times before she started telling them everything. From being told that she in an arranged marriage to what happened when Harry walked away from her this morning.

“I-I just want to know why he doesn't want me.” Hermione sobbed into Ginny's shoulder.

“Hermione you mean to tell us that you and Harry have never been together? Never made love?” Luna asked as she rubbed Hermione's back.

“We've come close but every time he pulls away.” Hermione said as she sat up. “At first he said it was because he wanted to make sure that I was ready but then I told him I was and he still pulls away from me.”

Hermione could almost feel Luna and Ginny look around her and at each other.

“Hermione have you read the book that Ginny and I gave you?”

“Yes.” Hermione said with a blush.

“All of it?” Ginny asked.

Hermione felt the blush on her cheeks deepen. “Yes.”

“Well maybe you should use some of that to help Harry out.”

“But I couldn't my mother-“

“Your mother doesn't know everything. And from the sound of it I wouldn't take anything she has told you for a grain of salt.” Ginny huffed.

“Maybe you should just walk around your bedroom naked. That always works with Ronald.” Luna said somewhat off handedly.

“Luna I'm not sure if I speaking just for myself or for Hermione as well but I don't need to know that about my brother.”

Hermione nodded in agreement with Ginny but couldn't help but think that Luna had a point. She knew that most men had a reaction to a nude woman. Her mother had told her that much and the book that Luna and Ginny gave her confirmed it with out a doubt.

“I guess that could work.”

“Or you could always leave the book open on the bed.” Luna added.

“Yes that's true too. Look we've been up here for awhile we should head back downstairs and join up with everyone else.”

Hermione nodded as she and Luna stood to join Ginny before heading downstairs.

The rest of the day Hermione spent talking with the Weasley women without seeing much of her husband. It was only when it was time for dinner that Harry seemed to show up.

Hermione kept trying to catch his eye but nothing she did seemed to work. Finally she gave up. It was too much. She was tired and her husband deciding that he would rather watch the paint on the wall than look at her did her in.

“If you will all excuse me I'm not feeling too well and think I will turn in early. Goodnight.”

Hermione heard a few of the people say goodnight to her but she couldn't help but notice that Harry wasn't one of them.

As quickly as she could Hermione made her way to her room. She was angry as she started pulling off the dress she was wearing as well as everything else she wore. Leaving herself naked.

Hermione stood there for several moments before grabbing her undergarments and hastily put them back on. She wasn't ready to be nude in front of him. Not until he made the first move.

After climbing into the bed Hermione noticed that she wasn't tired. So she laid there, hoping that Harry would come up to check up on her. But as the minutes and then the hours past she knew he would only come up when he, himself was ready for bed.

Almost two hours after she had gotten into bed, did Harry come into their room. Hermione closed her eyes as soon as she heard to door open. She didn't want to have to deal with anything he had to say to her.

Hermione listened as Harry walked around the room getting himself ready for bed and then climb into bed beside her. At first it seemed that he was going to stay on his side of the bed. But to Hermione dismay Harry moved to wrap his arm around her waist like he did on most other nights.

It was that little act that made something in Hermione snap. She pushed Harry's arm off her.

“I didn't know you were awake.”

“Well maybe if you had checked in on me earlier I wouldn't be. Maybe if you would have talked to me at all today I wouldn't be.”

“Hermione what's wrong?”

“You!”

“Me?”

Hermione sat up in a huff to look at Harry.

“You tell me you love me and just when I think that we could be together you pull away and then seem to not be able to look or talk to me after. Then after leaving the dinner table saying that I'm ill you do nothing. You didn't even tell me goodnight. Then you come to bed and think that you can hold me like that? You can not have it both ways. I'm not a whore I'm your wife.”

Hermione watched as Harry got out of bed and walked over to the window, looking out.

“It that what you think of me, do you think I see you as a whore?” Harry spat back at her.

“I don't know what else to think.”

“Hermione I…”

To Hermione it seemed that Harry didn't know how to counter what she said. Slowly she got from bed and walked over to Harry. When she got to him she placed her hand on his shoulder to turn him around.

She had so many thoughts running through her head. So many things that she wanted to say. Instead she simply took his hand and used it to push the strap of her undergarment top then proceeded to do the same with on the other side.

Hermione released his hand so she could pull her arms out of them and let the garment rest on her hips. She watched as Harry's eyes stared into hers refusing to look down at her newly revealed body.

After a minute passed and Harry still did nothing Hermione quickly started covering herself up. He didn't want her. It was easy for Hermione to see that now. He just lied to her to make her feel better this morning.

Hermione turned and started walking away from Harry as fast as she could. She didn't get far before Harry grabbed hold of her arm.

“Just let me go Harry.” She pleaded as she tugged her arm.

“No Hermione I need to talk to you, please.”

Harry pulled on her arm harder until she ended up pressed against his chest.

“You don't need to make me feel better by lying to me Harry. If you don't want me then you don't want me. Just don't lie to me. You made me fall in love with you and now I have to deal with the fact that you don't feel the same.” Hermione whispered.

“God Hermione, I do want you. I do love you.” Harry said his arms tightening around her.

“Then why won't you be with me?”

Hermione felt Harry sigh into her hair. “I do want to be with you Hermione. More then you know.”

“Then why didn't you look at me?”

“Because if I did I wouldn't have been able to stop myself.”

“But I don't want you to stop yourself.”

“I know, but there are things I need to tell you first. Things that may change the way you think of me.”

“That will not happen.”

“I do not want to take that chance. Not with you, not with your heart or your body.”

“Then tell me.”

“No not tonight.”

Hermione pulled back from Harry to look up at his face. He looked scared and lost all at once.

“Tell me now. I want to know. Please Harry.”

Harry turned away from her and walked back to his place in front of the window. Hermione made a move to go back to bed when Harry's voice stopped her.

“It was three years ago. The war had gone from bad to worse. No one was safe. The Diggorys had just been attacked and killed. My mother, father, sister and myself had moved into the main house almost a year before for our own safety. The Weasleys, Lovegoods, and Longbottoms had also moved in there with us. It was safer that way, more adults to fight if they were to attack.

“It was Halloween. It was the first time in years that we didn't have a ball. It just wasn't safe. We heard one of the safety wards go off. Our parents put all of the children in one room at the far end of the house.

“But I didn't think that was far. I was 15; I was old enough to fight. So when none of the others were looking I snuck out. I didn't know that Emily saw me. I didn't know that she followed me. I didn't know until I was two floors down and half a hallway away from our room.

“I told her to go back to the room. That it wasn't safe for her to be out, she wasn't good enough with spells yet. She told me that she wouldn't go back with out me. We didn't know that we weren't alone in the hall until it was too late.

“They grabbed Emily and myself and dragged us into a room. They threw us into a corner. I put myself in front of Emily. But it didn't help. They pushed me out of the way and dragged her across the room by her hair. She fought them. But she just wasn't strong enough.

“They said things about her. About her body before they started ripping off her dress. I tried to get to her to stop them but I couldn't. I wasn't strong enough either. I heard her scream as they took her innocence, as they took turns, as they hit her.

“It only stopped when the door opened. At first I thought it was help. I thought that my parents had found us and were going to save us. But I was wrong. It was Voldemort. He saw what they did to Emily and laughed.

“I wanted to kill him. Kill all of them. But I couldn't. I didn't have my wand. But I watched as he pulled out a knife and carved into her forehead and then again as he stabbed her in the heart.

“I watched as he licked the blade of blood before coming over to stand in front of me. He said something but I couldn't hear him. I could only watch as the blood poured from Emily chest. It wasn't until I felt him carving into my own forehead did something inside of me snap.

“I'm still not sure what happened. I know I was standing there with Voldemort in front of me then a bright light filled the room and I could hear all of them screaming in pain. When the light went away they were all lying on the floor dead. But that didn't stop me from picking up the knife from Voldemort's hand and stabbing him until my arm couldn't any longer.

“It started getting hard for me to see. The blood from the cut was dripping in my eye. But I made it to where Emily was and I tried to cover her up the best I could and I held her. Hoping that maybe, maybe she was still alive.

“She wasn't. I knew she wasn't. My father, grandfather and Sirius found us. Sirius had to drag me away from Emily. My mother and grandmother were coming down the hall when I was finally pulled from the room. They both started crying when they saw me. I was covered in blood. But it was when my father came out with Emily's body did they both collapse.

“We buried Emily three days later and then we buried my grandmother two months after that. You wonder why my grandfather wants us to have a child so badly. It's because he blames me for their deaths. He thinks that if I had stayed in the room like I was told that they would both be alive.”

Hermione gasped as she stood up from the chair she had been sitting in. She wasn't sure when she had moved from standing by the bed to sitting in the chair, but she was glad that she had been sitting down.

“That's why I haven't made love to you. I was afraid that after you found out you wouldn't want to be with a man who killed both his sister and his grandmother.”

“Harry.” Was all Hermione was able to get out before she launched herself at him, holding him as tightly as she could. “You didn't kill them. You didn't. And I will always love you. Nothing will ever change that.”

“I'm afraid to hurt you like they did to Emily.” Harry whispered into her hair.

Hermione could swear that she heard her own heart break a little at his words.

“You won't because I love you and you love me.”

She felt Harry shudder against her before she felt his tears start to land on her skin. Hermione pulled back from Harry enough to kiss him lightly on the lips before pulling him back to the bed.

Once they were under the covers Hermione placed Harry's head on her chest and stroked his hair as he cried himself to sleep.

As she felt his breathing even out Hermione swore to herself that she would protect him as best she could from his own memories. Slowly Hermione felt herself start to fall to sleep to the sounds of Harry's slow and shallow breaths.

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10. Moving on with Life (R)

To all those reading this please go to the next chapter and read the authors note if you haven't already.

This chapter is rated R!

***

Chapter 9

Moving on with Life

It was hard to breath. That was the first thing Hermione noticed when she woke. She could feel a weight on her chest and her right arm felt like it had pins and needles sticking in it.

It took her several minutes to realize that it was Harry that was causing these problems to her body. Harry was, in fact, laying half on her, his head resting between her breast and his warm breath puffing out over her skin.

It was then that the events of the night before came rushing back to her. The story of what happened to Emily, to Harry guilt of the deaths of his sister and grandmother, then to his fear of their intimacy. Her chest suddenly felt heavier then it did moments before and it had nothing to do with Harry's extra body weight.

The fact that Harry was scared to be intimate with her meant that the roles they would normally take would end up reversed. She would have to be the strong one. She would have to tell him that it would be okay, that it would only hurt her a little and she would have to hide that it did hurt the best way she could.

She knew it would hurt; her mother had made sure she understood that before she was married. But then again her mother also told her that her husband would have experience and know what to do.

Hermione realized with sudden clarity that she needed to stop listening to the things her mother had told her. Yes, she knew this a little bit before but now, after last night, nothing her mother ever said covered this. Plus according to Luna and Ginny her mother's information was very much outdated.

She was on her own on this one and that scared her more then anything. No one could tell her how to act in this situation. There was no book to read that had the answers. No one else had ever been through anything close to what Harry had and there was no other wife who had had to take the lead.

Hermione was startled out of her thinking when she felt Harry's head shift slightly and his lips kiss the side of her breast.

“Good morning.” Came the gruff voice of Harry.

“Good morning. How are you feeling?”

“Oddly enough better then I have in a long time.”

“Maybe because you were able to talk about what happened.”

“I've talked about it before with Sirius. But I think that maybe it was talking to you. I've been waiting to talk to you about it since it happened.”

“You have?”

Harry sat up a bit so he was looking down at her. “Hmm. I wrote you asking that you could come for a visit since the war was over. That Emily had died, that I needed to see you, to talk to you.”

“I would have been here in a heartbeat had I known.”

“I know.”

Hermione stared at Harry for a long moment before she leaned up and kissed him lightly on the lips. It only took a second after she had pulled away for Harry to kiss her. She felt her head hit the pillow as Harry pushed her back on the bed. His body pressing her deeper into the mattress.

Her hands fisted themselves in his hair as she felt his hands start to explore her body. She felt his hands come to rest, one on her thigh, the other on her side just next to her breast.

Hermione broke her mouth away from Harry's just long enough to whisper two words.

“Touch me.”

She didn't know what came over her. She never thought that she would be bold enough to ask or say things like that to him, or anyone. But she did and he nodded before letting his thumb that hand been resting under her breast sweep upward and over her nipple.

A rush of sinful heat went through her body as she arched more into his hand and body. But fate it seemed didn't want her to enjoy this sinful pleasure for very long, because just as Harry was moving to touch her other breast a small popping noise echoed through the room.

Hermione watched sadly as Harry pulled away from her quickly to find the source of the noise.

“Master Potter mes sorry to bother you. But yous guest is waiten.” Dobby said as he stared at his feet.

“It's alright Dobby. Tell our guest that Hermione and I will be down shortly.”

Hermione watched as the elf nodded his head before popping away. Harry signed before rolling off Hermione to his side of the bed. Her body suddenly felt cold without his on top of it.

While he was still lying in bed Hermione sat and made a move to get out of bed, she knew that she would have to dress quickly in order to get downstairs. But as she turned to tell Harry that she was going to get ready something caught her eye.

Down at the junction of his legs Hermione noticed a large bump pushing up the sheets around it. After a moment of thought Hermione blushed when she realize what it was. She looked up at Harry's face only to see that his eyes were closed and he was taking deep breathes. He almost looked as if he were in pain.

“Does it hurt to leave it like that?”

Harry's eyes shot open to stare into hers. He shifted uncomfortably before sitting up allowing the sheet to rest on his raised knees.

“No…no I'm…um…fine. Just needed a moment.”

“Are you sure? You don't want me to help?”

Harry suddenly looked like a fish out of water as his mouth bobbed open and closed. As he seemed not to be able say anything Hermione moved closer to him and placed her hand on his thigh.

Harry almost jumped out of the bed in his eagerness to move away from Hermione's hand.

“As much as I would like you to, we still have guests downstairs. And this is not the appropriate time to do that.”

“But Harry, you can't very well go down there like that, can you?” Hermione asked tilting her head to the side.

“Uh... Don't worry it will take care of itself.”

Hermione watched as Harry slowly got out of bed and made his way to his washroom. After Harry shut his door Hermione followed his lead and went to her washroom to get herself ready for breakfast.

In record time Winky was able to get her ready for breakfast and Hermione was back out in her bedroom waiting for Harry. When he appeared from the other side of his washroom door, she noted, he looked as he had for any other morning of their marriage.

“Is it wrong for me to want them to leave them as early as they can?” Hermione asked.

“No, I was thinking the very same thing.”

Hermione smiled sweetly at Harry, as they descended the stairs to the dining room as they quickly took their seats Hermione couldn't help but notice that Luna and Ginny kept sending her sly smiles as they took bites of their porridge.

As a breakfast continued slowly Hermione couldn't help but sending Harry small glances, wondering what he was up to. And every now and again he would catch her eye, sending her a small smile.

“Well as much as I hate to be the bearer of bad news. It seems it is time for us to ready ourselves for the journey home” said Charlie.

“Yes, we don't want to be getting off too late in the day.” Added Fred.

At once, everyone stood up from the breakfast table and headed to his or her respective rooms. Hermione on the other hand waited in the entrance hall as Harry went to make sure the horses and carriages were prepared

A part of her was going to miss the busyness that the Weasleys brought to the home. But the other part of her was happy to have Harry to herself once again. The night before they had made a major breakthrough in why Harry was afraid to get close to her and she was happy to see where things would go from there.

Slowly, the house started filling with the sounds of trunks and people coming down the stairs. Charlie and Victoria were the first to arrive at the bottom of the stairs followed by Percy and Penelope, Fred and Angelina, George and Alicia, and finally, Neville and Ginny and Ron and Luna with the children following after them.

By the time everyone was in the entrance hall Harry returned from making sure everything was ready for their departure.

“I'm glad that you could all stay with us for the Halloween ball. I only wish it could have been longer, but know that you all are always welcome in my home. And I hope that you will be staying here for the Christmas Ball.” Harry said.

With that, everyone started filing out of the door saying goodbye to both Harry and Hermione before making their way to their respected carriage.

They both watched from the door as the carriages went down the lane, receding out of sight around the distant curve, then headed back into the house. Hermione desperately wanted to ask if they could go back up to their bedroom, but decided against it. She knew it was improper to go back to the bedroom so quickly after a guest had departed. Plus, she did not want Harry to think she was a whore for asking that as she knew he would if she did.

Soon she found herself retiring to the library with Harry and choosing one of the many books on the shelves to read to pass the time.

Hermione wasn't sure how long she had been reading, but it must've been quite sometime, because when she looked up Dobby was standing in front of her with a tray of food.

“Miss must eat. It's much past lunchtime.”

“Where is Harry?” Hermione asked.

“He's gone to check some things at the main house. Where's Miss like to eat.”

"I guess I'll take it on the desk. Thank you Dobby. "

After Dobby placed the tray on the desk Hermione sat herself at the desk and slowly began to eat the salad. She started to wonder how Harry could've left the room without her noticing. Had he said something to her and she just hadn't let it get to her reading mind?

Yes that is very possible. She thought to herself.

It still amazed her sometimes how she could get so lost of a book. But she had been able to do it since she was a child. People could have complete conversations with her and she would never notice until after she closed a book.

But then again, maybe Harry hadn't wanted to disturb her from her reading. He knew how much she loved books, and soon, once her salad was done she immersed herself back into her book.

The book she was currently reading was a medical tome on giving birth to children. She knew somewhere in the back of her mind that she would be having one soon, and wanted to read up on as much as she could on the subject. As she read the book she started to wonder if it was really possible to give birth to children. It made it seem so hard and painful. Why would anybody go through that?

But she knew in the end having a child that was a part of you and part of someone you love was worth it.

Just as she was starting the chapter entitled Rare Ailments she could hear the clapping of horse hooves coming up the drive. Using a spare a bit of parchment, Hermione marked her page before slide in the back on the bookshelf where it belonged.

She was surprised at first at how dark it was outside, but then was grateful that it was dark because then it would be time for bed. To which she hoped they would be able to pick up where they left off this morning.

Hermione met Harry in the entrance hall as he hung his coat from the ride to the main house.

"How was everything?" Hermione asked.

"Oh fine, fine. Is dinner ready?"

"Yes, I believe so. Where would you like to eat tonight in the kitchen or in the dining room?"

Harry laughed. "I think I've had enough of eating in the dining room why don't we have a quick dinner in the kitchen."

Together, the pair walked from the entrance hall to the kitchen to find dinner spread upon the kitchen table for them. They made their way through dinner with little conversation.

After their meals were finished and the dishes were cleared from the table Hermione waited for Harry take her hand and lead her from the kitchen.

To Hermione the walk from the kitchen to their bedroom was the longest she had ever taken. She kept looking over at Harry as he walked beside her but he seemed nothing but calm.

A part of her wished he looked a nervous as she felt. That alone would calm her already jittery nerves. But then there was no guarantee that what she thought would happen would happen.

Did she even want it to happen tonight? This thought made her almost stumble on the stairs. She peeked over at Harry once more letting her eyes wander on his body. It was when her eyes landed on his face that she knew that, yes she did want this to happen tonight.

That morning had sent a thrill through her that she had never felt before and it was addicting. She wanted more. And that thought alone scared her more then the thought of the pain that she might have to go through to feel that feeling again.

Before Hermione even realized it she was standing outside her washroom reaching for the door handle. Shaking herself from her thoughts she walked in to the washroom and proceeded to let Winky undress her.

“Yous need anything else Ms?” Winky asked after placing Hermione in her nightgown.

“No thank you Winky.”

Hermione watched as Winky disappeared before she turned and looked at herself in the mirror. This was the moment she needed to decide if she wanted to be with Harry or not. She knew that she couldn't go out looking like she did.

It was then that Luna's words from yesterday morning came spinning back at her.

“Maybe you should just walk around your bedroom naked.”

Before thinking about what she was doing Hermione stripped herself of her nightgown and under garments. She looked at herself once in the mirror and noticed something about her look wasn't quite right.

Hair. It was her hair. At that moment it was pulled back into her nightly braid that she always slept in. Deciding quickly that that was the problem she pulled the long braid over her shoulder and unraveled it.

She hated her hair. It was one of the reasons that she never let it down. It always looked so frizzy and never like acted like it seemed the other women's did. But like this, with her body bare, it seemed right. Wild almost.

Hermione jumped when she heard what had to be Harry's washroom down shutting. Closing her eyes Hermione slowly counted to ten before walking to her door and quickly opening it.

Her eyes spotted Harry immediately. He was just sitting on the bed looking at a few pieces of parchment in his hand. Wordlessly she shut the door behind her and that was enough noise to make Harry look up at her.

Hermione felt a blush rise to her cheeks as she watched Harry's eyes widen in shock at her bareness then roam her body before his eyes made their way back to her face.

Like a spell from a wand Harry was out of bed, the parchment that had held his attention fell to the floor, and he made his way to her. His eyes never leaving hers as he made his way around the bed to her, it was a little unnerving and made the blush spread down her neck.

As soon as he was standing in front of her she watched as his mouth bobbed opened and closed a few times before words seems to fight their way out.

“Wh-what are you…um…your naked.”

“Yes I am.”

“Why?”

“Because I want to be with you.”

“Oh. So you…um…want to be wi-with me tonight as in together?”

Hermione stared at him a moment before slowly reaching for Harry's hand and holding it in hers.

“I want to be with you like other women are with their husbands. I want to feel your bare skin against mine, I want to create a child with you, I want to make love to you and do so for the rest of my life because I love you.”

Hermione watched as Harry blinked a few times before his head moved towards hers slightly, her eyes fluttered closed as his lips brushed up against hers.

“Are you very sure you want to do this?” Harry whispered against her lips.

“With all my body, heart and soul.”

Hermione was barely able to take in a breath before Harry's lips were back on hers, his tongue finding its way in her mouth playing with her own. His hands made their way around her body pulling her flush against him.

A hum of approval escaped from Hermione's mouth as she felt her breast touch Harry's chest skin to skin for the first time.

It was amazing to Hermione how quickly, in her mind, how fast they went from standing to Harry moving her until her legs hit the bed behind her. She drew in a quick breath as she slowly sat on the bed behind her.

Harry made a move to follow her but Hermione put her hand on his chest to halt his movement.

“What?” Harry asked her his voice ruff and low to her ears.

“Shouldn't you…um…take that off first?” Hermione asked as he eyes trailed down to his underpants, that she noticed there was a large bulge in the front of his pants.

“ Oh- ah- yes I should.” Harry responded, his cheeks taking on a pink hint.

His hands seemed to move slowly from where they had been at his side but before Hermione could think to blink they were at the tie on the underpants. Time seemed to be playing with her mind because one moment his hand was pulling loose the tie the next he was leaning over to step out of the pants.

Hermione couldn't seem to help but close her eyes as Harry stood back up. Part of her wasn't sure she could go through with this plan of hers if she saw what she knew would be going into her in a few short minutes.

She felt his hand cup her cheek and as she opened her eyes she found that she was staring into his intense green eyes. Hermione placed her hand overtop of his tugging on his wrist lightly so he was once again leaning over her.

His lips found hers and as they kissed Hermione slowly moved them further onto the bed until Harry was fully on top of her. Her body seemed to know what to do from then on out.

Her legs parted and she felt Harry's hips press into hers. She could feel Harry's manhood press into her. She felt her body shiver at the sheer nearness of him. All of his skin touching hers, it was overwhelming.

Harry released her lips from his as he shifted his hips until he was positioned at her entrance and with a movement of his hips he was pushing his way inside her.

The pain hit her the moment he moved into her but she couldn't seem to get out the whimper in her throat until Harry was fully inside her. And when it did leave her throat the tears seem to escape her eyes as well.

It took her a few seconds to realize that Harry was whispering softly in her ear.

“I'm sorry. I'm so sorry Hermione. Please forgive me. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.” He murmured.

Hermione closed her eyes and aloud herself to breathe.

`Calm down. You can't do this to him. Relax just relax and for the love of all don't forget to breathe.' Hermione thought to herself.

And slowly her body started to relax. When she opened her eyes again she meet Harry's and nodded slowly to him.

“I'm okay.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

With a kiss Harry started moving within her and Hermione realized that the pain that had hit her when he first entered seemed to be gone. Now she found that it was just an odd feeling of having something unfamiliar inside her.

She watched Harry as him moved inside her. She had never seen him look that way before. His deep green eyes staring into her, occasionally closing as he bent to kiss her, the look of absolute love on his face as he looked down at her.

Hermione let her hands travel down the length of Harry's back feeling the muscles tense and relax under her fingers.

Harry pulled away from kissing her to let out a large breath and Hermione noticed that his movements became slightly harsher against her. As she looked up at him his eyes were closed but his mouth was opened trying to take in as much air as he could.

Suddenly Harry let out what Hermione could only describe as a groan before he stopped moving entirely and it seemed that his arms gave out and he collapsed on top of her.

She could feel his warm breath against neck as he breathed heavily his body trembling against hers.

Hermione had never felt closer to another human then she did at this moment. And she loved it.

Slowly Harry moved off of her and she couldn't help but be sad that he was no longer as one with her. But after a moment she felt his arms slide around her waist and pull her to him.

Once settled onto his chest Hermione closed her eyes and listened as Harry's heart beat slowed from it frantic pace.

It didn't take long before Hermione felt Harry's arms go slack around her and when she looked up at his face she couldn't help but smile at the peacefully look on his sleeping face.

With one last longing look Hermione snuggled down into Harry's chest ready for sleep to take her too.

But a thought jumped into her head before she could. Slowly, as to not wake Harry, Hermione placed her hand between her hip bones. A smile graced her lips at the thought that because of what had happened tonight she could be carrying their child.

She kissed Harry's chest right above his heart before letting her eyes close as she too slowly fell asleep.

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11. Moving on with Life (PG-13)

PLEASE READ!!!!

Hello Everyone! Long time no see. I'm guessing you all are wondering where I've been for the last few months. Well as I said in my last chapter post my summer was spent mostly traveling. I was able to spend 7 weeks in Europe, then I traveled to Las Vegas and then to Denver. So I wasn't just sitting around I was doing lots of traveling. Also it seems that my writing muse loved Europe so much that it stayed there a few months without me. But luckily for she's came back ready to write and I for one was very happy about it.

In other news I just wanted to pimp about Phoenix Rising. A group of H/Hr fans want to make this conference have a huge H/Hr fan meet up. They are already planning a meet up and everything. If you are planning to go to Phoenix Rising and want to know about all the meet up info as well as other people who are planning to be there(Like me!) go here http://community.livejournal.com/phoenix_hhr/ and if you have no idea what Phoenix Rising is go here http://www.thephoenixrises.org/ and check it out. It's looking to be a great time I know I can't wait.

Now you may notice that there are two chapters that have been put up. Don't get too excited because one is the PG-13 version and the other is the R. So this is the PG-13 chapter if you want to read the R chapter, go back to the previous chapter. I have put the rating in the title list thus all is good.

Oh and I so don't own these people, well Emily is mine, but aside from that JKR does and I only wish I did.

***

Chapter 9

Moving on with Life

It was hard to breath. That was the first thing Hermione noticed when she woke. She could feel a weight on her chest and her right arm felt like it had pins and needles sticking in it.

She knew it would hurt; her mother had made sure she understood that before she was married. But then again her mother also told her that her husband would have experience and know what to do.

Hermione was startled out of her thinking when she felt Harry's head shift slightly and his lips kiss the side of her breast.

“Good morning.” Came the gruff voice of Harry.

“Good morning. How are you feeling?”

“Oddly enough better then I have in a long time.”

“Maybe because you were able to talk about what happened.”

“I've talked about it before with Sirius. But I think that maybe it was talking to you. I've been waiting to talk to you about it since it happened.”

“You have?”

Harry sat up a bit so he was looking down at her. “Hmm. I wrote you asking that you could come for a visit since the war was over. That Emily had died, that I needed to see you, to talk to you.”

“I would have been here in a heartbeat had I known.”

“I know.”

Her hands fisted themselves in his hair as she felt his hands start to explore her body. She felt his hands come to rest, one on her thigh, the other on her side just next to her breast.

Hermione broke her mouth away from Harry's just long enough to whisper two words.

“Touch me.”

Hermione watched sadly as Harry pulled away from her quickly to find the source of the noise.

“Master Potter mes sorry to bother you. But yous guest is waiten.” Dobby said as he stared at his feet.

“It's alright Dobby. Tell our guest that Hermione and I will be down shortly.”

Hermione watched as the elf nodded his head before popping away. Harry signed before rolling off Hermione to his side of the bed. Her body suddenly felt cold without his on top of it.

“Does it hurt to leave it like that?”

Harry's eyes shot open to stare into hers. He shifted uncomfortably before sitting up allowing the sheet to rest on his raised knees.

“No…no I'm…um…fine. Just needed a moment.”

“Are you sure? You don't want me to help?”

Harry suddenly looked like a fish out of water as his mouth bobbed open and closed. As he seemed not to be able say anything Hermione moved closer to him and placed her hand on his thigh.

Harry almost jumped out of the bed in his eagerness to move away from Hermione's hand.

“As much as I would like you to, we still have guests downstairs. And this is not the appropriate time to do that.”

“But Harry, you can't very well go down there like that, can you?” Hermione asked tilting her head to the side.

“Uh... Don't worry it will take care of itself.”

Hermione watched as Harry slowly got out of bed and made his way to his washroom. After Harry shut his door Hermione followed his lead and went to her washroom to get herself ready for breakfast.

“Is it wrong for me to want them to leave them as early as they can?” Hermione asked.

“No, I was thinking the very same thing.”

As a breakfast continued slowly Hermione couldn't help but sending Harry small glances, wondering what he was up to. And every now and again he would catch her eye, sending her a small smile.

“Well as much as I hate to be the bearer of bad news. It seems it is time for us to ready ourselves for the journey home” said Charlie.

“Yes, we don't want to be getting off too late in the day.” Added Fred.

By the time everyone was in the entrance hall Harry returned from making sure everything was ready for their departure.

With that, everyone started filing out of the door saying goodbye to both Harry and Hermione before making their way to their respected carriage.

Soon she found herself retiring to the library with Harry and choosing one of the many books on the shelves to read to pass the time.

Hermione wasn't sure how long she had been reading, but it must've been quite sometime, because when she looked up Dobby was standing in front of her with a tray of food.

“Miss must eat. It's much past lunchtime.”

“Where is Harry?” Hermione asked.

“He's gone to check some things at the main house. Where's Miss like to eat.”

"I guess I'll take it on the desk. Thank you Dobby. "

Yes that is very possible. She thought to herself.

But then again, maybe Harry hadn't wanted to disturb her from her reading. He knew how much she loved books, and soon, once her salad was done she immersed herself back into her book.

But she knew in the end having a child that was a part of you and part of someone you love was worth it.

Hermione met Harry in the entrance hall as he hung his coat from the ride to the main house.

"How was everything?" Hermione asked.

"Oh fine, fine. Is dinner ready?"

"Yes, I believe so. Where would you like to eat tonight in the kitchen or in the dining room?"

Harry laughed. "I think I've had enough of eating in the dining room why don't we have a quick dinner in the kitchen."

Together, the pair walked from the entrance hall to the kitchen to find dinner spread upon the kitchen table for them. They made their way through dinner with little conversation.

After their meals were finished and the dishes were cleared from the table Hermione waited for Harry take her hand and lead her from the kitchen.

To Hermione the walk from the kitchen to their bedroom was the longest she had ever taken. She kept looking over at Harry as he walked beside her but he seemed nothing but calm.

A part of her wished he looked a nervous as she felt. That alone would calm her already jittery nerves. But then there was no guarantee that what she thought would happen would happen.

“Yous need anything else Ms?” Winky asked after placing Hermione in her nightgown.

“No thank you Winky.”

It was then that Luna's words from yesterday morning came spinning back at her.

“Maybe you should just walk around your bedroom naked.”

Hermione jumped when she heard what had to be Harry's washroom door shutting. Closing her eyes Hermione slowly counted to ten before walking to her door and quickly opening it.

Hermione felt a blush rise to her cheeks as she watched Harry's eyes widen in shock at her bareness then roam her body before his eyes made their way back to her face.

As soon as he was standing in front of her she watched as his mouth bobbed opened and closed a few times before words seems to fight their way out.

“Wh-what are you…um…your naked.”

“Yes I am.”

“Why?”

“Because I want to be with you.”

“Oh. So you…um…want to be wi-with me tonight as in together?”

Hermione stared at him a moment before slowly reaching for Harry's hand and holding it in hers.

Hermione watched as Harry blinked a few times before his head moved towards hers slightly, her eyes fluttered closed as his lips brushed up against hers.

“Are you very sure you want to do this?” Harry whispered against her lips.

“With all my body, heart and soul.”

A hum of approval escaped from Hermione's mouth as she felt her breast touch Harry's chest skin to skin for the first time.

Harry made a move to follow her but Hermione put her hand on his chest to halt his movement.

“What?” Harry asked her his voice ruff and low to her ears.

“Shouldn't you…um…take that off first?” Hermione asked as he eyes trailed down to his underpants, that she noticed there was a large bulge in the front of his pants.

“ Oh- ah- yes I should.” Harry responded, his cheeks taking on a pink hint.

His lips found hers and as they kissed Hermione slowly moved them further onto the bed until Harry was fully on top of her. Her body seemed to know what to do from then on out.

Her legs parted and she felt Harry's hips press into hers. She felt her body shiver at the sheer nearness of him. All of his skin touching hers, it was overwhelming.

******

She could feel his warm breath against neck as he breathed heavily his body trembling against hers.

Hermione had never felt closer to another human then she did at this moment. And she loved it.

Slowly Harry moved off of her and she couldn't help but be sad that he was no longer as one with her. But after a moment she felt his arms slide around her waist and pull her to him.

Once settled onto his chest Hermione closed her eyes and listened as Harry's heart beat slowed from it frantic pace.

It didn't take long before Hermione felt Harry's arms go slack around her and when she looked up at his face she couldn't help but smile at the peacefully look on his sleeping face.

With one last longing look Hermione snuggled down into Harry's chest ready for sleep to take her too.

She kissed Harry's chest right above his heart before letting her eyes close as she too slowly fell asleep.

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Arranged to be yours

1. Prologue

2. The Wedding and Wedding Night

3. The first day of a new life

4. The Days that Follow

5. Truth and Scare

6. Drunken Confessions

7. The Guest Arrive

8. The Ball

9. Harry's Nighmare

10. Moving on with Life (R)

11. Moving on with Life (PG-13)