Authors' note: This is the 300th chapter! And it just so happens that we have a little H/Hr flashback in here! How fitting on the week that movie came out that seemed to think Harry's soulmate was a red-haired ho.
Drew knew she was supposed to be enjoying the Ministry New Year's ball, but she was concerned about her daughter.
"I hope Chloe's okay," Drew said to Brian.
"She's on top of the world," Brian reassured her. "She's spending the night with Ellie and Saffron and Andrew."
"And Puddles," Darla chimed in.
"Then she's definitely the happiest kid alive," Brian replied.
Drew laughed. "She's probably not even thinking of us, is she?"
"Highly doubtful," Brian replied.
"I hope Rafe is okay too," Darla said. "Perhaps I should go check in--"
"He's fine with Nana," Drew interjected. "Darla, you checked in five minutes ago."
"I know, but what if he needs me?" Darla asked.
"Nana will get in touch with you," Drew said simply. "
"You're right," Darla nodded.
"How about a dance?" Brian asked his wife.
"Love one," Drew replied with a smile.
Darla smiled at her sister as she watched her and Brian take to the dance floor.
"How about you?" Liam asked. "Fancy a turn out there?"
Darla smiled. "Really?"
"Can't guarantee that I won't step on your feet, but you look too pretty tonight to be a wallflower," Liam replied with a grin.
Darla beamed at him. "You look too handsome to waste sitting around..."
"Well then," he offered her his hand.
Darla took his hand. If she was being honest, it felt great to be out of the house for one evening. She missed Rafe, but it was nice to get out and forget about the drama for one night at least.
Her mind had wandered to her estranged husband on more than one occasion. It was exactly one year ago tonight that all this had started.
Liam led her to a spot on the dance floor. He hesitated just a moment before placing his hands on her waist. Darla laughed nervously as she put her hands on his shoulders.
They danced in silence for a moment. "This is a nice ball," Darla said. "They always do such a lovely job decorating for it."
"You've come to quite a few of these then?" Liam asked.
"I've been here almost every New Year's since I was eighteen," Drew nodded. "Aunt Hermione always gets us the invitations."
"This is only the second time I've been to one of these balls," Liam said. "The first was the Halloween one for St. Mungos."
"They don't do them very often here," Darla said. "I imagine because it's so much work."
Liam was about to say something when he stepped on Darla's foot. He saw her wince. "Sorry..."
"It's okay," she said, pressing her lips together.
"You want to stomp on my foot?" Liam joked.
"Maybe later," Darla teased.
Liam chuckled. "I see what you're doing. Lull me into a false sense of security and them bam!"
Darla laughed as he turned her around. "You've got me, Thornhart."
Liam pulled her back to him. He was struck by how the light hit her. She was breathtaking tonight and he hadn't been able to take his eyes off of her.
"What is it?" Darla asked, thinking she had something on her face.
"Nothing," Liam said softly.
"You've been sort of quiet tonight," Darla commented. "Did you hear from your family?"
Liam shook his head. "No, I have something else on my mind actually."
"Oh?" Darla asked. "What's that?"
Liam looked at her. "Someone who's been on my mind quite a bit actually."
"Are you interested in someone?" Darla asked.
"Yes," Liam replied.
"Oh..." Darla said. She was surprised to find herself disappointed to hear that, although she told herself she had no right to be. She was still married.
"It's a little complicated," Liam admitted.
"She'd be a fool to pass you up, whoever she is," Darla told him.
"A workaholic healer," Liam said rolling his eyes.
"You're a great catch," Darla told him.
Liam looked into her blue eyes and pulled her closer. "I didn't really realise what I was feeling until..."
A couple of witches walking by bumped into Liam, startling them both. "So sorry," one of them, a pretty brunette, said coyly.
Darla recognised one of the witches as a nurse at St. Mungos. She'd seen her working with Lizzy before. "Do you want to dance with her?" Darla asked. Could that girl be the one who he fancied?
"I don't really know her," Liam replied.
Darla looked at him. "Do you want to keep dancing with me then?"
"I'm here with you," Liam replied.
Darla stepped back into his arms and rested her head on his shoulder. "I'm glad."
Liam closed his eyes for a brief moment. He had no idea how to tell her that it was her he fancied.
Darla closed her eyes and felt as if the entire crowd disappeared and it was just the two of them here.
"The two of them look cosy," Brian said to his wife.
Drew smiled. "It's about time."
"I didn't realise Darla was interested in him," Brian commented.
"Well... I don't know if she realises she is," Drew said. "I'm sure she's taking her time. She has to get divorced from that jerk first."
"Has she started on that yet?" Brian asked.
"I haven't asked," Drew said. "I didn't want to bring it up during the holidays."
Brian pulled his wife closer. "We'll help her. I can even recommend someone..."
"I don't know what she wants right now," Drew said. "I just want her to be happy."
"Like you and me?" Brian grinned.
"You better believe it," Drew said, grinning back at him.
Darla pulled away and looked up at Liam. "Why are you so quiet?"
"I already told you why," Liam said.
Darla smiled. "You did, but you didn't tell me who this girl was?"
"Well... it really is complicated," he said. "I don't want to say anything until I'm sure."
"Sure of what?" Darla asked softly.
"That she feels the same way," Liam replied, looking away from her.
"Oh," Darla said feeling a twinge of jealousy. In all the time they'd spent together, he'd never once mentioned anything about this.
"Come on," he said. "Why don't we go get something to drink?"
"Sure," Darla replied.
He offered her his arm, which she took.
Darla smiled shyly at him.
"What'll you have?" Liam asked. "They've got punch and some champagne, as well as pumpkin juice... or butterbeer..."
Since she was still nursing Rafe, she didn't want to have anything too strong. "Pumpkin juice will be fine."
"All right," he smiled. "A glass of champagne at midnight then?"
"Sure," Darla replied. "Why not?"
"Great," he got her a glass of pumpkin juice and for himself, some mead.
"An hour until the new year," Darla said gazing at the big clock over the orchestra.
"And what will we do in that hour?" he asked.
"Give my feet time to heal," Darla joked.
"We can just sit," Liam gestured to their table they were sharing with Drew and Brian.
"I like that idea," Darla said.
"Great," he said, taking her arm and leading her over.
"Actually I'm going to make a quick run to the loo," Darla set her drink down.
"Need me to carry you?" Liam teased? "With those sore toes..."
Darla laughed. "I think I'll manage. I'll only be a few minutes."
Darla had to cut through a crowd of people to make it to the loo. Thankfully, she didn't have to wait in a queue for a stall.
She heard the sound of two women gossiping. "Did you see Mark Reynolds? I could just eat him up with a spoon," one of the women was saying.
"Oh please," the other said. "I've got my eye on that healer, the one that moved here earlier this year..."
"The Irish one?" her friend asked. "Mmmm..."
"Liam Thornhart," the first woman said. "Even the name just rolls off your tongue..."
"Looks like you have competition," her friend giggled. "He's besotted with that redhead, Darla something..."
"Oh please," the first woman said disdainfully. "She's been throwing herself at him all night and it's obvious he's not interested. He hasn't made one move."
"I heard that they've been spending a lot of time together," her friend said. "And I've even seen her at the hospital eating lunch and stuff with him..."
"Isn't she still married to that model?" the first woman said, laughing. "The one who cheated on her?"
The door opened and the two women became silent. Darla recognised the voice of her sister. The two women who had been gossiping giggled as they rushed out of the loo.
She unlocked the door as soon as they were gone and stepped out.
Drew caught sight of her sister in the mirror. "Hi."
"Hey," Darla said quietly.
"I had to get away," Drew joked. "Brian and Liam started talking about Quidditch and I felt myself nodding off."
Darla half smiled. "Drew... am I a fool for being here tonight?"
"What?" Drew asked and looking at her sister. "Why would you ask something like that, Darla?"
Darla told her sister what she'd overheard. "I'm a bloody laughingstock."
"Those two cows that were just in here said that?" Drew asked rolling her eyes. "Darla, they're just jealous."
Darla only shrugged.
"You know I'm right," Drew said. "Those tarts can't stand it that you were dancing with Liam and that you were his date. Lizzy was telling me the other day that a lot of the nurses fancy him. Come on..."
"I suppose you're right," Darla admitted. "But if they're interested, they should talk to him. He and I are just friends."
"Darla," Drew said. "Are you really this blind? That man is completely head over heels for you."
Darla stared at her. "No, he isn't. He told me tonight he's interested in someone."
Drew raised an eyebrow. "But, I thought---"
Darla shook her head. "I don't need this in my life now, anyways. Despite what's going on, Hans and I are still married."
"He doesn't seem to have any problem moving on," Drew pointed out. "With that makeup artist..."
Darla just shrugged.
"You need to start the divorce proceedings," Drew advised. "Brian will recommend someone. Or Josh---"
"I'll take care of it," Darla said irritably.
"Darla," Drew said. "I just want to help."
"Everything's just so messed up," Darla said quietly. "I don't know what to think or do."
'You'll be fine," Drew said giving her a hug.
"Thanks," Darla replied unenthusiastically.
"Come on," Drew said taking her hand. "We should go back to the table."
"Okay," Darla said.
Brian and Liam were still talking about Quidditch when Darla and Drew came back to the table.
"Honestly," Drew said. "Haven't you said enough on the subject?"
"You can never talk enough about Quidditch," Brian said to his wife with a grin.
"Is everything okay?" Liam asked Darla, pulling out her chair for her.
"Yes," Darla replied quietly.
"Do you know that woman over there?" Drew asked, motioning to the brunette a few tables away.
Liam shrugged. "I think I've seen her at the hospital a few times. Why?"
"She seems interested in you," Drew commented, much to Darla's chagrin.
Liam shrugged again. "She's not really my type."
Drew sent her sister a significant look.
"Brian," Drew said pulling on her husband's arm. "Let's dance again." She wanted to give Darla and Liam some time alone. Despite what Darla had told her in the loo, she knew that her sister's feelings for the healer ran deep.
Darla felt awkward once her sister had gone. "Um... so are you having fun?" she asked.
Liam nodded. "Yeah, are you?"
"Sure," Darla nodded, twisting her fingers together.
"Is something wrong?" Liam asked.
"Not at all," Darla said, forcing a smile onto her face.
He could tell she was lying, but he didn't want to push it. "Would you like some more pumpkin juice?" he asked.
"Sure," Darla said.
"Or maybe it's time for our champagne," Liam said with a grin. "Remember?"
Darla had to smile at him for real. "It is almost midnight," she nodded.
Liam motioned for a waiter.
"Two glasses of champagne, please." he said. "Actually, make that four." he looked at Darla. "Then your sister and Brian have some instead of waiting in that queue."
"Good idea," Darla said as the waiter tapped his wand on the tray. Four glasses of champagne appeared.
"Thanks," Liam said gratefully. When they were alone again, he moved over to sit right beside Darla. "I don't think I really told you how beautiful you look tonight. When I saw you, it nearly took my breath away."
Darla was surprised at his words. "Thanks..." she said.
"There's something I've wanted to tell you," Liam said deciding it was now or never. "The truth is----"
"Hiya, handsome," the brunette nurse from earlier said flirtatiously tapping Liam on the shoulder.
"Uh, hello," Liam replied.
"Fancy a dance?" she asked him.
"Go ahead," Darla told him softly.
"It's nearly midnight," Liam said.
"I know," the nurse winked at him.
"I'm sorry, but no, thank you," Liam said to her.
The brunette's smile faltered. "No?"
"No," Liam repeated.
"But..." the brunette looked at him then over at Darla.
"My date and I were just about to hit the floor actually," Liam said standing up and offering Darla his hand. "Darla?"
"Sure..." Darla said, sliding her fingers over his.
He led her away from the scowling nurse.
"She certainly wasn't happy," Darla commented.
"I think she'll live," Liam joked.
Darla smiled at him. "I think she's jealous."
Liam smiled down at her as he put his arms around her. "I don't care. I'm right where I want to be."
Darla nodded. "Yeah... me too."
Liam laughed. "I promise...no toes, this time."
"Deal," Darla grinned at him.
"Last year at this time, I was back home working a double shift," Liam said thoughtfully.
"Last year I was heading to New York to surprise Hans," Darla said.
"Well," Liam said. "I don't know about you, but this is a much better time."
Darla nodded. "Very much so..."
"Ladies and gentlemen," the conductor announced. "We're just two minutes away from the New Year..."
"Let's go get that champagne," Liam said, sliding his hand over hers.
"Right," Darla said.
Drew and Brian joined them at the table. "Thanks for the champagne, mate." Brian said.
"No problem," Liam said.
Drew looked at her sister but Darla only sat down.
"One minute," Drew said excitedly.
"Let's have a toast," Brian said. "To what was a great year- we met Liam here, Rafe was born..."
Darla had to smile at the mention of her son. "Rafe..."
"Who I'm sure is doing fine," Drew teased.
"Okay," Darla laughed. "Need I remind you of Chloe...?"
"I haven't checked in all night," Drew said.
"...Ten....Nine," the crowd began to countdown.
"Eight," Brian slid an arm around his wife as they went through the countdown.
Darla wasn't sure what to do with Liam. She knew that as the clock struck midnight, all the couples would be kissing.
"One!" the crowd shouted as confetti exploded over everyone's heads.
Drew put her arms around Brian and gave him a kiss.
"I still think about that New Year's ball when I first saw you here," Brian said softly. "Took all my nerve to come over here and talk to you."
"I'm so glad you did," Drew said beaming at him.
"Me too," Brian gave her another kiss. "Best decision I ever made."
Darla looked wistfully at her sister and brother-in-law. She wanted what they'd had. She thought she'd had it with Hans.
"Hey," Liam said. "Happy New Year, Darla."
"Happy New Year, Liam," Darla said softly.
"It's going to be a good year for you," Liam said,
"You think so?" Darla asked.
Liam nodded. "Of course."
"I hope you're right," Darla said thoughtfully.
"For both of us," Liam smiled at her.
Darla raised her glass. "Here, Here."
He touched the champagne flute to hers.
Darla looked at him. "And maybe you'll work up the courage to tell that girl."
"Yeah," Liam said. "Maybe..."
Darla leaned forward and kissed his cheek. "You're a great bloke, Liam."
He fought to keep from turning red. "Thanks."
Darla smiled and leaned back in her chair. As she did so, she caught sight of the gossiping nurses.
They were both glaring over at her and the brunette whispered something to her friend, making them both laugh scornfully.
"I---I think I'm going to go home," Darla said pushing back from her chair.
"What?" Liam asked, confused.
"It's late and I want to see Rafe," Darla said.
"Dar," Drew said. "What's going on?"
"Nothing," Darla lied. "You and Brian stay and enjoy your evening..."
"I'll see you home," Liam said standing up.
"No," Darla said. "You have fun... I'll be all right."
"Darla," Liam protested.
"Really," Darla said.
Liam sank back into his chair as he watched her practically run out of the ballroom.
"What happened?" Drew asked him.
"I don't know," Liam replied. "I was hoping you might tell me."
Drew was about to say she had no idea when she spotted the two women Darla had been talking about earlier. "Oh..."
"What?" Liam asked following her gaze.
"Those women," Drew said. "They were apparently talking about her in the loo."
"What did they say?" Brian asked.
Drew told them what Darla had overheard.
Liam shook his head. "I wish she would have said something."
"I'd like to scratch their eyes out," Drew said angrily.
Liam told them about one of the nurses had approached him earlier and asked him to dance.
"I think that's the same one," Drew said. "Catty bitches..."
"Heads up," Brian said. "She's coming back over here."
Drew had to literally bite her tongue so she wouldn't rip the woman a new one as the brunette smiled flirtatiously at Liam.
"All alone?" she asked taking Darla's vacant seat. "I'm Lana, by the way. We worked on a surgery together once..."
"I see," Liam replied.
"Lana and Liam," she purred.
Drew got up. "I think I need to get out of here."
"Just what I was thinking," Lana said looking at Liam.
"Me too," Liam said pushing her hand away. "You go your way, Laura. I'll go mine..."
"It's Lana," she corrected him.
"Right," Liam said. "If you'll excuse me, I have to catch up with someone."
"Why don't you go find someone else to paw at," Drew said glaring at the other woman.
"I beg your pardon?" Lana asked icily.
"You heard me," Drew said rounding on her. "And I heard you and what you said about my sister. If I ever hear that you've been spreading ugly rumours about her, I will claw your eyes out and tear out your cheap dye job strand by strand. You got that?"
Liam suppressed a grin as Lana stammered for words.
"I-I'm sorry," Lana muttered.
Drew crossed her arms and stared at the other woman as she nearly tripped over her feet hurrying away.
"Nice," Brian said putting his arm around his wife.
"Don't' ever mess with my sister," Drew said. "Ever."
"I'll go and get our cloaks," Brian said squeezing his wife's hand. "Be right back."
"Thanks," Drew said.
Liam looked at Drew. "Brian's right. The way you handled that nurse..."
"Darla's been through a lot in the last year," Drew said. "I'd do that to anyone who tried to hurt her. She was the same way for me when I went through my miscarriage."
"I don't want to hurt her," Liam said quietly.
"I don't think you will," Drew told him.
"I can't even tell her how I feel," Liam said shaking his head.
"How do you feel?" Drew questioned him.
Liam sighed. He wasn't so sure he should be telling Drew about this. "She's become one of my really great friends. I've told her things that no one else knows."
Drew nodded. "I think she cares about you."
"But she's not ready," Liam said quietly.
"She still has to start divorce proceedings," Drew told him.
"Which she doesn't seem ready to do," Liam concluded.
"I don't know," Drew confessed. "I really don't. But I'm glad she's at least got you as a friend."
Liam smiled. "I'm glad that I have her, too."
"Here we go," Brian came back with their cloaks.
"Thanks," Drew said. "Let's go home, Bri."
Liam walked out with them. "Tell Chloe I said Happy New Year," he said.
"We will," Drew promised. "And---and just be patient with Darla, Liam."
"Drew," Brian nudged her. "You shouldn't involve yourself..."
"She's fine," Liam said. "She cares about her sister."
"Very much," Drew added. "We take care of each other."
"The Weasleys look out for their own," Brian said dramatically earning a poke in the side from Drew.
"You better remember that," she told him.
"I do," Brian said taking her hand. He looked over at Liam. "Night, mate."
"I'll see you lot later," he replied.
While the Ministry ball was winding down, Hermione Potter was sitting on the sofa at home watching an old movie. This big house never seemed emptier than when she was by herself. Harry was on assignment in New Zealand and wasn't expected back until sometime next week.
He'd not been happy about the mission, but it was last minute.
Hermione had learned over the years to expect the unexpected when you were married to an Auror. Surprise missions, raids and overnight excursions were all par for the course.
She sighed, setting her book on the table. Hermione supposed she could have gone over to Lavender's, or had Ron and Luna for the evening, but her heart just wasn't in it.
The Wireless just crackled to life announcing the New Year. Hermione smiled. Wherever her husband was, she hoped he was safe and that he knew she loved him. "Happy New Year, Harry."
She heard the crowd over the Wireless at the ball and she hoped Drew and Darla were having a good time. She was always happy to get them tickets.
"The Minister did not attend tonight, but we all, of course, wish her and her family well in the New Year," the announcer said.
Hermione smiled to herself at the words. Things lately had been going so well, for all of them. Especially Saffron.
Hermione looked at the photo on the mantle of Saffron, Andrew and Ellie.
Sometimes she still couldn't believe her baby was now a mother as well.
A familiar melody began on the Wireless and Hermione closed her eyes.
It was the first ball they had attended. Hermione had just begun working for the current Minister for Magic and had gotten tickets from him to attend.
Harry came into the bathroom just as Hermione was finishing her hair. "You want to help me with this thing?" he asked holding up his tie.
"Sure," she said with a smile. "You are rather hopeless."
"Very funny," Harry said as Hermione took the tie and expertly tied it for him.
"There we go," Hermione smoothed it. "Very, very handsome."
Harry leaned in for a kiss, but Hermione pushed him away. "Hermione---"
"I just did my makeup," she said.
"Okay," Harry said holding up his hands. "I'll leave you...for now."
"I won't be long," Hermione told him.
Harry left her alone and Hermione closed the door. She wanted everything to be perfect tonight.
She took her dress robes from behind the door where she'd hung them. Lavender had made them especially for her.
They were royal blue and Hermione had loved them the moment she'd seen them.
She slipped them on and smoothed the neckline.
Her mother had loaned her a pair of diamond earrings and necklace that completed the look.
"Hermione," Harry knocked on the door. "We're going to be late."
"I'm ready," Hermione said before opening the door.
Harry stared at his wife for a few moments. "Wow."
Hermione smiled. "You like?"
"I love," Harry replied. "You look amazing."
"So do you," Hermione said taking his hand.
"Can I kiss you now?" he asked.
"Absolutely not," Hermione replied. "We're late!"
"Hermione," Harry complained.
"Later," Hermione promised.
Harry reluctantly followed her out. "Are we Apparating?"
Hermione nodded. "Are you ready?"
"Of course," he said, taking her hand. "I'll do it for both of us."
Hermione squeezed his hand. She was so nervous about tonight. She wanted to make a good impression for the Minister and on her colleagues.
Both of them were a bit awed as they went into the ballroom. Hermione had been in there many times but had never seen it like this.
Hermione was startled by the flashes of what seemed like a hundred cameras. "What in the world---"
"Hey," Harry held up his hand. "Knock it off!"
"Who are you wearing?" one of the reporters shouted at Hermione.
"My cousin..." Hermione said.
"Are you pregnant?" Rita Skeeter asked. "Is it a girl or a boy? You've been married for a little while now..."
"You don't have to answer her," Harry said, casting Rita a dirty look.
"Will you please let us by?" Hermione asked.
"If you'll answer a few questions," Rita said slyly.
"No comment," Harry said to the woman.
"Hermione," Minister Draven approached. "So glad you made it."
Hermione smiled. "Hello, Minister. Happy New Year."
"And to you as well," the minister nodded to Harry. "Mr. Potter, it's good to see you."
Harry shook the older man's hand. Of course, this set the reporters and photographers off again.
"That'll be in the front page," the minister joked.
Harry laughed. "You think so?"
"They don't miss a trick," Minister Draven led them away from the reporters.
"Thank you, sir," Hermione said gratefully.
"Working for me, you'll have to get used to that," Minister Draven warned.
Hermione nodded. "Yes, sir."
"Enjoy your evening," Minister Draven said. "I think you'll both have a good time."
"Thank you," Harry said to him. He looked over at his wife when they were alone. "I'm sorry about all that, Hermione. I know it isn't easy."
"Like he said," Hermione replied. "I'll have to get used to it. I'm working towards becoming Minister myself someday, and I'm married to the most famous wizard of our time."
Harry rolled his eyes.
"I am," Hermione said, moving closer to him.
"Let's dance, shall we?" Harry asked.
"I thought you'd never ask," Hermione said softly.
Harry grinned and took her hand.
Hermione closed her eyes as Harry circled his arms around her.
"It's going to be a great night," Harry promised.
Hermione smiled at him. "You can kiss me now."
"What if I don't want to anymore?" Harry asked teasingly.
"You always want to kiss me," Hermione replied.
"True," Harry replied with a grin. He leaned in and gently kissed her.
Hermione smiled as her lips met his. Kissing Harry never, ever got old.
"Get a room," Neville called out.
Harry ignored his friend and kissed his wife more deeply.
"Leave them be," Cho said to Neville.
"Rabbits," Neville replied.
Harry pulled away from his wife. "We'll behave...for now."
"I'll believe that when I see it," Neville cracked.
Cho swatted at her husband. "Hermione, I love your robes."
"Thank you," Hermione said. "Lavender made them for me, just for tonight."
"They're gorgeous," Cho said. "Blue is definitely your colour."
"I love yours," Hermione said. "You look lovely in silver."
Cho grinned. "Thanks."
"How about we get a drink?" Neville suggested. "This place is brilliant."
"It really is," Hermione agreed.
"If Ron was here his eyes would be bugging out," Neville motioned to the catered table. "I don't think he'd leave it once."
"He would be in heaven," Harry laughed. "You should have seen him at Christmas dinner, Nev."
"I already know," Neville said. "We went to school with him."
"You lot give him too hard of a time," Cho chastised. "He's a great bloke."
"He's all right," Harry said.
"He's one of your best friends," Cho said linking her arm in her husband's. "And Chiaki adores him."
"Thankfully someone does," Harry got himself a beer and Hermione a glass of champagne.
"How is Chiaki?" Hermione asked.
"She's fine," Cho said. "Growing like a weed."
"Cho's already called to check in with the babysitter twice already," Neville said.
Harry scoffed. "I'm sure she's fine."
"Maybe I should check in once more," Chiaki said thoughtfully. "Make sure she's sleeping..."
"Cho," Neville said. "We're here to have a good time."
"Right," Cho said. "No worrying."
"We're here to have fun," Hermione said. "I can't wait for midnight."
"Me too," Harry said. "A new beginning."
"This year has been a good one," Neville replied.
"And it's only going to get better," Hermione said raising her glass.
"That's right," Harry said. "You graduated with honours from University..."
"You finished the Auror program," Hermione said.
"WE finished the Auror program," Neville said.
"And I'm so proud of both of you," Hermione said. "You worked really hard."
Cho nodded in agreement. "And you both did exceptionally well."
"And you started your studio," Harry said. "What you always wanted to do."
"It's doing so well," Cho said. "I love teaching those little girls how to dance. They're all so precious."
"Someday you'll be teaching Chiaki," Hermione said.
"She's already trying," Neville said.
"She's so cute," Cho said. "She does these little twirls..."
"It is cute," Neville said eagerly. "And she always falls down afterwards."
"And claps her little hands," Cho said.
Harry grinned. "I do love that little girl."
Hermione reached for an appetizer and the smile fell from her face when she saw Rita Skeeter staring back at her. "Merlin..."
"What?" Harry asked.
"The Boy Who Lived," Rita said. "And the Girl Who Saved Him...she brought you back to life, didn't she? Saved you from a life of desperation..."
Harry cast her a dirty look. "I have nothing to say to you, Skeeter."
"Would you please leave us alone?" Hermione asked her. "We're just another couple at the ball."
"Hardly," Rita replied. "You're looking to become the next Minister for Magic, are you not?"
"I'm very happy where I am at the Ministry," Hermione told her.
"That's not what I heard," Rita fished.
Hermione glared at her. "I don't know what you heard, but your stories were wrong. I am perfectly happy working for the Ministry."
"You need to leave," Harry said unceremoniously.
"Go troll around in someone else's rubbish," Cho said to the woman.
"And who are you?" Rita asked haughtily.
"Little old me?" Cho asked, pulling Rita around so Harry and Hermione could make an escape. "I'm no one."
"Get out of my way--" Rita began
"Why?" Cho asked. "Is there someone here you wanted to talk to? Because it's just me and my husband here..."
"I need-" Rita began again
Neville grabbed Cho's arm. "How about we dance, my love?"
"I'd love to," Cho said with a smile.
Rita muttered something and stalked off in the other direction.
"Finally," Cho said.
"Subterfuge is one of your skills, Cho," Neville grinned at her. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Just trying to keep it real," Cho joked.
Harry had led Hermione to the back of the ballroom. She looped her arms around his neck. "I know I have to get used to it, but it doesn't mean I have to like it."
"I've had to live with it since I was eleven, and I still hate it," Harry said grimly.
"You always handle it well," Hermione said.
Harry only shrugged.
"I knew what I signed on for when I married you," Hermione said smiling up at him. "I think I can put up with a few nosy reporters."
Harry had to smile back at her. "You're the only one who could make light of this you know..."
Hermione gave him a kiss. "For better or worse, remember?"
"You better believe it," Harry said softly. "You're stuck with me, Granger."
"Potter," Hermione corrected. "Remember?"
"I couldn't ever forget," Harry said. "Force of habit."
"You'll get used to it," Hermione reassured him with a grin.
"I suppose I will," Harry teased.
Hermione poked him in the side. "Very funny."
Harry leaned in and gave her a thorough kiss that left her breathless. "I'm in it for the long haul, Hermione. I've never met anyone like you. I love you more than anyone else I've ever known."
"Oh, Harry," Hermione said softly.
Harry touched her cheek gently and leaned in to kiss her again.
"Hermione?"
Hermione reluctantly stirred. She didn't want to wake up. This was a great dream.
"Hey," the shaking at her shoulder persisted. "Hermione..."
Hermione blinked her eyes open for a moment. "Hi, Harry." She turned over and closed her eyes again.
"Hi..." Harry said, prodding her again.
Hermione opened her eyes again. "Harry? What --what are you doing here?"
"We finished the mission early," Harry said. "And I wanted to see my beautiful wife."
Hermione sat up and threw her arms around him.
Harry slid his arms around her. "I missed you too."
"Did you catch the bad guys?" Hermione asked, smiling as she thought of the question their children used to ask him when he'd go away.
Harry grinned. "I always do."
"I'm so glad you're home," Hermione said resting her head on his shoulder.
"Me too," Harry said. "I didn't like the thought of you being here all alone."
"Me either," Hermione said.
Harry leaned in and gave her a kiss. "I got us some champagne to celebrate with at midnight."
Hermione smiled. "You did?"
"The finest," Harry produced a bottle.
"I'll get the glasses," Hermione said, but Harry put his hand out.
"Let me," he said, waving his hand at the cabinet.
Hermione laughed. "By all means."
The door flew open and two flutes floated towards them.
"Show off," Hermione said.
"You love it," Harry smirked.
"I always have," Hermione said with a grin.
Harry popped the cork on the champagne bottle and poured them both a glass. "I got here just in time."
"You always do," Hermione said.
Harry slid his arm around her and brushed his glass against hers. "Happy New Year, Hermione. I love you as much today as I always have."
"Me too," Hermione said. "Before you arrived, I was remembering the first ball we attended. Do you remember?"
"Of course I do," Harry said. "I remember how gorgeous you looked that night."
Hermione smiled. "And you couldn't tie that tie..."
"Still can't tie my ties," Harry replied.
"You are pretty hopeless in that regard," Hermione teased.
"That's one of the reasons I have you," Harry said.
"Is it now?" Hermione asked.
"One of them," Harry said. "There are many reasons... and I love you for each and every one of them."
Hermione gave him a kiss. "I love you."
"Love you too," Harry said, his lips brushing against hers.
Hermione snuggled up beside him and felt content, happy and safe.
"What were you going to do at midnight?" Harry asked.
Hermione shrugged. "If you hadn't come along, I would have been sleeping, I imagine."
"So early?" Harry asked.
Hermione laughed. "What should I have done?"
"I'm sort of surprised you weren't at the Ball," Harry responded.
"I wouldn't want to go if you couldn't be there with me," Hermione said softly.
Harry kissed her cheek. "You wouldn't have had anyone to dance with..."
"I might have found SOMEONE," Hermione laughed. "Someone tall, dark, and handsome."
Harry scoffed. "There's no one taller, darker, or handsomer than me."
"Dimitri Llewellyn in the Wizengamot is actually taller than you," Hermione said thoughtfully. "And quite handsome..."
Harry pulled his arm away from her and glared.
Hermione laughed. "I'm joking..."
"It's not funny," Harry said.
"I'm only kidding and you know it," Hermione said moving closer to him. "You know that I think you are the most handsome man in the whole world."
"That's more like it," Harry grumbled
"Will you ever forgive me?" Hermione asked dramatically.
"I don't know," Harry shrugged.
Hermione nuzzled his cheek. "I could start with that..."
"That's a start," Harry admitted.
"Am I getting warm?" Hermione asked.
"Yes..." Harry's voice trailed away.
Hermione grinned and stood up. She offered him her hand. "If you want to find out the rest, you'll have to follow me upstairs, Mr. Potter."
"Well... if you put it that way," Harry said.
"Happy New Year," Hermione grinned at him.
Harry scooped her up into his arms and grinned back at her.
Hermione laughed. "Welcome home."
*** *** ***