A Moment of Peace

Chapter 1—Hogwarts Express

Sunny and moderate was the forecast Harry heard on the muggle radio station as he wrapped up his day at the book signing for Voldemort and Me: How I Survived. Harry hated this but everyone he knew said that he should make some money off the fame he'd enjoyed years ago. After all, he was now not only the media darling of the Ministry of Magic, but reported in every tabloid to be dating eldest daughters of the richest wizard families in the United Kingdom.

As the public face of the Ministry of Magic, Harry had learned to navigate the most difficult of public controversies, deflect personal and public criticism, and convince everyone that he liked being a talking head. He hated it. He realized that almost as soon as Rita Skeeter started interviewing him about lost love at Hogwarts. He had never been out of the public spotlight in his entire life. Why after fighting the Minister of Magic Rufus Scrimgeour tooth and nail about not being “his boy” did he do it anyway?

Staring out the window at the countryside riding the Hogwarts Express for the first time in three years he saw so many things that reminded him of Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. He knew that each landscape he remembered would trigger another memory. He laughed as he recalled the day Hermione had introduced herself and acted so disgusted with Ron that he and Ron thought she was rude. He'd kept track of the careers of his friends but unlike his, their personal lives seemed to never be published. So it would be good to meet their significant others, if there were such people.

He had been seeing another of the long list of 7^th year debutantes attending either Hogwarts or Beauxbatons. This girl had actually lasted since the week after school until now when she got mad when he refused to bring her with him. Three weeks and the tabloids had them married and living in the Hamptons. The public scrutiny was so great that he knew that he couldn't visit one of these girls at school without certain death to his love life in the press. It had definitely led to very short relationships that he realized a long time ago were nothing more than publicity stunts for the Ministry to rub elbows with the rich and famous and vice versa. He was a rat in a cage at the moment, but wasn't too upset about it. He knew he had the ultimate get-out-of-jail-free card—his freedom to choose.

He thought about Ron who played Quidditch for the Chudley Cannons. He had matured so quickly once he and Hermione started dating. He made huge strides in self-confidence. Once the professional Quidditch scouts saw his talent, he had the Quidditch world by the horns. His first year he had been named to the all-England team and played against Krum in the Quidditch World Cup, while his second year was marred by a rash of minor injuries the Cannons had won the league championship and he'd finished second in the most valuable player voting. He wondered if Ron ever went a night after a match without a date.

Hermione, sweet Hermione, thought Harry. The most brilliant of the three--he'd thought she'd be finding cures for hexes or developing new potions by now. Her first two years at University were incredibly successful. What changed her life was the short engagement she'd had with the fashion photographer Henri at Which Witch, Intl. As a joke, which backfired for Henri, he published her photo on the cover in June 2000 with the teaser, Harry Potter's Accomplice Grows Up. Harry hadn't seen Hermione since about three days after graduation. The cover made his eye's pop out. Her long mane of brown, lustrous hair and deep soulful brown eyes finally had an incredible body to match. He'd always thought Hermione was pretty, but it was the fashion world that found Hermione. He smiled now though when he saw articles about her in The Daily Prophet. She had S.P.E.W. on the front pages. She was using her notoriety to further causes that ranged from her support of house-elves to a plea for inclusion of giants as members of the Ministry of Magic. Hermione, despite all, was still Hermione.

He wished this ride would have been the place they'd meet first to reminisce. Ron was organizing things at Hogwarts to sponsor a regular season Quidditch Match after the wedding and Hermione was one of the maids of honor and needed to be there earlier that day for some fitting or photo shoot, Harry couldn't remember. But the most wondrous thing of all was the uniting of Remus and Tonks. After years of difficulties, Remus and Tonks had found the middle ground to start their lives together. Harry smiled settled back and decided that he might take this trip more often as watched the beautiful mountains and streams pass by.

The scenery rolled by in a soothing montage of images that allowed Harry think clearly about things for the first time in several days. He enjoyed his apartment and his music. He was happy that the rest of the wizard world wasn't like Hogwarts in the sense that he could have his little gadgets like a CD player and the new type called MP3 players. The muggle magazines said they would be streaming video on those by the year 2006. Harry smiled thinking, whatever streaming video meant. He had the simplest life of all. While certainly known throughout the wizard world, his day to day accomplishments included stopping boys from setting off fireworks in the public lavatories near Buckingham Palace or breaking up rings of thieves who would magically pirate muggle movies and sell them for profit. His only real claim to fame in his current life was he'd taken over as the emissary to the Prime Minister of Britain. Gone were the days of chasing Dark Wizards.

Harry's watch said 7:12 PM when he stepped off the train. The other dozen or so passengers paid no attention to him. He heard the children of one family saying how much they looked forward to meeting Ron. The young boy wore the deep green colors of the Cannons. He smiled when the father said, “Bobby, we just work at the Ministry with Tonks, I can't promise you'll meet Ron Weasley.” He smiled at his wife as the walked away.

Harry carried his small suitcase, overcoat and umbrella toward the main exit when he heard the voices. “Harry, mate, look you.” It was Fred and George wearing specially made buttons that said, “Lupin for Groom of the Year!” Harry had no doubt where the ridiculous idea came from and it was the magic that made Fred and George who they were. “Harry, we have to hurry. The rehearsal portion starts in like 15 minutes. Dinner is served at 8:30 PM. Look Harry, I got Hermione's number. Mate, she is to die for.”

That was the one sad thing about the past three years, Harry thought, as the carriage rumbled through the countryside in the fading light. We cried and promised to stay in touch but so many of the ways we'd done that before we didn't keep up with. They'd planned the usual August 31^st dinner to mark the beginning of the new school year, but it never materialized. They thought about gathering for New Year's Eve, no dice. At every turn there had been some life event or more pressing need elsewhere. He breathed a sigh of relief as they approached the tent that would serve as a gathering place in case of rain the next day. The wedding had been planned for indoors but the beautiful July weather gave them other ideas.

He looked around and saw so many familiar faces. Some were from his year others from either the year ahead or behind. Many of the younger students that he'd attended with were now going into their 7^th year and virtually none looked familiar. The school had experienced a renaissance when Minerva McGonagall finally was named permanent Headmistress after the passing of Professor Dumbledore and the downfall of Lord Voldemort. The school's reputation soared to top as the elite school in Europe. Minerva had written him a personal letter for his undying loyalty and support for her as the next Head of Hogwarts.

“Harry, oh my god. I was afraid I wouldn't see you until we had to walk the aisle together tomorrow,” said Hermione. “I was so afraid you'd missed the train.” She hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek which he returned without a second thought. It was as if they'd missed each other over the weekend and not over the past three years.

Yet, one look at her and he wondered what planet he'd lived on those seven years at Hogwarts. How could he have not seen this gorgeous girl in front of him for the amazing beauty she was today? He could sense that he was staring. He lowered his eyes and tried to say, “Gee, you're looking good without sounding like nearly every guy who ever looked at her now.” It came out as, “Gee, you look different,” he smiled.

“Yeah, a lot of people say that but believe it or not, I don't wear anything remotely like this when I'm home. I bought another pink sweatshirt and some Lee jeans from the States and I bum around in those at home. So, how are you?” she asked in such an uplifting manner that Harry had almost forgotten how much fun it was to just talk with her.

“Good, good. Hey, not to change the subject, but have you seen Ron?” he asked.

“Sure he's in the tent with his mom, Fleur and Ginny. He's having another heart attack about his clothes. He out grew his jacket,” Hermione laughed.

“Hold that thought,” Harry ran for the tent.

“Hey, it's only like two minutes until the rehearsal,” she shouted after him.

Harry burst into the tent as Mrs. Weasley was trying for the third time to adjust the size of Ron's jacket so it would fit or so Harry gathered as Ron muttered about never getting anything new. “Well, whose fault is that you Quidditch playing moron?” teased Harry. “You could buy a company that makes jackets by now.

Ron took one look at Harry and they hugged like brothers. “Mate, thank you. I thought I was going to get smothered here with all the students wanting autographs. Now that you and Hermione are here maybe I can breathe.”

The noise of many voices slowly quieted to the voice of only one. Mr. Weasley stood as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. “Ladies and gentleman, we will be starting the rehearsal as soon as I finish these announcements. As you know the wedding ceremony is scheduled to begin precisely at 11 AM tomorrow and the Quidditch Match will begin tomorrow night at 7:00 PM. The afternoon hours will include a reception in Hogsmeade where the gracious proprietors have provided the wedding party with vouchers that they may use or give to guests. It entitles you to a free item from each of the stores there.”

The small crowd applauded.

“More information will be given around 3PM tomorrow about transportation to the Quidditch Pitch for the match between my son's beloved Chudley Cannons vs. Puddlemere United.” He continued. “I case of rain we will enlarge the tent you see behind you to keep everyone dry. Would the wedding party please assemble over here?”

Mr. Weasley pointed to the fantastic assembly of rows and rows of white chairs separated by an eight-foot gap. The poles at the end of each row had bows and ribbon matching the color of the chairs with the addition of a red stripe for the bride's side of the aisle and blue for the groom's. Harry wasn't sure why but Ginny took Ron's arm and Hermione took his as he and Hermione stood at the head of the line of groomsmen and bridesmaids.

He found himself looking at Hermione every thirty seconds or so just to remind himself that he was back. He wanted to go hide somewhere and just stare at her. He whispered to her as Mr. Weasley gave instructions to the ushers. “So, I heard you have been to America recently.”

“Yes, I am going to be on the cover of Elle. I'm so excited. My career is expanding beyond the magic world so quickly,” she stopped as she heard Mr. Weasley's voice grow nearer.

Harry was thankful that unlike with so many other things Mr. Weasley was not being chatty giving the instructions tonight. Each group was given fifteen seconds of instruction and before Harry and Hermione knew it they didn't have to hold each other's arms anymore. Harry thought about complaining about having to let go, but realized that it might be embarrassing for both of them if anyone else heard. He was sure that Hermione would laugh.

“Hermione, I hope we can chat this weekend,” said Harry instead. “I'd really like to catch up.”

“Harry, we are going to be attached at the hip this weekend. The press is here for our reunion. Didn't you hear? Someone told Rita Skeeter that we hadn't seen each other in three years. We are going to have to hide to get away from the public eye. I'll see you at the table. Ron, you, I and Ginny have been put together along with the rest of the infamous Dumbledore's Army tonight,” said Hermione with a forlorn sigh. “This is what my life is like 24/7.”

Once everyone was safely inside the castle and dinner was served, Harry was able to take a look around and see who of the DA was there. Besides the Weasley's and Hermione he saw, Seamus Finnegan, Dean Thomas, Neville Longbottom and his new wife Romilda Vane, the Patel twins, and just two seats over from Ron a young woman who looked familiar yet didn't strike a bell. “Harry, you don't remember me do you?” she said because Harry had stared so long.

“No, I'm very sorry but...” and it dawned on him. “Luna, Luna Lovegood. You look so different.” Harry said.

“Well, I didn't turn into a swan like Hermione, but being a pretty duck isn't a bad thing,” she smiled and Harry returned it.

In an odd sort of way, he'd always liked Luna more than many of the other people he'd met at Hogwarts. She was unaffected by what others thought and lived by her own rules which was what Harry had done. He turned back to his food and listened as Ginny described coming in with Ron.

“Since I graduated, I've really enjoyed being Ron's personal secretary. But never in a million years would I ever guess that my brother could get so many mental women in one place. Everywhere he goes I end up having schedule two rooms for him at one hotel and have him stay in another. If he were just a Quidditch star, it might not be so bad,” said Ginny.

“Yeah,” said Ron, “the other day this young girl asked me if I could give her Hermione's address so that she could send her a portfolio of her pictures. Another time there was this woman and her husband who wanted an autograph and a promise that I'd have Harry come out and chase the ghosts out of their basement.” People are mental I tell you.

“Oh, come on Ron. How often does that happen?” Harry asked with a look of disbelief.

“Sure, it's not in every city, but when it happens, it is weird.” Ron continued, “Harry, they're not kidding. They want you to chase out ghosts or protect them from some nutty neighbor.”

Everyone laughed. Harry had gained a reputation in the Ministry for being quite efficient and somewhat of what Americans would call a “Dirty Harry” type. He enjoyed it mostly because it made dealing with people a breeze most times. “Oh, Harry Potter, oh, yes sir they'd say.” He rarely had anyone challenge him these days. But the world was different too.

“I read somewhere though Ron that some girl found a way to the floor of the hotel you were in and camped in front of your door,” said Harry. “Was that true?”

Ron blushed a little. “Yeah, she wanted to meet me and I had her finally hauled away. I felt so bad though that I went and paid her bail at the Ministry and talked to her under the supervision…hey, wait…that was you…you git…you were the one who was watching us,” said Ron.

Harry laughed. “Yeah, that was me, but I couldn't do anything because I was on duty and by the time you were ready to leave I had a call for something or other.”

“You know Harry, she was really a nice girl. But she was only seventeen and going to Beauxbatons anyway,” said Ron.

“Do I detect a little disappointment?” said Hermione slowly sipping a bowl of soup.

Ginny spoke up, “Yeah, he whinged for three days that he never met anyone worth knowing that wasn't still in school.”

Ron shot her a momentarily wicked glance. “Well, it's true. Since Hermione and I broke up, there hasn't been a decent girl in sight.”

Seamus had been straining to hear. “Looking at her now Ron, do I detect a little sorrow there too?”

“Ha! Ha! Very funny Finnegan,” Ron looked upset for a moment and then smiled.

Hermione said, “No, I think I cured him of any sad feelings when he found out what demanding little witch I could be.” She smiled at him and went back to the soup. A moment later she saw Harry laughing and said, “If anyone was quoting me, make sure you get that as a `W' and not a `B' for witch.” Harry was shaking his head. It had been their private joke while Hermione and Ron dated that Harry would tell her. “You are quite the little witch, that's with a `W' and not a `B'.”

It was surprising that there was little animosity between any of them these days. Everything seemed so important back then. They were living in a life-or-death world, yet when all was said and done they realized how lucky they were to be alive. That realization had done a lot to smooth over the rough spots for him and Ginny too when it was apparent they were just very good friends. If they had continued they'd have ended up married and unhappy like so many people who married because everyone else thought they should.

The banter at dinner continued with mostly stories about Ron and his adventures around the world with groupies, autograph hunters and fame-seeking fans. The one thing that Harry felt good about was how grounded Ron had stayed. He hadn't gone off the wall and gotten involved with nearly as many strange women as anyone expected. In two years, he'd had three girlfriends and fame had ruined those relationships. But he was still alive and kicking.

Around 11 PM, Harry returned to the table from congratulating Remus and Tonks as they left. There were only a few remaining: Hermione, Ron, Luna, Ginny, Dean, and Seamus. “Anyone care to stay here and drink a few brews with me,” said Seamus. “Me girlfriend wanted to go back and go to sleep and I'm just excited to see you all. She's pregnant, ya know. A boy, due in November.”

There were congratulations all around. They ordered up a round of beers for everyone and Seamus offered a toast. “To the greatest group of friends I've ever had,” he said. “Here! Here!”

No one expected to still be sitting there at 1AM but the stories continued. This time they were listening to Seamus and stories of his job within the Ministry as a carpenter helping with the remodeling of the Department of Mysteries. He couldn't tell them any specifics but he was a good storyteller because he had them listening to every creepy word about the things they'd pull out of the offices down there. He and Hermione were sitting on the furthest edge when Hermione looked at Harry and said, “This girl's got to go to bed now. I'll never make it through tomorrow if I drink one more drop.”

Harry offered to walk with her. “Good night, everyone. I'm getting a little pissed about now she said.”

“What are you pissed about?” asked Dean slurring his words. “What's her problem?”

“Dean she's not mad. She's saying she's drunk, mate.” As everyone laughed Hermione smiled and, “Muah!” she threw everyone a kiss stumbling a little and leaning on Harry.

It had hit her shortly after standing. “Harry, help me. I've never drank more than one and I've had four.” She leaned on him. “I'm so dead. I'll look frightful tomorrow.” Harry doubted a word of it.

“I don't think that's possible Hermione. You'll wake up and whip up some anti-hangover potion and look like you're ready for Hollywood.” Harry said with his arm now around her waist trying to keep her steady.

“Just don't let me fall, Harry.” She pleaded.

The classrooms on the first floor had been temporarily enchanted to accommodate visitors and hers was only a fifty feet from the door to the Great Hall. There were a set of steps in front that went in and she said, “Let's sit here for a minute.”

Harry helped her sit down. “There, kid. You are just too much.”

”Who are you calling kid?” she said. Harry was proud of her. As tipsy as she was she wasn't slurring or unaware of her surroundings just dizzy and unbalanced. “You won't be 21 until the end of the month and I'll be 22 in September. 22, Harry and I'm still single. I can't believe that. Have you found anyone yet?”

“What? Am I hearing you complaining?” asked Harry a little surprised. He saw a flash of annoyance on her face. “You'd give this up to be married at 22?”

“Harry, except for that git Henri, I haven't had date unless it was a publicity stunt. No one wants to look at a pretty and pregnant model witch, with a `w'.” She slapped at Harry playfully. “No, maybe not married, but someone to give me something solid in my life.”

Harry understood that. The three of them had always been that for each other and that was the hardest thing to get used to for him. I was more like being alone in No. 4 Privet Drive than he liked when he went home to his empty flat. “I gotcha there, Hermione. I definitely do.” He didn't feel a thing since he'd been faking drinking all night. He'd learned a year or so before that he would wear lampshades after two beers and that wasn't happening here.

“Good night, Harry,” said Hermione. He hugged her and stepped back as he saw Ron coming.

“It is good to see you again,” said Ron who had just come around the corner as they'd finished talking.

“Yeah, Ron it is. I'm proud of you by the way,” said Hermione.

Harry felt a jolt of joy and the familiar goose bumps that come with a special moment. The three of them put there arms around each other and gave each other a hug. “Okay, here's the deal,” said Hermione with a tear in her eye. “Tomorrow, we sit down and tell the true stories of what's been going on. Tonight was okay, but we acted like we were never that close. Bullshit.” She looked sheepishly at the two boys after she said it.

“That's okay, Hermione,” said Harry.

“Someone had to tell the truth,” acknowledged Ron.

“Truth or dare. That's what we'll do. Anyone can join but they have to follow the rules,” Harry wasn't sure he wanted to tell the stories of what single men without girlfriends did with their spare time but it would be a hoot.

“Okay, tomorrow after the wedding,” said Hermione who now started to sound a little more soused than before.

“You'd better get in bed Hermione,” said Ron. “You'll feel better.”

“Okay,” she said giving them each a kiss on the cheek. She staggered in giggling and kicked her shoes across the room. Harry closed the door.

“How about that?” he said.

“I know, huh?” said Ron. “I have to turn in too, mate. See you in the morning.”

“Yeah, good night, Ron.” Harry said as he walked a few more doors down. He went into his room and just to see what it felt like, he kicked his shoes off. He laughed as he almost smashed the mirror and mumbled. “She looked so much better doing it.” He stripped to his shorts and jumped in bed. One big sigh and Harry was asleep.

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Chapter 2—Hogsmeade Heaven

Rested and excited for Lupin and Tonks, Harry looked in his closet where he heard his tuxedo would be. Harry had filled out a little over time but nothing like Ron who was working out all the time. Therefore, clothes were never a problem for Harry. There was a knock at the door. Harry looked at his watch. It was 8:35. Who would be at his door at this hour?

He opened it to see Hermione in that pink sweatshirt and a pair of jeans she'd mentioned the night before. He shook his head. “This must be a world record recovery for a drunk,” he teased.

“Oh come on you light weight, don't think I didn't see you setting down full ones and picking up a new one every once in a while,” sassed Hermione. “Just wondering actually if you wanted to come eat a really light breakfast in the Great Hall? They have toast, bagels, jam, cream cheese, cereal…you know all the stuff I can actually eat in moderation. I need to take advantage.”

He had his dress pants on already, so he said, “Yeah, give me a minute and I'll be out. Don't want to overdress for breakfast.” He smiled.

He was back in a flash in sweats and tennis shoes. He took them with him on trips simply because he liked to jog to clear his mind. It had just become habit. He looked at her as they walked and wondered how she'd had time to take off the make up, sleep and look like she was ready for a new day. “How did you do it, Hermione?”

“You mean avoid the hangover. I have no idea, but I'll probably be miserable later. I woke up, stripped the make up off with cold cream…and ooh, that pillow case has problems,” she shivered as she cringed. “Most of my make up was on the pillow.” She laughed if he hadn't gotten it. “Let's just get some stuff to take with us and walk the grounds.”

“Okay, why not?” he replied.

He took a large cup of coffee, a Cherry Danish and a bagel. Once he'd smeared the bagel with cream cheese, he wrapped it and stuck it in his pocket. He looked at Hermione who was eyeing him with skepticism and said, “Hey, I'm a cop. I do this all the time.” She laughed.

They went out the front through the Main Entrance Hall and took a deep breath. There had been light shower earlier and the increasing heat made it a little muggy. “So, I didn't seem like lush, did I?” Hermione asked.

“No, no more than most of us—I guess I have to work on my lush character actor skills. I thought I'd done better than that,” joked Harry. “Last year, I went with a bunch of people to a Christmas party. Well, after I'd tried every lampshade on as a hat I realized that unless the flow of alcohol was restricted, I needed to stay away from it.”

“You don't think you have a problem do you?” asked Hermione seriously. “Because I'm sure we'd all be a little more cautious in offering it to you if you do.”

“Yeah, I have a problem. I'm a lightweight. You drank more ale last night than I had last year. That's what's embarrassing,” he added.

“Ooh, I see.” She paused. “Hey, Harry, I don't mean to be rude and change the subject, but have you given more thought to teaching here? I mean, Professor McGonagall would gladly let you teach alongside Slughorn for a year or two to get your feet wet.” Hermione asked.

“Who says I don't want to work in the Auror's office? I'm okay there. I'm famous which we knew I'd never avoid and I'm the emissary to the British Prime Minister,” he said proudly.

“Now that's cool, I hadn't heard that before,” said Hermione. “Have you had to talk to him yet?”

“This past Christmas I introduced myself and gave him kind of our State of the Ministry speech and he seemed like a fairly even tempered fellow, but he seemed to have a lot on his mind with elections and things, so I was on my way quickly,” said Harry.

Hermione stopped under a tree and leaned against it kicking a foot up to it as well. “I'm just glad that I'm able to get away from cameras and personal appearances. If I couldn't speak my mind about S.P.E.W. and similar issues I'd have quit after six months. I miss school.”

“Really? You look so vibrant and happy, Hermione,” said Harry and she did with the exception of the last few comments last night.

“I suppose I can't complain. My parents can now take patients at their leisure without working those long days; and, I'll never worry about money for school when I stop doing this. Yet, it's places like this that remind me I'm not a model. I'm just a girl they pay a lot to pretend she is.” She sipped the frozen juice drink from the straw again.

“I knew you hadn't changed when the Daily Prophet had that article about S.P.E.W. or about the giants. Is it true that Grawp asked you to marry him?” Harry laughed as she took a swipe at him.

“Harry!” she said in a gleeful shout. “You are still bad. You know that don't you?”

“Yeah, I suppose I am,” said Harry. “We should get back they want us there 45 minutes early for the wedding and unlike you it takes me hours to get beautiful,” Harry imitated a being an effeminate male.

“That's funny, Harry. That's really funny,” she said. “Yeah, contrary to your pea-brained beliefs it takes a lot for me to get ready too. Models don't just wake up and put a shear dress on and get pictures taken. I want to kill the lady who does the bikini waxing.”

“Hey do you have any of those pictures for me while I shower this morning?” said Harry in his best perverted voice. “Uhm, do you have some reeeally sexy, ones...huh….huh….huh.” He was clearly teasing.

“Ooh, that is so gross, Harry. Get away from me?” she was laughing but embarrassed. “If I ever caught you ogling one of my bikini pictures I don't know if I could ever talk to you again.”

“Hermione, it's a joke,” he said. “Hey, I thought you'd get a kick out the single guy aspect of it.”

“That creeps me out, Harry, really. I would feel better if you asked me to do a striptease to excite you than think of you with my pictures and …. Ooh, God whatever. I would still be disgusted with you for asking but…” Hermione started to look truly upset.

“I'm sorry, Hermione. I….we used to joke about sex stuff all the time. I mean I must have asked you to show me some skin at least a dozen times, it was natural when we were younger to make lewd comments and laugh it off.” Harry said. It had been too. They'd proposition each other in fun all the time after Ron had broken it off with her to go on the Quidditch tour. They had gotten closer for a little while after school but nothing ever happened.

“Yeah, well, maybe I've run into some really creepy people since then and it just isn't funny anymore,” said Hermione. “When you are naïve and trusting you think everyone will be like your old friends were, and they weren't and aren't.”

“No one hurt you or anything, did they? You don't have to put up with them touching you, if you don't want Hermione.” asked Harry.

“I know I don't. But let's just say that being known for your looks tends to attract a few people who are very shallow and don't take your feelings into account.” Hermione said. “You know I'll see you in a little while. This is the reason I looked forward to this weekend. There would be no tension like I deal with everyday, but I was wrong. I'll be okay, Harry. It's my problem, really. Not yours.”

Harry hadn't meant anything by his comment at all. He no more would want to embarrass or hurt Hermione than anyone in the world. He supposed there were things about him that he was sensitive about as well. He could think of one right off the bat. Doing that book was wrong, but he'd signed a contract to do book signings and promote it so he was stuck with it. Or, he thought, I never date anyone I really like because they see my name with all the rich wizards all the time and think I wouldn't be happy.

An hour or so later, he saw Hermione again and she looked ravishing as well as in good spirits again. “Hermione, are you okay?”

“Yes, Harry and thanks for not taking it personally. I thought I might have to beg you to forgive me. Anyway, doesn't Luna look spectacular?” said Hermione.

Harry turned and lo and behold, she did. She was the same old Luna in a lot of respects. Her comments and stories last night were still about things most people laughed about never existing. Yet, she seemed to be more confident in talking to people too. Gone was the buggy-eyed look and her teeth had been straightened. And, as girls tend to do, she'd filled out to be quite shapely and taller than Harry remembered.

Harry and Hermione went to the second tent where Tonks was getting the final preparations for the trail and the veil. She was gorgeous, thought Harry. She'd waited a long time for Lupin to come around and he was a lucky man. “You know, none of the male portion of the party is supposed to see the bride. But Harry, for you I'll make an exception. He gave her a hug. He told her that she looked wonderful and stepped out to let Hermione talk to her for a moment.

They stopped by the last tent to wish Lupin good luck. “Ah, Harry, so you'll have the most beautiful girl besides the bride on your arm.” Harry smiled and nodded. Hermione blushed.

“I just wanted to wish you well, Remus,” said Harry. Remus was the only person left who felt like family. He was more brotherly than fatherly, but still a very good friend.

“Do you think I'm going to need good luck? That can't be good. I thought I was already pretty lucky. I need more luck. What do you know that I don't?” joked Remus.

Harry whispered in his ear, “Do you have something for a heart attack just in case the honeymoon goes too well?” Remus laughed.

“If I die of a heart attack on my wedding night, I'll consider it a full life,” he said just a little too loudly. Harry was embarrassed that Hermione might have heard him. She didn't seem too and Harry was glad for that. Why every woman here seemed more appealing than they would have the day before yesterday baffled Harry.

“Hermione,” Remus said loudly. “Be sure to catch the bouquet.” He smiled.

Hermione smiled back and took Harry's arm as they walked toward the end of the rows of chairs. The place was filled. Nearly everyone from the Ministry showed up. Many students and families that lived close to the Hogwarts Express took the train in and then there was the press following the Hermione, Harry and Ron reunion angle. The music began precisely at 11 AM much to the pleasure of the wedding party.

Harry stood looking at Lupin and Tonks exchange vows. He listened to the traditional Christian vows as they were given. “To have and to hold from this day forward. In sickness and in health…” Harry realized those two lines were the thing that bothered Remus most. He would never, Remus thought, have to sacrifice nearly as much as Tonks would for those vows. And, for many months, he wouldn't even let her close enough to be friendly, even though she loved him and he loved her. Harry realized what a triumph of love and the human spirit this day was as they kissed and made their way down the aisle. With Harry and Hermione in tow it was quite a moment to remember.

While pictures were taken beneath the trees, Harry thought back to those days when he and everyone had found out that Tonks and Remus were struggling over their love. He was with Ginny and Ron had just told Hermione his feelings. The major battles still remained and Harry tried to avoid thinking of them as he did most days when he went to sleep.

“Come here, Harry,” called Hermione. “I'm not leaving without a picture of us dressed like this together.” They stood cheek to cheek and mugged for the camera. The resulting picture was one of the cutest they'd ever had together. Harry knew that picture was a keeper.

Remus and Tonks weren't much for the reception being the place for some of the ceremonial things so all the single women gathered behind Tonks as they prepared to toss the bouquet. Hermione stood poised as Harry teased her about being 22 and an old maid. “You'd better catch it, you won't have those looks forever,” he said. Hermione laughed so hard she didn't see Tonks toss it until the last second. She moved toward it and caught half of it while standing there with Luna Lovegood. “Okay, so they marry each other. Everyone's here,” said Harry. The crowd laughed. No one had ever seen a bouquet caught by two people who didn't try to wrest it out of the other's hand.

“It's yours Luna. I think I came in late,” said Hermione. Luna smiled.

“Maybe we're supposed to marry twins,” she said in typical Luna style which made Hermione laugh and hug her.

“Maybe,” said Hermione. She'd learned to never doubt Luna's intuition. It had saved them all on more than one occasion.

Once all of the stuff that Lupin and Tonks wanted pictures of were done, they let everyone change into comfortable clothes to go eat and enjoy the rest of the day. When Lupin told him this one day a week or so ago Harry had been grateful. He hated thinking of spending five hours dressed up and then having three or more hours to kill before going back for the Quidditch Match. It had all worked out.

“Harry, meet me outside my room when you're done changing,” said Hermione.

Harry had no other intention but to wait for her, but it was nice to know the feeling was mutual. It was only Saturday and he already felt more relaxed than he did by Sunday afternoon most weekends. Wow, he thought, I actually get a chance to enjoy the feeling instead of dreading work again the next day.

Hermione seemed to be taking forever. But finally, she popped out carrying a plastic bag and 3 x 5 index cards with a marker. “What's this for?”

“Remember, Truth or Dare?” Hermione said with a pixyish smile. “I found a perfect spot for it this morning.”

First, everyone sat down and had a wonderful meal with half a dozen choices of meat, a dozen vegetables, more breads than Harry could count and pumpkin pie. He didn't care that there were six other types of pie. Pumpkin pie at Hogwarts had always been one of his favorites. Harry spied the little boy, his sister and parents who wanted to meet Ron at a table not too far away.

“Ron, mate, I promise I won't do this to you again. But see the little guy over there with his sister. He's looked over at you at least a half a dozen times,” said Harry.

“How do you know it's me?” said Ron.

“Yesterday, I stood right next to them and they didn't recognize me, but Bobby asked his Dad when he would meet Ron from the Quidditch team. His dad smiled at the mom and told Bobby that he couldn't promise they'd meet you,” said Harry. “Be a sport and help me out. You come too, Hermione. I'll bet the girl knows you.”

So a few minutes later, Harry along with his two friends went over to the table where the little boy was talking with his Dad. “How long until the match starts Dad? Remember when we went last and Ron, he caught the quaffle between his feet as he flipped over on his broom. That was cool.”

“Eh hem, could I bother you for a second. Bobby is it,” said Ron kneeling down at his chair and gave him a signed napkin. “Before the game tonight I'll try that again, but it was all luck I'm afraid.”

Bobby's face lit up like a Christmas tree. “Dad, Dad! It's Ron Weasley!”

“Sh, sh. I know you're going to fall out of your chair Bobby,” the boys father just looked at Ron and shook his hand. “You have no idea how important it is that he met you. I mean for my sanity's sake.” He laughed. “I'm John Lovington; I work with Tonks. How did you know?”

Harry had stood back and let Ron enjoy the moment. “Well, Harry here, he heard you when you got off the train yesterday and remembered your son.”

“Hi, Harry, heard a lot about you,” he said timidly. “I saw you yesterday, but frankly, the stories make you a little intimidating to just greet in public.”

“Harry and you are, John. No more of that will you. If you see me, give me a yell. A family like yours is a dream of mine one day,” said Harry casually. He knew not many of the rank-and-file approached because of his reputation, but it was a shield against having to tell the Lord Voldemort story a million times. It was the price of fame.

“Rebecca, meet Harry Potter and Ron Weasley,” said John to his wife. She shook hands with Harry and Ron.

“John, that's Hermione Granger there too,” said Rebecca.

John blushed a little. “I just didn't want you hitting me for staring at her so I ignored her.” He was such a nice guy thought Harry.

“Annie, meet Hermione,” said Rebecca.

“That's not her. Hermione has really red lips and wouldn't be caught dead in jeans and a sweatshirt,” the little girl replied. At 8, Annie was sure that Hermione woke up and went to sleep in perfect picture frame condition.

“Seriously, Annie, it's her. She's on vacation. She wears different stuff when she's out with real people,” said Rebecca.

Annie looked close walked over and looked at her more closely as she circled once and started as second time.. “It could be her but…”

Hermione was still laughing as she circled for the second time, “Look, Annie, do remember me at the drums acting silly, like this.” Hermione made a face and instantly the little girl smiled.

“Yep, that's her,” she gave Hermione a hug. “I'm going to be a model just like you.”

“You should try to be a student just like her first, sweetie,” said Rebecca.

Harry stood back and watched as his two best friends entertained their young fans. “So, John, isn't Tonks one of the sweetest people you've ever met?”

“She is that. She's actually going to be the Head of our office starting in September. She's going to try to have a baby so they have offered her a position as Head of Magical Forensics where she's not on her feet and she could work while taking care of her child.” said John.

“Well, you're certainly no dummy yourself to be working there, John. What got you into that work? Well, I graduated from Hogwarts in 1985 and went on to University at Cambridge. I was going to do a combined muggle medical and a homeopathic medical degree when I met Rebecca. We kind of got sidetracked on our education and we just finished last year. So, I applied.”

“Did you finish the medical stuff?” asked Harry.

“No, I got interested in forensics watching muggle TV and I did some investigation into the profession. I can do a lot that muggles can't do because I use magical means, but we had no one doing the job full time. It was the next wizard available type thing, so with a little effort I got them to hire me without a real place to work. But that will change in September.”

“Won't that actually be a lot more strain on Tonks as a Department Head?” asked Harry.

“They don't expect it to take long and nine months is a fair piece of time to get things rolling when you're as smart as she is,” said John

“True, very true. Well, good luck. Nice meeting you,” said Harry.

Hermione and Ron were pleading to get out of there. “Nice meeting you Ron and Hermione,” said John.

“Yeah, that kid was pretty cool. He knows Quidditch alright,” said Ron. “But there is only so much time you can spend hearing a little kid tell you you're the greatest and when you have to go.” Ron smiled, “Thanks Harry. Wouldn't have missed that for the world, though, mate.”

Hermione just looked at him a growled. “I love being a kid's favorite model, but getting the third degree from an eight year old was a bit much.” She stopped for a second. “I suppose when you think about it is pretty cool.” Hermione didn't seem that excited about fame.

When they'd returned to the table, Ron was the one who brought up the rest of the afternoon. It was understandable because he had to leave at least an hour before everyone else to be with the team. Hermione spoke up, “I found this little clearing where there are a couple of benches. The area is open so the ground should be dry. Who's up for a little game of Truth or Dare?”

Harry wasn't surprised that Luna volunteered from the other end of the table. Seamus shook his head that it wouldn't be fair to his girlfriend who knew no one.”

“Seamus, I've got some questions she can use. I've made a little list,” said Hermione. “Plus I have a list of dares. Guys we only get to see one another once in a while and we'll end up going home knowing nothing about each other again until the next wedding or whatever. It's just for fun.”

All in all eight people joined but only seven teams: Hermione, Harry, Ron, Ginny, Luna, Seamus and Shannon who they counted as one, and Dean. “Okay, there are no winners or losers so anyone who comes along can join. First rule, you must either take Truth or Dare and if the question or task is objectionable a vote will be taken to determine if it's too embarrassing or dangerous. Second, if you are overruled you can pass one time, but not the first or third times through. That way no one can play strategically and just start embarrassing people.”

“Hermione, wait. I thought this was a friendly game,” said Seamus. “I don't want Shannon being embarrassed in front of people she doesn't know or for that matter, you guys making me out to be a buffoon.” He laughed.

“Wait, I'm not finished. You have 15 minutes from now to get props for your dares. For example I'm going to get two eggs and a lollipop that I'll use for my dares. You can think up something that would be challenging and fun,” said Hermione. “You could make a blindfold and … well...I'm not giving anymore hints. We've all played I'm sure. Is everyone cool with the rules? We can make new ones to make sure things are safe as we go.”

Everyone agreed. Harry took off and liked Hermione's idea of eggs or something messy that would make people cringe. He was so lost as to what to do, but he bought two eggs and a small lollipop anyway. For what, he had no clue.

When he got back Hermione was telling them something she'd forgotten to mentin earlier. “Okay, just so people can't pick on one another, the dares will be placed in a bag on that tree and a card pulled out. So you could end up with your own dare, be careful of what you ask people to do. I've put some in there that I thought would be fun from other times I've played.” Hermione said.

“How are we going to start?” asked Dean.

“Do you want to start? You pick someone who will say truth or dare.” Hermione said. “Anyone object to Dean starting?”

They all agreed. So Dean started. “Harry Potter.”

“Oh, brilliant. How did I know it would be me?” said Harry. “Truth.”

“You love your job at the Ministry.” Dean said sarcastically.

Wow, thought Harry. I got off easy on that one. “Yes. Gee, that was easy.” Dean shrugged as though he were saying. Hey, I don't know what I'm doing.

“My turn to pick someone, right?” asked Harry.

He looked around and realized this was a good chance to get it started and pick someone most people would avoid. “Luna.”

“Oh, cool, you picked me,” she said. “Dare.”

Harry was glad the bag with the dares was there. He looked at it and though this could be messy, but he thought it might be funny. “Luna, if you were blindfolded, could you identify every guy here with a kiss? If it's too embarrassing Shannon you can keep Seamus out.” Harry asked.

“Well, it's not like you're asking her to feel their bulges and identify them,” she said with a smirk.

“Oh, did I tell you guys, that Shannon isn't real shy?” said Seamus.

Hermione smiled. “That's what I like. That's what this game is all about.”

They laughed uproariously. “Yes,” said Luna while very one is laughing.

No one noticed until she said, “Yes, I could do that bulge thing too if you want.” Everyone stopped and looked at Luna. “Just kidding, but no one was listening to me. Let's do the dare.” The laughs went up again.

“Okay, guys be quiet and get in line you will sit down so she can't tell by height. No hands Luna, only the kiss.” Hermione blind folded Luna and the guys stood in line for their turn. They were in order of Ron, Dean, Seamus, and Harry.

Luna stood still and when Ron sat down she leaned in and kissed him softly until he kissed her back.

Hermione said, “So who is that?”

Luna stood up and said, “I don't have to say until I've kissed them all. That wasn't one of the rules. I just have to get them right. Besides, if I miss the first one I don't get to kiss all of them.” She giggled.

Hermione laughed, “That's true.” She held a finger to her lips for the guys not to laugh.

So Luna went down the line until she'd kissed them all the same way.

“Okay, I'm ready. That was too easy. It was Ron, Dean, Seamus and Harry.” She'd gotten them all correct.

“How'd you know?” asked Ginny.

“The first guy was timid so it had to be Ron. He's always shy with girls. The second guy, Dean, has really nice full lips which made it easy. The third guy was a smoker, Seamus. The fourth guy is a good kisser and aggressive, Harry.” Luna said.

“Ooh, Harry. Putting the moves on Luna were you,” said Ginny with a sly grin.

“If you have to kiss someone, make it count. I always say. Okay, Luna. Your turn,” said Harry.

“Ginny,” said Luna.

“Dare,” said Ginny.

From the bag, Luna pulled out a card. “You have two choices, you can remove one piece of outer clothing, excluding shoes, hats, gloves and belts and you can't put them back on for 5 minutes. The game could continue while you are doing your dare. Or, option 2, you can let us hear your sexiest moan for 20 seconds. In either case, no one can help you tell time, you must meet the time requirement on your own. The penalty for stopping early is continuing the dare for twice the time without a personal timer or watch.” Luna stopped reading.

Ginny rubbed her bare shoulders in contemplation of taking off her shirt or pants. “It's too chilly, so here goes.” Ginny closed her eyes and began to coo. The guys tried really hard to make her blush with comments on how excited the look on her face made them. . It was good fun and as red as Ginny was she had to admit it was not as bad as she'd anticipated.

“That was hilarious,” said Shannon. “You guys are really a lot of fun. Thanks for including me. You don't have to hide me in with Seamus anymore.”

Now it was Ginny's turn. Hermione had the look of a cornered tiger. She knew that Ginny was coming after her. “Hermione,” said Ginny. “Anyone who can make up a game that embarrasses all of us deserves some of her own medicine.”

Hermione hated that moment. It wasn't that she didn't want to play. It was that taking “Truth” with someone who knows you well can be really embarrassing and a lot of people had been doing the “Dares” so far.

She couldn't take a Dare. “Truth,” she cringed.

“Okay, Miss Bathing suit model, in preparation for a bathing suit shoot, how close does the bikini waxing get: A) depends on bathing suits, B) almost everything, or C) au naturel.” Ginny winked, smiled wickedly and said. “There you go, Miss Truth or Dare.”

Hermione turned a little red. Harry could tell that wasn't a question she expected at all. And what Harry was sure made it worse was the wording for two of the three.

Finally, Hermione answered. “C) au naturel”. She paused for a second. “Muah, thank you Ginny.” They giggled. “That was cruel, but I'll live.”

They roared through question after question and dare after dare. Everyone had been picked at least once, but now it had come to Harry's second turn in three challenges. “Wait, how is this fair? I picked Shannon.”

Harry's face was still red from his last turn. He had selected `Truth' again and ended up having to admit being a gigolo of sorts for the Ministry. The fact that he was always mentioned in the tabloid with some rich wizard's daughter was no coincidence. The Ministry encouraged Harry to accommodate the wishes of their supporters no matter what sacrifice needed to be made.”

“Then Shannon picked you back,” said Hermione. “That's fair as far as I'm concerned.”

Harry wasn't sure he wasn't getting ambushed here.

He had taken too many “Truth” questions. He'd figured everyone knew him so well that he couldn't be embarrassed. Well, the last one cured him of that thought. “Dare,” he said.

Shannon took out the card. “Harry, your dare comes in three parts. First, you will select one of our names out of this bag. Second, you will have one minute to come up with a convincing marriage proposal to her, and third, you will propose to her. She will rate your effort by agreeing to marry you or not. We will rate it by boos and hisses or cheers to go on. You will have three minutes to deliver your proposal.” Shannon put the card on the bench and wrote the names of all the girls on the cards. “Whoever came up with this dare is diabolical and very, very good at this game.”

Harry picked the name and happy. This should be easy, he thought. “Hermione,” he announced.

“Okay, you have one minute beginning,” said Shannon, “Now.”

There were so many obvious things. She was kind, loving, sexy, original, safe, warm, funny, beautiful, and his best friend. Then he thought, wow, this is silly. I have to do something, because I might get too serious. So he started mulling over ways that he could say those things but not be taken too seriously. After all the last thing he wanted to do was embarrass Hermione too much.

“Okay, Harry, now you have three minutes. Begin.” Shannon stepped away and everyone's eyes were on the two of them.

To everyone's delight, he took Hermione's hand and kissed it lowering himself to one knee. He began, “Hermione, we've been friends for so long now that when I think of something I need an opinion on, I wonder where you are and what you're doing. Can I please just talk to you for a minute? You are the warmest, kindest and most generous woman I have ever met. The smell of your hair arouses passion in me that I have never enjoyed with any other woman. Your beauty reminds me the warmth of the sun beading down on my naked body on a hot day. I want to spend every waking hour with you. I would like you to have my children and share my bicycle built for two that I call life….”

He continued getting campier by the second. He hoped the silly and good ideas would keep coming. He had everyone in stitches and cheering.

By this time the laughs at his overdone performance were just killing everyone. Hermione was laughing as he kissed her arm up and down. He got more and more sappy until finally. When he finished, the tears were streaming down Hermione's face so hard from laughing that she just said, “Yes, I'll marry you, you fool.” They looked at each other and hugged. He hadn't had so much fun playing off Hermione's wonderful sense of humor in his life. What a wonderful feeling it was to be with her again.

“Okay, okay. That was good, I mean really good,” said Shannon. “At first I really though you were proposing to her.” Everyone just kept kidding Harry about how hokey he looked kissing her arm.

“Okay, beer break. I have to go get more and use the loo,” said Dean. “Harry, that was funny. You'd be a good actor.”

Harry sat just a few feet from Hermione who was talking with Ginny and Shannon. He wondered if there had ever been a girl in his life with whom he could be so free and easy. If they'd have made him settle down and be more serious, he knew looking into her eyes he could have done it without thinking. That gave him an eerie feeling. He was so far from wanting to be married at that moment, but was Hermione different. He shook his head and grabbed a beer.

Meanwhile a few feet away, Hermione, Ginny and Luna were laughing about how glad they hadn't been picked or if they had been picked Harry was the only one they thought could pull it off. “Yeah, no one else could have pulled that off. He's just funny enough to go with the flow and not take himself too seriously.” Hermione said.

“Yeah, Ron would have been sweating and maybe never got a word out,” said Ginny.

Luna defended Ron. “I think he would have done fine. I don't think he would have been funny intentionally like Harry, but he would have been cute.”

Shannon smiled, “I think Seamus would have refused that one unless he picked me. He knows I'm jealous of all of you.” She said that very seriously. “I was squirming until I saw he'd picked Hermione, too. I don't know if he'd have thought it funny if Harry knelt in front of me.”

Hermione glanced over her shoulder toward Harry as the other girls continued to chat. Harry saw her out of the corner of his eye and wasn't sure he wanted to acknowledge her at the moment as he overheard the conversation in their little group. “Luna, do you have a thing for my brother?” asked Ginny.

He didn't hear the answer, because he was concentrating on Hermione. He felt something when she looked at him. But he couldn't keep from looking at her. He raised his beer bottle and smiled, “Here's to best friends.”

Hermione raised her bottled water, “To best friends.”

-->

Chapter 3—Early Goodbyes

Once everyone had returned from getting refreshments, the game resumed. They only had time for one or two more and it was Harry's turn to select `Truth' or `Dare'. He was taking it in stride. He'd become the favorite to pick on because he seemed to be the loosest and funniest.

“Well, I suppose that I should pick `Truth',” he said.

“Okay, Harry, you don't have to use names, but tell us the biggest missed opportunity or disappointment during or since leaving Hogwarts?” asked Seamus.

At first he thought he might refuse and be the only one who had all day because there were so many deaths and sad things, but he realized the question wasn't about that. He could think of other things and then he knew how to answer.

Well, I hope this isn't too sappy coming from me, but I'd have to say it was how easy I let the best people and friends in my life slip into memories and casual acquaintances. I came here ten years ago without friends, found them and then let them go. I'm really to blame though. I have the resources and clout to visit you whenever I want, yet I didn't. There is no doubt that the missed opportunities to reunite and have days like this one is the greatest disappointment.” Harry said passionately. He looked at Ron and Hermione specifically when he'd spoken but no one else took that as a slight.

Seamus looked at Harry and shook his head. “I hear that, Harry. I think if we all were to look closely within ourselves, you're speaking for all of us.”

It was Harry's turn to select someone. He hadn't selected Hermione today and didn't think he would. “Luna,” he said.

“Dare,” she said. He wondered why she hadn't picked truth. He went through all the cards there were no new ones left. He read them all to everyone.

“Okay, you have to sit on the lap of the oldest guy here and pretend he's Father Christmas. You have to give him the top seven to ten off your wish list for next Christmas,” said Harry.

“Harry, that's not fair. You know I'm the oldest,” said Ron. Hermione gave Harry the thumbs up behind his back. “I protest,” he complained. Everyone told him tough luck. But it was when Luna said something that Ron gave in.

“Ron, you don't like me? I'm your biggest fan and I think you're a great guy, so just do this and be quiet. You never know, you might like me sitting on your lap.” She smiled.

Harry always thought Ron was a tough guy to figure with girls, but somehow this just seemed kind of cool. Luna sat on Ron's lap and really pretended to talk to Father Christmas. Harry thought that Ron had mixed feelings about this. She was embarrassing him by wishing he would win Most Valuable Player again. Everyone laughed silently as Luna went down a somewhat ridiculous list of things that they thought would never happen. The last was that she wished Ron knew that she liked him and she'd go out if he asked. Everyone laughed. Not at Luna, but the fact that they knew it was coming and Ron didn't. She gave him a hug and sat down. She hadn't blushed once.

Harry wondered where Luna got her nerve. She didn't act desperate or corny. She just gave a really funny list of stuff she probably believed in and then spoke from the heart to Ron.

“Hey, that's a great note to wrap up the game and head toward Quidditch. We get to watch Ron and we can all get our seats together if we get there early enough,” said Hermione.

“Thanks a lot Harry. I'm not sure you weren't out to get me on that last one, ay. I mean do you believe the nerve of that girl. I'll get you back for that one Harry.” Ron paused. “Hey, Harry, seriously though, don't take the blame yourself, mate. The time between meetings is as much my fault as yours. I could have come seen you many times at the Ministry if I'd just rearranged the schedule a little,” said Ron.

“That's right Harry. I'll keep a little closer tab on it so that when Ron's here I allow time for him to get together with you,” said Ginny.

“Hey, I really gotta go right now,” said Ron. “Will I see you after the match, Harry?”

“Yeah, I'll look for you when the match is over. I know it will be hard for you, since it'll be the first time your eyes open since match began,” Harry teased. Shaking like Ron had the first time he ever played goalkeeper. “Hey, watch out for Luna, she's after you.”

“Funny. Ha ha, you git,” said Ron. “I'll catch you later then mate.”

Hermione was smiling as she listened to Ron. “I think he's protesting too much if you ask me. I think he likes her.”

“What makes you say that?” said Harry.

“Did you see how he moved around to make sure she was comfortable when she sat on his lap? He tried to hide it, but he nonchalantly laid his hand across her lap and his other arm around her waist in a loose hug,” said Hermione. “I'm no body language expert but that's not a guy who's embarrassed by a girl sitting on his lap.”

Harry thought for a moment and raised eyebrow and nodded. “You have a point.” He thought she'd embarrassed Ron and maybe Ron embarrassed himself getting a little too snuggly.

“Plus, he listened to the whole list. He rolled his eyes when we did, but he listened. He didn't act like someone who just couldn't wait until it was over,” she pointed out.

“The ball is in Ron's court and we know how long that can take sometimes, don't we?” replied Harry. “Why were you so interested that you paid that much attention?”

“Harry, don't you ever just see something and it seems to fit. I mean whether it's just two friends or a guy and a girl in a relationship? I was just testing my theory and I was right,” asserted Hermione.

“What's that?” asked Harry.

“If we women don't tell a guy they like us, they'll never decide for themselves,” she smiled. “You know what I mean? It'll always end up as nothing more than an attraction or crush. We either have to flirt or something to get you guys to do anything.”

Harry smiled and said nothing. He didn't want any part of where she might go with the rest of that. He offered her his arm. “I'm really enjoying your company, Hermione,” said Harry trying to act as if he were taking the lead and ignoring the fact that he was scared to death of how he felt about her. They began walking toward the Quidditch match.

They walked as slowly as time would permit talking about their lives. Harry wondered what Hermione thought at that moment. He knew that he was going to get her schedule and every phone number she had before she left. He wasn't going to let this opportunity slip away again.

“Harry, let's spend tomorrow together. I want to be with you more than anyone else here. Let's go out to the country and see the scenery. We'll go get my car and we'll drive,” she said.

“You drive a car?” asked Harry. Harry had to wait for the answer until later. The noise once they got inside the Quidditch Pitch was too much to hold a real conversation. Short sentences and hand gestures were the only way to go and that wasn't going to work.

When they got to the top of the Quidditch Pitch, Hermione and Harry had to giggle a little. Down near the Chudley side Luna was leading a group of fans in a chorus of Weasley is our King. The combination of cheering and that song gave Harry chills. He couldn't be there a lot of the time when Ron had had his best games. But Harry still loved the buzz of Quidditch in the air. Harry had given is Firebolt to Ron when he went off to play for the Cannons and wished sometimes he'd kept it. But he realized that he wouldn't ever play professionally.

The match began with a scary volley of shots coming at Ron. He was on fire tonight thought Harry. There were breakaways that Ron handled like he was playing catch with one of his brothers in the backyard. But on one breakaway about eighteen minutes into the game a bludger came flying past Ron at the same moment that the Quaffle sizzled past and all Ron was able to do was kick at it. He deflected it but just not far enough to keep it from the top right ring.

“Score: Pudmere United 10, Chudley Cannons 0.” The announcer said. The boos were deafening.

It was nice to see that his teammates got him off the hook just moments later with a cool demonstration of teamwork. The Quaffle was thrown and one of the Cannons got it and dove for the ground, as two of his mates stayed above him. In what Harry could only describe as the Quidditch version of the shell game they raced at each other so fast that when they separated no one knew who had the Quaffle. Seemingly from no where the Quaffle appeared sizzling out of the left near corner as it flew threw the bottom left ring leaving the Pudmere goalkeeper speechless and motionless.

“Score: Chudley Cannons 10, Pudmere United 10,” said the announcer.

Harry and Hermione clutched each others arms each time Ron was under pressure from Pudmere. He was so good, thought Harry. He grinned at the thought of the early days and the other version of Weasley is our King. Luna was still getting everyone going after each save Ron made with that little tune. Harry could see Ron's teammates smile as they came by the stands and heard the cheers. One seemed to stop in the same place by Luna at each break in the action.

The two goalkeepers did an amazing job keeping the score low tonight. At 70-50, Chudley in the lead, Harry had his biggest scare of the night. When he wasn't watching Ron he was scouring the landscape for the Golden Snitch. He saw it at the same time the Pudmere United seeker did. Hermione had to settle him down as he yelled to the Chudley seeker. Fortunately for Ron and the Cannons, the seeker for Pudmere was their second string tonight, because he failed to catch the snitch as it stopped just before the lower wall of the pitch. The Pudmere seeker didn't and he slammed into the wall just seconds before the Chudley Cannon seeker gathered the Golden Snitch. There was a huge roar as Chudley won the match, especially Luna raising her arms in victory.

Chudley wins: Final, Chudley Cannons 220, Pudmere United 50.

Harry and Hermione stood cheering as the winning team did their victory lap around the Pitch. Harry saw Ron riding next to someone who was pointing into the stands. Harry was just glad to see his friend play. He smiled again at Hermione. He couldn't remember a day in his life when he'd laughed and smiled as much. At that thought, he started to reminisce about other fun days and realized that he probably wasn't exaggerating. The happy meter might have been pegged higher with his first Quidditch win where he caught the Golden Snitch or when he felt the elation of beating the Dragon in the Tri-wizard championship, but he'd never smiled or laughed more.

It seemed like they ran into everyone they knew as they filed out. It seemed to take forever to get out and down to the bottom. Once they got to the bottom, they saw Ron mumbling to himself and looking rather perplexed. Just fifteen feet away, Rita Skeeter was talking to Luna. “Tell me I didn't do what I just think I did,” said Ron as he crouched down holding his head.

“What?” asked Hermione. “What could you have done that would make you look like you'd just ate slugs again?”

Ron explained that during the match one of his teammates kept asking him who that was organizing his cheer. Ron had simply told him her name. Well, since Quidditch matches allow players to fly just about anywhere while time is out to set the new Quaffle, his teammate Mark Addison, kept flying up toward Luna. Harry remembered seeing the guy. Ron just kept shaking his head.

“I swear, Harry, he kept asking me these questions about her. And, then one time he said, `are you friends with her?'” he asked. “I said yes, and pretty close ones at that.” Well, he flew off and we finished the game. Just five minutes ago, he came to me in the runway to the locker room, just over there.” Ron pointed to a spot where the players were right in front of the reporters, “and, then he asked me if I minded if he asked her out. Well, I looked at her standing over there and saw her smile at me and I melted. Maybe it was fatigue from the game. Or maybe, she gave me some love potion or something, but I don't know what happened. I just said yes I minded because she was sort of my girlfriend. I didn't want him to bother her or me anymore. Well, guess who heard that? Then to make matters worse, he goes, `Sort of doesn't sound like you have any right to tell me I can't ask her out,'” When he said that, I lost my mind I walked over to her and kissed her.” He stood there with goofy expression that cracked Harry up. “What did I do Harry?”

Hermione and Harry were laughing so hard that Hermione was hugging Harry with the tears running down her face. Especially, when Harry leaned to Ron and said, “I think you got yourself a girlfriend and if you don't want her version of things in the paper, I'd get over there.”

The look on Ron's face was priceless. He looked at them and said, “You don't think…nah….she wouldn't? Oh, Jesus, her Dad owns the Quibbler she might…” Ron walked quickly toward her trying to put a smile on his worried face. That just made Harry laugh as hard as Hermione.

Ginny came up and asked what was wrong not noticing Ron and Luna with Rita Skeeter. “Are you two okay?”

Harry couldn't breathe, but each time he caught his breath he told Ginny a little more. She stood there silently for a minute or so and started giggling too. She laughed but not as hard as they did. “Well, I'll be,” she said.

“You'll be what?” asked Hermione.

“I don't know, but I watched Ron look at her today. And, I got that same feeling from him, I used to get when he looked at you, Hermione. She caught his eye this weekend. He asked me earlier if she seemed different. I told him definitely, but she was still a little off the wall and he said, `And, pretty too.' That was before the final little dare that Harry gave her. I though Ron handled it pretty good.”

That just put Harry and Hermione over the top. Hermione said, “I waited for three years for him to say something, he sees her for twenty-four hours and he almost proposes to her because someone else showed interest in her. You think he learned a lesson all those years ago.”

“Well, I wouldn't be laughing too hard at him. You two look pretty cozy yourselves,” she smiled and winked heading in the general direction of Luna, Ron and Rita. “Be careful, you two, the love bug is in the air.”

Harry looked at Hermione who seemed to relax her grip a little. “Nah, she's just seeing things, right Harry?” She said a moment or two later as she and Harry stood smiling, holding hands, avoiding comment.

They walked talking about how life just never slowed down for anyone. The people filed by them taking no notice. Or at least for the moment, the fame and all the annoyances that came with it, disappeared. “Harry, truthfully, what do you want to be doing ten years from now?”

Harry walked slowly, thinking. “I don't know Hermione. I know I want to start a family by then, but anything else is just too hard to imagine. I can't imagine fading away and living a normal life. What about you?”

“I can see that in you, Harry. You'd be a good father. Me, ten years, yeah. Maybe sooner. You see, in my profession, one day there will be someone prettier or with a better story. Maybe she will have a better agent. I don't really know or care which one it is, but once I'm done with this I'm going to get on with my life.”

“What stops you now?” asked Harry.

“Fame is a drug, Harry. You know it as well as I do. Look at how well Ron handled that little boy and the family today. He was the star. He wasn't the Ron Weasley, youngest son of a poor wizard family of nine. He was Ron Weasley, Quidditch star, although he's remained very genuine and I'm glad. When we broke up he was pretty wild. You remember. He was pretty full of himself.”

“Yeah, he thought the money and fame would make all the difference in the world. I remember when he brought home the first girl he'd met in London. She was shallower than a bird bath. She was all over him too. While I don't know and never asked I'm sure he learned a thing or two about sex from her.” Harry said.

“Tell me about it. I felt…well, you remember. I wasn't shy about dating, snogging or playing around, but sex was something for marriage to me then and is now,” said Hermione. My parents were that way and I grew up with that belief.”

He sort of held the same belief, but wasn't sure he'd stick to it in the heat of the moment. Harry listened as she told him some of the same old stories he'd heard before about Ron wanting fool around and her refusals. He'd told her that she didn't need to worry. He'd take care of her. Hermione had plans then and worried that Ron didn't really understand the picture. “You know, I've never regretted my decisions those days. Even Henri had a hard time respecting that aspect of my life. I'm no prude, Harry.” She winked. “But certain aspects of sex are not negotiable until marriage.” Harry laughed.

“Of course, you're referring to kissing and such, right?” teased Harry.

“Yeah, kissing is definitely a part I enjoy,” said Hermione. “Sex isn't just about doing it. But to most guys it is.”

They stopped again along the trail and held each other. Softly exploring a strange place neither had been in many, many months and maybe years. “This is nice, Harry. It's difficult though, isn't it?”

Harry knew she meant that they hugged and taking it too a kiss was the next logical step. “What's happening between us this weekend, Hermione? I don't want to speak for you, but something nice is going on between us and I know I'm as happy as I've ever been.”

Hermione laughed nervously. “Yeah, we can't seem to do anything about it though.”

Harry looked at her and realized she was kidding. “Can I kiss you?” She nodded.

It was brief, sweet and passionate. Hermione just hugged Harry and said, “I waited all night for that and it was worth the wait.” Soon they began walking again.

They laughed as they reached the Hogwarts station. They'd walked right past the Main Entrance Hall, deep in conversation. No one but them existed.

“We should get back,” said Hermione. “Let's spend the day in the country, Harry-- another day where everything folds into peace and quiet.” Harry nodded.

Once back in the castle, they said good night with a very brief almost cautious kiss. “Don't want to have the whole world making it a big deal, do we?” asked Hermione.

Harry understood, but part of him wanted to declare their connection on the mountain top. He went to his room wondering if this was love or just something like it. He felt a little sad that maybe it was just unfinished business that would be finished soon. Either way, he looked in the mirror and saw that even at 21 his face had become drawn until today. He was looser and more satisfied. He laughed at the thought that maybe a good It didn't take long and he was asleep.

“Good morning, sleepy head,” said a soft voice when Harry awoke. Hermione was sitting in the only chair in the room.

“How did you get in?” he said faking embarrassment.

“I'm a witch, with a `w', remember?” she smiled. “I was about to conjure a bear or something worse to scare you awake if you slept much longer.”

“What time is it?” he wondered.

“It's time for you to get up, that's what time it is,” said Hermione firmly. She pulled the blanket off and saw Harry scrambling for the top sheet to cover himself below the waist. Hermione looked at Harry as he turned red and pulled the top sheet off the bed covering himself.

“Yeah, Hermione, we guys wake up with our share of problems too,” he said as he ran to the loo while Hermione laughed. She was pretty embarrassed.

“What was that all about?” said Hermione. “That couldn't have been because I was here.”

Harry dropped his head and eyes laughing. “No, that happens when you go all night without going to the loo.” He knew he'd have a chuckle at that a few times today because her surprise and naïveté were so genuine. “I'm sorry. I don't mean to embarrass you.”

“I've read in medical books about it at St. Mungo's you just don't…well…”she shook her head, “not another word about it. I just didn't think.” She giggled.

“It's 9:30 AM, Harry. I thought we'd get our stuff and get a good head start. My flight leaves at 7:00 from Heathrow.” She said.

“What's with the airplanes?” asked Harry.

“Well, I'm going to from London to New York. It's hard to explain the arrival of your next cover girl when she just pops in from out of the blue. Muggles like to wine and dine you. I'm going to New York to meet with the people at Vogue and, I think I mentioned, Elle. My publicist and agent already had the itinerary before I came here.”

Harry was amazed at the ease she displayed talking about stuff he had no clue about. It wasn't a new experience, since she'd explain the classes they attended with the same effect during most of their Hogwarts careers. The difference was it was the same world, the magical world. Now she was in the muggle world again.

“Let's get moving sleepy head,” she said. “There are already a few people in the queue for the carriages. Unless you want to carry my bags, we'll take the carriage too.”

“I can take them he said as he came out. He pulled his single little bag out and put his things carefully inside. Once done with that he looked at Hermione and said, “We were here for two days, how much could we have?” Hermione giggled.

He looked at her strangely. “Seriously, how much could you have?” he asked.

When she opened the door to her room and saw five bags, his jaw dropped. “Harry, I've just come from Geneva, Switzerland, stayed here for two days, and I'm flying to New York. I couldn't figure out what I wanted with me so I brought it all.” Harry could do nothing but laugh. He loved it. She was a glamorous model who had become used to the lifestyle.

He smiled as she took her wand and said, “Wingardium Leviosa.” They slowly rose and floated as Hermione took them down the hall. “It's slow going so I don't want to walk all the way. As it is, I have to Apparate back and forth at least three times to get everything.”

As they got to the huge doors and realized everyone was gone that had been there before, one carriage came back down the road. In that short little time while they waited for it, Harry thought about how she was as cute as the day he'd met her. He didn't know it then, but he saw that same spunky essence in her still. He leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Forget all this beauty stuff; you're still as cute as that girl we met ten years ago. You know what I mean?” He felt bad when the suitcases came crashing down and couldn't figure out why. Then he figured it out. She'd lost her concentration and her eyes had welled up with tears.

“That's the sweetest thing you've said yet,” she tried hard to regroup as she gave Harry a brief hug and just as the thestrals came to a stop with the carriage she'd managed.

They sat across from each other with the bags packed at their feet. “What do you have in there? Fifteen pairs of combat boots?” he teased.

“No, my knife and cleaver set for chopping up fresh wizards,” she joked back. “I'm about to make wizard stew out of you if you don't quit teasing me.”

“Ah, so there is a cauldron in there,” he replied.

“Harry, stop it. Don't make me sorry for asking you to spend the day with me,” she shivered with a slightly annoyed look. “Just be that sweet guy you were yesterday and the day before, okay?”

“I'm sorry, Hermione. Am I really being a pain?” he said seriously.

She ignored him for a minute or two. She had a grumpy look on her face. “Seriously, sweetie, I didn't mean to be an idiot.” He really felt bad now and kept trying to get her to talk to him when finally he noticed an impish grin start to surface. “Have you been taking the mickey out of me?”

“Are my acting classes paying off?” she asked as he crossed the little gap between them and gave him a peck on the cheek. “I'm sorry if you really thought I was mad.” She laughed. “You're cute when you're worried.”

Harry was relieved and showed it with a deep sigh. “Yeah, I'll say. What's up with the acting classes?” They were almost there.

“When I first started I had three expressions: scared, happy and sad,” she explained. The acting classes help me to find the attitude to be sultry when you have a cold or wish you were somewhere else. “It's hard to look sexily into a camera with a cameraman who is twenty stone and has what the Americans call, `plumbers butt'. That may be exaggerating a bit, but sometimes you find it really a turn off. You have to act on those days.”

Harry laughed at the picture of a huge man with his pants coming down in back. He knew what she meant. They both laughed. The carriage stopped at the station. The train was there and for a second they discussed getting on it and just snuggling in a car, but they knew someone would come along and bother them. “Does that happen often? I mean where the photographers are creepy?”

“Yeah, a lot more than you'd think. But they're usually not that kind of creepy, they're more smarmy and kind slick. You feel like they're trying to look through your clothes at you. The `plumber butt types' are usually the only photographer for some weekly newspaper in the country or some entertainment guy who was just sent to cover the story.

“Well, shall we? We're going to Apparate, right?” asked Hermione.

“Sure, how do you want to do it?” asked Harry.

“Why don't you stay here with the rest of the bags? I'll pop back and forth and then I'll take your arm. That way we end up in the same place and not a block apart. You don't know the area and the best concentration in the world won't help in that case,” she said.

Once on the street beside the tracks, Hermione grabbed two bags and disappeared. A moment later, she was back again. She repeated the procedure one more time. Finally it was just her and him. They ended up standing next to a light grey Nissan Pathfinder. He was amazed because she'd already put the bags in the car.

“I first bought a little car, but I couldn't see with all the bags in the back, so I got this one,” said Hermione. “Do you like it?”

Harry hadn't been this close to a parked car in ages. He stood on street corners as they passed by and maybe he stood in a parking lot or two. But he hadn't had a chance to look inside one in a long time. “Yeah, I like it.”

“Well, shall we?” asked Hermione.

“Sure,” said Harry as he climbed into the comfortable passenger seat. Then a thought hit him. “We didn't say good-bye to anyone, Hermione.”

Hermione looked at him with a touch of sadness too. “Should we pop back there real quickly? Everything will be here in the car.” She thought for a second. “Yes, we should go back. I want to know how Ron and Luna turned out.” Her face broke into a wide smile as did Harry's.

They locked arms and Apparated to Hogsmeade Station. The platform was empty and the train was gone. “Well, if they're still here we'll be glad we made the effort. If not, at least we made the effort.”

They found Ron and Luna sitting quietly on the benches in the courtyard. Harry had a strange feeling that things were a little somber. He looked at Hermione for guidance. Hermione approached them eagerly. “Hi, Luna. Hi, Ron. Did you get that Skeeter woman straightened out?”

They both cheered up at the sight of Harry and Hermione. But shortly after the hugs and congratulations, Ron shook his head. Luna showed them why. Rita had written and article about the wedding and it made the front page. “Yeah, read that part, Hermione. I keep telling Ron it's not that bad.”

“As far as the celebrity attendance angle of the weekend went, it was rather tame. This reporter expected the hormones and bed sheets to be flying amongst the beloved trio. After three years of being apart it first appeared that the drunken frolicking the first night would lead to juicy news by today. However, Miss Granger and Mr. Potter looked more like very good friends getting reacquainted. We'll have to check back in on that story. The real story came as Ronald Weasley threatened one of his teammates if he were to approach his new girlfriend, Luna Lovegood, the daughter of Quibbler owner Prentiss Hall Lovegood. While no blows were delivered, Miss Lovegood told this reporter that she and Mr. Weasley were engaged to be married, but no date has been set.”

“Now, the whole world thinks I'm getting married,” said Ron.

“Well, Ron, I did catch the bouquet,” said Luna. “So, I'm next to be married. And you were telling people we were going together without asking me, so I did the same.”

Ron looked at her and shook his head with a smile. “You and I are going to have to work on our communications skills.” He hugged her. “So, where have you guys been? Some of the guys said you guys left here in a hurry this morning.”

“We got all the way back to London with everything packed in the car, when we decided that we really wanted to see how you guys were and say good bye to everyone. But we do have to hurry,” said Hermione.

“It's getting on toward lunch and I thought I saw Neville, Seamus and some of the others near the Great Hall a little while ago,” said Ron. “Ginny's in my parents room and so is Bill and Fleur.”

“Oh, great,” said Harry. “I don't remember saying much to Fleur and Bill. It'll be nice to just say `Hi.' Let's go Hermione.” Hermione hugged Ron and Luna wishing them good luck.

“They're taking it in stride I think,” said Hermione. “Luna's a little strange, but she's not stupid. She'll take her time and make sure things are right before getting too involved.”

“Yeah, I think Ron will too. You have to admit that was one of the funniest things I've ever seen--the picture of Luna talking to Rita and Ron fretting with us. I'm not sure the Daily Prophet articles are over though, either.” Harry warned.

“Well, let's hope for all our sakes she's not been snooping too much,” said Hermione. They were just a door away from the elder Weasley's room. “Go ahead, knock Harry.”

Harry knocked. And, the door opened almost immediately to Bill still talking to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and greeting them in the same breath. “Mom, I'm sure things will be fine. Ah, Hermione and Harry, how nice to see you,” said Bill. There were hugs all around and knowing smirk from Ginny. They spent ten minutes talking about their careers and another ten about the article in the paper this morning. The discussion focused on whether Luna was going to be a continual pain or not, but in the end it was Fleur who summed it up best in her thick French accent, “Well, you didn't like me at first either, but I grew on you. If she truly loves Ron, it will be okay, yes?”

No one could disagree. Hermione made her apologies for having to leave and Harry said he was spending the day with Hermione. So they said their good-byes. Both Harry and Hermione left addresses and phone numbers where they could be reached. Harry said that he only checks messages once in a while because no one ever calls. They all laughed. “So, send an owl. Ginny, do you still have Hedwig?”

“Yes, I do. It's still the most wonderful present I ever got from you,” she said. “I'll send her with a letter soon, so you can see her.”

“That would be nice,” said Harry. He waved as everyone said good-bye at once.

Ginny followed them into the corridor. “Don't do anything I wouldn't do,” said Ginny with a wink. “You guys should just go for a good boink, it would straighten you out.” She smiled and laughed. “I'm sorry that's crass. I'm really sorry.” She hugged Harry and Hermione.

“You are just one little trash talking witch, aren't you?” teased Harry.

“Guys, I love you both. You know that don't you. I'm pulling for you,” she said.

“Pulling for us?” asked Hermione with a wink.

“Don't think I don't see something special between you guys. You guys look good together. Don't give up just because the circumstances are difficult,” she said as they walked away. “I'm serious.”

Harry waved and Hermione took Harry's hand.

“She's right, you know,” said Harry.

-->

Chapter 4—Elevated Risk

Few things to Harry seemed as foreign as getting into an automobile driven by his best friend Hermione Granger. But standing in the car park at Heathrow, he was about to go into uncharted territory.

“Okay, Captain Granger, please tell me I'm in safe hands,” said Harry teasingly.

“Have I ever steered you wrong before Harry?” she asked.

He knew that if he'd gotten into a flying car with Ron at 12 years old, he was probably in good hands today. “Okay, Okay. So you've never steered me wrong before. But considering we've never been in a position where steering was required….,” Harry smiled.

“Oh, shut up, Harry. Jeez. Do you want to see my house?” she asked.

“Your house?” he replied.

“No, you're right. I meant where I grew up. My Mum and Dad are on holiday in Scotland. There was some dentists' convention in Glasgow,” she explained.

“Hey, that sounds okay. It's too bad your parents aren't there so I could see them again,” said Harry.

Hermione smiled broadly. “I'm hoping you feel that way when I come home in September, because that's where I'll stay during my visit on my birthday.”

“Most definitely, I think it will be cool,” said Harry.

“Yeah, I do too,” replied Hermione as she navigated the exit to the car park.

“So, how do you like driving? I have to say I'm surprised since you didn't like flying a broom and traffic here is 200 times more dangerous,” asked Harry as he looked at the prism-like ornament hanging from the rearview mirror.

“I grew up watching both of my parents drive. It makes more sense to the muggle portion of my brain, I guess,” she said shrugging as she jockeyed through the late-Sunday morning London traffic.

“What's your favorite memory from school, Hermione?” he asked with a titter.

“I know you don't want me to answer with an academic achievement, right?” she said sarcastically. “I'll bet you have never heard me go three straight days before without mentioning OWLs, NEWTs, or just plain homework, have you?” she said.

“No, that's a pretty easy bet,” said Harry growing slightly impatient with her delay tactics. “Are you trying to think or avoid the question?”

“Both, if I can get by with it,” she smiled. “If you want me daydreaming over the past ten years of my life to give you an answer then you might want to say a prayer or two for my driving.”

They laughed and Harry sat patiently waiting until traffic had subsided a bit. “Well?”

“Oh, you are a rat, Harry. My favorite memory had to be going to the Yule Ball with Viktor Krum,” she said. “Yeah, that's it, most definitely.”

“Really?” said Harry dragging the word out in true surprise.

“Sure, it was the first time in my life I had experienced anything like real romance. Okay, I was 15 but most of the other emotions I'd felt were more like crushes compared to Viktor's affections. He was brutally physical by nature but very soothing and tender with me,” she recalled. “I mean I knew it was temporary and I had no real intentions of going very far with it because of where he would eventually go and where I would remain. But for a few brief months, he was quite captivating.”

“I think I would have put together a list of fifty things and I don't think I would have included that in my list,” said Harry.

“Yeah, well if I were to write Viktor and ask him who he thought I'd end up with he'd have listed you first. He was really jealous when he left,” she said.

“Because of something I did?” said Harry.

“No, I think it was just the way we were together,” said Hermione.

Harry shook his head and looked out the windows. The sparser the traffic and the fewer the big buildings, the more beautiful the countryside became. Oxford wasn't that far from London but was more reserved and stately. He kept trying to understand how he could be such good friends with Hermione that they kissed and held hands yet couldn't talk about where they were going as a couple. They were just a more mature version of the way they were 6 years ago then.

“Ah, there's my grammar school, Harry. I went there before Hogwarts.” Hermione pointed out all the changes since last year as Harry smiled patiently. He could care less, since he'd never seen the place before. He was still wrapped up in the thought of them together.

Hermione pulled into the driveway of a very nice estate home that had a small fence around beautiful garden and a circle drive at the front door. Her parents were doing well. Harry had looked around the neighborhoods and realized that Oxford was a very well-to-do city in this part of town. She parked and pulled out her keys. Harry laughed silently as she scrambled to find the right one. He thought she must be living in the muggle part of her brain right now, because one “Ahalomora” and the door would have opened.

She was excited as she showed Harry around the thousand square meter home and grounds. It was hard for Harry to imagine her working to keep her parents from struggling, yet he was sure she wasn't exaggerating.

“Sit Harry. Do you want something to drink?” she asked from the kitchen. “I have orange juice, pineapple juice, water or I can make some tea. Which will it be?”

Harry sat in at the beautiful cherry dining table admiring the intricate veneers used to cover the legs and facings under the edge of the table. The captain's chair he sat in was so comfortable he wasn't sure he would move anytime soon. “I'd like tea, Hermione.”

“So what do you think?” she asked as she put the pot on the stove to heat the water.

“I can't believe you are modeling because your parents need the money,” said Harry.

“At first glance it seems silly, doesn't it? But after my first year in University here, my father had a stroke and his father had a heart attack within a week of each other. The hospital and medical bills made things very difficult not to mention the lost income. They're not hurting Harry, but it proved their vulnerability and I don't want my father stressed to ensure a retirement.” She explained. “See the pictures there. That's him when he was out of work.”

Harry noticed an odd look on Mr. Granger's face. He realized it must have been partial paralysis. “So, he was paralyzed for some time?”

“Yes, he couldn't move his left arm and they weren't sure he'd be normal. He's made a full recovery, but diet and exercise are more important than ever now.” She was bringing in a formal tea setting with cream and sugar. She never ceased to amaze Harry.

“Hermione, this is wonderful, by the way and thank you. But something has bothered me since we left Ginny today. “Why did she say she's pulling for us?”

“Harry, it's just an expression. She means good luck,” said Hermione dismissively.

“What's going on between us Hermione?” asked Harry. “I mean we're acting like our relationship is starting in the middle.”

“That's an interesting way of putting it, Harry. But I don't understand what you mean?” replied Hermione.

“We hold hands, kiss each other, exchange looks that tell a thousand words, but those words are never spoken. It's like we're in avoidance mode,” said Harry. “Ginny said something too last night and we avoided comment.”

Harry could see Hermione knew exactly what he was talking about and didn't know how to answer. Harry knew that if he were her he wouldn't know how to answer. Hermione put her hand in his as it rested on his knee.

“Harry, we are what we are, right now. Are you going to make a big deal about whether we are together or not? No, I would say not. And, the reason is that we are together. The feelings of love are mutual, but we're holding back,” said Hermione. “Tell me you aren't holding back. I confess that I am.”

“Why, Hermione? Why are we so happy to be just giving so much and yet not everything? It was the same when we parted three years ago.” Harry said realizing it was true.

Hermione's eyes flickered for a second on hearing that. Harry couldn't tell whether that was good or bad. “How did you feel when Ginny finally said you were right? I mean you told her that you loved her but that she wasn't in love with you the same way. I remember that if you hadn't just finished the horrible business with Lord Voldemort within weeks of that, you might not have had the strength to go on.”

Harry's heart grew heavy. He remembered those moments maybe for the first time in years as though they had just happened. “So what's the point?” He had been so sad he couldn't function for days.

“Do you trust that I love you?” said Hermione. “I'm speaking from the same experience with Ron. You know that. I'm still afraid to have someone make a decision in their life and assume it will change mine automatically.”

Harry sipped his tea. “I must trust you; I'm still here and not back at Hogwarts.”

“Harry our friendship was the only solid thing we could count on. It was the relationship that wasn't a relationship that kept us going. We could touch one another with no fear. The trust was absolute, but we hadn't committed. You can't break up, if you are never together.” She smiled through her tears.

Harry didn't want to hear anymore. He hated that what he'd feared waking up Saturday was true. It was the same connection, different year. “So, when you leave tomorrow we are on the same, see ya when I see ya list that we've been on for the last three?” asked Harry.

“Harry, do you want to get married by Christmas? Do you want to have children by next summer? Do you want the excitement of being with lovely girls that you know don't require commitment to be a thing of the past?” asked Hermione. “Answer seriously. I know it's hard, because if I were asked the same question my answer would be yes too, if it were for what we have right now. But I have no guarantees that I'd be giving it up for what we have right now.”

“So, we don't trust one another with our hearts is what you're saying. Or, you're saying you don't trust me with yours, is that more accurate?” asked Harry. He could feel the tension, but they weren't arguing. They were negotiating. He gave a half-hearted laugh and immediately realized he'd have to explain what that was.”

“So, what's with the snicker?” said Hermione intensely but not yelling.

“I'm sorry, Hermione, I had a thought that we weren't really arguing. I laughed when I thought that it was more like intense negotiation. Truly. It seemed funny.” He actually laughed out loud now that he said it aloud. So did Hermione.

“Harry, other than my parents, I don't love anyone more than you. I don't admire anyone more than you. I don't value anyone more than you. So, I can't afford to lose anyone less than I can afford to lose you.” She put her hand to Harry's face. “Let's not try to go from `I wonder how he's doing?' to `Should we spend the rest of our lives together?' in one weekend. I'm horrible at love and I need to get better so we don't scare each other away.”

“Harry, I have plenty of time to feel horrible but I only have a few hours to feel wonderful. When I'm with you I feel wonderful. By seven-thirty tonight, my eyes will feel like I threw sand in them and burned them with a butane-lighter. Let's have fun today. I love being with you so very much. Let's not talk about this.”

Harry realized that maybe Ginny knew far more than he did. Something didn't make sense for him, but Hermione had asked him in such a sweet way to let it go. How could he refuse her?

“Sure, I'm just going to make you do something for me right now so that I don't have to beg later. I want phone numbers. I'm sure you have a cell in the States or a single point of contact. I want a mailing address or an email address. If I have to go find someone to teach me about computers I will. What I'm saying Hermione is that we can't give up. There is a life for us somewhere out there,” he stood and took her hands pulling her up. “We'll find it,” he said choking up slightly but clearing his throat. “Is that a deal or what?” He hugged her.

They spent the next fifteen minutes going through numbers and schedules. He wasn't going to let weeks or if he could help it, a single week go by without keeping in touch. He didn't know whether or not his insistence on doing these things right now was helping, but he could sense a Hermione loosening up a little.

The rest of the day was picture perfect. Harry told her that they needed to find a garden somewhere which after a little searching they found a garden at the edge of a public park. The sign said, “Do not pick flowers.” But Harry was determined so he simply dug one up and covered the hole with dirt and put it in the Styrofoam cup from Hermione's car. “See, I didn't pick the flowers.” He smiled.

“So what's for dinner? We have just a couple more hours,” said Harry. As soon as he'd said that he wished he could have the words back. But Hermione didn't seem to be bothered.

“We have time,” she said.

Harry was confused they were easily an hour away from Heathrow and it was 4 PM. She had to be in the terminal for an international flight by at least 5:30 PM. “What do you mean, you have time? You can't be late for those international flights can you?”

“You can if the arrangements have been changed,” said Hermione as she held up the cell phone she'd kept hidden from him all day. “While you were digging up a flower for me, I realized I wasn't ready to leave you yet—especially if you went to jail,” she giggled. “So I called my publicist Julie and told her I'd had trouble in Oxford and wouldn't make today's flight.”

“Trouble?” said Harry.

Harry couldn't believe how slow he was to catch on. She had held that flower up no less than three times to smell it. Quietly, she was letting the tears flow. She pulled the car over to the side of the road and onto the gravel shoulder. “Yes, I'm having trouble leaving the man I love when I just found him again. And, I can't make him go away. He's says he's staying no matter what I say anyway. And, that's really all I ever needed to know. Then he picked this flower for me and…well, he's nothing but trouble…”

Harry never felt so awkward in his life as he did then trying to hug Hermione in the front bucket seats of the SUV. He felt foolish because he was choked up and couldn't talk. “Hermione, we have to do what we have to do. We just have to find the best way to do them together.”

It took them almost a half an hour to find a hotel. Finally, Harry asked someone where the most elegant hotel in the area was and they were directed to the Oxford Thames Four Pillars. They took a suite which offered two rooms one of which had a hideaway bed. He would take that if she felt uncomfortable sleeping with him.

“Hermione, sleeping with me doesn't mean giving in. Husbands and wives sleep together all the time without…” Harry stopped short realizing he was making her decisions for her.

“Don't worry, Harry. I'm going to allow myself to be in love tonight and we'll see where that takes us,” said Hermione.

Harry found his clothes in his bag from Friday night were still fresh enough that with a swipe of his wand no wrinkles, no odors. He suggested that they dress for dinner as though it were a special occasion. She smiled and agreed. They needed to make this the start of something new and wonderful.

Harry was unprepared to make the commitment to someone just three days ago, but their conversation made him realize that he'd better decide now. If they left things as they'd always been he was fearful they would never change. He knew now, what he was afraid to admit. Hermione Granger was the love he'd waited for. He laughed as he pulled the gold tie to overlap so that he could make the Windsor knot. He was excited and nervous. This was not Hermione, high school chum that he was meeting, he kept telling himself.

He looked at his shoes and realized he hadn't cared about polished shoes in weeks. He called the front desk and they sent up some shoe polish. He ordered two toothbrushes too, just in case. He smiled deviously.

He called to Hermione who was dressing in the bedroom while he dressed in the sitting room. “Are you ready?”

Hermione giggled. “I thought you went to sleep or something. I've been ready for fifteen minutes.”

“Liar,” he teased. “Will you be ready soon?”

“Yes, Harry, I'm finishing now.”

Harry wondered if she'd taken him seriously about dressing for dinner. Would he even know? She was so beautiful she could show up in a burlap potato sack and make it look like an evening gown—at least in his eyes. He just wanted to stop this talk of being only friends. Yet he wondered how to proceed if they got romantic. He knew he would be excited beyond anything he'd experienced so far. He decided to be a little more passive if he could. He hoped he could. He trusted her to do only what made her comfortable.

He heard the door knob turning and the creak of the door. When he saw her as she opened the door his heart leapt with joy and love. In the two hours they'd taken to get ready, she had put her hair up with tendrils framing her beautiful face. Her off-the-shoulder dress flowed displaying her soft white skin. It was elegant and soft rose color in her cheeks offset her gorgeous brown eyes. “You look wonderful, Hermione, simply wonderful.” He hoped he wasn't trying to hard, but he wanted to be charming.

They arrived at 6:30 for their 6:45 reservation and waited in the attached piano bar as other patrons clearly took notice of them as they stood giggling about how nervous they were. “Harry, I haven't dressed for a date in at least a year and the time before that was the Yule Ball.” Harry didn't know whether to believe that or not at first and then realized that she had no reason to exaggerate. He swelled with pride that she felt so good about doing it for him.

“How did you get ready so fast?” he asked since he'd had trouble with things like polished shoes.

“You change clothes fast on the runways, Harry. And, you learn tricks for your hair out of sheer necessity,” she smiled as an older gentleman and lady nodded their approval to them.

“Amazing,” said Harry. “I just took the wan…iron and made a few adjustments,” catching himself in public talking about wands. Hermione giggled too.

“Yeah, an iron can be just as good as a wand,” she whispered.

Only five minutes later, their table was ready. Harry held her chair for her and slid her in gently taking the seat across from her. “Sir, may I get you something to drink?”

“Harry, it would be nice to see the wine list, wouldn't you agree?” suggested Hermione.

“Yes, that's a very good idea,” said Harry to the maitre d'.

“If the lady and gentleman please, may I suggest a California Pinot Noir? It is a light red wine and very flavorful,” offered the maitre d'. “Of course, I would be pleased to share the list with you.”

“Your suggestion would be fine, sir. We are new at this,” smiled Harry. He felt comfortable enough with Hermione to just go with the flow on that one.

“Isn't this hotel just beautiful,” beamed Hermione.

“I was looking through the hotel guide and the pictures of the heated pool are gorgeous,” said Hermione. “We could go there for a late night swim.”

“When do you have to be in New York?” said Hermione.

“Tonight. That is just not important at this point. I can go Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday. Or, I could just offer to fly their executives here. It's my life and I want you in it. You and I will decide when I go, not just me. And, certainly, they have no say.”

“When and how…” Harry started to question her.

“If you're going to interrogate me do it with kisses and find out where I like to be kissed most, but don't ask about the job. That's all it is; it's a job. I have to be confident that they will understand.” She said convincingly.

“I promise, but just answer one question. Why the change of heart all of a sudden?” said Harry.

“Harry, I hope you don't think it's a change of heart. You've always had my heart. I changed my mind about accepting the consequences of losing you. I want to be with the man I love before I screw it up,” she said smiling.

Harry knew that was one of those moments where a comment was totally unnecessary. She had struggled to come to this conclusion and to say anything either way other than how he felt about her would seem to disrespect the difficulty of her decision. “I love you with all my heart too.” He said.

Hermione and he joined hands briefly over the table as Harry asked, “Are your parents due back tonight from Scotland?”

“Yes, why do you ask?” Hermione took as sip of water as she spoke.

Harry wasn't quite sure why he'd asked that question except for reasons of small talk, but he might as well make it a useful one, “Well, if we remain in Oxford for the day tomorrow, I thought taking them to dinner might be nice.”

“That would be nice, but they will likely be tired of restaurants after the convention and would welcome a night at home. I'll call and ask later,” she said receptively.

Harry perused the menu. There was quite a large selection of entrées from quite a few different ethnic cooking styles. He smiled at the personal pan pizza and spaghetti selections that he might have had were they not dressed up and making this a formal night out. “Hermione, all these Italian food dishes confuse me. The only ones I know are spaghetti and pizza,” he shared his ideas with her.

“Harry, you will be surprised how elegant a restaurant like this can make those. If that's what makes you happy, then order one of those. I'm thinking of something as simple as the herb chicken,” she smiled in return.

He looked at the menu for a moment more and decided that she was right. Spaghetti with some sort of red wine sauce and meat would be nice. “Good idea, Hermione. Just keep it simple.”

“Isn't that what makes you and I special together? It is simplicity and openness that allows us to be ourselves,” she revealed.

Harry reveled in Hermione's grasp of the world and people. It was different to analyze her own life, but once she had, she knew what and who she wanted and why. She was truly remarkable. “I guess I just need to listen to you more. My life wouldn't be so complicated.”

Hermione looked a little embarrassed. “So, I figured out one thing in my life in 22 years. Now the real work begins,” she giggled. Harry liked that she was happy and laughing. There were obstacles ahead concerning careers and family.

Once they had ordered, Hermione leaned across to him and said, “I'm going to go to my parents tomorrow to plant the flower, Harry. I think it's what they call a perennial. It won't die with the changing of the seasons. That way it can symbolize us—ever-growing, never wilting. There is something about not wanting to see it wilt.”

Harry had no idea what plants or flowers were perennials but it seemed to make sense since public gardens would be very expensive if the flowers and plants had to be replanted every year.

Harry's spaghetti and Hermione's chicken arrived at the table smelling absolutely delicious. Harry was impressed by the amount of spaghetti and garlic bread. He looked at Hermione's and saw that she was pleased too. The food was so delicious that it inspired talk of some of their favorite foods and places they'd been since the end of school. For Harry, this was fascinating. Hermione had been to so many places including exclusive French restaurants on the French Riviera. “So, now you know I've been almost no where,” said Harry. “Of all of them, what was your favorite?” He wanted to know because he was going to take her there again, just the two of them.

Hermione didn't blink or even delay a second, “Here, of course. Here with you is the most satisfied I've ever been.” She smiled. “I surprised you had to ask.”

Harry swelled with pride. Her answer had been so quick and so unrehearsed it made him feel alive. “You sure know how to make a guy feel like he's something special, Hermione.” He took her hand and kissed it. “This is a pretty good feeling I have going right now.”

A few more minutes brought their waiter and a discussion of dessert. “Sir, would we be able to order dessert later and have it brought to our suite?” asked Hermione.

“Madame, the restaurant is open until 11 PM, but food service from our Room Service menu is available 24 hours,” he replied.

“Thank you,” said Hermione. “Harry, let's wait for dessert. I get uncomfortable if I eat too much and I would like to go to the pool without feeling stuffed.”

Harry smiled and agreed. “Thank you, could you please put everything on our hotel bill?”

“Certainly, Sir. Is there anything else I might get you?” asked the waiter.

Harry motioned for him to come closer. He knew it was rude to whisper in front of Hermione, but he had to find out something. “We chose to stay at a hotel at the last moment, is there anywhere I might get some swimming trunks? I know you're not the exact person to ask.”

The waiter didn't whisper but said, “I'll find out for you Sir. Will you be in your room?”

“Why, yes, we should be there in just a few minutes,” said Harry.

The waiter crossed to the Maitre`d who took the phone and made a call as he raised is eyebrows with a brief smile toward Harry. Harry wondered what was going through their heads as they stood by that phone. His bet as he looked a still surprised Hermione was that they were thinking how wonderful it would be for him to go to the pool with her. He smiled to himself thinking, “Eat your hearts out, mates.”

“Harry what was that all about?” she asked.

Harry would tell her. He hadn't whispered so much to hide it from her. It had been the people at the tables around them that he'd not wanted make a scene in front of in that setting. “I'll tell you in just a moment, Hermione.” He stood pushed in his chair. He pulled hers out and took her hand. They walked out toward the Lobby.

“Sir, yes, would you like that brought to your room?” said the waiter.

Harry was shocked that he'd gotten an answer so quickly. He realized that the waiter also had the check for him to sign. He'd forgotten. He put an extra 10 pounds as gratuity for the service. He hoped he wasn't over doing it or being cheap.

“Okay,” he said as Hermione started to ask again. “I don't have any swimming trunks with me. So I asked where I might get some. This hotel has brilliant service. I just didn't want the tables around us thinking I came unprepared.”

Hermione smiled as he closed in and whispered, “I wasn't too worried. I hadn't planned on wearing a bathing suit. And if it was too busy, we'd use our own Jacuzzi in the room.”

She kissed his cheek. “So what do you think of that?”

Harry's heart pumped like a kettledrum. Until that very moment, he'd only had mild flashes of true erotic excitement thinking of Hermione. This moment was exciting as it was uncomfortable. “Don't bite off more than you can chew?” he teased. “You heard Luna, I'm aggressive.”

They'd just arrived at the elevator as it opened. Harry pressed the button marked `Suites' and looked at Hermione who was pressing him to the wall. “That's what I'm hoping, because I'm scared to death,” she smiled. “Thank you for dinner. I love you, Harry. I'm not being forward. I'm sticking to my theory that we have to tell you what we want or we won't get it.” She smiled. Harry pressed stop on the elevator button and pulled her close.

Their proper behavior ceased. Their hands began exploring one another. Harry could hear Hermione's breathing pick up as he felt the softness of parts he'd never touched before. The whole interlude lasted maybe two minutes. “Harry, you know it's not happening here if it does.” He caught her words in his mouth as he kissed her again lowering her dress and patting her bum.

“This is criminal,” he said. “You could have killed me.” He laughed as he hit the `Start' button again and the `Suite' button.

Hermione looked at him breathlessly. “I'm thinking one place down and four to go,” she said. “Three rooms in the Suite and the pool. By that time you will be dead. Just because I'm a virgin doesn't mean I haven't fantasized.” She whispered.

She moved quickly down the hall with Harry in tow. “If you really want me, now you'll have to catch me.” She swiped the key card. Opened the door and was swooped off her feet by Harry and carried to the bedroom.

“You didn't make that too hard,” he said.

He looked at her and smiled. She said playfully, “I'm not sure of your choice of words there because I think it was as hard as it needs to be.” She kissed him again and giggled.

Just as Harry and Hermione got comfortable, there was a knock at the door. Harry looked at Hermione with a pained look. “Don't look at me. You ordered the swimming gear,” she giggled breathlessly.

Harry went to the door. Harry couldn't think of a more aggravating moment in his life. The messenger had a box and insisted that Harry check and make sure it was what he wanted. He was beside himself. All he could think of was Hermione's soft lips and the softness of her thighs. “Sir, is this what you ordered?”

“Yes, yes. Can we make this any quicker,” he pleaded.

“Just a moment, Sir,” said the messenger as he took out three or four hotel vouchers and sorted through them. Harry was not a violent person but the feeling of excitement was leaving him as this bumbling idiot was groping for a clue.

Harry grabbed them all. “Look, I'll sign them all. I'll pay for everyone's. Bill them all to me. I have somewhere to be,” he said frantically. He initialed each one and stuffed them into the messenger's arms and took the box. “Good evening, sorry for the rudeness, you just have no idea how bad the timing is.”

Harry closed the door and threw the box half-opened on the sofa and walked quickly to the bedroom removing his shirt and pulling at his socks. She was gone and the door to the bathroom was closed. Harry was absolutely devastated. He heard water running.

He called out, “Hermione, Sweetheart, I'm sorry. That stupid messenger….” He told the story. There was silence. He was imagining everything from Hermione being angry that she was making herself available and he didn't ignore the door. Or, that she'd had second thoughts. Or, worst she felt so guilty she was washing the smell of him off of her.

“Hermione, I'm sorry. Please don't be angry,” he pleaded. Time seemed to have dragged forever as his thoughts raced.

“Angry, who could be angry? Did you put on your little trunks? Are you coming?” she said with a giggle.

He pushed the door open and the steam rolled out. He heard the powerful jets of the Jacuzzi. The moment he'd never expected arrived in a flash as he saw Hermione wrapped in a towel with her beautiful dress lying at her feet. I'm ready for the Jacuzzi, she said as she smiled at Harry and dropped the towel. Harry couldn't breathe. Chills of anticipation and hunger grew as he looked at her kick her high heels off toward him. “Are you dead?” she teased.

“It's a definite possibility that I made need mouth-to-mouth resuscitation in about twenty seconds,” he said as he pulled his pants off as well as his shorts.

“Well, I can't do that very well if you're over there and I'm over here, now can I?” she smiled turned. He sighed as the beauty of her breasts gave way to the curvature of her gorgeous behind as she stepped into the Jacuzzi. He followed.

He didn't know why he was choked up as he touched her. The warmth of the water and their bodies filled him with a sense of fulfillment. He kissed her as they stood pressed together in love like they'd never imagined. “Harry, I love you.”

“Hermione, we don't have…” he said. “I love you too.”

Her finger went to his lips as she coiled around him.

-->

Chapter 5—Past and Present

Morning came and they each lie separately by only a hands width, but no contact. The sun was out casting the glow on the curtains. They lay looking the same way with Hermione looking at Harry. Harry turned over and found Hermione staring at him. She moved closer put her hand to his chest and kissed him. He moved closer and they carefully touched to create that soft sensual bond they had enjoyed the night before. “I love you, Hermione.” Harry said.

“I love you too,” replied Hermione.

They lay their holding each other silently for several minutes. Harry felt his eyes getting heavy again and soon he was asleep. Hermione smiled as she realized that he'd fallen asleep. It was a smile of satisfaction and understanding. She let him sleep exactly that way for nearly fifteen minutes before she moved. She carefully slid out of her side of the bed, kissed Harry on the forehead, and went to the loo.

Upon returning, Hermione pulled out a pen and her diary. She thoughtfully penned her feelings and thoughts of the past few days with last night's life-changing event the focal point. She read it to herself to see if it included everything. She added, “I sit here this morning unafraid of the consequences hoping that Harry truly understands how much I love him. He is adorable sleeping so soundly. I hope I never forget his tenderness in his first experience. He is truly wonderful.” She put her diary away and tried to hang up her five-hundred dollar dress that she so casually peeled off in the shower and Jacuzzi.

She walked out to the balcony with bottled water from the mini-bar and listened to the birds. The air was fresh and just beginning to show the humidity and heat that would follow. She went to her bag again and pulled out the cell phone.

“Hi, Mum, how was your trip?” she stood listening to the reply.

“Yes, Mum, I was supposed to leave for New York last night, but I had some business to attend to here,” said Hermione after which she listened again. This time her face turned to one of slight outrage.

“No, Mum, I'm not in trouble. Julie had no right to call you and worry you. I told her I had trouble because I wanted to be left alone,” explained Hermione.

“Mum, please make sure Dad knows I'm okay. I don't want him having more problems,” she said.

“I told Julie that because it's none of her business. But it is very much your business, in a manner of speaking. Do you remember Harry Potter?” asked Hermione.

“Yes, the boy that I always talked about when I was home. Yes, the one I was so disappointed didn't ask me to be his girlfriend before I went to University. Mum, did you record everything I ever said about him?” Hermione said with an uneasy laugh.

Hermione smiled as tears rolled down her face. “Well, he was my trouble Mum. He's loved me all along. We were just too close as friends to see the romance. I'm here in Oxford with him now. He wants to take you to dinner tonight.”

“Thursday is the soonest? You're sure? I have something to put in the garden though. He got me a flower and I don't want it to die. Will you be home this afternoon?” inquired Hermione.

“Oh, I see. Well, I'm not going to the States until I know for sure what I'm going to do long term,” she said. “So, unless Harry has some unbreakable engagements this week, Thursday it is.”

“Yes, we'll be careful on the road. I love you, Mum. Tell Dad I love him too,” said Hermione.

She closed her phone and sipped her water. Harry came to the French doors and saw Hermione standing there in her robe obscured from view from below by the branches of the tree under their suite. Harry had put on his sweatpants but was still shirtless. He walked up behind her and gently pulled her hair from her neck and kissed her. She took a deep breath as he wrapped his arms around her midriff just below her breasts his hand cupping one gently. “You know how beautiful you look out here,” said Harry.

“Will you say that again please. It sounded so wonderful,” she replied leaning back into him with softness of her bottom caressing him as she gave in to his touch. “How did you sleep?”

“Very well, but I wish you hadn't let me sleep. I feel like I missed something while you were awake,” he said as he also enjoyed the peaceful morning sun and breeze.

“I called my Mum and they aren't available for dinner until Thursday. Is that a problem?” asked Hermione.

Harry laughed softly. “The only way they'd miss me at work would be if you were a baron or baroness's daughter and had not returned until the next morning with her clothes torn from her body. They might bring me in and yell about not tearing the clothes.”

Hermione laughed. “Don't they realize how good you are at the rest of the job?”

“Other than petty vandalism, the worst cases are domestic disputes where transfiguration of one partner or the other has to be reversed, or in extreme cases a whacko holds hostages in jealous rage over an ex-girlfriend or spouse. The busiest area is the Accidental Magic Reversal Squad that goes mostly to muggle neighborhoods,” said Harry.

“I've learned a lot too since school. I never knew how many untrained wizards and witches there were in the world,” said Hermione. “It's scary to think that someone with no formal training and dark tendencies could get out of control.”

“I know, but that also is an area that requires years of experience. They hired me as a face for the Ministry,” said Harry disapprovingly. “I didn't know that at first and now it's starting to bother me.”

“What do you think of my career, Harry?” said Hermione. “Stop that I'm trying to have a conversation with you.” Harry softly ran his hand over her tummy to her hip and down her outer thigh. “Harry, please. I don't want to have to jump your bones and kick your arse again to get you to stop.”

They laughed. “Ooh, now there's a threat that scares me,” he teased.

Harry answered. “I only know what I've seen on TV. I don't watch much and quite honestly, I only think of the photo shoots. You reminded me of the runway shows when you talked about changing last night.” He said nibbling her earlobe and ever-so-lightly kissing her neck.

“Well, the best way to put it is that the more of those shows I do, the more I am requested to show the work of the top designers.” She paused and moaned unconsciously even though she was trying to ignore Harry's ministrations. “The shows are for buyers such as Niemann Marcus in the muggle world or the Hollywood and Fifth Avenue boutiques in Los Angeles and New York. They are what pay the bills,” she explained.

“Okay, I wondered why you would be gone for such long periods of time. If I get this right, you might be in New York one day or two days and then fly to Chicago. Then after that to somewhere completely different, maybe even in Europe or Asia,” said Harry resuming with a soft hand inside the robe.

“Not Asia yet, but you have the idea,” said Hermione. “That's why I said that it only takes one girl with a look that a lot of people like to put me out of work or the business. The great ones reinvent themselves. I will too, but it will be out of the business.”

“I think it sounds exciting when you aren't dealing with jerks and overly aggressive agents,” said Harry.

“Exactly, it's not bad from that perspective. The companies that sponsor me on any given tour pay for my lodging and give me a good stipend. Pay check, Harry. They call it that in the business,” she explained.

“I thought you said a good stiff end,” said Harry who had toned down but not stopped trying to get her to join him in bed.

“Harry, I think if the breeze were stronger you would have to take a cold shower if you were standing here alone,” she cooed. Harry could sense that he was having an effect on her. “Harry, you are hard to resist.” She turned and kissed him deeply.

As the clock approached the noon hour, Hermione pulled the covers up to her chin as Harry lay on top of them. “Harry, are you okay?” Hermione asked.

“Of course, haven't you ever seen a man suffering from dehydration during physical exercise,” he said. “In this case, sexual gymnastics.” He smiled and reached for a bottle of water out of the mini-bar.

“Let's go to my Mum and Dad's. I have to plant that flower,” she said. “Knock off the pity party, it's not like I believe you are really suffering.” She pushed him out of bed onto the floor. He moaned in agony. She smiled thinking of what a bad actor he was.

They stopped in the lobby and paid for another day because check-out had already passed. They would decide whether they would go somewhere else on Tuesday and Wednesday, but they decided that Thursday with her parents was a `can't miss' affair.

Harry felt so much more relaxed with Hermione now and he could tell she was too. He didn't feel it was the act of sex, it was the freedom of expression. There were no barriers. He'd dreamt this morning that they were doing something together like a business and it was prospering. He for the life of him couldn't tell what it was, but they answered phones and made appointments. He just remembered that they'd smiled at each other a lot. He couldn't even be sure it was a business. They were just together.

“If we both left our jobs, Hermione, what would be one thing you'd like to do for a business?” Harry probed to see if it was even worth a second thought.

“Wow, that's an interesting thought.” She munched on a cracker out of the box he and she shared for breakfast. “I like the traveling. What if we did something like a travel agency or something? Or, maybe we could become tour guides? I don't know, but it's an interesting alternative for the future, isn't it?”

“Yeah, and it's not like we have to go looking for a lot of people who would recognize us now either,” he pointed out. “We would probably bring in a lot of people who were just interested in talking to us. At first that would be okay, but then the business would have to pick up just due to sheer numbers.”

“Hmm,” said Hermione. “Well, I don't see it happening anytime soon, do you?”

“To me, it depends on how we feel once we get hit in the face with separation again, don't you think?”

“The biggest adjustment in our lives will be seeing if we can live apart and not go crazy,” she said nervously. “I don't like that part.”

“I don't either,” said Harry.

Harry was glad he had the swimming trunks. If he were going visiting or something less casual they might not be appropriate, but for lounging and things, they looked like a pair of Bermuda shorts. After planting the flower, Hermione made some small sandwiches and tea. They ate out back and just decided that was all they wanted for the moment.

“So what do you think Ron and Luna are up to?” said Harry.

“I don't know, but I don't think she's as conservative as I am so, judge for yourself,” said Hermione lying back in the chaise in her shorts and polo. “I have no idea. The one I want to find someone is Ginny.” She knew that Harry might not relish that thought, but not because of jealousy. He seemed like he would just be picky about who he thought would be good for her.

“Yeah, Ginny. All those dates at Hogwarts and she's now 19 with no boyfriend while taking care of her brother's affairs. Go figure.” Harry said thinking just about the exact same as Hermione. “She has to find someone who's good for her though.”

Hermione smiled.

“If you went to the States on say—Saturday—would it be to New York?” asked Harry.

“No, I think the next place would be Chicago for a show on Tuesday of next week. All the New York things are over on Friday. Why? Are you trying to get rid of me?” she asked playfully.

“No, I was curious as to whether you'd take me with you. Could you explain me to your people, as they say in the business?” He tried to do some hip-hop thing like he saw on the television this morning.

“Oh, don't do that again, Harry. That was bad. Something about our English accent just doesn't go with hip-hop,” Hermione pretended to shiver in animated disgust. “I'm kidding, but I'm not. If you understand what I mean?”

Harry smiled. “Okay, stick to impressions of cockney dockworkers then, is what you're saying?”

“Exactly,” she laughed.

Harry was about to ask Hermione what she wanted to do next when he heard her chair scrape against the patio as she stood. “Harry, do you want to go visit the Weasley's at The Burrow?”

He didn't know why he would never have thought of it, but for some reason it sounded like the best idea yet. “Brilliant idea,” he said. “I wonder if Ron is still in the area. There was no indication that he had to leave soon.”

“Even if he did, I think I could just use a day sitting and talking with Mrs. Weasley. We left very quickly yesterday and I just was thinking how sad it was that we hadn't talked more,” she said. “We'll leave the car here.”

Harry and Hermione held each other's arms and Apparated to the most familiar place they knew except Hogwarts. Their appearance on the back lawn shocked Mrs. Weasley. She was full of questions which neither of them had been prepared to answer yesterday.

“Hi, Mrs. Weasley,” said Hermione. “We just thought we'd come see our second mother.” She smiled.

Happy for that comment and glad to see them, Molly held out her arms for a hug, but here came the questions. “I thought you had to be in New York today? And, Harry don't you work anymore? Don't tell me you're playing hooky from work, you two?”

Harry was totally caught off-guard, but Hermione recovered for both of them with a reasonable version of the truth. “Harry and I just decided it wasn't time to go our separate ways. We have unfinished business.”

Molly looked them and standing there together. “That's what Ginny told me when she came back into the room yesterday. She said that she hoped we realized it before it was too late.”

Like a protective older brother, Harry asked, “How is Ginny doing?” We were talking about her just a little while ago.

Molly measured her response. It was obvious to both Harry and Hermione. “She's okay. I don't usually tell my children's business to others, but she's happy for you two and really wants you two to get it right.”

Harry and Hermione looked at each other for a moment. The choice of words and emphasis said more than the words themselves.

“Mrs. Weasley, that sounds rather cryptic,” said Hermione.

“Please, both of you, you're mature enough now to call me Molly when we're alone,” she said. “Just to let you know Ron and Luna took Ginny to London with them today. They are buying Ginny something to thank her for the work she does for Ron. Luna put Ron in his place about how hard Ginny worked for him. I don't want to be talking about this if they come back unexpectedly.”

“Well, that's good isn't it?” said Harry.

“Yes, it is good. Luna is different than anyone I would have ever picked for Ron, but maybe that's why nature takes over instead of parents,” she said thoughtfully.

“So, why do I get the feeling that Ginny's not doing as good as we thought?” said Hermione.

“Oh, believe me, I wouldn't say she was okay if she wasn't but there are some things you two aren't aware of and today for the first time I see why,” said Molly. “And, I hope my intuition is correct.”

“What's that?” said Harry.

“You two are like two peas in a pod. You've never recognized it until now. And, even now, you may not realize that you are holding hands close as lovers get when they've found their one and only. You look like Arthur and I thirty some years ago.” Molly's words filled the two of them with happiness and at the same time added mystery to the conversation.

“We just wanted to see all of you. We miss you, Molly,” said Hermione. “Please end this suspense. It's killing me.”

“Harry, it has more to do with you than Hermione. Do you remember how hard it was for you when Ginny broke off your relationship? You had told her that she didn't seem to love you the same as you loved her,” she explained.

“Hermione and I talked of it last night, Molly. Yes, I do—almost too clearly,” said Harry.

“Ginny told you the truth, but there was a twist. She is so strong-willed, she wouldn't show the hurt. She loved you as much as you loved her. The problem was she knew that she'd never be to you what Hermione was nor would you be to her what Hermione saw in you.”

“I'm confused, Molly. If someone says, I don't think you love me the way I love you and they agree. I could see that. Many relationships have one person who loves the other just a little more. But when they say they shouldn't be together that means something totally different,” said Harry. Hermione held his arm and hand tightly dropping her head.

“For ten years you two, you and Hermione, have had a secret bond. Not a bad one, nor a flaunted one. Ginny saw it. Ron saw it. As adults, we didn't think anything of it. You were kids with crushes and lives still to live. You still had things to learn. How do you think that Ron and Ginny could look at you two as friends now, if there were only a sudden recognition of love between you? They had lived with it throughout their young lives. But it wasn't until they were old enough to see that they couldn't break it down or compete that they went their separate ways from you,” said Molly.

“They admire you to this day. Ginny thinks you are maybe the greatest guy she'll ever meet and wants you to get with Hermione so that she didn't waste the tears crying over something that never happened,” said Molly. “If you miss as a couple, she feels there is little hope for anyone. I laugh a little about that because that is a romantics ideal not the reality of life, but I respect her for her beliefs.”

“She didn't want to love someone who whether they knew it or not, loved someone else,” said Hermione. “Is that what you're saying?”

“More or less, she couldn't stop loving Harry, but she could stop holding him back,” said Molly. “Yet, I don't think she realizes she's still mourning your loss Harry.”

“Harry, you are lucky I think. Because if Ginny loves you that much, Hermione loves you ten times more,” said Molly drying her eyes and walking away. “Maybe not then when you were kids and life was so complicated for all of us, but I see you now and there is no doubt.” She went in the house.

Harry turned to Hermione and put his forehead to hers as the tears welled in her eyes. “Is that true?”

“I left the country with Henri, because I was so tired of seeing your name in the press with a different woman every month. I read about you in the Quibbler and The Daily Prophet. It was torture to see you not settle down with one girl, but it was agony to think you might,” she said. “When Henri started to take my mind away from it was when I started to feel a little better. You know his story. I just decided I couldn't sit and wait for you to find someone, so I took the job that would give me the least time to think about it.”

“I must be the densest human being on the planet,” said Harry. “I almost missed everything.”

“Harry, I'll agree with you to a point,” said Molly coming back to sit with them. “I wondered how you could miss the signs from both girls. And, then it dawned on me. You didn't care when you thought Lord Voldemort would be the end of your life anyway. You saw the obvious. When Ginny jumped in your arms, you just knew you loved her anything else was too complicated.”

“Don't you just love having someone who makes up your apologies for you,” said Hermione. “Julie is mine.”

“Oh, shush, Hermione,” said Molly. “Who would see those fine lines in love in your position? Everyone loved you Harry for what you endured—during and after the downfall of Lord Voldemort. How were you going to see it then? Girls from everywhere yearned for their hero and men respected you. You never had seen love in a realistic way. It was all or nothing. The Dursley's and the dark side were the no love side. The Order of the Phoenix and many others, not all but close, were the other side.”

“Who loved you romantically and who loved you as a friend? Neither girl was desperate or had low enough self-esteem to throw themselves at you without some proof. Without acknowledgement that you loved them, they would go on loving you from afar. That's human nature. If it hurts to raise your arm, the smart person avoids raising their arm. So, don't give your heart to someone who you aren't sure values it,” said Molly.

Hermione sat and wiped the tears from her eyes. “You've really thought this through.”

“You both would if your only daughter fell in love with a good person that wasn't at fault. You couldn't be angry and yet you were sad. You'd try to help her cope,” said Molly. “I've had three years to think about it and it only took one minute of seeing you together to know it was true.”

Harry could feel the tension between them. “Hermione, does that sound like what happened?”

Hermione was caught off-guard by the question but answered truthfully. “The part about not giving your heart to someone who didn't understand what they were going to be getting is true. I couldn't give it fully, until I knew you were not a man who played with hearts. The tabloids made it impossible to tell after not seeing you for so long,” she said.

The rattling of the backdoor signaled the end of the conversation, “Don't say a word to her about what I've told you.”

“Hey, mate,” said Harry when saw Ron. Luna was talking to Ginny at the door.

“Hey Harry, what's the occasion? Wasn't Hermione supposed to be in New York or somewhere last night?” asked Ron.

“Well, we convinced each other that a new relationship would fail if we didn't nurture it at the beginning,” said Harry. Hermione smiled.

“Yeah, he finally acted like he might track me down in the States if I didn't give him my address and phone number. I'd rather give it to him than have him show up and embarrass me with a serenade or something,” said Hermione laying it on thick.

“I've been pretty blind to Hermione for a lot of years,” said Harry.

“Harry, I'm glad you finally came to that conclusion you git. It's nerve-wracking to have your best friends making eyes at one another and know you can't say anything. You want to scream `Get a room!' but you know it's their business,” Ron said emphatically.

“Ronald Weasley, don't talk that way in front of your mother,” said Molly trying to hide a smile from all of them.

“You took my advice, didn't you?” remarked Ginny. When her mother was out of earshot she whispered to Hermione, “At least someone around here is getting some.” She giggled. Hermione blushed.

“Well, all's well that ends well,” said Harry.

“You can say that again, Harry,” said Ginny. “I'm glad to see you happy Harry. I really am.”

“Are you happy, Ginny?” asked Harry.

“Yes, Harry, these past few days have been exceptional and today's the best,” she said. “I have an old friend for you.” She made a shrill whistling sound and out of the window at the top came Hedwig. Hedwig landed on Ginny's arm but flapped its wings in anticipation and Harry put his arm out. Hedwig jumped to his and nipped at his shirt.

“I'm sick of it. Just sick of it,” exclaimed Ron. “Everyone forgives Harry for letting them go.” Ron smiled and gave Harry a brotherly hug/chest bump. “Just kidding mate but you must have a golden horseshoe up your arse or something. I swear.”

Ron took an old broom out of the shed and gave Harry his Firebolt, challenging him and Ginny to score on him. Hermione waved at Harry to go ahead while she and Luna talked. The screams and laughter from everywhere were like music to Molly's ears. The riotous laughter brought out Fleur and Bill as well. It was like the world had turned back a few years with the exception of Luna, but Hermione and her were laughing and pointing at Ron who at that moment let the first goal past.

“Luna, sweetheart, do you have to tell her everything?” pleaded Ron from afar.

“Shush, Ron, we're comparing notes as to which of you had the more stunned look on your face last night,” said Hermione as she winked at Harry turning red in the distance.

“La la la la la,” sang Molly as she tried to ignore the banter outside. “Young love. I wonder Bill, were your Dad and I that bad?”

Bill smiled at Fleur and said, “Isn't everyone?”

-->

Chapter 6—The Promise

Driving Hermione's SUV was almost as fun for Harry as riding his broom. He weaved in and out of traffic on his way to pick her up at the airport. He looked at the clock in the console and wished he had turned the car into a port key. The only negative about driving was that traffic turned roads into parking lots that moved slower that the traffic did in parking lots. Hermione had been on the plane a long time this time coming from Australia. She would not be happy if he made her wait.

Finally, there was a break in the traffic. He pulled over to the left lane and exited toward the airport. He would make it with just a few minutes to spare. Once parked, he moved as quickly as he could to the luggage area to find Hermione. New security rules for the airports were in effect since the horrible September 11^th terrorist attack eight days ago. Hermione was in New York that day and the pain in Harry's heart was something he would never forget. Not just in the moments he waited to hear her lovely voice to know she was safe, but for those thousands of families who awaited news of their loved ones.

He made sure that his wand was securely stowed in the bag behind his seat in the car. He would not have been able to explain it to the armed security guard who was checking for weapons as he entered the terminal. Harry had not read that only passengers could be in the luggage areas so he waited by the only exit.

His heart leapt as he saw her pulling her familiar train of suitcases through the crowd of people. He had only talked to her since the eleventh. He had not seen her. “Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!” he said as he lifted her in the air. His favorite thing in the world was the smell of her perfume and hair. “You're just as gorgeous as ever.”

“Hi, Harry. I'm so glad to be home,” she kissed him uncharacteristically hard this evening.

“Let's get out of here,” she said. “Mum and Dad are waiting for us at the Four Pillars for dinner. I told them how wonderful the food was and they wanted to try it. I'll drive Harry. I know you can do it, I just want to keep my adrenaline up or I'll fall asleep in the passenger side.”

They walked as quickly as the crowds would let them. Harry had taken charge of the bags much to Hermione's relief. It seemed like it took a long time to get to the car but it had only taken ten minutes. Harry loaded the luggage and got in.

He knew better than to begin downloading every little thing in this traffic so he was patient and let her tell him how things were going. “Harry, remind me that thirteen hours on a plane in brutal. I went from Sydney to Melbourne to Adelaide to Perth in five days. Then this flight almost put me in tears. It is absolutely beautiful there but the meetings and shows took away a lot of the excitement.”

Harry knew just from the phone conversations that Hermione was going to be tired and possibly grumpy. He was so glad that she was not to the grumpy state from overwork. He knew it was better for him that she was in good spirits but he had learned she felt guiltier after a good sleep for being grumpy. He never understood how she could be sorry for being human. “Well, how's the Ministry handling your demands for more interesting work?”

“Well, I'm getting on-the-job-training from guess who?” he asked.

“I have no idea,” she said with a smile. “I can only remember two names of people who work there. One is Luna as a secretary and the other is Tonks.”

“Well, Tonks is close. Do you remember John? The guy who had the kids at the wedding?” he asked.

“Yes, the Department of Magical Forensics, or something like that? Okay, go on?” she said.

“Well, I will be working with him in Forensics. That's actually kind of cool stuff,” said Harry excitedly.

“Oh, I'm glad Sweetie. I missed you this past two weeks,” she said with a little groan. “You've gotten so good at making me relax with that massages stuff. The other thing is we are staying at the hotel again, because I am not sleeping in my childhood home with you on my birthday after we have had champagne. My Dad would have a full-blown heart attack the first time I let out a peep. And face it, alcohol, Hermione, and Harry make a horny team.” She smiled. “All kidding aside, I'm bushed. The alcohol might put me to sleep. Staying there will be safer after we celebrate.”

“I understand, Hermione. I am just glad you are home safe. They are still not allowing traffic in and out of New York on a regular basis. You're lucky you could get out of L.A. to go to Australia,” he said.

“Did you talk to Ron and Luna, Harry? Will they be expecting us tomorrow at the Burrow?” she asked.

“I went out and saw Molly again. Ron will be back late tonight and Luna will be leaving work early so we can get together before dark,” he said. “Don't worry; your birthday celebration is in good hands.” He was going to say little if anything about tomorrow.

The final turn toward the Four Pillars gave Hermione a reason to cheer. “I can sit in a comfortable chair for the first time in seventeen hours.”

Harry took care of the luggage and the porter. He went to the restaurant to greet the Grangers while Hermione freshened up. He was so grateful that they had taken to him in July. Mr. Granger was a delight to talk to and Mrs. Granger spoiled him with service he only expected from Mrs. Weasley or his own mother. That thought brought a moment of reflection for him. Ron was right; he was a very lucky man with the people in his life.

“Mr. and Mrs. Granger, Hermione had to go up and freshen up a bit. She will be right back. So, how have you two been?” Harry asked.

“Very well, Harry. Business has been steady and we are happy that the latest results from my doctor were encouraging. The latest EKG shows that the exercise program is helping. My resting heart rate is better than it has been since college. I mean at 52 I'm glad, since at 50 the prognosis was bleak.” Mr. Granger was one person Harry would truly miss if anything happened to him. He had spoken to him straight about his expectations in a future son-in-law. Harry had never proposed, but it made Harry feel good that the Grangers saw their commitment and did not doubt it. “I'd ask you about your work Harry but it would be like you asking about anesthetics for a root canal. Neither one of us would know what the hell was going on.”

“Robert, such language,” said Mrs. Granger. Anna-Marie Granger was a striking woman in her 50s. Hermione often said she hoped to look as good without makeup as her Mum looked at 50 without it.

“I knew I was in trouble without the women keeping each other company,” he said whimsically. “I miss talking with the guys at the bar or hanging out at the health club. Nevertheless, those behaviors got my health out of whack. I was spending more time at the bar talking about exercise than I was doing it. Drinking wasn't the whole problem; it was the bad food and the long hours that put me over the top.”

Hermione came down looking much fresher than she had on the way up. He could tell that she had been able to improve the way she felt by just changing out those clothes she had worn for so long. He stood and held her chair for her.

“You have him trained well, dear,” said Mrs. Granger with an incredibly Hermione-like smile. “I'm just kidding, Harry. You are a delight to be around.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that. She is really worth every effort to please,” said Harry honestly.

Hermione leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks for that.”

“You're not traveling again until at least after Christmas, Hermione? It'll be nice to have you living at home again,” asked her father. He hung his head immediately when he realized she had talked to them first and not Harry. “I'm truly, sorry dear.” He said to Hermione. “Harry, I didn't mean to spoil her surprise.”

Harry was too happy to be disappointed in something so trivial. “Thank God,” he said. “The world is an absolute disaster right now and I couldn't think of a better time to take some time off Hermione.”

He looked at her and back to the Grangers. He was missing something and he could not figure out what it could be. Then it dawned on Harry that the easy-going “oops” and apology from Mr. Granger was not a mistake at all. He was making sure that Hermione told Harry or that she cornered on this decision. Disappoint her parents or live with her boyfriend over the next 3 months.

“Did a turnip truck just drive by and drop me off, Mr. Granger?” asked Harry trying to be witty or maybe sarcastic, he was not sure of his motives. “I mean I should have a bruise if it did. It seems to me that not allowing Hermione to talk to me first is a shrewd way to make her choose between the father she admires and her boyfriend. Why is this feeling so strong?”

“I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about Harry,” said Mr. Granger.

“Well, no, I wouldn't expect you would. After all what benefit would there be to making your daughter choose?” said Harry. “I would be glad to see her enjoy a few months at home with her parents. I just don't appreciate meddling in our lives instead of straight talk.”

“Harry, do you have to speak to my father in that tone?” asked Hermione who was obviously uncomfortable.

“No, I don't sweetheart. I'm sorry, Sir. However, I feel as men that we need to clear this up. I feel somewhat slighted. Not thirty seconds before she returned I was thinking; `Now this is a man's man. In our first meeting, he told me his expectations of a future son-in-law. It will be nice to know where I stand.'

Harry continued.

Therefore, accusations of interference aside, are you making a statement about our relationship since we are not married. If that is the intent, then you could have told me that and I would respect the sanctity of your beliefs in marriage. That I understand completely. Otherwise, it was a mean-spirited way to cause trouble between Hermione and me.”

Hermione glared at Harry. Her father answered. “Harry, she's never brought anyone home. You are the first. My little girl is in love with you and because of the love you share, you made a decision that hurts us very deeply with respect to vows and, you are right, the sanctity of marriage. I apologize for being smug and intentionally rubbing it in your face. Yes, it was both Harry. No man wants to lose his daughter to another.”

“Well, Dad, maybe you decided for me in your mind. I have not made my decision. I may get a flat of my own. So this battle to determine which of you I love more can stop. Gee, Happy Birthday, Hermione. Good to see you after your long trip,” said Hermione angry now at both of them.

“You,” she said speaking to Harry, “could have taken me aside and told me what you suspected. Confronting my father in front of me may make him respect you, but it will offend me every time. I am too tired to deal with the cloud hanging over the meal now. I am going to bed. Good night, Mom. I'll call you soon.” She stopped and turned around. “I love all of you, so would you please work this out. I'm not going to play favorites.”

There was a thick, pervasive silence at the table once she had left. Harry was ashamed of himself after only a few moments of thinking about what she said. He had offended her in one of the only ways he could by not allowing her to smooth things out. She hated conflict and even more, she worried about the stress on her father. He would apologize.

“Mr. and Mrs. Granger, I owe you an apology,” he paused while gathering his thoughts. Mr. Granger interrupted.

“I owe you one as well,” he said stiffly but not angrily.

“I don't know what Hermione's told you about me, but I will tell you a very short story. I grew up without my natural parents. I had to learn to defend myself at a young age. Yet, I have evidence that they died to protect me during a home invasion. I will not doubt the love of any parent for their child. I will not disrespect their wishes, ever. Yet, I was also no stranger to controversy. I am used to saying what I think many times at the price of insolence and arrogance. Neither of which is appropriate speaking to you, Sir,” said Harry in a very somber and choked up voice. “One last thing, Sir--I was disappointed that you didn't trust me to do the right thing by her. That is why I was angry.”

Hermione's parents sat quietly as they took in what Harry had told them. Mr. Granger was a proud and honest man. He looked at Harry. “There are some people who it takes forever to understand and there are others that are so brutally honest and wear their emotions on their sleeve that you know them in an instant. Neither one is good or bad. I am in the first category and Harry you are in the second. Your integrity is not in question. My only wish is that Hermione understand that marriage provides certain benefits to both the husband and wife. To take the benefits without the commitment can lead to a weak and unfulfilling commitment. We want you to want each other so much you will get married—sooner, rather than later. That is our story. You will be a welcome addition to our family, son.”

Harry felt a surge of respect for Mr. Granger. “Sir, I would ask Hermione for her hand in marriage only with your blessing. I am fearful of my ability to love her the way she deserves. I have never had the benefit of seeing what married life is like as a child. It scares me. And, believe me, I don't scare easily.”

Mrs. Granger put her hand on Harry's. “Hermione is a precious part of our lives. We do not want you to marry her to satisfy our demands. We want Hermione to be happy. We have talked, Robert and I, about the fact that Hermione's judgment has always been first rate in everything except the boys she liked. Maybe that was because the one she loved had not come along yet. When she found him, she brought him to us. You are a nice young man. Just understand what Robert is trying to say.”

“Harry, you two do what you think is right. I know it will be the right thing. Why don't you go see, Hermione and order in with her? We will eat here. I am sure we will hear from you soon. Do not let her fret about this Harry. I know my daughter. The stiff upper lip was wavering as she left,” said Mr. Granger.

Harry sat for a moment longer thinking. “Sir, I am grateful for your patience. This could have been so much uglier than it's turned out.”

Mrs. Granger smiled and interjected, “Ah, but you still have to face Hermione.”

He understood. “I'll be going upstairs now then.” He shook Mr. Granger's hand as he stood. Mr. Granger stood with him and patted him on the shoulder. Mrs. Granger gave him a hug.

Harry walked with a purpose toward the elevator and hit the button to the suites. His mind was racing a little and as he emerged from the elevator, he had a pang of guilt. Everyone tells me I am a good person. Yet, I learn lessons from everyone that show me I'm not. I am happy to indulge in all the benefits of marriage without the commitment.

He stopped and leaned against the wall for a second. A second thought came to him that seemed more like the Harry he wanted to be. It may not be comfortable for me, but it is not about me right now. It is about us, he thought. What do we need to do to be happy?

He knew. He DisApparated.

Meanwhile, Hermione sat with a box of tissues and a glass of wine from the mini-bar. She had her diary open. “What do I do if my father and Harry are constantly at odds? I can withstand a lot of things, but that would not be one.” She stopped writing, took a sip, and looked out the window into the dark. A tear fell on the page. “What happened? How did my Dad think I would feel if he just blurted out something that I had not talked to Harry about? How did Harry talk to my father in harsh tones, knowing that I would regard my father and mother as the only two people I would put above him? Am I wrong about putting my parents first?” She closed the book angrily and spoke aloud to no one. “Why must I choose?”

Hermione walked to the balcony with the second glass of wine. She felt sleepy. She had been too angry to eat when she arrived in the room, but now she started to think of eating something to soak up the wine at the very least. It had been an hour since she left and she was beginning to wonder how, Harry and her parents could talk for so long after a row like that. There was a knock at the door. “Room Service.”

Hermione went to the door and said, “I haven't ordered anything. Are you sure it's for me?” Her eyes were puffy but the redness had gone.

“Mr. Potter said that you should eat something and that he'd be along shortly,” said the room service attendant. Hermione looked and sure enough, a mid-thirties man had a tray and a cart.

She opened the door and stood speechless. First, there was the cart. Then there was the tray on the table. In addition, a porter stood there with the largest bouquet of red roses Hermione had ever seen outside of a funeral or wedding. However, what made her cry was Harry standing behind all of this with a camera in front of a sign hanging in the hallway that said, “Happy Birthday, Hermione.” Harry handed each of the staff a ten-pound note, entered and closed the door.

“Before you say anything, listen to me,” he said and paused for her response. She nodded.

He went first to the cart where he opened the cover displaying a huge chocolate cake with a heart in red glaze, “I love you. Happy Birthday.” Under the towels were two bottles of champagne with glasses. “I have one bottle for tomorrow at the Burrow,” he explained. He had not gone to the tray on the table yet instead he talked about it. “On the tray, there are three boxes. Each has a truth or dare. You can choose to answer it. On the other hand, you can choose me to answer it. The final one is mine no matter what. Okay, so I lied.” He smiled.

She was speechless for a moment. Then she collected herself, “I want to be mad. I want to know what happened between you two. But I have the rest of my life to be mad and I'll find out eventually anyway, I'll play along.”

“Who will do the first one, Hermione? You or I?” he asked.

“I will, truth,” she said.

“Think of the most beautiful place you have ever been. Take my hand and open the box,” he said. She closed her eyes. As she did so, Harry took the handle of the tray with his other hand. She opened the box. It radiated white light but as it did so, they spun in that familiar way only a portkey created.

Harry smiled as he looked around at the little park that they had been in just three months before playing the game of truth or dare after the wedding. “Your truth question is: Why is this place the most beautiful place you have ever been?”

“It is simple and serene, but I had a magical feeling here when this dopey guy I know pretended to propose to me,” she smiled.

“Dopey, huh?” Harry had to smile because she was clearly feeling better to use a word like dopey instead of jackass or worse.

“Okay, box number 2.” Harry said.

“Harry, for some reason, I like truth tonight,” she smiled. He thought at that moment she had guessed where this was all going, but he was not sure.

“Open the box and do what it says, then answer the question,” he said.

The stars were bright and night breeze was getting stiffer. Harry knew she was not dressed for the outdoors and would catch cold if he did not hurry. Finally, looking him in the eyes she picked up the small box and opened it. She cried at the sight of a small pendant opened with the picture of them taken just a mile from here mugging for the camera in their wedding clothes. In the box, a note in Harry's handwriting said. “Do you believe the inscription?”

“I will love and cherish you, forever. Harry.”

“Yes, of course, I do Harry. Why wouldn't I?” she said as she came to him, hugged and kissed him.

He simply said, “Then open the third box and give me my task.”

He knew at this point that she had no clue. He had her senses cross-wired and he was glad. She sniffed as she took the box and opened it. She shook her head and went to her knees looking at the very card that had given him the task to propose to her three months before with a note. A series of notes followed. “This task is modified below.” She took the second card. “You have 5 seconds to think and you may only speak from the heart.”

Harry took one knee in front of her and began, “Hermione, I love you. I promise that I will love and cherish you forever. I fear few things in the world, but the one I fear most is failing you. It will be my job for the rest of our natural lives to strive not to do that again. Will you marry me, Hermione? Will you make me the happiest and luckiest man alive?” He reached into his pocket, removed a modest three-carat diamond solitaire ring, and placed it on her finger.

She could not speak. He did not want to speak until she answered. “Yes,” she said. “Is that all you wanted to know?” she smiled and kissed him. He kissed her as the pounding in his chest subsided.

After a very long embrace he said, “You'll catch cold. We're going back.” He gathered the boxes and cards. They Apparated in their room where Hermione felt for the sofa to sit.

Hermione sat on the sofa contemplating what had just happened. Harry sat next to her and took her hands. “Darling, I really am sorry that I let my temper get the best of me.”

She did not seem to hear him. She looked down at the ring, “I said yes didn't I. If I have not, yet I meant to say yes. Anything else I said was out of shock.” It was as if she were suspended in time for a moment. “I must look ridiculous. I am trying to decide whether I want to hug you until the sun comes up or go to sleep. I'm so tired and so happy.”

“Sweetheart, let's do this. We will have a little cake and a glass of champagne. Then we will get ready for bed. I will tuck you in so you can sleep. I won't wake you tomorrow until you get up voluntarily.” He smiled and hoped she understood what he said.

“On my birthday, of all days--I thought I'd see it coming a mile away. I thought I would know because you would do something to show your nervousness like drink too much beer or wine. That was the most incredible rollercoaster of emotion. I don't think I'd be this screwed up if I weren't so tired, but that was amazing,” she said again.

Harry realized she needed sleep. He led her back to the bedroom took her shoes of for her and asked if she needed any help. She leaned back and put her head on the pillow. Harry put her feet up on the bed. “I'll get it from here honey,” she whispered as his face came close to hers. I am sorry I am so out of it. I had two little bottles of wine too.”

Harry smiled. He had not counted on that factor. The excitement probably sent the wine straight to her head. He recalled the night that he realized that Lord Voldemort was gone and he would never have that threat over him again. He was so overwhelmed he could not think. He curled up and slept. Mrs. McGonagall said he slept for 13 hours. “Sweetheart, tomorrow we can decide about a wedding date. I love you so much.” Her eyes were closed and her chest rose and fell softly. Harry took the bed cover from his side and covered her.

Sometime in the middle of the night, Harry must have just fallen asleep sitting in the chair next to her watching her. When Hermione awoke, she was startled to see him sitting there head hanging the left drooling and dead asleep. Hermione smiled. She looked at her left hand and just shook her head. She felt the locket at her neck. She could not let Harry hurt himself sleeping like that. “Harry, sweetheart, wake up honey. You have to get in bed and go to sleep.” He groggily accepted her hand and stood up. She walked him around to his side of the bed. She took off his jacket and laying it neatly on the bed next to him. She helped him with his trousers and socks. She looked at her own feet and realized that he must have looked the same trying to get her to go to sleep.

Hermione returned to the bed to pull down the rest of the covers when Harry surprised her almost into a heart attack. “Were you undressing me to ravage me in my sleep,” he said yawning. She took a step back putting a hand to her chest.

“How long have you been awake?” she said acting somewhat upset.

“Well, I don't know, but if you would have had someone unbuckle your pants run their hands down your legs then tickle your feet getting their socks off, you'd be awake too. Thank you, sweetheart. I was not faking it. If I were I'd have waited made it interesting for you to get me to lie down and took advantage of you then,” said Harry groggily with a faint smile and closed eyes.

She smiled and replied, “Well, you'll have to wait for another time then to take advantage of me.”

“It's okay,” he said. “I'm too pooped to pop anyway.” He opened his eyes slightly and kissed her cheek. “I'm going to sleep now.” He swung is legs up and wrestled the blanket sheets down until he was under them and rolled over.

Hermione laughed and went into the loo. The clock said 4:45 AM and she was sure that the only sleep she would get now was a nap. After all, it was mid-afternoon or later where she had been for the last five days. She cleaned off her make-up and dressed in her sweats to get comfortable.

She looked through her bag and realized that she had not put away her diary. It was still sitting on the sofa. She hoped Harry had not read it. She never wrote something that, if found, would be brutally embarrassing. Nevertheless, they were here private thoughts and feelings. She opened it again and wrote, “I don't think I've ever been so pleasantly surprised by an act of kindness in my life…” She continued to put her feelings into the closest words she could find to match the feelings. She could not find words when she recalled opening the last box and seeing that card. She remembered every word he said, “Hermione, I love you. I promise that I will love and cherish you forever. I fear few things in the world, but the one I fear most is failing you. It will be my job for the rest of our natural lives to strive not to do that again. Will you marry me, Hermione? Will you make me the happiest and luckiest man alive?” The tears streamed down her face. Even looking at the ring on her finger, she hoped it had not been a dream.

-->

Chapter 7—Preparations

The longer Harry slept the more Hermione paced. To a casual observer, they might see her behavior as more than odd. She would walk past Harry in an obvious attempt to wake him through pure movement in the room. She would crawl in bed put her head on his chest to make sure his heart was still beating. She wanted him rested but she wanted to share her excitement with him too. Nothing about her 23^rd birthday went as planned except getting off the airplane in London.

By ten o'clock, she had finally reached her limit. She would call her mother and then find out what happened from Harry's view. She dialed her mother's number and waited.

“Good morning to you too, Mum. Did Dad and Harry work things out?” she asked.

“Well, not exactly, Mum. He acted as though things went well though. Ask me how I know that, please. Just ask me?” the glee in her voice was probably already a tip.

“He asked me to marry him, Mum. It was so romantic. There was no way it was a last minute decision. He said that Dad made him realize how lucky he was, but not much more. Well, I will not get into the details; I know how much you hate to try to follow the magical stuff. Nevertheless, he had it planned. There were a garden's worth of red roses at the door, a beautiful chocolate cake, and champagne. That was just the birthday part. Mum, he gave me a locket that stole my heart and then, well, the ring is a three-carat diamond solitaire Mum. It is gorgeous.”

“No. We have not talked about dates yet. I passed out on him, Mum. I was so tired and I cried so hard I just did not have anything left in the tank. He tucked me in bed and I found him sleeping in the chair next to me this morning,” she said. “He's still sleeping.”

“Okay, Mum. You're kidding--Dad said that to Harry. That is so sweet. Well, you go do what you had planned Mum. I won't keep you. Love you both.”

“Thanks so much, Mum. That means a lot to me,” said Hermione as she hung up.

Maybe it was her voice or just time to get up, but just a few seconds later Harry was awake. Hermione could see his legs dangling off the bed from where she sat. “Harry, you're awake. I was going crazy wanting to talk to you.”

He was sitting on the bed yawning when she bowled him over back onto the bed and kissed his forehead. “Ugh!” said Harry as she knocked the wind out of him. “Hermione, sweetheart, I have to go.”

“What? Go where?” he pointed and they laughed. He ran to the loo as she sat on the bed.

He saw she was counting on her fingers. “Yep, you have four fingers and a thumb.” He softly grabbed her shoulders and pushed her down into the pillows. For a second his heart raced as he thought of the only reason why she would be counting like that. “You are not…I mean, you couldn't be….well, you could but…you are not, are you? Pregnant, I mean.”

She laughed. “Do you think I would hide that from you? No, of course not. I was counting the number of weeks it took you to decide to make an honest woman of me,” she giggled. “I am glad you asked though because you would have gone crazy thinking I was not going to tell you. There would have been nothing to tell.”

He laughed and she was right. If he had not said anything, he would have wondered until it drove him crazy. “Are you happy now, future Mrs. Potter?” he beamed at her brilliant smile and beautiful brown eyes.

“Very happy, but what if I thought the future Mr. Granger sounded better?” asked Hermione.

Harry looked at her and made as straight a face as he could while she was trying to get his goat, “How about this, first one to smile loses?” He tickled her right at the spot where the ribs end and the lower back begins. She struggled against him and put her hands on his chest. Harry hated when she did that. Sometimes she could make him shiver in delight and wake up parts of him that needed further attention.

“I'm not giving in, but if I lose at least I'll lose in a good way,” she said. “You lose.”

He had lost. It was not the tickling. It was the thought that she would lose on purpose if it got her what she wanted. “I never thought of making love to you as losing,” he took her softly in his arms.

“One day you will regret losing, Mr. Granger,” she said. He ignored her.

“Well, we'll have plenty of time for two out of three on that count,” he replied a moment later as he lifted her sweatshirt over her head.

Harry turned on the T.V. and found the channels on the satellite that played different types of music. He found a station that said, “Smooth Jazz” and left it there. He did not want singing or loud rock. “Have you thought about a date yet, Hermione?” he said scooting up in bed as Hermione did likewise pulling the covers up under her chin.

She was quiet for few minutes. Harry reached for his glasses on the nightstand and looked for something else on the T.V. He was not going to break her concentration. He could tell she was counting in her head.

“Harry, I only care if two people come to our wedding from the group I work with and I think there is time. Do you want to get married on New Year's Eve?” she said.

Harry had thought about how soon she might want to have the wedding. He thought she might pick a night like the Saturday before Christmas or even Christmas Eve. “It is up to you for the planning. It could be tonight at the Burrow if you wanted. That's how sure I am that I want to marry you.” He kissed her.

Hermione's face changed from hopeful to surprised. “I do not doubt that you want to marry me, but are you sure that I won't pick tonight?”

Harry looked into the corner with a little sigh. “If you could get a preacher, I would marry you tonight. Yet, I am sure you know that's not what I meant literally. If you want to get married sooner so that we can have our honeymoon while you are not scheduled to travel that is what I meant.” Secretly, he wanted to be done with it as soon as possible. He did not have any distant relatives to worry about making it to the wedding.

“Okay, what about Saturday, October 27^th. I think that would be a great day. I think…” she went into her calendar. “I think that is the day of the first Quidditch match for Gryffindor at Hogwarts. I think it would be very nice to have our wedding there in the evening after the match.”

Harry wondered what significance Quidditch had all of a sudden. “Why do you care if it is a Quidditch Saturday or not?”

“Harry, Hogwarts holds so many memories for me,” she said as she put the address book away. “I have been a bundle of nerves and romantic memories this morning while you slept. Have you ever dreamed about something so simple and unremarkable that when you wake up you realize it was actually a very special day?”

“Yes, I suppose I have. I would say that about the day we actually saw each other for the first time,” he said.

“Exactly, Harry. I remember a kid I was just getting to know. Well, I had helped him find out that his Dad was a very good seeker on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. He played his first match exactly ten years ago that Saturday. I was twelve and I cheered like a wild woman for him to get the Golden Snitch. He was so small compared to everyone else. Secretly, my crush began that day, Harry. You were magnificent.”

Harry smiled at the thought of that day. He remembered Hermione standing in the stands shouting for him. “It is amazing, isn't it? I mean how the memory works. I mean you think of that and still your favorite memory of Hogwarts is of Viktor Krum.”

“Did he ever stop me from being right by your side, Harry?” asked Hermione whose hand was searching for Harry's under the covers. He felt her had against his bare thigh. “No, because Viktor could have take a flying leap off the Astronomy Tower for all I cared if you needed me. He knew it too. It aggravated him to no end that if he tried to kiss me I looked to make sure you could not see us.”

“So you were a heartbreaker even then, Hermione. You would kiss and run,” teased Harry. “Ouch!” The insides of his thighs were very tender he realized.

“You do not want to pick on me in this state, Harry. There are lots of places to hurt you where I wouldn't have to be a good aim and you would.” She smiled wickedly.

“Okay, okay. I got your point,” he said as he rubbed where she had pinched him.

It must have been the look on his face, because she rolled on top of him and kissed him. “I'm sorry. That was cruel and uncalled for…so let me make it up to you. She kissed his neck and chest sending Harry into mini-shivers of excitement.

At six o'clock, they gathered all of their things and were ready to go to the Burrow.

“It's a good thing we have someplace to be or we'll be announcing our first child at our wedding,” said Hermione. “Maybe I should move to Mum and Dad's for the next month.” She smiled and patted Harry on the bum suggestively.

“I think that would be a good idea. It will make our wedding night something to really look forward to as well as allow us to get my apartment emptied. We need to go house hunting, Hermione,” suggested Harry. “Somewhere…somewhere like the house you described to me from the magazine.”

“You mean like an old country farmhouse with a fenced in yard and plenty of land,” said Hermione. “Can we afford something like that?”

Harry turned to her with a puzzled look. “Between you and I there isn't much we can't afford, Sweetheart.”

“Harry, we might as well talk about this now. My Dad rather made a mess of things by blurting out that I would be staying with him. By the way, I was not mad at you because you were wrong. I was mad that you made it into a fight. He is not really vindictive like you might think.” She said.

“I understand, sweetie. We really did get things straightened out, he and I. Go on, I'm sorry to interrupt,” said Harry.

“Okay, where was I. Right. I was going to talk to you about coming back here to work in England anyway. The money was nice, but I was not nearly as happy on the road since you and I have been together. I missed you and I didn't like being looked at by strange men as much anymore. I never really liked it to begin with, but now it just seems different,” she paused. “Maybe it's because I've experienced intimacy now and I feel their eyes looking at me in ways that I only want you to see.”

“Sweetheart, people will always see you as a beautiful woman and may not always have pure thoughts. I am not trying to talk you out of quitting. I just do not want you to be surprised if you get stares at the grocery or in line at the bank,” said Harry putting his arms around her waist as he sat on the chair next to the door. She sat on his leg.

“The difference is that I am saying look at me, aren't I hot in these clothes. When I am modeling, I am giving my approval and I don't want to anymore.” Hermione said.

“Okay, now I see the difference. That makes sense. So, why does that mean we can't buy an old-fashioned farmhouse? Will you be paying someone to break the contracts with magazines and agents?” Harry asked.

“I still have to look into that. You know I've never asked you how much money you have Harry. I didn't care even when I was making a lot of money too,” she said. “If we can afford it, we can do it. I would love that.”

“Bill knows how much I have and he is the one that gets my money converted to muggle money. How he does it is really rather cool. Just to give you an idea how much I have. The thousand galleons I won as the Tri-ward Cup champion fit in one large moneybag. Those bags are weigh two and a half stone or around thirty-six pounds. They are pure gold. The gold price is nearly three hundred-ten British pounds sterling for one ounce of gold. One pound is sixteen ounces. He says I have over seven hundred bags like that in my vault.” Harry said. “You do the math.”

Hermione's eyes were so wide she looked like a very beautiful version of an owl. “That's nearly one hundred twenty-five million British pounds Harry. That's insane.”

“He says he has to be careful, because large conversions of too much gold will spark an investigation by the muggle government and the price of gold will go down,” said Harry. “So even if we have to find a wizard willing to sell his home, I think we'll be okay,” he winked.

“So why were you so cheap with my ring?” she teased. “You could have bought me a rock the size of the statues in the Ministry.”

“Yeah, and you would have had to have the physique of Millicent Bulstrode to carry it,” he replied.

“Very good point, Harry. Very good point,” she smiled shaking her head. “Where do you get these quick and witty replies?”

“I'm not sure they're all that witty, but if you say so,” he smiled as he signaled he was getting up. “We're acting more and more like muggles everyday, Hermione. Since when do we have to go outside to the car to Apparate to the Burrow? Ready?”

“Yes, let's go,” she said.

It took less than a second for them to arrive. Harry didn't tell Hermione that he was focusing on the area just the other side of the big tree, so Hermione was slightly disoriented. “Where are we, Harry?”

“We're where we should be. Are you going to say anything at first?” asked Harry.

“No, I thought I'd let it come out naturally when someone saw the ring,” she said.

“I was just wondering,” said Harry. He had managed to get her this far without asking any questions.

They walked toward the house. Harry held the chocolate cake they still hadn't touched from last night. “Harry, are you sure they said six o'clock.” A single light in the kitchen went on only long enough to distract Hermione. “There is Mrs. Weasley, but she's alone.”

“Surprise!” Hermione almost jumped out of her skin as a few sparklers sizzled, regular fireworks boomed, and a sign unfolded from the house. “Happy B-Day Hermione”. Harry could only smile.

“How can I be surprised when I know it's my birthday party? I must be losing it,” said Hermione.

“Yeah, it's called old age,” teased Ginny who gave her a big hug. “Happy Birthday. I saw that rock, but my Mum will want to make a big deal so I'll be quiet. Oh my God, Hermione,” she whispered. “Go see my Mum soon or I'll burst.”

Thankfully, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were third in line after Ginny. Ron hugged her and then Mrs. Weasley. She didn't see it. She felt it when she held Hermione's hand. “What's this? It's beautiful Hermione.” She had to announce it. “I've just found out that Hermione and Harry are engaged.” Everyone mobbed Hermione to get a good look at the ring.

“Thanks mate, now you've made me life a living hell for the next few weeks. Shannon will be wanting me to propose,” said Seamus with a straight face that he could not maintain. “Just kidding. We were married last month. Couldn't have the baby without being married, I started feeling guilty.”

“Yeah, Harry, just listen to Luna now. You have really got me in mess,” said Ron.

“That means Ron must be asking me soon, after all, catching the bouquet means something doesn't it? It worked for you,” said Luna.

Harry said, “Hey that's up to you. That has nothing to do with me,” said Harry backing away as Ron came at him smiling giving him an animated fake pounding in the chest and belly.

“You could have warned me, Harry. You could have at least done that,” pleaded Ron. “If we're married, Luna and I, before you guys have your first kid at least let me know when you're trying. We can't be second in everything.”

“You must be kidding mate. Yeah, I can hear that conversation. Yeah, Ron just to let you know, Hermione and I are going at eight times a day now until she's pregnant,” joked Harry.

“Yeah, I suppose that would be a little too much to ask. Only go at it four times and give me a chance,” he laughed.

“Ron, Hermione says I'm sick but you're a whacko,” said Harry.

Harry was most people congregated over by the fire pit, Mr. Weasley made for the occasion. The fire would keep people warm and it was a beautiful sight in the late fall night. “Ron, how's the Quidditch career coming?” Ron was pulling the big tire swing back into place and retying it.

“Fantastic, it's going better than ever now with Luna on the road with me,” said Ron.

“Is Ginny still traveling with you?” asked Harry.

“Sure, but only for the next couple of months. She is going to go to an apprentice program with the Ministry,” he said.

“Really, I hadn't heard that. What will she be doing?” asked Harry.

“Auror training, Harry. Full-on Auror training. She was the first one selected to the new class,” said Ron. “I think she's given up looking for a guy, Harry. I mean what guy wants to marry a female Auror who could blast you to smithereens if you said something wrong about her chicken and dumplings,” laughed Ron. “Let's face it, Tonks is cute, but it took her until her late 20's to find someone. When she found someone he wasn't exactly everyone's idea of a catch.”

Harry knew that Luna would probably take over for Ginny. Ginny is a dedicated sister, but she will want her own life, he thought. This just did not make sense. She is pretty and has so much going for her. He tried to imagine her with a peg leg, a scarred face and fake magical eye like Mad-Eye Moody. Even Tonks got out of the Auror business.

“Harry, I take it my Mum told you and Hermione about the reasons we were so easy to get rid of, Ginny and I?” probed Ron.

“She shouldn't have said anything, Harry. Ginny is okay. This is a phase. She's following in your footsteps. She knows she will find someone. It is just something to give her some excitement in life. She's nineteen Harry. They don't send you on really tough missions until you've completed four years or more training. You have nothing to do with her decision,” he said as he finished lashing the rope to the pegs at the bottom of the tree. “Let's go join them.”

The plans were flying. Harry smiled as he nothing more than an observer for the planning of his own wedding. He and the other guys mainly the Weasleys, Seamus, and Neville went into the house. It only took a few minutes for Molly to recognize that as a bad idea. The food was in there and so were the men. “Ladies,” she said, “our hard work is about to be devoured without as much as a thank you or compliment.” They turned and looked in spying Fred, George and Harry demolishing the pumpkin pie.

“So Harry, I hear you wanted to get married because there was a threat of her living with her parents for the entire three months that she's not working,” teased Tonks. “Just how severely that would have cramped your style we'll never know now, will we?”

“Who told you that?” said Harry looking around only to see Hermione snickering on the side. “Did you tell them that?”

“They know it was a joke, but maybe the way you're reacting it's closer to the truth than you like,” she said making a face. “Before you get upset, I don't believe that for a second sweetheart and neither do they. They heard the way you proposed.”

“Yeah, we're looking for a redo from our men,” said Shannon and Tonks with a laugh. Remus and Sean carefully maintained low profiles in a deep conversation on the other side of the room. Harry smiled at them both as they looked at him and winked.

Harry decided he would join them. It was not too long before all the guys were sitting in one corner talking Quidditch and the Ministry and the women were talking about the wedding. What made Ron join the guys was the incessant talk about what marriage was like after the honeymoon. “Dad, you should hear Mum talking about what marriage is like after the honeymoon. You might be a little upset.” Ron said interrupting the conversation and cringing.

“Ron, your mother and I have known each other as long as we've been old enough to realize there was an opposite sex. I couldn't see myself with another woman if she threw herself at my feet,” he confessed.

“That's fine for you, Mr. W. You're old. What if that happens to us while we're young?” asked Neville quietly.

The comment made everyone except Mr. Weasley laugh. “I'm old?” he asked rhetorically. “I don't know where I read, it but someone once said, `The problem with youth is it's wasted on the young.'”

Bill laughed and said, “Top that Neville.”

“No disrespect was intended Mr. Weasley, but I was married at nineteen and I love Romilda, but it's not the same two years later,” said Neville. “Now I'm going to be a Dad.”

“Let me just say this. That's when it will get better and better. You will see the things that attracted you to her everyday as she gives her love to those children. You'll see her giving you the same thing if you look for it and don't believe the malarkey people tell you,” said Arthur. “Enough of that rubbish. You will learn just as every man has before you. I can't tell you guys anything while you're still using your peckers as a divining rod to find love and a good woman.”

Harry looked over at Hermione and realized that to some degree that's what had held him back with Hermione. He looked at Mr. Weasley and realized there was more to his best friend's eccentric father.

Arthur brought up some interesting things from the Ministry. “Harry, have you heard about the burglaries lately in Diagon Alley?”

“No, not really since I liaison mostly between our world and the muggle world,” admitted Harry. “What is so interesting about them?”

“You remember the whole business about the missing artifacts that Lord Voldemort used as Horcruxes, right? Well of course you do. I'm sorry Harry. In any case, the Gryffindor Sword and the Hufflepuff Cup are missing again from a display case in Flourish & Blotts. Those two were ones we thought were not Horcruxes but actually were the holders for the Horcrux. In other words, they were closely related but found not to be the Horcruxes themselves.” Harry listened intently.

“The big question is who would steal them and for what purpose? No one has come up with a good answer is what I hear,” said Arthur.

“Arthur, are you telling the Ministry's secrets to everyone?” asked Tonks.

“No, you know I don't do that,” he said. “They're all members of the Order anyway or at least part of Dumbledore's Army.” He grinned sheepishly.

“It's okay, what you're talking about is public information anyway. I'm just starting my department for collecting evidence in these kinds of crimes and Harry will be joining us, right?” said Tonks wrapping her arms around Lupin's shoulders and leaning over his back.

“Yes, well, I'm hoping that I'm not just some face for the new department,” said Harry. “I'm really tired of being used like that.”

“Harry, have you ever thought of becoming like a private investigator?” asked Tonks.

“What? You mean someone who chases people who cheat on their spouse. No thanks. In the muggle world people get killed snooping like that.” Harry said with an odd smile.

“Well, it really wouldn't be like that at all, Harry. I'm talking about something more like undercover, but since you're famous you aren't exactly going to sneak up on people. So, what I was thinking was using your current position to get places our normal Aurors and investigators can't.” She said with a gleam in her eye. “We would hide our secret weapon in plain sight.”

“Isn't saying this in front of all of us being a little bit lax in security?” said Seamus.

“Yeah, Seamus, we're worried about you robbing Gringott's,” laughed Fred. “Of course, knowing what he does amongst us is different than having leads and working them,” he said.

“Fred, since when did you get so knowledgeable about investigations?” asked Harry.

“When they started asking where we got one thousand galleons to start our business, Harry. We led them away from you,” said Fred. “We're even now you know.”

The news that someone took notice of Fred and George's sudden windfall caused Harry's eyes to widen in surprise. “Oops, I must have missed that.”

“Everyone did because we couldn't tell Mum and Dad, either,” he said.

“Is that your official plan?” asked Hermione. “Will Harry be in any danger?”

“We hope not, but anytime you get close to the answer in a big case there is some danger, but danger isn't always mortal danger. Things like blackmail and threats are more common. The great thing about Harry is the fact that he's above reproach.” Tonks said.

Tonks added, “He wouldn't be alone either. Look at the resources he has in this room. Ginny will be working with the Auror's office, Seamus in the Department of Mysteries, Ron with the International Competition Committee, Hermione with contacts all over Britain, America, and Europe and Harry has direct contact with the Prime Minister of England. That's not even mentioning Mr. Weasley, Bill, and Percy.”

At the mention of Percy, the excitement waned. He had long made his intentions clear citing that his family was not wholly on the side of the Ministry and hadn't reconciled completely. “Well, Harry still gets on well with Percy, right?” Tonks added.

Grudgingly, Harry nodded. As he did so, something crossed his mind. He whispered something to Hermione who was now sitting on his lap. “Ask her.” Hermione said.

“You're using the position inside the Ministry to rebuild the Order of the Phoenix, aren't you?” he asked with smirk.

“Why Harry, me? Little old me? Would I use my position to further our belief in keeping the use of dark magic under control?” she asked rhetorically.

Lupin stood up and walked to the edge of the group. “There is a moment of peace right now within our community. The last time we had this kind of cooperation and lack of dark activity it only lasted twenty years before it was out of control. We were at war and had no defense. Albus Dumbledore believed the best of everyone and in the end, he was correct on all counts. We owe it to his legacy to remain vigilante and not let the politics of the day cloud our judgment. We all will have families soon. We want them to respect the differences between our world and the muggle world. We want them to live in peace and bear us grandchildren that never have to see their classmates die in the Tri-Wizard Tournament for any other reason than the competition.”

Harry listened and liked what he was hearing. He wished that it had happened before now. “So what do we do?” said Harry. “I mean Hermione has decided not to continue to do what she was doing.”

“Harry, you and Hermione give us the most legitimate chance of succeeding. We will continue your training. You will train together but in secret. We're not talking about war here. We're talking about being positive influences in our community. If we do not allow people with dark ambitions to become strong without a voice for our side, they will not be able to exist. That's all we expect from any of us. Yet, we must be able to do more if necessary.” Lupin explained.

“Pardon me if I'm missing something,” said Neville. “This seems like it is in response to something. Mr. Weasley is talking about missing items from Flourish & Blotts one minute and the next we're reorganizing a secret society. All of this is to fight against an unknown enemy because we're in a period of peace and want to keep it that way.”

There was a long silence. Harry sat and thought about all he had heard tonight. It all made sense except he wasn't catching onto what Neville meant. Finally, Harry asked Neville to explain. “Neville, I'm not following you. Please explain.”

“I'm working in the offices at the Ministry and I know a lot goes on that no one knows about on a daily basis. What has changed from the moment Lord Voldemort was vanquished? At that moment, we were free from his tyranny but other dark elements still existed. Why now, almost four years later, are we hearing about a new Order of the Phoenix if there are not threats?” asked Neville.

“He has a point Professor? Why are we reorganizing?” asked Harry.

“What happened just nine days ago, Harry?” asked Lupin. “You and Hermione know and probably no one else but Tonks and I know. Tell them.”

Harry hung his head. He realized that the horrors in New York City defied the peace Lupin proclaimed. That was in the muggle world. Did evil now only exist in the muggle world? He knew it did not work that way. Was the Ministry capable of looking at things in shades of grey and not just black and white? Harry doubted that too. He explained what he knew to everyone there. The looks of sadness and pain on each of their faces said that there needed to be someone in the wizard world who would be vigilant to stop the next Lord Voldemort and not let him close in on society without warning.

Fleur rarely spoke outside of the family at these gatherings. She spoke now, “Please, if you please. May I say that I believe what Professor Lupin is saying is that we can't let the rooster in the hen house.”

Bill smiled, “What she means is the fox in the hen house. We can't let evil in to destroy us from within again.” He explained to her what the other analogy meant and she laughed with everyone.

Harry agreed. He had a new job in life. He thought for a moment and realized it was the same job. He saw now why it was important. Then a fresh and exciting idea flashed through his mind. Were he and Hermione about to become clandestine spies? He chuckled and Hermione asked, “What's that all about?”

“Imagine us holding parties for important people sponsored by the Ministry. If there were information we needed for something we'd actually be like spies trying to get it.” He explained. Tonks looked at Hermione and smiled. Harry knew had described their role perfectly.

“Ooh, now that could be interesting. Hermione the spy,” she said giggling. “I don't see it, but what do I know?”

Harry looked at her again. He knew she was being modest. Hermione would be one great spy.

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Chapter 8—Temptation

Harry and Hermione made that their last night at the hotel. Harry was sure that things would be fine in spite of Hermione's questions.

“Harry, are you sure we don't have anything to worry about?” asked Hermione as she put on her pajamas in the bathroom.

Harry heard her question but decided to sidestep it for the moment. “Gee, aren't we modest all of a sudden?”

“Harry, don't ignore the question. Yes, until we are married you're going to have to live on a little cuddling and a lot of fantasy,” she snickered. “I heard one of you guys ask you why you were buying the cow if you could get the milk for free,” she said.

Harry felt terrible about the way the Weasley twins could talk sometimes. They thought it was funny when they were with the little group of men, but didn't take into account who could hear them. “I'm sorry, Sweetheart. I didn't let them by with talking about you that way. You know that don't you. Neither did Mr. Weasley.”

“I was proud of you for telling them off, Harry. It's upsetting to think that they couldn't bother me if I had stuck to my principles,” she said sadly at the door to the bathroom.

Harry felt horrible at times like these, because he knew she loved him and he had never thought less of her for making her decision as she had. “Hermione, I don't know what it is that makes some men angry enough to make crude jokes that hurt women like that. I'll admit only because I never lie to you that if that were said about anyone but you or anyone but someone I know really well, I would have laughed,” he kept his eyes on hers. “I had never heard that until then, but it isn't funny now.”

“How do they know our business?” asked Hermione. She stopped for a moment. “Of course, we acted like a couple of bawdy teenagers the day after, didn't we? It's my own fault.”

“Don't think of it like that Hermione, because no matter what you think it probably would have slipped from me to Ron in a conversation at some point the same as it did with you and Ginny.” Harry knew nothing could change the past and talking about it just made it worse for Hermione.

“I'm only upset because of that joke, Harry. I knew the consequences and I don't regret loving you,” she said holding his hand to her face. “If I get the chance to repay those two I will--albeit I'll try to be ladylike.” She smiled.

“Your question, Sweetheart, is about whether we are safe or not. I don't see anything that could be more dangerous than what we went through already with Voldemort. How can this even bother you compared to that?” he asked.

“I understand that, Harry. That was something that we dealt with from the moment we met and it was not your choice to get involved or not. This is asking for trouble if it pops up by going out and looking for it. You know what happens when people think that someone knows something that could hurt them.” She said in a very melancholy tone.

“It is exactly the same as before, isn't it?” he answered rhetorically. “I guess that's the thing. I'm an adult. I can see things coming now that blindsided me in the past. I will not jeopardize my life or yours for stupid causes.”

“Who decides it's a stupid or meaningless cause? Even I know that if the political statements I make about house-elves were to become a life-or-death issue, it would be a stupid cause—even though I feel passionate about it,” said Hermione. “If I had my choice you wouldn't be in the Ministry in the line of fire at all?” Hermione covered her mouth and lowered her head.

“So, is that what this is all about?” asked Harry. “You are still worried about me.”

“Harry, I will never apologize for loving you too much. If I'm being unreasonable believing that your job as it is now is dangerous, then at least you know I can keep it to myself and let you be your own man. I'll never mention it again.”

“You're not being unreasonable, but listen to this analogy. If Luna told Ron to stop playing Quidditch because it was too dangerous, would that be unreasonable? He is one of the best at his position and someone might one day take a cheap shot at him. He could fall one hundred feet with a Bludger scrambling his brains,” said Harry. “If the only way it could happen was someone intentionally hurting him then there would be no argument. The problem is there are certain risks that are inherent to the game. It could happen because he was distracted by a Bludger and get hit in the head with the Quaffle with no malice involved. Where do you draw the line?”

He continued, “My job is the same. Not everyone is a former Death Eater with a motive to kill Harry Potter.”

“I said that I'd never mention it again. I told you how I feel and I said it was only if I had my choice. I don't have any choice in this case and I will love you and stand by you anyway,” she said. “Sit down and let's figure out whether this will make me crazy working with you or not.” Harry knew her surly tone was about having said anything and the fact that he would not give in on the matter.

“I think that most of the time these things will be fun. It will be fun going to parties and talking to new people and finding out what's going on in the community, but there might be a time or two where there is a specific threat and we, you and I Harry, have to decide whether the risk is worth our reputations or our lives.” Hermione said with conviction. “We need to talk about those types of situations, before we get into them.”

Harry could see her point. If no one ever found out what they were doing, it would be no big deal. Yet, if the opposite happened and they found out, they could lose many very good friends that mattered. Any other situation spoke for itself. “I know and that would make it hard for our good friends and children to live with.” Harry added, “But don't you think we're making too much of something we haven't even been asked to do yet.”

“I've never been asked to be a surrogate mother or to skydive, Harry. Yet I know that neither is something I could do,” she said.

He hated when she confused an issue with logic. “Okay, so we don't go into those situations blindly. We will talk about them and make our own value judgments.”

“If you can live with that, I'm in Harry. That's all I ask. I don't want you to get that `saving-people-thing' going again and rushing off without a plan. I realize that it's not the same thing. What you have to realize is that you are fearless in many ways and I'm afraid of a lot of things you aren't. Brave is one thing, Harry. It accounts for the consequences. Fearlessness is saying, I don't care if I die. Don't put me in those spots and let me save you from really dangerous ones.” She smiled and put her hand in his. “I want to have children that know their father all of their lives, God-willing.”

Harry wanted to reassure her that he thought Lupin and Tonks were suffering from delusions because they had never really known anything but this fight against evil. He wanted to tell her that he thought it was all rubbish anyway. Yet, in his heart, he knew that the flames from the towers in New York were real and eventually evil would show itself again.

“Let's talk about kids, Hermione,” he said propping himself up. “You brought it up again.”

“I want to have children, Harry. I want more than one, but less than a full-blown Quidditch squad,” she smiled. “We'll see if you love me as much when my bum is as wide as this bed after two or three kids.”

“Well you'll just have to take cooking lessons to get me fat so the girls don't tempt me to cheat on you,” he said coldly.

Hermione's head snapped around. “What did you just say?”

“I said you would have to learn to cook so you could fatten me up so I wasn't tempted to cheat,” he repeated.

“I can't believe you said that,” said Hermione “That is the cruelest thing you could have ever said.”

“No, you thinking that I don't love you enough that the changes in your body would change my attitude about you were just as cruel,” said Harry. “Yeah, making love to my wife would be horrible if she wasn't a supermodel. I'd just have to go find a girlfriend until I was too fat to attract anyone.”

Hermione looked at him and laughed. “Men don't think of those things Harry. Don't tell me you've thought about it already. I'm not sure I want to go through that at this age.”

“What would be easier, walking kids in a stroller for exercise at 23 to 29; or 30 to 35?” asked Harry. “If you want to remain slim and have a gorgeous figure for the next ten years you're not going to here me complain. The problem will be the way you feel trying to get back to that after childbirth then. I love you as you are inside as much or more than the way you look.”

It must have dawned on them at the same time. Hermione said it first. “We are finding just too many things to argue about and we can't do a damn thing about them,” she said. “We can't leave our hands off one another for more than a day anyway so when it happens will probably be sooner rather than later.”

Harry was laughing. “I'm arguing to stay in a job I hate right now. I'm sorry, Hermione. I think I'm just trying to hard to have the perfect life.”

“I don't know though Harry, learning to cook to put a little weight on your bum so girls aren't so attracted isn't a bad idea,” she teased. “I just couldn't take the image of you kneeling in front of the TV with plumber's butt.”

They burst out laughing, holding each other close. “You know what? That's what makes us good together Harry. We were like this when we were kids too. Two different opinions made us crazy but most times we figured it out and got on with life.”

“Never thought it was like this, but if you say so,” said Harry.

“It just wasn't life or death stuff. It was homework, study habits, boys being boys, and stuff like that. We were never mad at each other for very long,” she said.

“That's true; I did hate the motherly aspect of our friendship sometimes. You know that's what Mr. Weasley said tonight too. He said watch a woman and how she treats those she loves, in his example he mentioned his children, that's how she'll treat you.”

“He's probably right, Harry. He's seen it with seven children,” said Hermione. “Get some sleep. We have to find our house soon.”

She nestled in with her head on his shoulder and a hand on his chest. Harry listened to her breathing, as he got drunk with love from the aroma of her hair and perfume. He fell asleep dreaming of Hermione and their small children putting on their hats and coats.

The next morning there was a telephone call in the room at 10 AM. “Mr. Potter, I'm Jack Whitehall, I called the number listed in your search for a home and was directed to call here. I hope I'm not disturbing you. I waited until 10 when I realized it was a hotel.”

“No, no problem at all Mr. Whitehall,” said Harry. This was the first call they received from their advertisement in the paper. “Please, call me Harry.”

“Certainly, Harry and please call me Jack. I understand that you have very specific desires for your home and it just so happens that we may meet those. I've seen your advertisement for the past two weeks, but I couldn't respond until some of my own matters were cleared up. The house is located five kilometers east of the city limits. That is approximately eleven miles from the University. Would you like to see it this morning?”

“Why, of course, yes. We would love to see it. What time would be good for you?” asked Harry.

“I am going to the property now, Harry. I should be there in, say…20 minutes or so. Would eleven-thirty or twelve be good for you?” Jack asked.

“Hermione, can you be ready to go see a house by eleven-thirty?” asked Harry.

Hermione stretched and said, “Sure, what time is it?”

“It's 10 AM, Sweetheart,” said Harry.

“Sure, why not, I'll get ready,” said Hermione.

“Jack, we'll be there at eleven-thirty or shortly thereafter,” said Harry elated at the prospect of finding their new home.

“Hermione, he read our advertisement two weeks ago but couldn't respond for some reason, but he says it meets our criteria,” said Harry.

“We've heard that before, Harry. I'm excited, but I'm not going to get all worked up like I have in the past,” she said pulling her hair up in a bun looking in the mirror. “Just don't be disappointed if it's not the one Harry.”

Harry knew what she meant. She could probably tell he was more excited over this one than she was. It had been the reverse until now. “I'm just guessing there was some good reason. You remember that one we saw to the east of here but it wasn't for sale. There was no one there either.” Harry said.

“Yes, what about it?” she replied.

“Well, it sounds like it might be that one, Hermione. If I have my directions right, it would be that one,” he said. “We both thought it looked perfect anyway.”

“Don't get ahead of yourself, Harry.” Hermione cautioned. “I really hope it is, but I don't want to get excited and then have to go looking again today when my hopes were already dashed once.”

They packed the car with everything. “You know what I didn't do last night, Hermione?”

“No, what didn't you do?” she parroted back.

“I forgot to ask the Weasley's if I could stay with them since I no longer have my flat and there is no need to keep spending money on the hotel,” said Harry.

“Harry, I'm sure that Molly and Arthur won't have a problem with you staying there,” said Hermione. “Just don't get in the way of Ron and Luna.”

Harry backed out of the parking space and exited the hotel parking lot. “Now what are you talking about?”

“As much as I love Ron or Neville or the twins, I wouldn't have wanted them staying at your house while we were dating. Our situation is different from theirs, Harry. You and I were engaged at twelve or thirteen and figured it out in our twenties. They're just now learning about each other. They don't need you giving Ron an excuse to hang out with the boys.” Hermione said.

“What makes you think he'd want to hang out with me instead of Luna, Hermione,” said Harry

“Tell me that one week before you're married you aren't wondering what it would be like to go out as a single guy again,” accused Hermione.

“I'm not wondering what it would be like to go out as a single guy,” said Harry. “Are you projecting that I'm going to begin to regret getting married and somehow trying to disguise it as a problem for Ron?”

Hermione looked out the window and didn't answer. “Yes, alright, I went to sleep last night thinking of what would happen to me if you decided to call it off. I had a terrible dream that you were ready to leave once life got difficult with kids. I had every horrible thought I could possibly have that meant you wouldn't want to be with me. I'm so mad at myself for thinking these stupid thoughts.”

Harry smiled out the other window. “You think you are the only one who is afraid that the magic will end somewhere down the road. What if you had my children and we were divorced and I had to be a weekend Dad?” Harry said. “I have to have more trust in us than that or I'd run away from you like the plague.”

She grabbed his free hand. “What is wrong with me? Wait and see what a basket case I'll be when I'm pregnant.” She laughed at the thought.

Harry looked at her and said, “Maybe I'll stay with the Weasleys then too.” He smiled.

“You are a rat sometimes Harry,” she teased back.

Just as the main city thoroughfare turned into a two-way country road a little outside town Harry could not remember which road it was. He remembered now that he did not even ask for numbers or the address. He could not tell Hermione that he had been so excited that he had lost focus on the most important things. So he continued on the road out of town since it was the only easterly running road on the map. He immediately recognized it just a mile or two out. There was a mailbox on the road and the access road was still gravel. This had to be it.

“Harry, this one still doesn't have a sign on it,” said Hermione.

“We've seen every house but this one that even comes close to our description. Anywhere else would be a waste of time. This has to be it,” said Harry.

Around the side of the magnificent main house, there was a detached garage that was probably a barn at one time and there stood an SUV similar to Hermione's in it.

A moment later, an elderly man came to the rear door of the house. “Good morning, are you Harry Potter?”

“Yes, Mr. Jack Whitehall?” asked Harry.

“Yes, I'm sorry that I wasn't out front but I hoped you would come to the back. I'm not as mobile as I used to be. You see that's part of the reason there are no for sale markings. My mother, rest her soul, passed away four months ago. She owned the house and it took this long to clear everything so I could sell it. I couldn't list it until all the taxes were paid and so on.” Harry felt the chills run up his spine as he took Hermione's hand.

“Jack, this is my wife, well…we will be married next Saturday. This is Hermione,” said Harry. Hermione looked at Harry lovingly as he introduced her. He had said wife without thinking.

“Aren't you lovely? I was just looking at TV and there was a commercial for some hair care thing and you look just like that girl,” said Jack. “I might be in my seventies, but I still recognize beautiful girls when I see them.”

“Yes, that was probably me, but when we get married I'm leaving that business to be with Harry fulltime,” she smiled.

Harry hadn't heard her talk about a commercial before, but good for her, he thought.

“Well, aren't you lucky? She gave up a career like that for you. My wife stopped teaching to take care of our boys. It's good to see that some women still value the role of homemaker and mother.” Hermione liked the old man but Harry noticed a little grimace at the thought of the label of homemaker.

Jack showed them that the grounds of the home were quite large. They hadn't farmed the land here in twenty-five years due to failing health and lack of a market to sell enough to offset the income from his job as a butcher in Oxford. The house, built in the 1920's, was maintained in pristine condition for the entire 80 years. The living room was larger than Harry expected and the traditional wood burning stove still stood in the corner but a newer modern version sat next to it now. All new appliances had replaced the originals sometime in the 1980's. The upstairs featured four bedrooms. Each was large enough for two children, but not large enough for much more than a chest of drawers and bunk beds. The master bedroom was downstairs as was a large formal dining room. The master bedroom was twice the size Harry and Hermione had hoped. It was a good thing too, because the bathrooms were afterthoughts. He realized that they'd been put in after outhouses had gone out of style.

“Harry, you'll have to do some work here, I'm sure. My mother lived alone for the last fifteen years of her life so, it was sufficient to have just a bathtub and commode with a pedestal sink downstairs for her. We children were gone long before anyone thought of another bathroom upstairs and visitors always stayed with us in Oxford.” Jack looked proud of his old house.

Harry looked around further. There was an old attic as big as the living room with a solid wood floor. The ceiling was still in good shape, which meant no recent leaks. There was a well on the backside of the house and an old-fashioned windmill. He'd seen pictures of these houses in magazines and it was beginning to look like a dream come true. “Do you have to get the water from the well still, Jack?”

“You can if you wish, but several years ago, actually more like 20 years ago, we had the pumps put in to make it easier for mother and save her the trouble of boiling the water for sanitary purposes. There was too much danger of the water contamination from outside sources. The filtration system took care of that,” said Jack.

Hermione just walked the length of the house looking at the dark brown earth that was still free of weeds where the garden must have been. Harry watched her for a moment as she stood looking at the two trees near the road and the one in the back. He was sure she agreed that this was it if they could reach an agreement.

“So, when would it be available and how much do we need to get started?” asked Harry.

“Well, I am the sole owner which unfortunately was the cause of the delays. Therefore, there is no one else to worry about in the negotiations. I really need to get four hundred thousand for it. The estimates on the land value alone take it to two hundred seventy-five.”

Harry seemed to be missing something. Many of the houses they looked at had less land than this and wanted more money. He wanted to be sure what they were talking about in terms of property. “What property are you including in that price, Jack?”

Jack showed them to the end of the property, which was only half of what Harry had expected. “Jack, are you keeping the rest of the property for a reason?” asked Harry.

“No, not really Harry, I don't want to wait for someone to come along with the kind of money the rest of the property would cost. Let the lawyers worry about that when I'm dead,” he laughed. “I just want to find a nice family for the home. The land can go later. There is enough to build another home.”

“What if I were to offer you enough for all the land and the home, Jack? Would we still be able to work this out?” asked Harry.

“Of course, but the price is nearly three times what I told you before. Maybe more than that,” said Jack.

“Do you have an attorney, Jack? Is there one that you can recommend? I would like to get the final paperwork done within the next week if that's possible,” said Harry.

Jack stood silent with his jaw drooping to his chest. “Who has nearly two million pounds to drop on a home in this day and age?” he smiled. “I guess I'd better call my attorney before you change your mind.” He smiled.

Harry returned the smile as Hermione's excitement grew. “We could plant trees and make an orchard out here,” she said with delight.

“I have to get with Bill as soon as possible to get the money together. Remember, he can't just walk in with twenty bags of gold,” Harry said quietly.

Harry and Hermione walked into the barn-like structure and realized it was a stable. The loft above had been where hay was stored and the three stalls on each side had once held horses. They walked hand in hand in the noonday sun, laughing and carrying on. When they returned to the house twenty minutes later, Jack was standing there with a pad of paper and some notes.

“My attorney said that the usual time for clearing all of the legal documents is a minimum of two weeks, but that with half of the money in hand he could draw up documents that would allow you to take possession on the first of November regardless of any other issues. He can't legally recommend representation for obvious reasons but he said there are four other firms within a block and the one at the corner was reputable. I have the address of my attorney and that one right here.” Harry took the papers from Jack and shook his hand. Hermione hugged him and shook his hand as well.

“We'll be in touch over the weekend. I'm guessing your numbers and the attorney's are all here?” asked Harry at the last moment.

“Yes, yes. Oh, by the way, it just dawned on me. Hermione, are you Robert's and Anne-Marie's daughter?” asked Jack.

“Yes, I am. Why?” asked Hermione.

“They have been my families' dentists since they opened their practice together, the grandkids too. Give them my best,” he said waving as Harry pulled out of the little drive and back on the access road.

“I will,” said Hermione. “I wonder if Dad didn't have something to do with the timing of all this Harry. I mean maybe he brought it to Jack's attention.”

“If he did, we owe him another debt of gratitude,” said Harry. “That would be really good.”

Late that evening, Harry prepared to go to the Weasleys for the night. Hermione was dressed for bed. Respectfully, she and Harry said good night at the door rather than in her room. “Harry, I'm not sure that I believe all this is happening. I'm so proud to be your future wife.” She giggled as he recalled the little slip with Jack. “I love you. Be careful and I'll see you tomorrow.” They kissed Harry stepped outside and DisApparated.

A moment later at the backdoor to the Weasleys, Harry knocked. Ginny answered. “Hi, Harry, I was told to tell you to use Percy's room..” She gave Harry one of her devilish smiles.

Harry took off his overcoat and set it over the back of the chair. It was Friday night and the house was empty except Ginny. “Where are your Mum and Dad?”

“They went to Somerset where Ron had his latest Quidditch Match. He and Luna are no doubt doing the deed in their little suite about now.” Ginny seemed a little perturbed about something.

“So what's wrong, Ginny?” asked Harry. He thought nothing of it as Ginny sat on the sofa close to him.

“I'm just tired of being alone. Am I still attractive to you, Harry?” she asked. Harry could feel the hair on the back of his neck stand up, but he didn't know why so he ignored it.

“You're still gorgeous, Ginny. You know that and you certainly don't need me to say it.” Harry said now feeling that nervousness again as his hair tingled. Ginny's arm was on his lap.

“I'd better get off to bed, Harry. I'm not feeling like myself.” She lifted her arm but made sure her soft breasts brushed Harry's cheek as she stood. “On that note, I'd ask you to join me but that would be totally out of character. Not to mention a little cold considering it's eight days until the wedding and you won't be with Hermione until then. I'm sure Hermione would notice if you didn't jump her like a wild man on your wedding night.”

Harry did not know what to say. He knew what was bothering him now. This was a no win situation. If he even gave it enough thought to talk to Ginny about it, he was dead. If he gave in, he would hate himself forever. “Ginny, I'm going to have to stay somewhere else. This is just too weird.”

“That's what I told my Mum too. Why can't he stay somewhere else? She said that if I've lived with being disappointed about you for this long a week wouldn't kill me. I guess she doesn't understand that it's different when the girlfriend is not here and I've already heard what a good lover you are. We're alone, Harry. It'd be our secret,” said Ginny in a sexy voice. “I mean we don't have to sleep together not all night anyway. Wouldn't it feel good to just let loose one time with no need to say I love you? Why don't we just go for it like animals? Can't I even interest you in a little fooling around Harry? I can make you feel good and I know you can make me feel good.”

“There is crazy. My life would be over if I even entertained these thoughts. What's wrong with you? I have to go. I can't think about this and I would never have believed you'd act like this. NEVER! I feel so sorry for you, Ginny. I do, but this is over the top,” said Harry.

“Yeah, well, all guys are alike. One day you'll be lonely. Maybe not with me, but with someone. I just figured it wouldn't hurt to give it a try. My little wedding present to my ex- and my best friend,” she smiled. “That would be sooo, gooood, Harry!” She laughed blowing him a kiss as he scrambled for his bag.

Harry DisApparated to the Four Pillars parking lot. When he got there, he realized his coat was still on the back of the chair, but he had his bag. He got a single room and decided that he would stay there this week. He did not know what he would tell Hermione, but it was not that her best friend offered herself to him. Maybe he should go tell her now, so that the story was in the open. After he checked in, he had a couple of beers from the mini-bar to relax. He fell asleep.

Hours later, Harry woke up sweating, awakened by and listening to the sounds of lovemaking in the room next to him. He was in the hotel. His heart was pounding. He tried to decide if he had dreamt the whole thing about Ginny as well. He could not take a chance that he could ever entertain those thoughts again. He had so many vivid and lust filled dreams he could not tell what was real and what was not. He just lay there praying it was all a dream. In either case, he would not be staying at the Weasley's in the near future.

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Chapter 9—Unspeakable Tragedy

Harry lay awake so long that his back hurt from leaning against the headboard. He knew he had dozed in and out because he had no idea what time it was from one moment to the next. It was 8 o'clock now, the clock said. I can't stand this anymore, he thought. I have to call Hermione. As he was picking up the phone, he noticed that the red message light was on. He called the desk. “Hello, this is Harry Potter in two fourteen.”

“Just a moment, Sir,” said the operator. There was a short interruption and then a message.

“I don't know what time it is Harry, but call me as soon as you get this,” said Hermione.

Harry hung up and dialed her home number. “Hello, is this Harry? Just a sec,” said Hermione.

“Harry, what are you doing in a hotel?” she asked.

“I didn't think it was a good idea to stay at the Weasley's anymore,” said Harry cautiously.

“Hedwig came with a letter at 3 AM, Harry,” said Hermione haltingly.

Harry could feel his head beginning to pound. “Hermione, I have something to tell you,” Harry interrupted. She ignored him.

“I haven't read any of it aloud yet.” Hermione paused.

“Read any of what?” asked Harry. The perspiration began everywhere. His hands were clammy.

“The sweet little, love letter Ginny sent me, Harry. Do you want to hear?”

“Let me explain, Hermione,” said Harry. At first, he thought the silence was a good thing. He thought it might be the opportunity to explain. “Hermione….

“Don't say another word, Harry. Listen to these three lines of what I read five hours ago.”

Dear Hermione, I don't deserve forgiveness but I ask you anyway. When he returned, he ravaged me in ways I had only dreamed of him touching me. We made love again.

“Do you think all the pleading for forgiveness and telling me it wasn't all your fault meant anything. She must have been drunk, Harry. I haven't read dirty romance novels with descriptions like she included. She even explained how right I was about your tenderness to bring her to orgasm. She couldn't have made it up, Harry. I don't believe she could.”

Harry couldn't think of a way to combat these accusations. He was at the mercy of some twisted mind and the only explanation was Ginny.

“What the fuck just happened to our lives, Harry? I'm sorry I don't mean to talk that way. I'm sure Mum and Dad heard me.” She said calmly.

Then in another breath, “Please tell me that this is a bad dream. I could kill you both,” screamed Hermione. “Aren't you even going to deny it? Are you still enjoying the feeling, you bastard?” She raged. “I hate life.”

Harry's face was hot and his knees trembled as he felt the urge to vomit. He couldn't speak. The only thing in the world worse than the actual act of adultery and showing no remorse was to plead for someone to commit adultery with you, falsely accuse you when they wouldn't do it, and then turning around and pleading for forgiveness because they were unworthy. He was breathing so hard he thought he'd pass out. “No, I didn't do it. How can you be so quick to judge me? That's not what happened.”

“I left the Weasleys' within twenty minutes of getting there. I was at the hotel by midnight,” said Harry. “I didn't go back for the jacket. It's still there. Check with the desk for my check-in time.”

“Well, isn't that interesting? I checked Harry. They have your check-in time as 4 AM,” said Hermione calmer and more calculated. “Are you going to tell me she had the time changed too? Be a man, Harry. If you just wanted sex with her and it meant nothing but getting your rocks off, just say so and be done with it. Be done with us. I'm so hurt I can't cry. Civil words to describe this elude me, Harry. She wouldn't lie to me.”

“Hermione, I didn't do it. Come to the hotel and see me. You can always tell if I'm lying,” said Harry. He hoped the stress he was feeling would not make him look guilty.

“I don't know what else there is to say.” Harry could feel a chill in her voice that was frightening. “I can't talk here anyway. I don't know what I'd do if Mum or Dad have heard my foul mouth this morning. I can't face them either. I'll be there in a half-an-hour to hear your side face to face,” said Hermione. The sound of the dial tone had never sounded so final.

Harry dressed as quickly as possible. Then he went down to the desk. The attendants that were there last night were long gone. “Can you tell me what time I checked-in?” Harry inquired. “Sure, you checked in at 3:58 AM, Mr. Potter. I helped you with your bag. You looked pretty shaken up, groggy. I'm surprised you're awake now to be honest.”

Harry was now so upset he wanted to run. He just wanted to run. He couldn't think of anything else to ask the porter or the bellboy. His heart pounded in his ears. “They were dreams. I know what I feel like after sex and this isn't it,” he said to himself aloud without realizing it until the people in the lobby just stared at him. He pretended to have a cell phone. “Sorry, folks I'll keep my voice down.” Oh, God, now the people in the lobby think I'm a nutter, he thought.

He waited in the lobby for Hermione. He wanted to stay in a public place where the chances of screaming were less likely. He didn't know how to begin. When he saw her in business attire, jacket, blouse, and slacks, he knew this was not going to go well. “If I'm going to see a solicitor today to stop you from bothering me, I'm going to be dressed for it,” she said curtly. “Where are we going to sit? There's a table in the far corner.”

Hermione sat across from him with dark sunglasses and a very sullen look on her face. “I've been up since 3 AM trying to decide whether to listen to you, leave you or kill you. I haven't ruled any of them out yet. Don't laugh because I'm serious about all three. I don't want to start crying so get on with your story.” Try as she might, Harry could tell she was walking the edge of her patience and ability to control her emotions. Her words were rapid and defined. She was different. He'd never seen her like this.

“First, Hermione. I am shocked too. I was shocked to be in the position I was in last night when I got there. No one was home except Ginny and me. If I thought that I needed to protect myself from an accusation like this I would never have stayed there in the first place. It just got weirder and weirder. I left I swear. I'll tell you everything I can remember saying and what she said, but you have to believe me.” Harry said. She sat motionless except for covering her quivering mouth as she listened.

“That's more or less what she said happened too, Harry. There was one exception. She said you came back for your jacket and when you saw her again just a few minutes later you told her that you'd always wanted to make love to her,” she said. “How do you account for that? From there she said she didn't remember anything until you woke up together at 2:15 AM and banged each other again. I want to be sick just thinking about it. I've showered three times this morning, Harry.”

“Hermione, if you love me you know me and you know I'm not capable of this. How could you love a man you thought capable of this?” he said.

“Maybe that is my problem. My choice in men has always sucked. The problem is that I want to believe you. If I didn't I wouldn't be here. I'm serious Harry; I could kill you right now. My life feels like it is over Harry, so why shouldn't yours be too. I dreamt of children with you and making love to you, sitting under an apple tree in the summers in our backyard at two in the morning,” she sobbed. “How can this be happening?”

“First off, you have to believe me that I didn't do it. I haven't made love to any other woman in my life but you.” He looked around this time to make sure they were not embarrassing themselves.

Hermione sat still. “So, Ginny is evil then is what you're saying. She is making up a lie, putting it in her handwriting, and sending it to me because she hates us both. I don't believe that rubbish.”

“So, we're back to you believing it because she told you so in some sort of midnight confession. If I had sent you a note saying, `Ginny just rubbed her breasts in my face and put her hand in my crotch, just wanted you to know in case she accuses me of screwing her,' you'd believe me then, right?” he said vehemently. “No, you would have said that I sent the note to divert suspicion so that I could plow your best friend with an alibi, wouldn't you?”

He sat back with tears in his eyes. “What's going on here?” He got up and walked away. He didn't go far. He stopped. He looked at her and wept as he sat down in a booth not to far from her. He lost control. There was no sound, but the occasional gulping of air to breath. He didn't know what to do. What were those dreams? Why did he have them last night? How in the world could he explain that? Why did they say I was groggy? He was about to tell Hermione about them when she got up and walked toward him.

“Harry, don't come to the house. I'll call you when I'm ready to talk.” She walked away. Harry felt like every dream he ever had was walking away too.

Harry was helpless in the muggle world. He was polite enough and he knew the muggle world well enough, but he was a non-person as far as he knew. He had nothing other than the phony muggle credit cards that actually linked to the accounts Bill had set up. He had become accustom to some of the things that he only did with Hermione and they didn't involve that much of the wizard community. He felt lost. His friends were not going to understand what was going on. He had to reason with Ginny. She had to tell the truth. She had to be the person he always thought she was. He DisApparated from the parking lot of the Four Pillars and Apparated in the exact spot he had last night visiting the Weasleys.

The house looked empty. He went to the rear door and knocked. He shook the locked door. He thought for a moment about whether he should do anything and that led to a big “NO”. The Weasleys' never lock their door, he thought. Today it was locked. He walked to the window to see if his overcoat was still on the chair. It was. Harry's chest burned and his head throbbed. Why come back and not take it with him?

He sat at the picnic table in back for as long as he could stand waiting for anyone to come home. He decided that he'd take a walk to Bill's and Fleur's. It was near noon now. As he got close, he heard Bill in the living room. Harry knocked, “Ah, Harry, welcome. Everyone is still in Somerset, I imagine.”

“Where exactly is that Bill?” asked Harry.

“I have no idea, I was led to believe it was near Liverpool,” said Bill. “Tea?”

Harry was trying as hard as he could to maintain his normally calm demeanor. “You said, everyone, Bill. Did you mean everyone went there this weekend?”

“Yes, Harry. Fleur and I went to check on you earlier but you'd locked the door. We never do that. We left it, because we thought you wanted it that way. We thought that maybe it was habit coming from London. Mum and Dad said you'd be staying the night last night.” Bill said.

“How did they get there, to Somerset, I mean?” asked Harry.

“Harry, no offense mate, but this is a bit like an interrogation. What's going on with you?” asked Bill as Fleur looked at him curiously.

Fleur and Bill occasionally spoke French when she had something to say that she wasn't sure would come out right in English. Today it was probably because the embarrassment of the “Rooster in the Chicken Coop” analogy was still on her mind. Bill turned to Harry.

“She says that you look like you have seen a ghost. She said that it seemed as if you didn't believe everyone went to Somerset,” said Bill.

He knew his expression had changed when he learned everyone went, but he was surprised that Fleur picked it up. Harry's last nerve began to show as his mind reeled at the mountain he had to climb to prove his innocence to Hermione. He wept again as he had at the hotel. His body shook as Fleur came to him.

Bill, unaccustomed to men breaking down in tears, just looked away.

“Harry, I try to understand. Tell me what is the matter,” said Fleur holding him. The panic and sadness had overwhelmed him, but it only lasted three or four minutes.

He told them the entire story. Bill listened and seemed eager to jump in whenever Harry mentioned Ginny. Bill walked to the door and back again at least three times. “That's just not possible. There are so many things wrong with this picture that it seems impossible, but it's too crazy for it to be a total lie. Ginny loves the two of you more than I think she does our family sometimes.” Bill thought hard for a long time.

“Bill, what do I do now?” asked Harry.

“Harry, just think good thoughts. You love each other. We know something isn't right. Bill walked toward the other side of the room. “We see her commercial on TV at least once a day.” He pulled back the cardboard cover that looked exactly like a bookcase revealing a flat screen TV. “I have to be careful because Dad would be over here messing with it day in and day out.” Harry laughed.

“This is amazing, Bill. I've been looking at TV more these past few months because of all the hotels. The TVs that the hotels provide suck compared to this one.” Bill smiled and continued talking to Fleur.

“Yeah, the picture is pretty life-like, isn't it? The only person who's seen Hermione look as good as she does on that TV is you, I'm sure,” said Bill with a wink.

Harry sat glued to the TV. He fell asleep. “Harry, I'm sending Fleur to get Tonks and Lupin. We're missing something. I'm sure that Ginny and the rest of the family are home next door by now too. I'm not going to go over there though until I know what I could possibly say to Ginny.” Bill smiled when he realized Harry was asleep.

An hour later or so Harry awoke.

“What channel is this, Bill?” asked Harry. “The picture just switched to some crazy view of Ottery St. Catchpole. Is it local? Bill, this is too weird, listen.”

“You are looking at live pictures of police attempting to apprehend a young woman in an SUV. She is the suspect in a plot to kill her boyfriend and his lover. She is suspected of carrying a concealed firearm, which is a capital crime in Great Britain. What we do know is that police received an anonymous tip that a young woman was overheard threatening her boyfriend and his lover. Another tip was received just a half an hour ago in Devon that a young woman was sitting along side the road waving a gun. Details on the suspect, or the intended victims are unknown at this time. We now have live pictures from the scene. We can now see her crossing a field toward two houses,” said the voice. “Armed police officers have been deployed. This is highly unusual and unprecedented in this area of Britain.”

“Bill, that's the Burrow,” said Harry racing toward the door. His heart pounded. He couldn't breathe. He had to stop her. This couldn't be true. “It's Hermione, NO.. It can't be. Someone is setting her up. She'd never do this in a million years.”

*^%$

Three hours before and miles away, Hermione sat in the SUV on the road in front of the home of her dreams. The tears poured out, her chest heaved and she coughed from crying so long. She had her purse, her diary, Ginny's letter and another object lying in the seat next to her. She picked it up gingerly.

The cold steel glistened in the October sun. She got out of the car and walked to about ten feet from the mailbox.

She raised the gun and pointed it at the name Potter she'd placed over the name of Whitehall in name holder what seemed to be years before. Her hand trembled for a moment and then steadied. The recoil and deafening report of the Glock 17 9mm semi-automatic shook Hermione for moment sending the shots wide of her target. She steadied and fired again ripping a hole below the nameplate. She fired again this time closer. She fired again and again. Finally, the paper-covered nameplate bent and collapsed as the shot broke the chain on one end.

She turned and looked around for anyone who might have seen her. She ignored the black sedan across from her. “Granger, you know what you have to do. We've talked about it. They can't live after what they've done to you,” said the man in a foreign accent.

“You will make sure they get there if they aren't already, right? I can't wait to see the surprised look on their faces as they die,” said Hermione. She had no idea how insane she sounded. She put the SUV in gear made a U-turn and headed west toward the Weasleys.

“How long does the curse last asked the woman sitting next to him? She won't have second thoughts and remember this will she?” said the blond woman next to him.

“The Imperious Curse will last until something triggers its release or I remove it. The triggers for release are seldom normal stimuli. The act of murder may trigger it, but all the better. She would likely kill herself once she sees what she's done. Remember, she's not supposed to live through this,” he said.

“You're sure this is the only way?” asked the woman.

“The Ministry and their friends are sure to find out the story about Potter and Weasley was manufactured very soon. If the three of them are dead before they do, then Mr. Hanson will be happy, my love.” said the man.

“Yes, we will have paid our debt and they will have paid theirs,” said the woman as she kissed him. “She was so hard to work with always worrying about Potter.” They followed Hermione remaining at least 2 km behind her.

The radio blared as the wind blew in through Hermione's open window. The cool, damp fall air kept Hermione awake. “I can't believe I'm a week from being married. He has no idea how much more this will hurt him than it hurts me. Now I know what it is to be fearless. There is no reason to fear death, because there is nothing to live for. That's the secret is it, Harry.” She had no idea how insane the words she spoke were.

Hermione stopped as the SUV along the side of the road, “Damn maps. I can't remember how to get there,” she said. “I've been here at least five times in the summer or more and once with my parents and I can't remember which of these roads to take,” she said looking down as the black sedan and the car behind it passed her.

“What the hell is she doing?” said the blond woman. “I have to get back to London before the news breaks. Have you got the news stations alerted?”

“Yes, I do. Will you settle down? She looks like she might have gotten lost. I didn't think to point it out on the map. It could be a problem if the police get there too early. It's too late now though,” he said. “Wait.”

“Hello, I'd like to report a young woman waving a gun in her car on the side of the road near Ottery St. Catchpole.”

She figured it out. The large grove of trees that was near the Burrow was the forest on the map. The drive had taken a little over three hours. She could see the Weasleys' decrepit old home from the road. She looked further to her right and saw the makeshift house that Bill and Fleur lived in. She pulled her jacket closer with the gun safely hidden in her tiny handbag. Her identification, the letter from Ginny and her diary were the only things with her. She walked slowly across the fields crying a little harder daydreaming of Quidditch in this very field. “That's all gone now Harry. That boy doesn't exist for me. Nothing exists for me. Soon none of us will exist,” she mumbled as she walked more quickly as she could sense time was growing short.

In the background, there were sirens. Hermione heard them before--way off in the distance--but had ignored them until now. She saw him come out of Bill's house, first. A moment later, Ginny emerged from the Weasley house. She looked back as the sirens got louder as she broke from her daydreams. She saw the local regular police heading toward the houses maintaining their distance. Out of the corner of her eye she could see armed police running toward her. “DROP THE GUN,” rang out from a loudspeaker. She pulled the gun from her bag: she was surprised to be still standing and alive; she aimed at Harry. “Harry. You're dead and so am I.” The shots rang out from all around.

Harry felt as if a rogue Bludger hat hit him in the chest and knocked him to the ground. Then he felt the burning in his lower chest. He saw the bright red blood on the surface of his jacket as it turned into crimson bubbles. He gasped for air. He couldn't breathe as he lay in the grass. He could hear screams for what seemed like forever. He heard everyone around him. He tried repeatedly to say, “Hermione, I love you,” but didn't have the breath. Hermione lay 10 feet away bleeding, trying to crawl to him and pleading for forgiveness until an armed officer pushed her to the ground with his knee in her back and handcuffed her.

The wind seemed to carry him away. Harry felt a floating sensation that was remarkably like riding his broom. He could see below him an ambulance and two stretchers. The police pulled the Weasleys and Luna back. The clouds obscured his view. He imagined the faces of Hermione, Ron and Ginny whose faces gave way to the sad faces of his parents, Sirius, Dumbledore and Cedric. “Fight, Harry. Fight, Damn it. You fought Lord Voldemort for all of us in the Graveyard. Fight for you and Hermione. You will not join us now.” Harry struggled and a sudden sensation of electricity flowed through him as he gasped.

“He's back, Captain,” said the man sitting beside him. Harry could feel the air mask over his nose and mouth. He could hear the whirring sound of a pump near his right ear and the crackle of a radio. “We need a trauma unit and Medevac; lock on my beacon. Two gunshot victims early twenties. One male, one female. Male critical, female serious. Need blood typing on arrival.”

“Will need armed escort for female upon arrival,” said the voice.

“Angel 25 inbound for Medevac, two kilometers east,” was the reply.

The last thing Harry heard was the rhythmic thumping of the vast blades of the helicopter and the voice next to him. Harry could stay awake no longer as he felt a new tube being inserted into his hand.

“Hold on, mate, we're doing everything we can,” said the young man.

*^$@

Lupin stepped back into the house. He would not be a good candidate for pictures in his wizard robes. He shuddered, “I hope I was quick enough,” he muttered, “for Hermione's sake, I hope I was quick enough.” He could wait or change into some of Bill's clothes.

Outside Tonks was trying to get the elder Weasleys away from the scene as the emergency medical team treated Hermione and Harry. Bill found Ginny and pulled her off to the side. “What do you know about Harry's stay in the Burrow last night?”

“Nothing, why?” she said through her tears. “What does that have to do with anything as my best friends lay dying in this wretched field?”

Bill hugged her. His own tears made it hard to see.

The family pulled away as the police seemed to become less and less aware of their presence. Tonks talked with the lead investigator for quite some time. The presence of the news helicopter was Lupin's greatest concern. He was adept at making nearly imperceptible movements with his wand to cast spells. He'd just removed the items from Hermione's handbag and transformed them into falling leaves. He hoped neither he nort they had been spotted. They had only gone a few feet during one of the busiest moments They were hidden in the tall grass at the edge of the field. The fluttering of the leaves would have appeared to be simply windblown debris.

There were no words to describe the grief-stricken looks on their faces. Ron stood absolutely still holding Luna staring out the window. Ginny sat in a chair at the edge of the kitchen curtains watching as investigators talked to Tonks. Arthur and Molly sat quietly in the living room awaiting word.

It took Tonks an hour to finish the interviews with the police. She refused interviews with the local and national media. She left the reporters talking to the police with whom she had just finished talking.

Tonks had learned more than she had divulged to the police. “Apparently, local police received an anonymous tip threatening the lives to two people located in Ottery St. Catchpole. When the tip included the statement that the suspect was possibly armed with a handgun they contacted the London police for assistance. Earlier, a passerby saw a young woman brandishing a firearm in the front seat of an SUV outside of Oxford. There was no license given but a description of the car. Eventually, an unarmed police officer in an unmarked car saw Hermione as she passed; shortly thereafter, the police received the tip, which led them to her here. Hermione never had a chance.”

“What did you tell them?” asked Bill.

“I told them their names and said that I was a friend. I showed them my Ministry badge quickly and they looked at as a colleague. Ginny, we have to talk in private. Bill can come too. You may be able to help,” said Tonks.

“Maybe my house would be better,” offered Bill. He could tell by Tonks' body language she already had some of this figured out.

“Molly and Arthur, they are taking Harry and Hermione to Charing Cross Hospital's trauma ward. It is very near Diagon Alley. Can you find your way there? We may need to find a way to sneak Hermione out. She will be facing, ten to thirty years in a muggle prison. It's ten years for having a handgun without using it,” said Tonks. “This is a very serious situation by itself without videotape of her trying to kill her fiancé.”

“We won't let them take her though will we, Tonks. Surely, we can hide her and get her help,” said Bill.

“I've already considered that and it will be important not to give away anymore about our world than is necessary, Bill. In the end, no, she will not go to muggle prison or Azkaban. The thing is, she has to live and want to live knowing she almost killed Harry,” said Tonks.

“You sound sure that he'll survive,” said Arthur.

“Harry's as tough as they come. There are forces working there that we will never understand,” she said. “Enough of this.”

The field had cleared by the time they began walking toward Bill's house. The markings painted into the grass identified important parts of the crime scene. Lupin walked back across from it toward the house. He held three things in his hands.

Once inside, Tonks set a very relaxed atmosphere. Okay, everyone needs to focus on what has happened over the past 24 hours and in the case of Ginny over the past month or so. Ginny, it's going to seem like we are picking on you, but you'll understand why in a moment.

“First, the gun that Hermione had is bought and sold outside of Britain. Therefore, it's reasonable to assume that this is not simply a Ministry matter. It does involve the muggle police. Second, Hermione is not going to walk up to some thug at a dock somewhere and ask for a gun. The gun was provided and either she was hypnotized or under the Imperious Curse. Hermione is brave, but not fearless. She was driven to do what she was going to do today knowing that she was going to die or hoping she would.” Tonks stopped. “Any questions or comments?”

“How can you be talking like this as if it were a presentation on making a cake, Tonks?” Ginny said. “Out of no where, she is deranged and shooting Harry.”

Tonks looked at Ginny. “Out of nowhere, huh?” Tonks carefully covered the rest of the note and left the, “Dear Hermione” showing. “Whose handwriting is that?”

“Mine and it's on my stationary that I keep in my desk upstairs,” said Ginny. “I write to Hermione often now. I think twice in the last month.”

“Make that three times,” said Bill who motioned to Tonks while Ginny looked at the letter. “How can you sit there and say Hermione did this out of nowhere?” He didn't raise his voice. He tried to act as if he believed the letter, against his better judgment. He knew he could supply her with any alibi or support if he was too protective. He gave her the letter to read.

“We don't know how Harry and Hermione are yet, do we?” said Lupin. “I saw it all in slow motion. I tried using the Protego charm on Hermione, since there were four officers aiming at her. Maybe it reduced her injuries. It may be useless against non-magical threats though. I don't know.”

Bill still had not taken his eyes off his sister as she read the letter. “Ginny, did you write that?” Bill asked apparently uninterested in what she thought of the content of the letter.

Ginny sat staring off into the room as if she were trying to remember something. She shook her head, “Yes, of course I did, but not last night. This didn't happen, but I dreamt that it did a while ago. I had an erotic dream about Harry. I even dreamt that I was so humiliated that I wrote a letter confessing it to Hermione too, but holding this in my hand is just sick.” She broke into tears.

“Ginny, Sweetie, listen to me. We believe you, but we want to make sure. There are things that we can do that the muggle police can't do, even if they had the ability. I want to give you Veritaserum. It will erase any doubts in any of our minds, but we won't without your permission.” Tonks said very kindly.

“Where was this solution for Hermione before she went off getting a gun and trying to kill Harry,” said Ginny. “I haven't one thing to hide. Nothing.”

Ginny's head twisted away violently at the taste of the foul concoction. She forced herself to swallow it. Tonks and Bill asked every possible question that related to any relationship between Harry and her or Hermione and her. They investigated latent thoughts of hatred for one or the other of them. Ginny was not hiding anything. One last question seemed obvious, but the answer seemed out of place. “Ginny do you know anyone who might have a reason to hurt either of them?”

Ginny replied, “I know that Julie wasn't happy that Hermione and Harry were together, but maybe it was my imagination.”

“What was your imagination?” asked Tonks. Ginny seemed to be thinking even harder now. Veritaserum had a trance-like effect, but sometimes it would be broken when the suspect was asked about things not in their direct knowledge. The theory was that personal information was stored in one part of the brain and impressions of the world around us in another. That is why those types of questions were last to be asked. It often ended the effect of the Veritaserum.

“She looked agitated, even jealous when Harry and Hermione kissed good-bye at the airport. I don't know what the expression was but it was more than boredom or impatience.” Ginny said.

Bill had never witnessed the effects of Veritaserum on anyone before, so he expected some clear indication that the effects ceased. Yet after the last question, Ginny responded by watching him and Tonks move about the room. “Do you have any more questions? Did I answer them for you?”

“Yes, Sweetie, you did,” said Tonks. “Remus, you heard her last answer. Your impressions are?”

“If you need more information give me more, I want to do what I can to help,” offered Ginny. “I will say that nothing tastes worse than that though.”

“Ginny, you said that you observed this Julie looking rather upset when Harry and Hermione were intimate as they said good-bye. Say that again and who is Julie?” queried Lupin.

“Julie did many of the same things for Hermione that I did for Ron as his secretary. That's actually why I was introduced to her. Hermione wanted me to get the opportunity to do the same. She tried for the last few months to get me into the industry. The biggest difference though is that Julie got paid on a percentage basis. Ron hired me on a salary almost poverty basis.” Ginny laughed softly. “I mean Julie would get ten thousand dollars a day when Hermione was doing big photo shoots. Hermione only got a little more than that, but Julie was the one finding the jobs. She was the boss. Julie would get paid for just setting up meetings with Hermione. Hermione would only get paid if she appeared at the show or if she showed up for an exploratory meeting.”

“What's this exploratory meeting? In addition, I need to know more about how Julie acted. Did you find this out talking to Julie or did Hermione tell you?” Remus asked.

“According to Hermione an exploratory meeting was one in which an investor or prospective client would tell Hermione what they stood for and had the opportunity to impress her with the value of being their face or representative in advertising. An example was some rich guy out of Glasgow who funded the petition drive about house-elves last year. She wanted him to do that more than she wanted money. Hermione said that Julie was supremely pissed off that there would be little money in the venture.” Ginny recalled. “As far as her demeanor went, it went for anyone who didn't seem to care about Hermione's career. If they were a distraction, Julie couldn't wait for them to go.”

“How long did you travel with Hermione that time?” asked Bill.

“Two, two-and-a-half weeks, that was all. Right after Luna took over with Ron,” said Ginny. “Other than that though, Julie was like Hermione's sister. They took me shopping, we went to dinner, I watched the outdoor shoots for several magazines, and went to two of the fashion shows.”

“She didn't like you interfering or she didn't care?” asked Tonks.

“Julie loves Hermione. I mean she adores her. She was supportive even when Hermione started talking to Harry on the telephone every night. It was weird. Once she had Hermione on her own away from London, she was a different person.”

*^$@

Mrs. Weasley arrived an hour and twenty minutes after the shootings. Mr. Weasley remained at the Burrow. She knew enough about the area surrounding Diagon Alley that she was able to get a taxi to the door almost immediately. She always found it uncomfortable to use muggle money and travel in muggle places. She went to the desk and asked about the two gunshot victims brought in earlier. They were in surgery and there was no period for any updates to their conditions, the nurse said.

“Can you tell me for sure whether they are alive. I'm assuming they made it here alive,” said Molly.

“Yes, ma'am. They are in surgery still and they don't operate on the dead people, so as far as I know they are both alive,” said the nurse. There were news crews entering the front door as Molly backed away from the counter.

Mrs. Weasley moved over to the waiting area where two televisions were broadcasting the local news. There on the screen was a picture of Hermione alongside a picture on a magazine cover. “What tragic chain of events could have driven this beautiful and talented young woman to murder in broad daylight with no hope for escape?” said the newscaster. “Investigators are looking into several leads including drugs and a possible affair by her fiancé with this woman.” A picture of Ginny dressed in hip-hugger jeans and a very revealing halter-top appeared side by side with Harry in his finest suit. “We will continue to keep you updated as the story unfolds. In other news…”

Molly had never seen Ginny dressed that way. Molly muttered, “Someone is making this whole sordid affair up, I'll venture to guess.” She walked away and sat on the other side away from the TVs.

*^$@

At the same time back at Bill's, the television was on there too. Tonks and Remus had often come here to watch the horrible events of nine-eleven just a month or so before. Bill and Fleur were active members in the new Order of the Phoenix before that night. Hermione and Harry didn't realize how extensive Bill's involvement was as Tonks described it to everyone. Bill was undercover in Gringott's from the day of his graduation when Dumbledore had recruited him. He had been a member unbeknownst to his parents long before they thought it was official.

The same newscast that Molly watched disgusted Ginny. “They can't make her out to be some junkie. Oh, my God, where did that picture come from?” asked Ginny as her face changed to one of horror. She bolted out the front door. When she arrived in her room at the Burrow she ran up the stairs to her room. She rummaged through a box and pulled out a pile of pictures.

She returned to Bill's with the stack of photos several minutes later. She sat down at the table. She looked shocked, hurt, and horrified. “I think they're all here.” Ginny's eyes were redder now than they had been. No one looked happy, but now Ginny looked the worst.

“What are you talking about Ginny?” asked Tonks. “What made you run to the Burrow? Oh, that would make me a little uneasy too.” Tonks looked at the pictures of Ginny naked except for a boa and spiked heels.

“I told her that I wanted all of them. I didn't want her putting them in any magazines. At first, when she said I could be a model I laughed. She had a photographer with a digital camera take pictures of me and showed me how beautiful he could make me on film,” said Ginny. Ginny sounded distraught and couldn't stop talking.

Ginny explained how one thing led to another. Julie and the photographer said that Hermione had her private nude shots too. That every girl who modeled wanted to know what she'd look like nude on film. “This was the day that I had that dream about Harry. I had my stationary with me. I got so drunk to even be able to take those pictures.”

“Guys stay away,” said Tonks. “Ginny, we had better go in the other room.” Ginny was crying. Tonks didn't want the men to see these for obvious reasons. Tonks grabbed all the pictures and checked the floor. She was glad that somehow Bill and Remus were distracted. As she looked over, there was another broadcast report on Harry and Hermione.

“Sources wishing to remain anonymous say that the young victim, Harry Potter, 22 of London and the suspect, Hermione Granger, 23 of Oxford were scheduled to be married a week from today at an unknown location in Scotland.”

“Additionally, Police investigators say that the dispute between the couple reached untenable proportions today when Miss Granger discovered the affair between Mr. Potter and this woman, Ginny Weasley, 19 of Ottery St. Catchpole, Devon. Police have confiscated video and pictures of the couple's liaisons from Miss Granger's family home in Oxford. What makes this case unique as well is that crimes involving a woman with a gun are rare here….” The news cast continued with interviews with experts debating the use of firearms by police and the psychology of murder.

“Just moments ago Miss Granger's business manager, Julie Carlson of Hermione's Delight, Incorporated made this statement.” The statement began as the flashbulbs went off. “I am personally distraught to hear that Hermione Granger's life is in great peril at Charing Cross Hospital. Our hearts are with her for a healthy and complete recovery. Unfortunately, other aspects of her life were affected by this horrible tragedy as well. It is my duty, in the interest of public credibility and decency to make an announcement on behalf of our clients. Each of the companies that she has represented, now, formally disavow themselves of any connection with Miss Granger or her personal representatives, family or friends from this time forward pending the outcome of any trials or investigations. I will, however, remain by her side as a personal friend and confidant in her time of need. Thank you.”

“Shut that off,” yelled Ginny from the other room. “Who is making sure that this on TV? Shut that bitch off. I could kill her. I know it was her now. Without seeing her face, she sounded like she was gloating. I know she is trying to destroy Hermione or Harry. This is one big fucking mess. She had to have someone from our world to help….and,” Ginny needed to settle down, she was rambling. Tonks feared that the stress might have taken Ginny over the edge. She asked Remus to go get some sleeping potion and find out when they could get beds for Harry, Hermione and Ginny at St. Mungo's. The move for Hermione and Harry was inevitable after they stabilized at their current hospital. She would watch Ginny.

“Turn it to another station, Bill,” said Tonks. Bill sat devastated in his chair still listening to the overwhelming discussion of penalties for handgun use and possible charges that could be filed. He could not move. “Bill, turn it off. We know it is all lies now. We don't have to torture ourselves with hearing it over and over again. Molly will let us know how they are.” Bill shut it off and walked outside.

“I hope our mother didn't see that,” he said. Bill would be glad to know that Mrs. Weasley realized that she could not watch anymore of that rubbish. She had already decided it was all untrue.

“I hope Hermione's parents aren't watching,” said Remus.

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Chapter 10—New Day Dawning

The rest of the evening proved restless for everyone. Molly had not returned by 10 PM and that was a concern. Certainly, muggle medicine was better than this. Ginny had awakened wondering what they knew. Finally, at a quarter past ten Molly returned with not quite a smile, but certainly looking encouraged.

“So what did you find out?” asked Arthur who decided to stay behind. “Is it better than we hoped?”

“I don't know about better, but the news is positive. Hermione will be up walking by the middle of the week. They said they'd never seen a case where someone had so many superficial wounds. Harry wasn't that lucky, but I'm going to bet it was the wizard gene and DNA that saved him. They said the bullet should have killed him and hit him in the heart, but it hit a rib first and it slowed the bullet just enough. Poor thing is in serious condition. He will remain under sedation for a few days to help manage the pain.

The revelry in the Burrow was broken by a sudden knock at the back door. As she turned, Tonks recognized someone she had hoped not to see until Monday—Rufus Scrimgeour—Minister for Magic. Tonks opened the door and let him in. “I wondered if I might find you here Tonks. My representative spied Mrs. Weasley at the hospital during the announcement of Mr. Potter and Miss Granger's conditions. Were you going to inform me that the Ministry had two of our world's most famous citizens in a muggle hospital?”

“Of course, Minister, I thought that we'd get a good handle on the situation before we bothered you with it,” said Tonks knowing that this is just the type of thing she should have taken to the Minister right away. “That's not true, Sir. I am so personally involved that I forgot my duty to the Ministry.”

Scrimgeour's face was passive, yet sympathetic. “I suppose if very good, close friends of mine were in trouble my allegiance might be to them. However, I think that we missed an opportunity that may have been my fault as well.”

“I'm sorry, Sir. I don't know what you mean,” admitted Tonks.

Scrimgeour began, “For centuries, the Minister's office has kept plans up-to-date that address incidents that crossover between the muggle and magical worlds. They are secret and I am supposed to inform each Department Head of them so they know their options. It has never been necessary since my ascension to Minister for Magic to brief a new Department Head. So I failed you there Which is why I cannot in good conscience be as angry as I might.”

The Weasleys had noticed but Tonks had not. Percy Weasley, the Minister's assistant, had accompanied the Minister. “Weasley, explain our plan please.”

“Yes sir, right sir. It would be normal protocol to recall all agents of the Ministry capable of doing memory charms to gather at the Ministry. In this case, there are far more people than we have ever attempted to modify at one time. However, our agents have been able to identify every single person, including the Medevac and news helicopter personnel, who participated so far in this affair. We will modify each of their memories and return Miss Granger and Mr. Potter to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries as soon as possible,” announced Percy. “This shall be done by midnight.”

Remus spoke up quite confused. “There were hundreds of thousands, maybe millions who saw the whole event on television. There is no way that in the next two—less than two hours—we can modify that many memories.”

The Minister looked toward his feet. “Yes, that is where better and faster communication would have been fortuitous. I am just as much to blame. We have decided on a cover story. We will modify each persons memory involved so that they believe they were involved in a massive movie rehearsal. It is a threadbare cover, so we will open a studio in a building we have long had set up as our `Room of Requirement' much like the one the Hogwarts' founders created there. It will include all the necessary equipment for a front. Neither the cover story nor the event involving our friends is what we are worried about at this point. We are doing this to ensure that Miss Granger and Mr. Potter are safely returned to our jurisdiction and that existence of our world is preserved.”

“Understood, Minister,” said Tonks. “However we have uncovered a rather intricate conspiracy to defame Miss Granger. The purpose of it may have been to commit murder in the guise of a crime of passion and suicide.”

“Is there evidence that we need to control?” asked Scrimgeour obviously not aware of the videotape and pictures taken by police.

“Yes sir, the Metropolitan police have it. It is a videotape and a replica we believe of this letter or another made just like it. It is possible that more will surface,” said Tonks.

“We will not be able to be sure who has or has not seen the tape or the pictures; however, we can cover these as props for the actor's use. Our company will pretend outrage that they were removed from the studio. If we can touch them, we can put labels on them with our company logo `H&H Productions'.”

“How do we explain where the main characters went off to?” asked Bill. “Bill Weasley, Sir. I'm sorry.”

“Mr. Weasley, we have not played out every scenario at this point. We are using our most talented Aurors, which will include everyone from the Department of Forensics to staff the studio. We will have to become actors until the furor over this dies down. The good news is that it is common for fly-by-night movie companies to disappear both here and the U.S. They are usually involved in pornography--or less than family fare shall we say—or at least that is what I'm told. The cover could be as sordid as you'd like to make it. Just don't let them know what they shouldn't know about our world or give them reason to pry.” Rufus Scrimgeour explained. “You all will remain here, since you are recognizable today. You will not be tomorrow.” A moment later, he and Percy had vanished from the backyard as quickly as they'd arrived.

“So am I to guess that the news people will be left out of the memory altering plan? They will be the ones who we tell that they ran across a fully-sanctioned movie rehearsal and broadcast it as real?” asked Remus

“This sounds preposterous, but if it gets Hermione and Harry to us safely it will be worth it. It will be the Ministries problem afterward,” said Arthur. “Can I come to the studio and see all the muggle equipment? This will be the greatest opportunity for my office.”

“Dad, none of us will know how to work anything and it would be suspicious if we were tinkering with it in front of reporters or whoever comes to visit,” said Bill. “I can't imagine you containing your excitement enough to play the role needed there.”

“I am a bit like a kid in a candy store, aren't I?” said Arthur. “There are other things Molly and I can do such as stay with Hermione and Harry.”

“Now that's an excellent idea,” said Tonks. “They will appreciate some company as he start feeling better.”

“Do you think they'll be equipped to handle patients who have already been cut up by those muggle nutters?” asked Ron.

“I think there is a solution to that now Ron. Since the war with Lord Voldemort, there were occasions where muggles felt threatened by one of us and used their crude weapons against us. We enlisted several of their doctors to help us with those and to learn our medicine as well. One remains I believe and he is who trained my new forensic scientist John Lovington on the muggle side of things,” said Tonks.

“We should go and make sure that Harry and Hermione are well taken care of this evening,” said Mrs. Weasley. “Come along Arthur.”

*&^%^&*&^%

By Thursday of the next week, Harry and Hermione were both awake. Hermione was walking with a cane due to injuries to her upper leg and hip, while Harry could only stand for short periods and walk to the end of the bed and back. The surgery performed by the muggle doctors had made Harry's upper body very weak and left him in excruciating pain as tissue mended itself and split near the scar tissue. The muggle doctor explained as adhesion and it would take several weeks for it to subside.

Harry and Hermione found conversation difficult during those first few days. Restoring the intimacy they'd once shared was work in progress. “So, how are you feeling today, Harry?” asked Hermione.

Occasionally the pain made Harry a little irritable. He wanted to ask her how she thought he felt as he grimaced trying to stand up straight while holding the I.V. stand. “Better,” he lied. He didn't know what to say to her. All the explanations in the world about how the letter was fabricated made him wonder how she could have doubted him. His heart ached to hold her, which he could not do in any case. It did not soothe him to know she was not responsible for her actions.

“You look better than yesterday,” she complimented. Harry did look better. The squinty-eyed look and grimace that crossed his face when he took the deep breaths during therapy faded more quickly now. “Those muggle doctors really….” Hermione realized that what she was saying was not coming out right.

Harry tried to make light of her indiscretion, but did not do so well either. “Yeah, it would have been more advantageous if you'd just stabbed me, they could have just stitched me up instead of cutting deeper to get the bullet.” He didn't apologize, but felt ashamed for intentionally causing her grief.

They're only saving grace in those early days of recovery were the stories from Ron, Luna, and Ginny. They were working at the fake studio as extras, just walking around with documents filing things in fake files and occasionally answering questions. Ron's story about the first day never got old. “There I was with this muggle police man looking me in the eye. I have here a writ for the bodies of Hermione Granger and Harry Potter. I looked at it and sure enough it said, `Writ of Habeas Corpus' and listed their names.”

“Well, I didn't know what to do. I had no bodies to give them and I certainly didn't want to wise-off to a uniformed police officer. Now remember this is the first time. I turned to Tonks who had shape-changed into an elderly woman and said, “Myra, where do we keep the corpuses? All of our Latin training flew out of my brain. The police officer looked at me with such a wicked stare.”

“Young man, you know exactly what I'm looking for. This order is to bring Miss Granger and Mr. Potter to the police station for questioning,” he said in an intimidating voice.

I said, “Would it have been too much to ask for you to have explained that to me in the first place? Do I look like I read Latin?”

“Then how did you know what `Habeas' meant?” he asked me.

I said, “I didn't know but I guessed that you didn't want me to make you a body for each of them.” I was so nervous my tongue was swelling in my mouth with every word. Luna answered before Tonks could intervene.

“I think their making an adult film in Scotland this week, Sir. We are not the exclusive contractors for Miss Granger's services,” said Luna.

“We had screwed this up so bad that Tonks had to stupefy the poor man and then alter his memory with a reasonable explanation,” said Ron. “Luna saying that you were making adult films in Scotland was too much.”

“Well, I thought I heard someone say that we could make it as sordid as we wished,” said Luna giggling. She'd since learned that those types of statements were not what the Minister meant. He had merely said to let them infer whatever they pleased because wrapping up the business would make that one of their top assumptions anyway.

“In any case, today another police officer or private investigator came in, this time he was representing a civilian who had watched the entire thing who was claiming that she was left sleepless worrying about Harry and Hermione. She was claiming she thought it looked too real and was suing the news station and us for putting it on the air without warning viewers of adult content and violence. He presented me with another `Writ of Habeas Corpus'. So on Tuesday, Luna, Ginny and I are going to a special Magistrate's Court using Polyjuice to prove you are alive and well. Since Ginny knows you better, she's going as you and Luna's going as Ginny. It would be weird pretending to kiss Hermione knowing it's my sister.” They all laughed. “We'll probably have to show some affection in public to carry it off.”

Ginny shivered. “I'm not disgusted but don't get carried away.”

“I kind of like the idea myself,” said Luna. “This way I won't have to worry if that passionate kiss was meant for Hermione the beautiful and graceful gazelle or me the run of the mill doe. It could be confusing. Ginny will kick his ass if he gets too fresh.” They all roared.

“It'll be a while before anyone will be calling me a gazelle, I imagine,” said Hermione. “Give yourself some credit, you are not run of the mill.” Hermione smiled wider than she meant and twitched as the injured muscles in her neck and shoulder reminded her that everything wasn't back to normal.

Luna smiled in return and blew her a kiss. “Thanks, that's sweet.”

“Hey, we have to go. We saw Neville coming in to see his parents. We thought it would be nice to chat with them for a few minutes,” said Ginny.

Harry looked at Hermione wishing they were that close again. He could feel her sadness too and he could not pluck up the courage to bring up the issues that stood between them. It made his chest hurt when he sighed from thinking about it.

Saturday brought the emotions closer to the surface as privately they thought of the wedding that should have happened. “I wonder what it would have been like today at Hogwarts?” asked Harry.

Hermione held back the tears shaking her head. “What do you mean? Do you doubt that it would have been the happiest day of our lives?”

“That isn't really what I meant by that. I meant the look of the place, the falling leaves, the happy faces, and the great dinner,” said Harry. “No, you right today would have been a happy day.” Harry didn't realize that he had sliced her to the core with words like a sharp-edged sword.

“You're not happy today. You're not happy to be alive. Or, do you mean you're not as happy with me as you once were? I mean I am a murderous witch, with a `b'.” She said angrily.

Harry sat still as he felt his heart racing in distress. He couldn't gather his breath for a moment. When he did, he wished he knew what to say to express his disappointment and hurt without making it worse. “How am I supposed to feel? Someone almost made us popsicles at the morgue and even though I know you didn't have control, the one I see holding the gun in my nightmares is the love of my life. The same one who eight hours earlier I had pleaded with to believe I couldn't possibly be with anyone else. The pain in my chest tells me that you are the one who wasn't sure of our love and happiness, not me.”

Hermione had been sitting in a chair at the table next to Harry. She stood crying she took his hand gingerly fitting each finger to entwine with hers. “I have no memory except the moment I saw you fall, Harry. The burning in my leg, shoulder and neck couldn't compare to the anguish in my heart when I dropped the gun and saw you bleeding.” She gently raised their held hands to her cheek. “I don't know why I'm surprised you are angry and hurt. I didn't trust our love until that very moment when I felt your breath in my ear saying you loved me. It wasn't in the corporeal world; it was your heart forgiving me. I screamed and tried to crawl to you. The bullet only hit flesh in my shoulder, but my collarbone cracked and my shoulder pulled out of place as the officer tried to restrain me from getting to you. I heard you calling to me.”

Ten feet away, Ginny's head was tucked into Ron's chest as Ron, Luna and Ginny listened.

“How could you ever doubt me, Hermione? How? We were childlike as we made love the first time. We were lucky to excite each other the way we did, as scared of hurting one another as we were. I know you knew at that moment you were the only woman in the world for me. I thought you felt that each time I touched you. How could you imagine that I'd risk that connection with you for anyone else. Especially, when we confessed that we'd loved Ginny and Ron, but this was where our hearts had always been.” Harry tried not to let the pain stop him, but he moaned as his heavy breathing amongst his tears caused his chest to rise and fall too quickly. He stopped.

“Harry, forgive me. I'm not perfect when it comes to thinking people won't always be there,” said Hermione. “I fear being abandoned more than anything else on earth. I can live without the everyday cluster of coworkers and pretend friends, but I can't live without my true friends. I felt lost without you and Ron the past three years and that pain came back again in those first few moments as I read that letter. Now, Ron had Luna and you had Ginny. Ginny, my best friend Ginny, had been the right one for you all along I thought.”

Ron interrupted so the talk about Ginny wouldn't go further in front of her. “Sorry, guys, we didn't mean to interrupt.” Ron pointed to Ginny crying holding him tight. “She's been like this since the afternoon it happened. You just haven't seen it.”

“I'll leave so you guys can get this worked out,” said Ginny briefly catching her breath and gathering her composure.

“Come here, Ginny,” said Harry. He held his wired hand out to her. “Ginny, I never knew you noticed how Hermione and I were together until just a few weeks or months ago. Neither did Hermione. She knows you will always hold a special place in my heart. You were the first love I ever felt strongly enough about to risk my heart with. We talked about you. You, unknown to me, are so kind and wonderful in Hermione's eyes that she could see a relationship between us again. I am angry with her for not trusting me when I addressed that fear, but not for being human and being overcome by emotion.” He tried to breathe more shallowly now that he could think. “I owe Hermione an apology for not understanding that she had no time to grieve and reason this out to come to that conclusion. Someone made sure of that.”

“I'm still not happy; Hermione. The pain in my chest is too real to feel like jumping up and down proclaiming my love. Nevertheless, I guarantee that I see my problem now. I need to realize the stress you were put under after our conversation and realize that anyone would have to go home and think about something like that for a while. Forgive me.” Harry said. “Ginny, don't ever give up on finding a good man. There are millions of them missing out on a really fantastic woman.”

“That's right, Sweetheart. Wait until we find that bitch Julie,” said Hermione. “I confided my secrets in both of you, so don't feel that you gave them to her. She used her own warped mind to create this problem.”

Ginny started to say something to Hermione, but looked at Harry and back at Ron. “Nothing, I can talk to you later, Hermione. It's girl stuff.”

Hermione smiled again forgetting to take care about how wide she smiled. “Will you kiss me, Harry?” she said.

“As long as you don't get me breathing heavy,” said Harry lightly kissing her. “Too much more and I'll literally die of a stress heart attack.”

She pulled down the bedrail on her side so that her arm would rest on the mattress, pulled the chair close, and began reading. Harry shut his eyes and basked in the softness of her hand entwined in his. Just before he faded off to sleep he said, “Before long, we'll be like this everyday.”

The long road to recovery seemed longer each day. Hermione's shoulder was sore because of the cold damp weather and Harry was still getting used to the pain as his lungs expanded with more exercise. By the end of November, they were both cleared for release. Two mysteries bothered him. What were she and Ginny always so secretive about? Why could no one find the papers he had had about the house he and Hermione wanted. Hermione assured him that she did not know where they went.

It was the first of December and they day they were leaving. Harry wasn't happy with taking Hermione to her parents, when they were going to be married the next Saturday. “The last time we did this, we ended up here for our trouble.” He said.

“Well, Bill agreed to drive us out to see the house. He said he was able to get a hold of Jack Whitehall to look at the house again,” said Hermione. “Just when you get done with all the tubes someone comes around to stick you with another needle. Did they do that to you too?”

“Yeah, they did. Late yesterday afternoon I felt like a pin cushion,” said Harry.

“Okay, guys since neither of you can drive, I'm the designated chauffeur. We are going to see that house and your parents today is that correct?” asked Bill.

“If you say so,” said Harry still disturbed that he didn't have the facts and figures to get the deal done.

Harry and Hermione hadn't sat this close in months. He raised his arm slowly to make sure he didn't hurt himself or clip her shoulder. He put his arm down behind her waist. She leaned in. “You could have asked me so you didn't hurt yourself,” she smiled. “We're not at movie where you're trying the yawn and fondle routine.”

He laughed. “I guess the meeting went well with Ron, Ginny and Luna. They closed down the studio with no further problems on the twenty-sixth. How lucky that horrible excuse for a cover story didn't blow up,” said Harry.

“Yeah, it was weak, but Scrimgeour was right about being able to find almost everyone and modify their memories. That was a good piece of magic,” said Bill.

“Okay now is the road that veers off left and then curves right, correct?” he asked Harry. “Right, Harry?”

“Yes, yes it is. Oh he must be having some sort of gala there. I wonder if he decided to keep it,” said Harry sadly. “There is a sold sign in front. Let's go, he's a nice old guy but let him enjoy with his new buyers.”

“Sure, Harry let's do that. Considering the buyer was you a month ago, I should think it's time to shake the man's hand,” said Bill who had dressed in tuxedo to look like a chauffeur.

Harry whipped his head around to look at the sign as they passed it and then back at Bill. “If you weren't a bloke and so ugly, Bill, I'd kiss you,” said Harry.

“I'll kiss him anyway,” said Hermione. When the care stopped Hermione got out as fast as her injuries would allow and gave him a hug and a kiss.

“I saw the note in there about a week after you guys were in St. Mungo's I explained that you had business elsewhere, contracted the solicitor, and made the purchase in the name of Harry Potter. You gave rights long time ago to do business for you if you were incapacitated,” said Bill.

As Bill kept their attention, Jack walked up and further distracted them. “Harry, so nice to see you again, I heard your last bit of business was rather treacherous to say the least.” Bill slipped off into the growing crowd as people arrived with portkeys and Apparation.

“Forgive me if I laugh, but your choice of words is a little to close to the mark,” said Harry. “How've you been?”

“Very well, Harry. As you can see I've been busy with some last minute things before you take possession,” said Jack. “Listen, we'll talk later okay?”

“Sure,” he said as he kissed Hermione. Something seemed to be very familiar about the way the backyard looked as he turned again toward the house.

“Harry, I have a surprise for you too. You've been bugging me for a month to tell you, but I couldn't. I mean I promised I wouldn't. Ginny met someone while we were in St. Mungo's.”

Harry smiled, “How do you meet someone in a hospital?” he asked.

“The surprise is that you know him. He visited his mother and a friend there everyday, so Ginny started coming to see us and would go to see Neville near him,” she said. “She didn't know whether to trust him or not after all these years. Close your eyes. Are they closed?” she asked. Harry put his hands over his eyes.

“Yes, why would I close my eyes to meet Ginny's new beau?” asked Harry.

“Because we spent the better part of six years or more trying to kill one another,” said Draco Malfoy.

Harry dropped his hands slowly, taking in the voice and hoping it was someone taking the Mickey out of him. He opened his eyes to Draco Malfoy in the flesh, “I'm sorry if don't seem excited, but you only ever helped me once and that almost got me killed.”

“Point is I helped you and it turned my life around,” said Malfoy. “My mother is in St. Mungo's and has been since those awful days.”

“Who's your friend, that backstabber Snape,” said Harry.

“As a matter of fact it is, Potter. I don't blame you for being a bit rude, but the man ended up being more than a father to me than my own. We aren't so different you and I. I learned from rogue and worthless man who was my father by birth, but I would have been better off if he'd been dead. I adored him as you did yours. You, in many ways, were as wrong to love yours blindly as I was mine. Isn't it true?” said Malfoy. “Ginny and I are going to be friends for a while before we take it further. I hope you can find it in you to trust me even if you don't understand why yet.”

Harry thought carefully about Malfoy's words. He had often ignored his father's shortcomings and when he did acknowledge them, he'd understood Snape but could never like him or trust him. Snape was the first to go down that night against Voldemort.

Harry shook his head as Hermione said, “Harry, when will you two grow up? I thought just the mere fact that Ginny trusted him would soften you a bit against Draco. I've talked with him many times and he's apologized to me, Harry. He's apologized to me.”

Harry smiled and felt very small all of a sudden. “This is a lot to take in today, you know. I trust him if you have learned to trust him.” Harry took Hermione's arm and they slowly walked toward Draco and Ginny. When he was side by side with Malfoy, he said something he never thought he'd utter. “Welcome to the family, Draco. We have a lot of work to do, so don't invite us on double dates yet, okay?” Harry smiled. Draco nodded and grinned in acknowledgement.

“So, I heard you loaned your house out for a wedding today,” said Draco. “That's how she got me out here to meet you again.”

“Ahem,” said Ginny. “Not a good idea.”

“Who would that be?” asked Harry.

They looked up and at the steps with a minister stood Ron and Luna. “Are you guys coming?” asked Luna.

Harry looked at Hermione and realized that there were no Groomsmen or Maids of Honor. They walked up to the steps and as they did, Luna split from Ron to Hermione's left and Ron stayed to Harry's right. “Mate, we weren't letting you guys wait another week.” From around the small group of people to Hermione's left Mrs. Weasley put a veil and bonnet of flowers on Hermione's head and handed her the bouquet. Ron flashed the wedding ring to Harry.

Mrs. Weasley whispered, “You couldn't wear the dress with your shoulder anyway.” She smiled with tears in her eyes.

Harry and Hermione looked around as their friends surrounded them each taking a side—the men with Harry and the women with Hermione. Just inside the door, Harry saw Jack sitting at his piano as he began to play the Wedding March. Harry bowed to Hermione, “Are you ready, Sweetheart?” She smiled tearfully and said yes.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the joining of this man, Harry James Potter and this woman, Hermione Jane Granger in holy matrimony. Who gives this woman to this man?” said the preacher.

“I do,” said Mr. Granger with Mrs. Granger at his side as he stood out from the crowd. Hermione smiled so wide at her father and Harry she thought her cheeks would explode.

“If there is anyone….,” continued the preacher through the vows. “I now pronounce you husband and wife.” Harry was so nervous that his glasses fogged as they kissed and made Hermione laugh.

She whispered, “Last time that happened was in a Jacuzzi.” They smiled and hugged again forgetting every pain they had ever had.

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Chapter 11—Real Trouble

By the end of January, Harry and Hermione were almost all the way back to normal. Harry bought the nicest flat screen television he could find and a satellite system to match. They had furnished their home. More than anything, they were glad the contractor was getting to the final additions to the large master bathroom in their room. He felt sorry for Hermione when she climbed the stairs. It was apparent that even with magical intervention there were going to be times climbing stairs were going to be a challenge for Hermione, at least for a while.

“Hermione, how's your leg feeling?” asked Harry whose own scar was fading from his chest with Madam Pomfrey's famous scar salve.

“It's the weather, Harry. When it's dry, I'm fine most of the time. I really hope this goes away. We may just have to enchant the staircase to assist me when I need it, especially if you're expecting me to be a baby machine,” said Hermione. “You have to promise you won't make me go barefoot though, if I learn to be a good cook.” She looked at with a wily smile.

“Where'd you get that from?” asked Harry.

“Oh, don't tell me that all men haven't heard the saying about men attempting to keep their wives, barefoot, pregnant and in the kitchen,” giggled Hermione.

“You mean we'd have to do it on the kitchen table or on the stove just to keep the babies coming because you can't leave the kitchen?” he asked.

“Now that is truly sick,” she laughed. “No, I heard that in the states when we went to Nashville one time. Some comedian was talking about how to make sure that the local women were too busy to even think about cheating or leaving them.”

“Well don't become too good of a cook then, is all I'll say,” teased Harry. “Otherwise, I might begin to like that idea.”

“You will be sorry when I gain five dress sizes and have hips so wide we can't sit on a loveseat together,” said Hermione puffing her cheeks out and holding her arms out to her sides. “I don't think I can let that happen. If it looks like a possibility we'll have to put on an addition for an exercise room.”

“Maybe we should hope for twins or triplets then. That way you would keep the weight off by chasing the kids,” he winked.

“Oh, yeah, now there is a solution, smartass. I'll only have to have kids once with triplets, because I'm sure I'll hex you into the next century while in childbirth,” she smiled back walked over and sat on Harry's lap at the table. “Sweetheart, I'm just hoping I'm okay after my injuries and it's not more painful with my hip. Other than that, I can't wait to have a baby.”

Harry looked over at his pocket folder with the list of baby names in it and wondered if she'd done the same. He liked the whole internet thing, because it was so easy to find information. “Do you want to take a walk and talk about names? The weather is the best it's been in days and we both need the exercise. Are you up for it or is your leg and hip hurting too much?”

“It's better than it has been even if it doesn't look like it. Sure, I'll grab my coat,” she said.

Harry helped her on with her coat and put on his own. It was cool and blustery, but the sun blazed in the sky for one of the few times it would at this time of year. They'd learned in the last few weeks that they'd never have enough room in the house to make somewhere to exercise and they needed to stay in shape. The choice was either to brave the elements or to become couch potatoes. Harry thought about someday making an addition for a home gym or exercise room, but he liked this time they spent together outdoors.

He took Hermione's hand and kissed her cheek. “This is the life. I'm with the most wonderful woman in the world on a beautiful day, in gorgeous surroundings, and talking about making a family.”

“It is kind of wonderful, isn't it? I can't wait until planting season. I've been doing my homework on how to make the orchard both beautiful and productive. It will be fun to see it grow along with our kids, if we finally have them.” She hurried a little to get ahead of him and turned so that she was walking backwards facing him with the wind to her back.

“Don't worry, things will work out. Besides, I'm shooting blanks on purpose just to make love to you more often,” said Harry. He looked at her face and the scowl that had grown there. “I'm just kidding. Besides, you never seem to complain.”

“I wish I had a comeback for that, but you are my favorite boy toy since you're almost a year younger,” she teased as he slowed down and took his hand. “I hope we never lose the ability to laugh at ourselves and one another, Harry. It's sexy and it's just plain fun to be loose.”

“Yeah, I like loose women,” he prodded. “I couldn't let that go, Sweetheart. To change the subject a little before you kick me and make me shoot blanks for life, what names do you like best?”

“Ooh, you changed the subject just in time to save your skinny behind, Harry Potter.” She swatted him on the bum. “You know one of the names that caught my eye and ear was `Halle', like the American actress Halle Berry. Of course, you can spell it traditionally, but I like the way she spells it. Another I like is Kelsey for either a boy or a girl.”

“That is so weird. I didn't know if you'd like Kelsey or not. I like James or Cedric too. I know I like Kelsey. Well, if you really like them, I think that's pretty much settled. You can choose,” said Harry.

They walked to the main road and turned right. The walked the edge of the property which took them almost an hour. Harry was just glad to see her smiling. He knew she still spent too much time worried about what had happened and what he'd said. He often wished could have those words back. When they returned they were surprised to see an owl sitting in the tree nearest the front door. Harry held out his arm where the owl landed. Tied to his leg was an official looking letter. Harry opened it.

Dear Harry and Hermione,

I am glad to hear of your marriage. I wish you all the best. I must ask though that you join me for dinner on February 1 at my home. If you please, we should meet at the Ministry for a short meeting at 4 PM that afternoon. This urgent matter is very close to your situation.

Minister for Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour

Harry and Hermione looked at one another without a word. They knew that at some point the call would come. What was surprising was that it was directly from the Minister and not Tonks. “I wonder what could be so important that the Minister himself is involved,” said Harry.

“I don't know Harry, but there is something about the way he operates that tells me it's serious if he has to get involved,” she admitted. “I am nervous now. Our peaceful little world of walking, talking and just enjoying intimate moments seem to be screeching to a halt.”

“I don't know whether I feel better that it's tomorrow so that it reduces the time to think about it, or if I feel more nervous that a meeting is necessary with little time to prepare,” said Harry.

“Send the owl back, Harry. It's time we found out what's going on and sooner is better than later,” said Hermione confidently. “We always land on our feet so we might as well jump.”

Harry smiled, opened the door and wrote a reply saying that they would be there. The owl took off leaving a bewildered and concerned Harry watching him as he went out of sight.

*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&

Once they reached the Ministry, Hermione felt better. It was as if a weight lifted when she saw Tonks, Arthur, Remus and Bill waiting with them. “I don't know anything either,” whispered Tonks.

At four o'clock, the door to the Minister's office opened. There were just enough seats set in a circle. I was a curious sight to see all entrances and accesses to the outside covered to prevent eavesdropping. The Minister began cautiously as if he were trying to avoid saying the wrong thing. He said hello to everyone and welcomed him or her, but it was obvious this was a prelude to something much more sensitive than usual.

“I wish I could say that this is to recognize the good work we did to keep Harry and Hermione out of the muggle's public spotlight, but that fact is exactly what is causing the trouble,” he began.

“The conspiracy that we once thought was solely about Harry and Hermione has taken its true form now and is more dangerous than we've ever faced. The Ministry has long been the enemy of the darker elements of our world and until now there attempts to disrupt our power-base were limited to subterfuge in our world alone. It now appears, the plan was to assassinate, injure, or incapacitate Harry and Hermione in the muggle world to draw us into the open.

“Your popularity in the muggle world and your connection to Harry made you the perfect targets. We would not allow Harry and his loved ones to languish in the muggle world to face charges. They were right that we held you both in high regard. They knew that we would do something; they just didn't expect it to be done so quickly and efficiently.”

“The subsequent result was that it took time to convince muggle authorities that a cover-up had occurred. Now they have labeled us anarchists who hold the British government to be misfits. They are investigating places that we use to hide our existence. We are afraid that within weeks, they will have gathered enough support from our own opposition and the muggle community to begin uncovering our infrastructure. We may have to abandon the Ministry for more secure areas, possibly Hogwarts. They have begun proving that what they say we did was possible. It appears that our enemies will sleep with the devil to get to us.”

“As the Minister for Magic, I am supposed to be your leader and be able to provide guidance in all situations. However, when the existence of our civilized world is at stake, I have no illusions of grandeur or genius. I must ask for help in determining the best course of action,” implored the Minister. “I believe the strongest, most intelligent and the bravest of my staff are represented here. There are others I wish to include, but we must make some assumptions and decisions quickly on sketchy information. I think we would all agree that too many cooks will spoil the broth.”

Harry realized that his role is central in this issue. First, he is the representative to Prime Minister. He must test the waters of governmental opinion at the highest levels. Second, his reputation as the most fearless of the Ministry representatives is on the line.

“Minister, I know that I must arrange a meeting with the Prime Minister. My experience is that we are not in extremis yet, if Kingsley Shacklebolt has not returned with frantic reports concerning doubts of our loyalty in the eyes of the Prime Minister,” explained Harry. “We have no such reports, correct?” Harry felt uncomfortable in this role, because it required him to pretend to be officious and self-important—things he clearly despised.

“I'm sure you are right. Even though Kingsley has reported some very delicate rumors contrary to our wishes, the Prime Minister has ignored them or put very little stock in them to-date.” The Minister nodded approvingly at Harry as though he respected Harry's grasp of the situation and its gravity.

Harry was about to say something when Hermione raised her hand. He deferred to her. “Minister, Harry and I have discussed what we need to do to find the person or persons behind our small part in this larger conspiracy. I believe that it will require me to re-emerge in the public eye in both the muggle world and ours. I am nervous about this, as is Harry. There is someone very powerful behind it and we will be targets again.”

“I understand completely and it is the two of you who will face the brunt of the criticism from those who wish to play up the accusations of our disrespect for muggle authority if you do become active once more,” replied the Minister. “That will be addressed by creating an entourage of highly skilled witches and wizards to assist you. We are in the process of identifying those people now. I hope that I don't seem to have taken you for granted by already making those preparations, but it seemed logical that you would see your importance in this whole matter.”

“Sir, you have been careful in choosing your words. Have those who are making the accusations been just as careful to not invoke a panic that our world exists?” asked Remus.

“I'm glad you took notice of that. I don't want to pretend that there is a huge outcry of fear in the muggle community. Our enemies want to leave our world intact without the Ministry as its representative body. They don't want to spur a genocidal phobia against every witch and wizard. They want anarchy in our world which would allow the would-be Dark Lords to fight amongst themselves for control with no organized body to stand in their way,” said the Minister. “Divide and conquer is their plan. Not a bad plan for us either at this moment, because they have to unite to defeat us.”

“Repeat that, please. I'm not sure I understand that last statement,” said Bill.

“In more direct terms, they will need to build a unified base to break us apart. If we can be divisive enough, they will never get strong enough to push us out. If they do get control, they will divide the population and take control of as much as their evil power and desire for it will take them,” described Minister Scrimgeour.

Hermione shivered at the prospect. “My hope is that we can find Julie Carlson. She is not that type of person. I'll be honest with you; as much as I despise what she did to Ginny, Harry and I, I will bet you she is in trouble. I know her well enough to know that she is not capable of the kind of evil you're talking about.”

Tonks looked at Hermione. “Hermione, I think that's wishful thinking. She didn't do anything to stop it. She was ready when the camera lights went on and it was within hours. It wasn't the next day or with disheveled papers. She was prepared. I'm sorry; I think she's in it up to her eyeballs.”

Hermione smiled reluctantly at Tonks lighthearted attempt to humor her. “I'm just so disappointed. I'm so sure that something else must have been going on, but I realize you're probably right.”

“So, does anyone have any ideas for creating some way of drawing these people out?” asked the Minister.

“What if one of us were to arise as a somewhat disenchanted member of the Order of the Phoenix?” asked Harry.

Tonks shot a glare at him and quickly adjusted to cover up her surprise. “What would that do?”

“We provide some of the same information that the people who are after us are giving and point out valid reasons, but with a bit of humility that maybe it was done in the wrong way,” said Harry. “In other words, we can feed them enough truth to gain their confidence and correlate it to what they know and add some--plus an apology of sorts. Now, working with our enemies against us is not necessarily the only game in town. We emphasize that we could help them in their investigations.”

“Brilliant, if it works. It gives us the opportunity to provide enough information on the real case involving Hermione and Harry to show the conspiracy and use them to help us,” said Remus. “It has to be accepted at a high enough level though.”

“If Scotland Yard were brought in by the Prime Minister, would that be high enough?” asked Harry.

“That sounds intriguing, but what would you tell them?” asked Tonks with Scrimgeour nodding his agreement with the question.

“It is an organization doing research on extrasensory perception, you know ESP. As with all creative and highly talented people, we have had our troubles with certain members of the staff and test subjects. They have occasionally engaged in unsanctioned research that ignored the normal controls, such as no involvement of the non-magical community.” Harry paused. “We would tell the Prime Minister the complete truth. That would be the story for Scotland Yard, if the Prime Minister approves.”

“What do you mean by telling him the complete truth?” asked Remus.

“Tell him what happened to us; explain the need to remove Hermione and me; and, explain our fears of exposure by whoever is involved in this,” said Harry. “He is a fair man. Look at the world and how crazy it's gotten. He can understand preserving a way of life that has existed for hundreds of years. He's in the same business for the muggles against the rest of the world. We explain that the dark elements who mean us harm are very much like terrorists. Their aim is chaos to gain power over our people. We are not the enemy.”

“Harry, I always knew I picked the right man for the job,” said Scrimgeour. “We must make absolutely sure that everyone understands their role, what information Scotland Yard is given and how to explain it if asked probing questions. Do we agree?”

The idea seemed to give everyone a boost. Using the Prime Minister as an aid to the magical world was risky. Yet, as Harry said, the alternatives were based too often on subjecting muggles to more magic and risking further exposure. Harry's suggestion was one that appealed to everyone, if successfully executed. The discussion of what was required and what to divulge to Scotland Yard lasted for two more hours. With the plan finalized, Harry felt better about his work than he had at any time since starting with the Ministry. He had the trust he thought he deserved.

“Harry and Hermione, I am looking forward to having you for dinner this evening as is my wife and family. If everyone will excuse us, we are late for dinner,” announced the Minister. “I am delighted with the sense of teamwork and cooperation displayed today. For the first time in several days, I feel that we are going to accomplish our goals without widespread panic.”

“Harry and Hermione follow me please,” requested the Minister. He led them to his office where his private fireplace roared in anticipation. “It is simple here. Since we are at my private access, all you must say is `Home'. It will automatically take you to my residence. Please, after you,” he continued motioning for Harry and Hermione to go first.

Harry and Hermione enjoyed their evening with the Scrimgeour's. Harry had his doubts, but the Minister demonstrated that behind his politically motivated life at the Ministry, he was actually a family man in disguise. Despite his years as an Auror, Scrimgeour had managed to maintain his marriage and raise several children who lived in the homes on his estate. Harry enjoyed his evening with Hermione even more because there was little talk of anything but family; leaving business behind at the Ministry was the biggest surprise of all.

The trip home was quiet for both of them. Until Hermione brought the subject of children again, “Do we continue to act as muggles when we have children? Or, do we walk the tightrope between muggle society and magical society? We both know that magical only will be difficult with our lives as they are.”

“Wow, that's a big question for the drive home, Sweetheart,” said Harry with a smile. “I mean, how can you possibly think like that and drive at the same time? You amaze me.”

“No, I'm serious, Harry,” said Hermione. “The world is changing. We need to decide these things.”

“I know and we will, Hermione. I'm just not sure if we can decide tonight,” he said. “I'm not sure that we can choose anything but walking the tightrope, Hermione. Your parents will always live in the muggle world and we will be somewhere in between.”

“I'm glad you said it that way, Harry. I see it the same way. I guess the question is the degree of involvement in the muggle world. Do we home school our kids or do we send them to school like regular kids?” she asked rhetorically.

“Again, wow, we haven't even had a child yet and you're figuring out whether they will be Prime Minister or Minister for Magic,” smiled Harry.

Hermione laughed. “I guess that is a little over the top but that was kind where I was going with it.” The entrance to their home was coming up on the right. “I think we have to work on the making a baby part first, don't we?”

Harry's eyebrows raised as a smirk crossed his face. “Why Hermione that sounds like an invitation. Is it?”

“Well, I don't mind inviting the most handsome man I know into my bed. What happens when we get there depends on how well rested he is,” she smiled, “not to mention how inclined he is to satisfy his wife.”

“Oh, my satisfaction doesn't matter,” he teased.

“You're satisfied looking at pictures in magazines, who are you kidding,” she teased in return. “The wind blows and you're all over me.” The pinched him as the walked up the steps.”

“You know, I don't think I ever carried you over the threshold,” he said. He took a deep breath, bent down, and lifted her under the knees and carried her into the house past the living room and into the bedroom. “You're right about that wind.” He smiled and kissed her softly as he laid her on their bed. “I love you.”

Hours later, the wind outside their room woke Harry. He staggered to the window to see what was making the noise. Naked to the waist, he smiled as he realized that it had just been the wind and the trellis on the house. He would fix it in the morning. He looked at Hermione sleeping so peacefully in the bed next to him as he lay back down. He was tempted to wake her and make love to her again, feeling the satisfaction that this beautiful woman loved him with all her heart. He contained his lustful thoughts and settled for the peace of mind that he was where he should be in his life.

The alarm clock went off at a quarter past eight. Hermione was already getting dressed. He loved watching her dress. She never stood and admired herself like he thought a beautiful model would. She used her moisturizer for her skin and that was it. She slipped on a pullover sweatshirt, a pair of jeans, and white socks with runners. She was ready for her day. He loved it. She was the most wonderful person he'd ever known. “You didn't wear your `Thank you, Sir, May I have another?' sweatshirt. Hermione. I'm disappointed.” He said sitting up in bed.

“You're disgusting,” she said playfully. “Even if we had one of those in the house, I'd never where it even with only you around. It would give you ideas and I'd never get any work done.”

“If you had I'd wear one that said, `We aim to please.'” He laughed.

“See? You'll always be an incorrigible sex maniac. Don't change for me though, I'm not complaining….much,” she smiled. “Would you like breakfast?”

“Sure, that sounds good. I'll just shower,” he hopped out of bed and made his way through the almost finished bathroom to the shower giving Hermione a peck on the cheek on the way. Fifteen minutes later, he joined Hermione in the kitchen.

“That was fast,” said Hermione with a smile. “I hardly had time to get the water on for tea.”

“I'm excited, Sweetheart,” he professed. “I feel like I'm finally going to be useful as a liaison with the Prime Minister. I must go there today, you know.”

“I'm proud of you, Harry. I think it will go well. Just remember to stick to facts and don't try to hard. He will listen to you. I can feel it. Do you think that Kingsley was able to get you a good time to speak with him? I am talking about one where he's not rushing to another meeting right afterwards.”

“We'll know soon enough,” said Harry. He remembered getting up in the middle of the night thinking the noise might have been an owl. “Oh, yeah, I have to put the trellis back up on the side of the house. It fell in the wind last night.”

“I know. I watched you standing there at the window. I would have said something, but I was afraid you'd get amorous again. My hip was already sore enough,” she said smiling. “You are quite a tiger if I get you going.”

“I'm sorry, Sweetheart,” said Harry truthfully. “I wanted to make love again when I went back to bed, but I just fell asleep thinking of how beautiful and peaceful you looked.”

“Don't apologize, it's just the muscles in my hip still aren't battle proven,” she laughed.

“Let's get on the internet and look at baby furniture,” Harry suggested.

“Now, that's an idea. There are some cool things about muggle life,” she said.

By 1 PM, they still hadn't heard from Kingsley at the Downing Street residence of the Prime Minister. Harry became a little concerned. “I wonder if the Prime Minister offered objections to a meeting,” he said to Hermione as he took off his coat after fixing the trellis.

“Do we keep the fireplace going for visitors? Will we get word by owl?” asked Hermione. “I hate being in the dark.”

“Me too, Sweetheart,” said Harry. “I don't think it's on purpose though. It's just a busy day.”

A little past two, there was a scratching at the front door. When Harry looked, he found a rather large barn owl with a small card attached. He read it immediately. “The Prime Minister has set aside time for you this evening at 8 PM. He will be retiring around 9 PM, so we must be concise. Regards, Kingsley Shacklebolt.”

“At least if the story is interesting he doesn't have further State business to attend to after our meeting. He may be inclined to listen longer,” said Harry.

“Do you think it will take longer than an hour, Harry?” asked Hermione. “That's a long time.”

“No, but it is better if he asks questions and seems interested in helping. I don't want just flood him with our problems,” said Harry. “You know what it feels like to be talked at rather than talking with someone.”

“That's a good point,” said Hermione. “So what do we do now?”

“Let's keep shopping,” said Harry. She sat in the chair next to him as they looked at decorating ideas and baby furniture. “I never thought I'd be so in love that something like this would give me pleasure.” He kissed Hermione softly and said pointing to the screen, “Do you like that one?”

-->

Chapter 12—The Unlikely Ally

That afternoon Harry and Hermione spent the day laughing and enjoying the freedom of their own home. They decided that the nickname they would give their homestead would be The Orchard. While it had a long way to go, this spring and summer would take care of any questions people might have. By seven forty-five, Hermione was a mess. She was afraid that Harry had taken his meeting with the Prime Minister of England for granted.

“Harry, how can you be so blasé about this meeting?” asked Hermione.

“Sweetheart, the man puts his pants on the same way I do. I will be respectful. Believe me, Hermione, every moment we were not talking today, I was rehearsing in my mind,” acknowledged Harry. “The main thing is to not be in too much awe or he will sense that he has us over a barrel, so to speak.”

“You sound like a politician, Harry. I suppose in this case, that's a good thing,” she said with a nervous grin.

Harry was quite a bit more nervous than he let on to Hermione. He had indeed spent a good deal of time thinking about his presentation to the Prime Minister, but he also knew that he was best when he spoke from the heart. That was his plan. He'd memorized his main points and would address them extemporaneously. He felt that the Prime Minister would trust him more if he didn't look like he was preaching the Ministry party line.

“Sweetheart, give me a kiss and wish me luck,” he entreated. “I am confident that it will turn out well, but you're my good luck charm.”

Hermione couldn't help but smile. She kissed him and put her hand to his face. “You'll do fine, my love. Good luck.”

Harry walked to the fireplace, tossed in the floo powder and spoke, “Number 10 Downing Street.”

Hermione sat quietly wondering how Harry was doing with the Prime Minister. Harry had proved time and again that he was more than lucky to her. The rumors had always persisted that without his friend's help he was nothing special. Hermione knew differently. She crossed to the window and looked on as the glow of the moon bathed the place they called home. Unexpectedly at 9 PM exactly, Harry returned with an expression Hermione could not read.

“Harry, so how did it go?” she asked anxiously.

“In the end, it went spectacularly. I know now why muggles spend so much of their time watching and remarking about politicians. He was not very pleasant at first. I suppose that was due to my admission that we had flaunted their system of justice,” said Harry. “When I explained that had one of us clearly violated the laws of non-magical society willfully that our penalty would be much stiffer since they had violated not only theirs but our laws as well, he understood we meant business. He questioned me at every turn about our cover story and what our purpose was in returning us to magical society.”

“Was he horrible to deal with, Harry?” asked Hermione.

“No, I think he is a man much like we are. He is tired of law-breakers who mean to push society to its limits for their own gain. I think he had the impression that we were being rather self-serving at first. I assured him that he had our support for his war on terror wherever and whenever he needs us. It was then that he asked how he could help,” explained Harry.

“You know that it will be hard for us to help him, Harry. I hope in the end you explained the type of help we can provide,” she said.

“I explained that we would provide intelligence since we must remain out of sight,” said Harry. “He understood. He gave me a name of a Scotland Yard inspector; I've forgotten titles already, who will be trustworthy. He is actually the Prime Minister's childhood chum. He was sure that we could divulge almost anything to him and he would willingly do whatever we asked to ensure our society remained hidden. He is Peter Wycliffe.”

“How soon do we expect to be able to contact him?” asked Hermione.

“Hermione, he called Mr. Wycliffe while I stood there and asked to meet with him in the morning. He had Kingsley clear his schedule for the morning tomorrow. I believe we will begin very soon,” said Harry.

*(&(*&(*&(*(&

Harry was absolutely right. The following day he met with Peter Wycliffe and several of his men. The all out search began for Julie and any traces as to her whereabouts. Harry found himself working twelve to fourteen hour days alongside Hermione, looking at pictures of possible accomplices or acquaintances. The first week finally ended with a two-day break, which gave them time to breathe.

“Harry, if I ever look at another photograph again, it will be too soon,” said Hermione as they sat a London restaurant. “It's nice to be out in the real world again though, don't you think?”

“Yeah, I have to agree. I'm sick of pictures, but the hustle and bustle of muggle life is so invigorating,” said Harry. “I still can't wait to get back to the Orchard.”

“I love that name, Harry. It was a good we decided on that name,” said Hermione as she picked at her salad. “There was something familiar about quite a few of the people's pictures that I saw today. I think they must have taken photos from one of the studios I worked with in the past.”

“It was strange also, because I was handed a list of names to see if I recognized any of them and several rang a bell. Yet, I couldn't put a finger on the faces. They brought pictures of those people mixed with ones that I didn't know,” said Harry. “I kept picking people that the names didn't match.”

“I'm so confused, Harry. At one point they put a few of my pictures in with the others to see if I recognized them. I didn't and they decided that it was time for a break,” she laughed. “I was so exhausted I didn't recognize myself.”

“Now that's funny,” Harry replied as he sipped his wine. “You look tired too.”

“I guess it's just the long days. I'm used to long hours, but in a homier environment,” said Hermione. “Those offices are cramped with all those people running around.”

The waiter arrived with the meal. Harry looked at Hermione, smiled and lifted his wine glass, “To love, friendship, marriage, and family.”

Hermione lifted her glass to his. “Beautifully said, Sweetheart.” She smiled and sipped her water.

“I still don't understand why you won't have wine with me,” said Harry.

“If I am pregnant, I don't want to do anything that would harm the baby, Harry,” she said. “I guess it's my muggle upbringing that has me feeling that way and praying.”

Harry was happy to hear that Hermione was so excited about he prospect of a child. He couldn't imagine a more wonderful thing in his life than a son or daughter. “I keep forgetting about alcohol and pregnancy, Hermione. I'm sorry.”

“That's okay, Harry. I won't forget, it means too much to both of us,” she replied.

“Hermione, I know I'm stupid about these things, but how will you know you're pregnant?” he asked innocently. “Well, I mean besides the obvious.”

“I'm not altogether sure, Harry. I suppose I will feel bloated or queasy. You know the old stories about morning sickness. Remember this is new to me too,” she smiled. “It's not like a woman gets to practice first.”

Harry laughed as Hermione smiled broadly. “I suppose if a woman truly knew what she was in for, she'd decline the opportunity to have a baby more often, huh?”

“I should suppose so,” said Hermione, “unless she loves her husband enough to want nothing more than to be with him and love him.” She reached across and touched Harry's hand. “And I do love you that much.”

Harry felt choked up and unable to respond for a moment. The look in Hermione's eyes was one he'd never experienced. A depth and softness to her filled him with joy that night. When he regained his composure he remarked, “We're preoccupied with children, aren't we?”

“I know it sounds silly, but each time we make love I wonder,” said Hermione. “Will this be the moment my life changes? I don't mean while we're making love, but as I lay in your arms. I hope and pray that it is.”

For one of the first times in his life Harry realized that his destiny was not to be a hero at all. It was to be the most noble of all things, a good parent and husband. He smiled at Hermione, “I know it will be the highlight of my life.”

Several more weeks passed as evidence grew harder and harder to come by in the investigation. That was until Draco Malfoy and Ginny Weasley came to visit Harry and Hermione at the Orchard.

“Hey, Ginny, guess what?” whispered Hermione smiling.

“Omigod, you're pregnant,” said Ginny starting to leap for joy.

“Shh, I'm not sure. But this is the first time I ever had reason to think so and I'm so excited,” said Hermione. “I don't want to say anything to Harry until I'm sure though.”

“How long overdue are you?” she asked still trying to hold in the cries of happiness and surprise.

“I'm about a week now. Except in the hospital, I've never been more than two days either way,” said Hermione getting almost excited as Ginny.

“Promise me you will take a picture of his face when you tell him,” Ginny laughed. “Even if you have to snap the picture before calling the ambulance, you have to promise.” She laughed even harder.

“Hey, what's all this cackling about?” asked Draco standing at the window watching Harry working in the yard.

“Nothing, Draco, I'm just talking girl stuff with Hermione,” said Ginny.

“I hope Potter isn't going to ignore me all day. No offense girls, but if what I have in store for me is women giggling at their secrets all day, I'll hang myself in your living room.” He smiled.

“No, Harry promised me he would dig three small garden areas today. We thought you guys might be a little later than this and well, we got a late start,” said Hermione blushing.

Ginny smiled again. “So, are you two still acting like rabbits and having a go at each other three times a day?” she giggled.

“Yeah, sometimes we're limited to three,” Hermione teased. “No, Harry slept in because I kept him awake talking about having kids again. It's killing me knowing that it's finally possible but I can't tell him. Then, well one thing led to another.” She blushed again.

“Sheesh, if it's like that when you get married I'd better start looking for a hobby to have an excuse not too,” she laughed. “I'm only kidding.”

“So, what's for dinner?” asked Draco in typical male style. “Harry's working pretty hard out there. Maybe I should go offer a hand. That might loosen him up a bit.”

“That's a great idea, Sweetie. Who knows, maybe Harry won't try to hit you with the shovel. That's an improvement.” Ginny giggled. Draco just shook his head.

Draco walked the hundred yards or so toward Harry without saying a word. As he got closer, Harry said, “I wondered when those two would drive you out of the house.” A faint grin passed over Harry's face.

“Look, Potter, I'm not as comfortable about this as I look. I know there is a lot of ground to make up and it is only out of deference to Hermione that you have us here. I just want to say that I truly hope that we can put some, hopefully most, of our past behind us,” said Draco.

“Malfoy, do you remember the first time we met?” asked Harry.

“Yeah, I vaguely remember it,” said Draco.

“I remember it as if it were yesterday,” said Harry. “You told me that I would learn to associate with the right people, or something like that. Ron had only been my friend for an hour then and I knew it would be good thing. When you said that, I got an equal feeling of sadness that we might have been friends but now we were enemies because of the way you talked about him.”

“The years have been kinder to you, Harry than they have been to me. When I was young it was hard for you and relatively easy for me. The tables turned when I had to look back at what type of person I'd become. You could be proud and I was ashamed,” said Draco. “That's as close to an apology as I can get. There are too many times to mention that we were at odds. If you understand what I said, it is a compliment to you and what you stand for in this world.”

Harry looked at Malfoy with a sense of sadness, yet triumph. He felt guilty for a second. “I don't mind saying that I feel like gloating, but I believe you and I'm ashamed to feel that way. We both lost much more than we should have at such an early age.”

Draco peeled off his jacket. “Potter, give me a shovel. I'll help.” He took the heavier shovel that Harry had as a spare and began digging. Silently the two former mortal enemies seemed to bury their animosity, even if for only a little while.

Inside, Ginny and Hermione were still talking babies. Have you been sick?” asked Ginny.

“I've felt better in the morning than I have recently, but I've not been sick,” said Hermione. “I can't believe this is happening, Ginny.” Hermione hugged her with a tear. After a moment she looked at Ginny and asked, “How's Draco?”

“He's nervous today. He knows that you both feel it was a risk to let him come here again. I mean with all that's happened,” said Ginny. “Are you still suspicious of him?”

“I'm not really worried about it when I see him and he smiles at me. In person, his expressions show warmth and he talks to me politely. Yet, I have awful memories of him calling me a mudblood with such venom that I knew if he could have killed me to please his father without punishment, he would have,” said Hermione.

“Was it that bad?” asked Ginny. “Was there that much hatred in his voice?”

“It was disgust, Ginny. It was as if he were looking at a bug,” recalled Hermione. “You don't forget that feeling, ever. You can try to forgive it, but you can't forget it.”

“He is so tender with me, Hermione. I see him with his mother and Snape. He fights back the tears when he sees his mum. He wishes he could share his happiness with her,” said Ginny. “I hurt inside for him. People that he hates still approach him. He's afraid if they learned our history or knew my last name they would be merciless toward us.”

“Are they still involved in organizations we should be worried about?” asked Hermione.

“If by `we' you mean the Order of the Phoenix, I suppose. You know they don't tell me anything now that Draco and I are seeing each other,” said Ginny. “I don't care though. When we are together and he holds me I know he loves me and that means he's changed.”

Hermione changed the subject for the moment. “Hey, why don't you call the guys?”

Ginny went to the door and yelled, “Draco, Harry, It think dinner's ready,” Harry and Draco both waved back as Ginny shut the door.

“So where were we?” asked Ginny. “Oh, yeah, I was saying how Draco's past doesn't bother me and he isn't involved with those kinds of people anymore.”

Hermione continued setting the table with the beans, potatoes, a beef roast and a pitcher of water. She didn't respond. The reaction was not lost on Ginny.

“Aren't you happy to hear that?” asked Ginny.

Hermione looked at Ginny sympathetically. “Of course, I am if it's true. I don't mean to sound like I don't believe you but I worry that Draco is not voluntarily involved. I mean if he denies his new life, he's leading them to believe he is still one of them.”

Ginny's face turned to one of dismay. “I hoped you'd see the change.” She looked out the window. “Like I said, it's my problem to deal with and we won't be a burden. We won't stay long.”

Hermione knew she couldn't let this end badly before dinner. “Ginny, we love you and Draco is welcome. We don't hate him or even dislike him. We don't know him like you do. Don't expect us to blindly accept what you've had months to have proven to you. That's all I meant.”

Ginny looked back at Hermione who was smiling. Ginny seemed to accept the latest explanation. “If I were in your shoes I suspect I'd feel the same way, but ask him about things. He's not shy to talk about it. He will help you if I'm right and he's able.

Just that second the door popped open with the two dusty gardeners looking like they'd been digging for China. “Malfoy, use our bathroom here in the master bedroom. I'll go to the kitchen. You should find towels in the closet just outside. Wait a second, throw me one will you?” Draco stopped at the linen closet, took out two towels, and tossed one to Harry. “Thanks mate.”

“No problem,” said Draco.

The term mate was not lost on Hermione or Ginny. There was a brief smile between them. It appeared to each of them that there was a flash of hope in that exchange.

Dinner must have been delicious by the way Harry and Draco devoured everything in front of them. The water pitcher needed filling twice. Dessert was not far behind.

“So you two got awful chummy for one afternoon working in the garden,” said Hermione. “I half expected one of you to be wearing a shovel across the head.”

“Oh that happened, we just wiped the blood off and then covered it with dirt,” said Draco smiling.

Harry laughed as he took a sip of water. “We decided that seven years of animosity wouldn't be solved in one day so we just let things go. I'm still trying to figure out which shovel to hit him with.”

Ginny smiled at Harry's obvious attempt to make light of the difficult situation. “Draco, I was telling Hermione that some of your old friends still come around bugging you and you have to tell them to piss off regularly.”

Draco shot Ginny a glance, but when she nodded toward Harry and Hermione he seemed to understand. “Yeah, that's pretty true. It's those oafs Crabbe and Goyle. Sometimes they come with others they know, but it's always the same. They say they're meeting at a pub and invite me.”

Harry just looked at Draco with suspicion. “Harry, those two have no clue as to what is going on. I do. There have been some serious inquiries by Scotland Yard. It's unusual for the muggles to get involved in our affairs, even when it does have something to do with muggles.”

Harry's face remained impassive. “Yeah, like what activities, Malfoy?”

“That's just it. I don't know. I just know that they are recruiting because they need to find people who will help them with some business to do with land reclamation,” said Draco. “Whose land it is, I don't know. I'm not much interested when that's the kind of people I want to avoid.”

“You don't have the least bit of interest?” asked Harry. “I mean it could be pretty lucrative.”

Malfoy's expression changed to one of despair. “The wealthy wizard families were exactly the ones that caused so much trouble for my family. I'm well off on my own. I think that they want me as an investor.”

“How do you know that they haven't changed?” asked Harry.

Malfoy looked at Ginny, Hermione and back at Harry. “I'd prefer not to discuss it,” he said. “The discussion would bring up old wounds I'm trying to avoid.”

Ginny was concerned. “Draco, you've told me the truth, haven't you?” she asked. “I mean the whole truth.”

A pained look crossed Malfoy's face. “Most of it, darling, but I haven't told you everything.”

Hermione tried to hide her emotions, expecting the worst.

“Crabbe and Goyle spilled the story to them that Ginny was the youngest Weasley. I get all sorts of unflattering calls now…just like the old days when I used to give you guys the devil,” said Draco. “I wish you hadn't asked me to talk here, Ginny. I was going to tell you more this weekend.”

Harry stopped to listen harder. “What's going on with them? Are they still terrorizing muggles, half-bloods and what they call blood traitors?” asked Harry.

“Fortunately, they have been driven to be more accepting with the new decrees requiring former Death Eaters and their families to submit to periodic visits from the Ministry. It's not publicized but we have lost much of our privacy to the Aurors.”

Harry couldn't contain his surprise. He'd not been made aware of this. “How long has this gone on?” asked Harry.

“Since a month after Voldemort's fall,” said Malfoy. “It is not totally intrusive. Opinions are now hidden much the same as racism is a hidden fact of life in the muggle world.”

“Am I to understand that they have gone underground?” asked Harry.

“I don't think so, Harry. I think they've tried to hide in the muggle world where such prejudices can be hidden in the fabric of society. Many have moved to the United States. Crabbe and Goyle aren't the brightest. They say things they shouldn't say, which is actually more dangerous for me. I know things I don't want to know,” said Draco.

Harry knew the time was now or never. If Draco were hiding anything, he would certainly be more cautious in the future. To bring up the subject in the future would be futile, because he would be ready for it. “Malfoy, I have to ask you, because I'd be an idiot if I didn't. Are you involved in anyway with the group you're talking about?”

Draco looked at Harry for a moment as if he were trying to read Harry's expression. “I would have to ask that too, if I were you. I suppose by not declaring myself against them, I am. It's a difficult thing to do. I'm despised by most outside of my old group of friends and mistrusted by those inside because of the unconfirmed rumors that I helped you bring down Lord Voldemort,” said Draco. “I'm not complaining. With Ginny by my side, I have been able to get by better than ever in the last few months. It isn't what I'd planned for my life though, I can tell you that.”

“You are regarded the same way I was when I came to Hogwarts, Malfoy. No one knew what to think. Was I a Dark Wizard with tremendous powers to survive the Killing Curse? On the other hand, was I a pretender who got too much credit for everything I did? Parents told their kids to be careful around me. Others told them I was okay. I know a bit about how you feel,” said Harry. “No matter what you do now, your past haunts you in a very real way, I am sure.”

“I suppose that's the irony of it all, is it not?” asked Draco.

“I hate to be incredibly rude, but I have to talk to Hermione for a minute in private,” said Harry. He motioned for her to step out into the night air, which was quite a bit colder than it had been an hour before.

“Hermione, my first instinct was to tell him about the Prime Minister, but something is holding me back from being that open. I want to get his help for the Ministry and Scotland Yard, but how do we know absolutely that we can trust him?” asked Harry.

Hermione looked at her husband carefully as a tear grew in her eye. “Harry, I knew it would come to this when Draco got involved with Ginny.”

“What Sweetheart?” Harry asked. “Come to what?”

“I knew there would come a moment when trusting Draco would be difficult for you,” said Hermione. “I never like to bring up the past to you—especially when I know the emotions it brings up.”

“Honey, you are losing me hear,” he replied as Hermione wiped away the tears.

“You have to do something again that is against your nature, my love. You have to do what Dumbledore did with Snape. You have to have faith in the unknown. You have to trust him even against your better judgment,” said Hermione. “Dumbledore made Snape vow to protect you and to work for the good of the school and Ministry. Snape had no alternative except Azkaban. Draco has alternatives. You have to trust him if you plan on letting him help.”

Harry understood why Hermione was crying but would ruin her secret. She was emotional in a way that he hadn't expected. He could feel the excitement in her about the baby and she knew that she was as afraid of making a mistake as he was. “Sweetheart, you are asking me to make a decision that will affect our lives dramatically. I am not willing to do this without you telling me it is the right thing to do.”

“Sweetheart, that's why I am crying. I can't tell you I approve. Harry, I'm pregnant with your child. I will do nothing to put his or her life in danger. I wanted to tell you in such a different way. I know that you will not take chances that will endanger our child. That's why I'm telling you now,” she said tearfully. “I have faith in you, darling. More faith than you will ever know, but you must decide this.”

Harry smiled and kissed her passionately. “I'm so happy, Hermione. I knew when I touched your breast last night kissing you good night and you jumped.”

Hermione smiled. “I jump a lot when you touch me. How would that tell you?”

“It wasn't as soft as usual. The website said that there would be telltale signs. It was your news to give me though,” said Harry. “Without knowing it Hermione, you've given me the answer about Draco. I will trust him.”

“How did I answer?” she asked.

“You would have told me no, if you truly thought he was a threat—and, I would never have entertained the thought if I thought it would harm are unborn child,” said Harry. “I think I just had to ask the love of my life, because I have faith in your judgment too.”

They were freezing now that the night had fallen completely. “We have to go in Harry or both of us will die of exposure before the baby is born,” said Hermione with a laugh through her tears.

Harry opened the door and smiled. “I'm going to be a father,” proclaimed Harry as Draco and Ginny looked at them shivering inside the door. “How do you feel about being a sort of Uncle to my kid, Draco?”

Stunned, Malfoy looked at Hermione who was staring at Harry. “What the bloody hell are you talking about?”

“Malfoy, if you're going to be friends with my family and we're going to share meals together, you have to agree to be a distant Uncle to my kid,” said Harry again with a smile. “Okay, there's more to it than that. Here's the deal. You told me how much you learned from Snape. I have to tell you what I learned from Dumbledore. Faith is based on the belief in someone or something. I have faith that you will protect what I'm about to tell you with your life. You risked it once for me. I'm counting on you again.”

Malfoy hung his head looking at Harry's feet. “What is it, Potter?”

“It's the plan we are using to free ourselves from the threat of evil that faces the Ministry,” said Harry. “Are you in?”

Malfoy walked over to Harry and put out his hand. “Congratulations on the baby Potter. I'm not as callous as you might think. If an Unbreakable Vow is necessary, I'm willing. I am proud to be working with you.”

Harry took Draco aside and explained the plan in detail. He left Ginny out for moment. “Draco, I don't need the Unbreakable Vow. I think we understand each other. I will kill you, if you break the faith,” said Harry.

“I know. You also know that I would not disgrace myself again,” said Malfoy. “I can see that you understand that too.”

“I do, but let there be no doubt we will have to be on opposite sides of the game. You will be with them,” said Harry.

“I'm ready and you know what I'm capable of doing,” said Malfoy.

“That's why I need you,” said Harry. When they were finished they sat at the table and toasted to their new agreement.

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