Memories

A/N: Just a short story that came to me, only a couple of chapters. A little interlude I decided to write up while in the midst of Footsteps, but it has nothing to do with that universe.

Disclaimer - They aren't my toys, I just play with them


ONE: THAT FIRST NIGHT

Harry Potter dropped his body into a chair after grabbing the bottle of firewhiskey and a glass. He poured himself a drink and leaned back, placing the ice-pack he'd also retrievedsoftlyagainst his throbbing jaw, and taking a sip of his drink. She'd hit him hard and he knew that he'd deserved it.

'How could I have even thought she was cheating?' His mind asked himself for the fourth time since she'd apparated away.

She'd never left before. They fought a fair bit, but most of it was their twisted version of foreplay, and when it wasn't they just wouldn't speak for a while. But in their entire twenty years of being married she'd never left before. They'd both threatened to and on more than one occasion she'd told him to leave, but she herself had never walked out on him.

'Why the hell am I such an insecure git? Twenty bloody years she's stuck by me, longer if you count the friendship beforehand, and I bloody go and accuse her of cheating! What the bloody hell is wrong with me?'

He poured himself another firewhiskey as another part of his mind answered for him, 'Because she's too good for you. You don't think you're good enough. If you were her you'd look for better. But you're not her, and you know she'd never do that. She bloody well loves you and now you've gone and probably bloody ruined everything.'

Sure she'd spent an awful lot of time with that Rumsfield feller lately, but it was for her research. Harry knew she'd never cheat on him, he knew she loved him, but he'd gotten angry and just said it. That was when she promptly decked him round the side of the face and left.

Taking a long sip of his drink he thought back over their twenty one years as lovers, right back to the first night.


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Seventeen year old Harry Potter trudged up the stairs at Grimmauld Place towards his room. Only he, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger were there and no one else knew where they were. For the past year they'd been finding Voldemorts Horcruxes and destroying them. And tomorrow it would all end. They had one more to get and they knew where to find it, inside Voldemort. Tomorrow he'd either kill Voldemort or be killed himself.

Tonight they would rest for whatever the next day would bring. They knew where to find Voldemort and tomorrow they'd go and hopefully Harry would kill him. It had been a rather quiet night since they knew that all three could die tomorrow.

He slipped out of his shirt and collapsed on the bed, pulling the covers over himself. He was just about to drop off when he heard the door crack open and soft footsteps pad over to him. Extra weight applied to the bed.

"Harry, are you still awake?" Hermione whispered.

Yeah, Mione, what's up?" He asked, going to sit up.

He never got the chance however as her lips crashed into his and she pushed him back onto the bed. Harry was in complete shock as her hands began exploring his body, but the shock didn't stop him from responding.

She pulled back, straddled him and pulled her shirt over her head, giving Harry the chance to come out of shock.

"Mione, I....ah" his words tumbling.

"Harry, we could both die tomorrow" she whispered, her voice husky with desire.

"Yeah, but, I mean we haven't even been dating - -"

"Harry" she cut him off.

"Yeah?"

"Shut up"

And once again her lips were on his and he couldn't help himself from responding. If this is what she wanted, then he wouldn't disappoint her. Harry sat up and reached around undoing her bra as she pulled her wand out of her back pocket and performed a sound-proofing charm on the walls and a contraceptive charm on herself. The wand and the rest of their clothes quickly formed on the floor.

Harry flipped her, but stopped before completing what they started.

"Mione, are you sure - -"

"Harry," she began, "I've never been more sure of anything. I want you right now."

He didn't need to be told twice. He watched her face as he entered her, and noticed her wince in pain. "Sorry" he whispered.

She pulled him into a searing kiss, and whispered back, "Don't be"

They spent a good part of the night making love for the first time. Harry was overwhelmed with a rush of feelings for her as she went over the edge. They'd always been friends, even though they fought alot. And over the years he'd always thought she was beautiful. He was surprised that after all they'd been through and all the time they'd spent together, it was just before he hit his peak too, on the night before either or both of them could die that he realized he was in love with her.

They spent a few hours after that just laying together talking. She lay on his chest and told him if she survived she was going to go back to Hogwarts and get her N.E.W.T.'s. He knew she would but he couldn't help but smile at the excitement on her face at the prospect of another year of learning. What worried him was the 'if she survived'.

She traced shapes on his chest while he told her he'd love to play proffesional Quidditch. He knew he wasn't the best Seeker in the world, but he wanted to try to be. And if that didn't work out he'd like to be an auror.

Then he sat behind her giving her a back rub as they watched the sun come up through the window on what might be their last day.


They hadn't died that day, obviously. Though they came very close a few times. One simply doesn't walk into the Dark Lords lair, without getting a few Kedavras thrown ones way. Both Ron and Hermione were flung into the back wall next to each other. They looked up in time to see Harry kill Voldemort. The rest of the battle stopped as the Dark Lord fell. The red in his eyes fading away to nothingness. All around there was complete silence, the death eaters stared at their lifeless master in disbelief, as did Ron and Hermione. Then one by one the death eaters apparated away.

The three contacted the ministry, who would send people to clean up, while they left, heading to the safety of Hogwarts. They walked into the Great Hall, bloody, ripped, and worn, right in the middle of the end of year feast, Harry carrying Hermione since the injury to her head caused her to pass out just as they apparated to Hogsmeade. Harry and Ron had barely been able to make it to Hogwarts themselves both completely exhausted. Everyone who'd been speaking immediately stopped as every eye in the Hall turned and stared at them. McGonagall looked at them in disbelief as she made her way to them. Harry dropped to his knees and laid Hermione on the ground in front of him as Ron called, "We need help".

McGonagall reached them and kneeled down in front of Hermione, worry and tears in her old eyes. Harry looked at the headmistress through his broken glasses, whispered "It's over" and joined Hermione unconscious on the floor of the Great Hall.


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TWO: FROM THIS MOMENT FOR ETERNITY

'She almost died that day' His mind mused as he poured himself another drink, 'She's given me so much over the years. She gave me her virginity the night before that, she almost died for me, she's given me her heart, and her hand in marriage. She's given me children, and after twenty years I'd say she has given me her life. And what do I do? Throw it back in her face. God I'm a dickhead. She'd be in her right to send me divorce papers stating her cause as 'husband is complete prick'. Bloody Hell!'

He almost cried at the thought of divorce. He knew it wouldn't come to that but it still wasn't something he wanted to think about. Neither of them was willing to let it go that far though, they weren't about to throw away twenty years over a stupid accusation.

Harry barely noticed that the fireplace had flashed bright green. He looked up to see Ron dusting himself off.

"Hey mate" Ron called walking over and placing himself in the chair near Harrys.

"Hey" Harry replied glumly.

"Hermiones at the Burrow, just thought I'd come let you know. She's pretty upset mate, what'd ya' do?"

"I was a complete dick Ron. I accused her of cheating with that Rumsfield bloke she's been working with" Harry informed Ron as he conjured another glass for his friend and poured them both drinks.

Taking the glass his friend offered Ron said "Merlin mate. What the hell is wrong with you? You know she'd never bloody cheat on you. Bloody hell Harry. She's at the Burrow right now crying her eyes out in Mums arms. You cut her deep with that Harry."

"I didn't mean it Ron. I was just angry with her. She's missed dinner every bloody night this week"

"She's been busy mate. You knew she was a workaholic when you married her" Ron defended Hermione.

"I know, but I'm here all alone waiting every night waiting for her and she's off with another bloke"

"Working, Harry." Ron started to get angry, "She didn't say a bloody thing as you traveled all around the bloody world playing Quidditch, leaving her here alone. No company other than the kids, and then by herself when they went to school. Women were throwing themselves at you, all wanting the Man-Who-Saved-The-World, the Boy-Who-Lived and Worlds-Best-Seeker and Hermione didn't say one bloody word to you. Now you go and get pissed off because she's working too much with a bloke not half of what you are, and by the way I've bloody met him, and personally I think he's batting for the other team. I told you when I accepted your relationship that if you hurt her I'd kill you, and you've hurt her. I hope you know I'd be in my right to deck you right now."

"Don't worry mate, she already did"

"Good. Bloody hell, Harry. After everything."

"I KNOW DAMMIT RON" Harry stood up and started pacing the length of the sitting room, "I know I'm a bloody idiot mate. I made a mistake, I'm stupid. I just, Merlin, Ron, I get scared about losing her. I love her so much and I still feel like I'm just not good enough for her, you know?"

"Yeah, I know mate. And I think that if you truly love the girl more than anything, then you're not supposed to feel good enough for her."

Harry paused at the shelf beside the fireplace. He looked at the black and white picture of he and Hermione on their wedding day. The two in the picture would of waved at him if they weren't standing on either side of the photo glaring at each other. Any other day when he looked at the picture the two in it were usually snogging. But pictures often reflected the mood as it was now.


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Harry stood by the lake at Hogwarts flicking stones and watching as the squid tried to catch them. It was about to be the happiest day of his life and he knew it. It'd been a year since their first night together. Dressed in his finest black robes, he spoke softly to three people who had been dead for years.

"You really would love her Mum. I'm told she's alot like you. Smart and kind. Hey Sirius." He paused and took a deep breath. "I hope I'm good enough to her. I mean, right now, that's my biggest fear, I don't want to disappoint her. I can't wait till we have kids. I pray to Merlin that they're like her. I just hope that I'm a good dad and husband. Did you feel like this Dad? I'm all nerves right now. God, I love her."

He flicked the last rock in his hand. "I got to get up there. It's almost time. I love you guys. I hope I made you proud of me."

With that he made his way back to the castle. Molly Weasly had made sure that the Great Hall was perfect, with white, red, and gold flowers all over the place. The normal tables were gone and had been replaced with rows of seats. The Gryffindor flags hung from the ceiling. Professor McGonagall and the other teachers had upped the castles security as this was a huge media event, so not one uninvited guest could get near the place, unregistered animagi or not.

All of the guests were already there, all their friends, family and teachers. Harry made his way up the aisle to the risen part of the floor that normally held the teachers table. Professor McGonagall stood at the front speaking with Hermiones father, Roger, ready to fulfill part of her right as Headmistress and perform the ceremony. Ron was leaning over talking to some friend of Hermiones whoms name Harry couldn't remember, but he knew she was a Ravenclaw.

Ron straightened as Harry got near him and smiled. Harry continued on and stepped up the stairs to the platform, Ron behind him. McGonagall and Roger smiled at him.

"Ready son?" Roger asked.

"More than anything" Harry replied with a smile.

Roger grinned and clapped him on the back. "I'll go get the beautiful bride then" he said and made his way out of the Hall.

Harry looked over at McGonagall. She smiled and said in her burr, "I really wish Albus could be the one performing this ceremony. It would of made him quite happy."

"He told me something once, Professor," Harry said. "The ones that love us never really leave us. He's still with us. And since it can't be him, then I wouldn't have anyone but you, Professor. And I know that Hermione feels the same way."

"It's my honour Harry, and my great joy. I really am happy for the two of you and I must say, quite proud" McGonagall looked close to tears as she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. "It's time boy"

As if her words were magic, which they were, music began in the Hall, the three on the stage moved into position, and all conversations halted.

Ginny appeared and began walking towards them. Harry leaned back to Ron and whispered, "Are you sure you've got the rings mate?"

"For the twelfth time they're right here mate" Ron laughed back as Ginny took her place.

The music changed slightly, and all of the guests in the hall stood. Hermione appeared on her fathers arm in the doorway and began her walk down the aisle. Harry forgot to breathe as he looked at her until Ron nudged him as a reminder. She was beautiful. Her dress wasn't over the top, nor was it simple. Full length, with a neck holster. Her hair was pinned up with a few curls left down, and she held a bouquet of red, white and gold.

Her father helped her up the stairs and kissed her, then made his way to his seat. Harry took her hand and they moved to stand in front of McGonagall.

She smiled at the two then began, "It is with great joy that I begin this ceremony today, to join two souls in one life. In our world, when two are married it is a bond that gets stronger with each day and can usually only be broken by death. Therefore I must ask if there is anyone here today who protests to this union."

McGonagall glared out into the crowd of guests, daring anyone to say anything. And both Harry and Hermione had to laugh when they saw Molly Weasly turned in her seat and shooting daggers across the crowd to anyone who might look like ruining this day.

Whether it was the two womens death glares or that everyone wanted the wedding to happen, nobody spoke, so McGonagall continued. "Good. A great and wise man who knew these two quite well, Albus Dumbledore, always told me this day would come. I was rather skeptical myself, honestly, I had my money on Weasley, but Albus insisted that they were soulmates. Something about sneaking into the hospital wing after being kicked out when the other was injured, or such. I now owe Albus five galleons"

The guests laughed. Hermione and Harry looked shocked at what McGonagall had said about Dumbledore knowing, he'd never let on to either of them.

"However, he was once again proved right and I was once again proved wrong by him, when Harry asked if I would perform the ceremony. And now I can see in their eyes, what Dumbledore saw a few years ago, before either of them saw it themselves. Now I am happier than ever to join their souls together. Hermione, I believe you're first, dear"

Hermione looked deep into Harrys eyes as the rest of the world faded away. It was just them. "Harry, there are so many things I want to say I can't put it all into words. You are my everything. You've made me the person I am, I was nothing before I met you, all I had were books and brains, and you have given me so much more, that no words can express what I feel for you. But I will spend the rest of my life showing you, if you'll have me"

Harry smiled and nodded at her. McGonagall let him know it was his turn, "Harry"

"Hermione, you are and have been for as long as I can remember, my centrepoint, my home. You stuck by me when anyone else, even this git," he leaned back and nudged Ron, "ran to the other side of the earth. You kept me strong and going when I should of been beaten. I promise that I'll take care of you and love you for the rest of our lives, for longer if I can. I'll do anything for you. I love you"

A tear slid down Hermiones face and Harry wiped it away and kissed her.

McGonagall reminded them there were other people in the room, "Mr. Potter, I'm not quite done"

They broke away laughing as she continued, "I think that's what Albus meant, rule breaking must be a sign of true love," Everyone in the hall laughed, "Mr. Weasly I sure hope you have the rings."

Ron smiled and pulled the rings out of his pocket. After inspecting which was which he gave one to Harry and one to Hermione.

"Miss Granger, repeat after me, with this ring I give you my life from this moment for eternity" McGonagall instructed.

Putting the ring on Harrys finger she repeated McGonagall.

"Mr. Potter, do the same"

He did and spoke the words, "With this ring I give you my life from this moment for eternity"

"Now Mr. Potter, take her left hand in your left so I can see the rings please." They did and McGonagall tapped Hermiones ring with her wand and then Harrys, "In unison say the incantation, Two souls, two minds, one life, one heart."

They did and one gold beam and one silver beam came from their rings to McGonagalls wand tip, once connected she moved her wand away leaving the beams not quite touching each other, and said, "Matramonis"

The golden beam intertwined with the silver and shot out of the rings into the air above them near the enchanted roof where it seemed to explode. Those on the platform were sprinkled in what looked like confetti.

"With the power I have been given as Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry I present for all here to witness Mr. and Mrs. Harry Potter. May you have many happy years together. Now you can kiss her Harry" McGonagall announced.

Harry was more than happy to do so as all in the Hall stood and cheered and offered their congratulations.

"Treat her well, Harry" McGonagall whispered as she hugged him.


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A/N: Thanks for the response to this one guys, I love reviews. As I said in the response to one of them, I was thinking about seeing what you all thought and then maybe, just maybe, when I need a break from Footsteps, I'll write more to this one. Anyways, keep those reviews coming, they're what I enjoy the most about this place.

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THREE: FULL HOUSE


"Treat her well" Harry whispered to himself, "And look what I've done"

"What was that mate?" Ron said from his chair.

"Nothing, I was just thinking about our wedding day"

"Alright mate, I'll leave you with your memories. But you better apologize soon if you want to make more. See ya"

"Bye mate" Harry said as Ron apparated away.

Harry moved back to his seat and poured himself another firewhiskey. He mulled over McGonagalls words. Not just the treat her well but all the words she'd said through the ceremony.

Two souls, one heart. They sure were. He thought about all their love making over the years, each time she had her chest pressed against his he'd feel their hearts pounding in unison. He didn't know if that was normal, but it showed how connected they really were.

He really had gotten lucky when she decided to love him, there weren't many women like her in the world. She was beyond smart, and after all these years she still had her stunning good looks. She was kind to everyone and everything, and she was dedicated. She was a wonderful mother and an attentive wife. She let him follow his dream and play Quidditch.

And like Ron had said she never once complained, she stuck by him. It was true, countless women had thrown themselves at him. He'd never touched another, but rumours still flew. There had been many scandals over the years, there weren't as many since he'd retired, but in his prime there was a new scandal each month.

He'd come home after a match, and after seeing his face on another paper with some witch claiming they were having an affair, and he'd go to Hermione and swear over and over that he hadn't and she'd just say, "I know dear" and left it at that. She trusted him completely and that was part of what he loved about her.

But he'd cocked it up, and she was hurting for it. He hated it more than anything when she cried, it hurt him so much to see her in pain and now he was the cause of it. He should hex himself.

Putting the glass to his lips and smelling the alcohol in the glass Harry immediately put it back on the table beside his chair. Getting myself pissed isn't going to help me any, in fact she'd probably get angrier if she knew Firewhiskey was how I'm handling the problem.

Harry sighed and put his head in his hands, pushing his glasses up and rubbing his tired eyes. He didn't look up until he heard the owl flap that he had put in the wall slap open and shut. Benny, their eldest sons owl, landed beside Harry and put his leg out. Harry untied the parchment and watched the owl fly over to the perch that was in the sitting room and help itself to some water. Harry unrolled the parchment and read.

Hey Mum and Dad,

Sorry I haven't written sooner but with NEWTs, Head Boy duties, and quidditch, I've been really busy. This year is just as tough as you told me it would be, Mum, but don't worry I'm studying hard. Quidditch is going good Dad, we beat Hufflepuff last week, but I've been thinking about giving up the captaincy because with everything else I'm being run ragged. Me and Jenny are going well and I was wondering if you two could give me some ideas on what to buy her for her birthday, I wasn't with her this time last year and I've never had a girlfriend to buy things for before so I don't know what to get her.

I don't know if the other offspring have been writing so I'll give you a brief update. The game last week that I mentioned, Katie managed to get twelve goals! Even I had to admit she played a great game. She and Lance Longbottom are still enjoying their happy, oblivious bliss. Seriously it's like they're the only two people in the world sometimes, sort of reminds me of you two when you go all lovey-dovey. Mum, close your eyes for a moment while I tell Dad this. You should have seen the prank the twins pulled on the Slytherins the other day! They must of bribed the house-elves or something, because just after the Slytherins finished breakfast they all sprouted little pig-tails on their rears. I think they got the idea of the story you told them about when you first met Hagrid. Everyone knows it was them, but I think the Headmistress may be turning a blind-eye to that one, since when I looked up to the teachers table she seemed to be barely holding her laughter in.

Anyway, I better go do my rounds.

Lots of love,
James

Harry smiled and rolled the letter back up and put it beside him reminding himself to give it to Hermione to read when she came back. James was the oldest of four and was the perfect mixture of Harry and Hermione, he looked just like Harry but with his mothers eyes, he was a seeker, and very popular, but he was also smart like Hermione and was focused on school.

Second was Katie. Two years younger than James, she was his polar opposite. Where James looked like Harry, she was the spitting image of Hermione except her green eyes. She was more focused on quidditch than school, a chaser, and couldn't wait for her brother to graduate so she'll be named captain. She too was popular, but didn't want to be Head Girl and got into her fair share of mischief.

Then were the twins, Remus and Sirius. They were second years at Hogwarts and already showed more promise at trouble than the Weasley twins. Minerva McGonagall had said she hoped to retire before the "mungbeans" as she called them got their Hogwarts letters but since she and their mother were the only ones who could reign them in, she had stayed, although she had had to send many letters to their parents. They were identical, a look somewhere in between their parents, and the only way they could be told apart was their eyes were different colours, but their personalities were much like the Marauders they were named after.


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"Boy who lived my ass." Hermione grumbled right before another contraction hit. Harry looked as if he'd rather be anywhere in the world then in the delivery room at St. Mungos. He was paler than Hermione and felt like he'd either throw up or faint.

After the contraction finished Hermione grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and pulled him until his face was just an inch from hers. "Suck it up and be a man, Potter." She growled and let him go. Harry nodded dumbly and thought, Alright, I can do this. Whatever I'm feeling Hermione's feeling it ten times worse and she's the one in pain, not me.

It had literally taken hours and hours for James to be brought into the world. Harry stayed by his wifes side and held her hand, which he was sure she'd break while the pain of labour tore through her body. He was still shaky, panicky, and feeling like he'd throw up by the end of it, but the moment he heard his new born son cry all of that faded away. The only thing that mattered was the tiny creature crying and the woman clinging to his hand.

When they laid the little bundle on Hermiones breast Harry was amazed at how tiny James' little hand was compared to his. Both Harry and Hermione had tears running down their faces when they first saw the child they had created.

"Miraculous." Harry whispered.

Hermione looked up at him and smiled. "He is isn't he? Can you believe we made him Harry? With nothing but love, sweat and misplaced DNA in the middle of the night. I love you."

"I love you too, sweetheart." Harry told her, brushing some of the hair that was plastered to her forehead away and kissing it.


Over two years later Hermione had violently shook Harry awake one night. He sat straight up in bed and looked over at his wife, who didn't look well at all. It had been a difficult pregnancy for her; there were a few complications over the months, she had been constantly sick and in pain, and at least once they'd come close to losing the baby.

"What? What's wrong?" Harry asked.

"My water just broke."

"Come on, we'll get you to St. Mungos." Harry told her as he jumped up out of bed and pulled a pair of jeans up over his boxers.

Hermione groaned as she pulled herself out of the bed. "This isn't right, Harry. I'm not due for over a month."

Harry slung the bag he had packed for the event over his shoulder and moved to his wife. "It'll be okay, everything is gonna' be fine."

Hermione made her way out of the bedroom and down the stairs while Harry went and got James. Once downstairs he helped Hermione into a seat. "I'll be right back, okay, I'm just gonna' take James to Mollys."

He flooed to the Burrow and called up the stairs for Molly. She came racing down as fast as a woman her age could. "Harry, what's happened?"

"Hermiones water broke, we've gotta' go to the hospital. Can you take James?"

"Of course I can dear. Come to Grandma Weasley, little one." She said as a very sleepy James peeled himself off his fathers shoulder. "The baby's early, then?" Harry nodded. "It'll turn out alright, dear. I'll get the family together and we'll be at the hospital by the time it's all over."

Thankfully Mollys words had been right, it all turned out fine. Though the labour had been long and difficult it was all made worth it when they heard the screams of their daughter. Once more they placed the small child in Hermiones exhausted arms and the happy parents had again marvelled at the life they'd created.

When Hermione went to pass the baby to Harry he put his hands in the air and took a step back. "Hold your daughter, Harry."

"I don't want to break her."

Hermione gave a silent laugh, "You won't break her, love. You didn't break James, did you?"

"That was different, he's a boy."

"And she's a girl. Now take your daughter."

After seeing the look in Hermiones eyes Harry knew he had no choice so being sure to be gentle he carefully took little Katie into his arms. He knew then and there that she was the most precious thing in the world and he'd do anything for her.


Another few years later found them in the same situation, Hermione waking Harry in the middle of the night. Only this time when Harry stood and grabbed the overnight bag Hermione, who still hadn't left the bed stopped him.

"We're not going to make it to St. Mungos." She told him.

"What? It's only a floo away."

"Harry, these babies are coming now, right now!"

Harry was well-known for thinking quickly on his feet. He went downstairs and flooed to the Hogwarts Infirmary where he woke up Madame Pomfrey and literally dragged her to the floo and back to his place.

The twins were born in the same bed they'd been concieved in, delivered by Madame Pomfrey and Harry, six minutes apart.

When Hermione had discovered she was pregnant this time they had decided it was to be the last. So the next day when James and Katie came into their parents bedrooms to meet their new brothers Harry had stood back and watched his wife and kids. His family was complete, therefore his heart was full.

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A/N: Alright, this is it guys. The ending. Thanks for the response I got to this story. And I'm thinking of making it longer if I need a break from the Footsteps world I created. Again, thanks for the reviews. Roman.

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FOUR: THOUSANDS OF THANKYOUS


Harry quickly rubbed away the tears that blossomed in his eyes. 'I certainly am a lucky man, I just hope I haven't pissed it all away.'

Looking up he was startled by the large green eyes staring back at him. Dobby was standing directly in front of him, tears in his elf eyes. He reached out and put his little hand over the one Harry had resting on his knee.

"Harry Potter, sir, you is scaring Dobby." The little house-elf told him quietly.

Harry sighed and leaned back in his chair, "I'm sorry Dobby, I didn't mean to scare you, I'm just upset."

"It is not Dobby that Harry Potter should say sorry to. Dobby didn't mean to listen in, but you and Mistress was yelling rather loudly."

"That's alright, Dobby."

"Dobby will get you some tea, Harry Potter sir. Miss Hermione would be very upset that you is drinking."

Dobby tottered away towards the kitchen, leaving Harry alone again. Closing his eyes, a thousand memories flashed across his closed eyelids.

Looking up at Hermione from his vantage point on one knee at her feet, his mothers engagement ring in his hand, his whole life hanging on whether the tear running down her face was a good sign or a bad one.

The first fight of their married life, yelling at eachother so hard that magic was crackling in the air around them. Him cutting off her angry retort by crushing his lips to hers, her instant response, wrapping her arms around his neck. Taking her right there on the living room floor.

Feeling her warm hands snake around his waist as he stared out at the night sky thanking his lucky stars. Her whispering in his ear that she had something to tell him. And those magic words that made his heart come alive with more joy than he thought was possible, "I'm pregnant."

Walking into the nursery so early one morning it was still dark and leaning against the doorframe to revel in the starlight washing over her as she sat in the rocking chair, humming softly, James in her arms.

The feel of her skin pressed up against his as he held her off the ground in the shower, the hot water running down her neck, her cries and the mix of pain and pleasure as she left scratches down his back.

Not even having to hear the words as she pressed his hands over her stomach and smiled at him, he instantly understanding the wordless gesture.

Spending an entire night by Hermiones bed in St. Mungos, his son asleep next to his mother, he holding his newborn daughter, his tears spilling on her tiny face. Looking over at his sleeping wife and thanking anyone that would listen for the gift of this beautiful woman in his life and the wonders that she's given to him.

Running his hand under a silk bathrobe as they both looked out over early morning Paris, taking in her sweet scent and preparing himself to leave the beautiful city they'd spent a magnificent week, barely leaving the hotel room.

Watching her follow James into the room, Katie in her arms, after his return from one of his long trips playing quidditch. The taste of her kiss that he'd missed so much.

Gently running his hand over her bare back, thinking she's asleep then smiling softly when she turns her head to him and looks straight through his eyes and deep into his soul. Then hearing her whisper, "I think I'm pregnant again."

Silently laughing at her attempt to separate four year old twins tearing into each other. Barely containing his amusement as she grabs one in each arm, them still trying to get at eachother.

The tears running down her face as they stand waving off their babies at Platform nine and three quarters. Holding her closely after he finds her in the twins' room crying.

The pride in her eyes when James holds up his Head Boy badge, the pride in his when he informs them he was made quidditch captain.

Thousands of little moments; the blush on her cheeks while he's trying to teach her to drive and she reverses into the carport, the two of them laughing together after getting caught in the rain, seeing her walk down the steps in a tight black dress, the kiss she gave him in congratulations when England won the world cup, the look in her eyes everytime they made love.

Harry snapped his head up so fast he got dizzy for a moment. He quickly stood and pushed past Dobby who'd barely managed to keep hold of the tray of tea he was carrying. He ran to the fireplace and yelled, "The Burrow!"

In a quick swirl he found himself stumbling out of the fireplace at the Weasleys. Mrs Weasley looked up from where she'd been magically scrubbing the nights dinner plates.

"Harry, dear, I was wondering when you'd arrive." She said quietly as she moved and embraced him.

"Where's Hermione?" He asked in a rush.

"On the couch, sleeping. Take her home, Harry, apologize in the morning."

They quietly moved into the small living room of the Burrow and Harrys heart skipped another beat as he spotted Hermione laying there asleep, her hair sprawled around her face.

"She told you what happened then."

"Not exactly, I couldn't get much out of her she was so upset, but I took a guess that it wasn't good and that you were to blame. You two are the only two that can bring out such strong emotions in each other."

Harry knelt down beside her, gently brushing a strand of hair away from her face. Her eyes fluttered open and sleepily focused on him.

"Harry." She whispered.

"Shhh, Love. Go back to sleep. I'm going to take you home."

He put an arm under her back and the other under her legs and she groggily wrapped hers around his neck. Gently he lifted her, kissed Molly on the cheek and walked outside, apparating away.

He appeared in their living room and Dobby smiled in relief when he saw the two of them then quietly slipped away. Harry carried her up to their bedroom and lay her down on the massive bed they shared.

Very gently he removed her shoes and her jewelery. He unbuttoned her shirt and slipped it off her shoulders.

She spoke softly, her eyes still closed, as he took off the rest of her clothes, "You really can be a right bastard sometimes Harry."

Pausing in his motions for a moment he said, "I know. I'm sorry, Love. I was stupid, I was wrong and I really am sorry."

"Good. I'm not having an affair, Harry. Why would I need another man?"

Removing his own clothes he thought on that for a moment. "Because I'm not good enough for you."

Her eyes opened suddenly and she watched his back as he undid his trousers, "Who told you that?"

"I don't need anyone to tell me, I know it." His voice was heavy with emotion.

When he sat down on the bed she moved up close behind him, "Well, you're wrong again. Harry, you are my world and I don't need anyone else. You don't think you're good enough for me, well, I do and I'm the judge here."

"I know, I really am sorry, Love." He turned with tears in his eyes. "I was so scared, I thought you'd walked out forever."

"Never." She whispered, laying him down, making him rest his head on her breast. "I would never leave you, Harry. I want you, I need you, and I love you."

"I love you too."

He moved his body over hers and kissed her softly. Her hands trailed down his back, then up again to his hair.

"We don't need to have a huge fight to do this, Harry." She whispered in his ear, causing a shiver to run down his spine.

"No, we don't need to, but there's always something about make-up sex." He grinned cheekily.

Shaking her head at the smugness in his smile, she wrapped her legs tightly around him, then flipped him over, much to his surprise.

"Let's not fight again."

He sat up and kissed her neck, "I'm all for that." He looked her directly in the eye. "I love you more than anything and in case I've never said it before, thankyou. Thankyou for making me the happiest and luckiest man alive. You're my world, Hermione. I realized tonight that everything I've ever done has been because of you, everything that's ever brought a smile to face or lit up my heart involved you. Every memory I have, you're in it. You're my heart, my soul, my everything and I can't thank you enough for the joy you've brought me."

She kissed him soundly then moved back and he kissed away the tears on her face. They spent the rest of the night making more memories and as the sun rose again the next morning and he collapsed next to her, he once more thanked any god or deity that was listening.

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A/N: I know, I know. The end was too quick. But this wasn't meant to be much. Once more, thankyou. I was just thinking, if I ever do expand, it'll be a whole new story, but I'm not making any promises, sorry.