A Day At The Park

Searcy

Rating: NC17
Genres: Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 7
Published: 25/07/2007
Last Updated: 27/10/2007
Status: completed

A chance encounter with a person from his past gets Harry thinking about what might have been and what could be.

Chapters

1. A Day At The Park

2. Evening At Grimmauld Place

3. Food And Conversation

4. Visits With Friends

5. The Truth Of The Matter

6. Down The Pub

7. Mutual Understandings

8. Fancy Meeting You Here

9. The Terrace Garden

10. Heart's Desire

11. In Diagon Alley

12. Full Circle: Seventeen Years Later

1. A Day At The Park

A Day At The Park

A/N: This idea came to me after I finish Deathly Hallows. Kept drifting in and out of my brain as I tried to finish up the next chapter of Always Wanted, so finally I gave in and committed it to paper if for no other reason than to have done with it so I can get that chapter finished. So here's a bit of something to occupy yours minds while you wait. Hope you enjoy it!

A Day at the Park

Harry Potter strolled into the muggle play park and headed directly for the swings, he was certain that was where he would find them. A satisfied grin broke across his countenance as he caught sight of the two people he'd been searching for. There was Hermione clad in a pair of dark blue jeans, trainers and a hooded burgundy jumper pushing an excited Teddy on the swings. Harry grinned at the antics of his two year old godson. Andromeda had come down with a nasty bit of Hungarian Dragon Flu and Harry had quite naturally taken on the task of looking after little Teddy until she was feeling herself again. Hermione had turned up at Grimmauld the same evening overnight bag in hand and volunteered her services to assist with Teddy. Harry had gotten the impression that something was wrong but hadn't asked, he surmised that she and Ron had had a row. As she hadn't mentioned Ron since she'd arrived, he was guessing it had been right nasty. Still he wouldn't press the matter, when and if Hermione wanted to talk about these he'd be there to listen.

Shaking his head Harry allowed his thoughts to drift back to his godson. He loved to spend as much time as possible with his godson and was often warned by Andromeda, Molly, and Ginny that he was overindulging the little boy. Harry, however, ignored them preferring Hermione's point of view instead. She would always say that it was perfectly fine for him to dote on Teddy so long as he made certain that he balanced it out with a firm hand when necessary. She went on to add that she reckoned he was far better suited to understanding Teddy's situation over anyone else seeing as how he'd had to grow up with his mum and dad just as Teddy would.

As he thought of Hermione and her infallible knack for always knowing precisely what to say his gaze sought her out once again. She'd moved around to stand in front of the swings; her arms flung wide as Teddy propelled his two-year-old body out of the swing and into her waiting embrace. She gathered the little boy close and began spinning around in a dizzying circle. Both Hermione and Teddy had their heads thrown back howling joyously. Watching the two of them together Harry's face softened and a warm and serene sense of content filled his chest as he thought to himself that he'd never seen a more singularly beautiful sight in all his life and how he could gladly spend the rest of his days watching those two people. He barely had a moment to process his thoughts before he was pulled from his thoughts by the sound of his name being called by a familiar voice that he hadn't heard in nearly two and a half years.

“HARRY!”

Harry turned around and found himself staring into the face of a large blond haired bloke with small beady eyes. A delightfully happy grin exploded across the features of Dudley Dursley as he rushed towards his cousin. He grasped Harry's hand and wrung it enthusiastically as he spoke.

“HARRY ITS SO GOOD TO SEE YOU…I KNEW IT WAS YOU THE MOMENT WE TURNED THE CORNER…PIERS SAID I WAS IMAGINING IT…BUT I KNEW IT WAS YOU…I MEAN BLOODY HELL WE ONLY SPENT MOST OF OURS LIVES IN THE SAME HOUSE…HOW COULD I NOT KNOW YOU IF I SAW YOU ON THE STREET EH…”

Harry stared slack-jawed at Dudley as he gabbled excitedly. Harry had not seen nor spoken to any of the Dursley's since the night they'd all left number four Privet Drive to go into hiding. Though he had not seen or spoken to them directly he'd deposited a tidy sum into the family's accounts to cover the cost of the upkeep of the house while they were in hiding and with a small memory modifying charm he had made certain that Uncle Vernon was able to return his job at Grunnings. Harry had also sent a letter along to his Aunt Petunia explaining the prophecy and everything that had led to his parents' deaths and his ultimate quest to defeat Voldemort. He'd explained Snape's part in the story as well as he thought his Aunt deserved to know everything about how and why her sister had died. He included a picture he had found among Snape's belongings (obviously knicked from his parents' ruined cottage) of his aunt and his mother when they were children. They were in the play park where Snape had first seen them, arms wrapped about each other's shoulders both smiling dazzlingly. Harry'd felt that he'd owed her at least that much. He hadn't added a name or return address, as he was confident that no further correspondence would be exchanged. At that moment, Harry realized that Dudley was no longer talking and that he was staring at him expectantly. Mentally shaking himself Harry focused his attention on his cousin and said.

“Umm…er…I…I've been well…h…how've you been?”

Having no idea what Dudley had been saying Harry hoped that he'd guessed appropriately. As Dudley smiled and replied, it was apparent that he had.

“Been good myself…at university now…got in because of my boxing…been trying to pull up my marks…Melissa's been a right help with that.”

Dudley grinned sheepishly and Harry caught on to the fact that this Melissa must be Dudley's girlfriend. Dudley's next words were slightly halting.

“M…m…mum got you letter…sh…she cried when she read it. Locked herself in the bath and cried…dad couldn't get her to come out…”

Harry was stricken with a sudden pang of remorse, he hadn't meant to upset her, he'd only wanted her to know the truth. Dudley saw the look on Harry's face and quickly tried to ease his mind.

“She wasn't upset or anything…well she was…but not at you…I…I...I think she was just sad and felt like she was losing her sister all over again…reliving the pain or something like that Melissa said…”

Dudley paused for a beat then added.

“She framed that picture you sent…its up on the mantle…over the fireplace.”

At those words, Harry met Dudley's eyes with his own and the two cousins shared a smile. Dudley was the first to speak.

“So what've you been up to since…since you know. Mr. Diggle told us how you won this big battle at your school and the letter told some things too…but nothing about you…nothing personal.”

Dudley quieted and Harry answered.

“Just been trying to get on with things you know…finished up my last bit of school…moved into my godfather's old house…”

Harry's train of thought was interrupted by Hermione's laughter and Teddy's shrieks of glee. His eye was immediately drawn to the pair. The soft smile from earlier reappeared on his face as he watched Hermione chasing Teddy around the beautifully manicured lawn of the park. Seeing the loving look that crossed his cousin's face Dudley focused his gaze in the direction of Harry's. His eyes fell upon a small brown haired boy yelping happily as he ran around in circles. The little boy was being pursued by an attractive young woman with curly brown hair. Dudley recognized the young woman as Harry's friend from King's Cross. He remembered that she had always been very affectionate with Harry when they said their goodbyes, throwing her arms around him and kissing his cheek. He had always wondered if they were quite possibly more than friends, and judging by the look on Harry's face they were. Suddenly realization crashed into Dudley and he spoke in an amazed whisper.

“Blimey Harry…is that…is that your family!”

Hermione had just scooped Teddy up and was spinning him around again. Smiling Harry nodded in answer. Dudley released a stunned breath and exclaimed.

“Bloody hell Harry you're married an…an…and you have a son!?!”

As Harry processed Dudley's words, he swung around a confused look on his face. Dudley however was still discussing his newfound revelation.

“I can hardly believe it…you're a dad! But when did all this happen when did you get married and when was your son born…was it while you were off doing whatever it was you were doing…and why didn't you mention it to mum in your letter?!”

All at once, Harry realized that Dudley was staring at Hermione and Teddy and that he had somehow gotten it into his head that he and Hermione were married and that Teddy was their son. Harry threw up his hands in a halting fashion and interjected.

“Dudley I'm not married and I don't have a son…”

Dudley pulled a confused face and cut in.

“But I asked if that was your family and you nodded and I saw how you were looking at them…at her…it was exactly the way your dad looked at your mum on that picture that used to sit by your bed…”

It was Harry's turn to interrupt.

“Look. What look…”

Harry paused for a moment to let Dudley explain what he meant then thought better of it and spoke again before Dudley had a chance to open his mouth.

“Dudley I am not married and I do not have a son. Teddy is my godson, his mother and father were killed during the war and I'm sure you remember Hermione from our school days.”

Dudley nodded.

“Yeah I remember her.”

It was at that moment that Piers Polkiss called out.

“Hey Big D, get a move on, Melissa and Amandine are meeting us at the cinema in quarter of an hour!”

Dudley looked back at his friend and signaled for him to wait a moment before turning back to Harry. An awkward silence enveloped them before Dudley said.

“It was really good to see you again Harry. I'm glad you came out alright.”

Harry nodded and said.

“Yeah…I'm glad things worked out for you as well.”

Dudley threw Harry a shaky smile and scrubbing the toe of his shoe in the dirt he mumbled.

“Well I guess I better get going.”

Harry replied.

“Yeah I suppose I should get going too…take care Dud.”

Dudley nodded and mumbled an indistinct reply as Harry turned and started towards the grass where Hermione sat on a blanket with Teddy on her lap reading. Harry'd walked about two feet when Dudley called out to him again.

“Harry wait!”

Harry turned around and saw Dudley rushing towards him. When they were once again face-to-face, Dudley burst out.

“I was thinking that…maybe sometimes we could get together…go down the pub maybe…and catch up…”

Dudley paused and handed Harry a scrap of paper with a hastily scribbled address and mobile number on it. As he held the paper aloft, he added.

“That is if you'd want to…I'd understand if you didn't.”

Harry took the scrap of paper and a smile turning the corners of his lips answered back earnestly.

“I'd like that Dudley…I'd like that a lot!”

Dudley beamed and replied.

“Great...I'm looking forward to it.”

Harry grinned. Dudley let out a chuckle then said.

“I really should get going but we'll get together soon, eh!”

Harry nodded.

“Yeah we will.”

Harry held out his hand for Dudley to shake. Dudley took it but didn't shake it. Instead, he pulled Harry into an embrace worthy of Molly Weasley and whispered.

“I really am glad you're okay Harry.”

Harry returned his cousin's fierce hug and said.

“Same here Dudley, same here.”

The two young men separated, and said another round of goodbyes. As Dudley was walking away, he looked back and called out.

“Hey Harry, you should bring your girlfriend…Hermione did you say her name was…I'd like a proper introduction…I'll bring Melissa, something tells me they'd get on really well those two. See you!”

Dudley turned his back and hurried up the hill to the spot where Piers Polkiss stood impatiently waiting and the two headed off towards the direction of the underground. Harry stood rooted to the place where Dudley had left him. Dudley's last words about Hermione being his girlfriend reminded Harry of what Dudley had said earlier about the way he'd been looking at Hermione in the way his father had looked at his mother. As Harry attempted to process what Dudley had meant he felt a smaller more delicate hand slip inside his own and apply the faintest of squeezes. He knew without question that it was Hermione. And in the infinitesimal second between that, touch and hearing her voice, every moment he'd share with Hermione flashed before his eyes. He saw every, hug, every kiss, every touch and every smile. He thought of how she had always stood by him, never wavering no matter how difficult things became. And in that brief, instant he realized that the word `friend' was far too inadequate to describe what she was to him. He had always known that he loved Hermione but until that moment, he'd never known how much. Standing there he wondered how different things would have been if he and Hermione had ever allowed themselves to be something other than friends. He was pulled from his revelry by Hermione's voice.

“Harry was that…was that your cousin you were talking to just now!”

Hermione's voice held a definite note of surprise. Harry nodded as he replied.

“Yeah it was.”

Harry turned towards Hermione who was staring at him curiously, one had firmly ensconced in his the other gripping Teddy's pram, in which he lay asleep amongst his blankets. Harry gently squeezed Hermione's hand within his own, she had questions about his conversation with Dudley and he had a fair few questions he wanted to ask her as well. Things hadn't been good with Ginny for a while and something was obviously not right between she and Ron and if it was one thing that Harry knew it was that life was far too short to leave things unsaid. Smiling he said.

“You're wondering what just went on with Dudley and me.”

Nodding her head emphatically Hermione answered back.

“Of course I am!”

Harry's smile grew wider and he said.

“Let's get home then shall we, get Teddy out of this cool and I'll tell you all about it.”

Hermione smiled and said.

“Alright, let's get a move on then.”

Harry grasped Teddy's pram with his free hand and set off for home his other hand still firmly enfolding Hermione's.

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2. Evening At Grimmauld Place

A Day At The Park

Evening At Grimmauld Place

Hermione Granger stood framed in the doorway of Harry's bathroom an amused smile playing across her lips as she watched Harry attempting to bathe Teddy. Harry was crouched on his knees at the side of the tub, soapsuds in his hair, sopping wet holding a remarkably dry Teddy whose hair had changed to a lovely shade of blue, which Hermione had deemed as his happy color because he always seemed to produce it when he was involved in an enjoyable activity. Harry again attempted to submerge Teddy into the bath when suddenly a wave of soapy water rose up and crashed against Harry's face and chest. Harry sputtered as water shot into his mouth and up his nose. Teddy clapped and beamed at his godfather as though Harry had just performed some sort of trick for him.

Hermione burst out laughing. Setting Teddy down Harry turned around; mopping his sodden fringe out of his eyes and gazing at Hermione's laughing form uttered.

“Amused?”

Hermione held up her thumb and pointer fingers a half inch apart and said.

“Just a bit.”

Harry rolled his eyes and stood to his feet just as Teddy made a bid for freedom. Hermione knelt down and in one graceful motion scooped the laughing toddler into her arms, stood to her feet and sauntered across the room to where Harry stood dripping all over the titled floor. Hermione held Teddy out to Harry and cheekily intoned.

“Seems as though you've lost your quarry Mr. Potter, not at all a good sign for someone who was purported to be quite an outstanding seeker.”

Harry rolled his eyes a second time and replied.

“Ha Ha…right old comic you've become! When you're done laughing think you might be able to lend me a hand with this.”

Harry gestured towards the wet bathroom and his mostly dry godson. Hermione gave Teddy to Harry as she slid her wand from her back pocket and with a casual wave of it dried up all the water on the floor. With a second wave she dried Harry's soaked clothes. She then turned to the tub and with a flick and a swish refilled it with warm soapy water. Turning back around to face Harry and Teddy, she leaned in close to Teddy and spoke in a carrying whisper.

“Behave.”

Sweetly she kissed his forehead. Straightening up she motioned towards the tub. Harry stepped forward and carefully lowered Teddy into the bath. He waited for another swell of water to wash over him but it never came. Anti-climatically Teddy plopped into the water and happily began admiring the tiny ripples of water his hands made when he patted his palms against the surface of the water. Hermione's cheeky grin returned as she strolled back to the door stopping on the threshold she asked.

“Any particular requests for dinner?”

At the sight of Harry's raised eyebrow, she added.

“I sent Kreacher to look after Andromeda…she'll need someone to do the cooking and help out with her potions and as house elves are immune to wizard illnesses there's no chance of any of us catching the flu and giving it to Teddy.”

As Harry nodded Hermione repeated her earlier query.

“So, any requests for dinner?”

With a wave of his wand Harry formed the bubbles floating in the bath into a variety of magical creatures; centaurs, goblins, thestrals, unicorns, chimeras, mermen, and trolls emerged out of the bubbles and began frolicking about. Teddy giggled excitedly as he attempted to grab the gamboling figures. Harry shrugged and in reply stated.

“Whatever you fancy is fine by me.”

Hermione exited the room and called over her shoulder.

“Whatever I fancy it is then.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Harry and Hermione tiptoed quietly out of Teddy's bedroom leaving the door cracked just a bit in case the little boy called out during the night. The two had just spent the better part of two hours getting Teddy settled for the night. Following his bath Teddy had insisted on a bedtime story from each of them. Harry had reenacted his Hermione and Ron's escape from Gringott's on the back of an aged blind dragon complete with sound effects and patronus like figures of the scenes weaving and hovering about the room. Teddy and Harry had whooped and clapped so exuberantly that it had taken several minutes for Hermione to settle them down. For her part, Hermione had taken a more practical approach and read two stories to Teddy one from The Tales of Beetle and the Bard and another from a The Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Anderson. This quieter less boisterous approach led to Teddy's drifting off peacefully to sleep. After kissing Teddy goodnight, they'd headed downstairs for their now late evening supper.

Hermione went to the cupboard and began pulling down bowls and plates. She then set about filling the plates and bowls with stew and warm toasty bread fresh from the oven. While Hermione attended to their meal, Harry disappeared down into the cellar to retrieve a bottle of Rosemerta's best meade. As Harry stepped back into the kitchen he summoned two goblets and filled them before setting them at the side of each plate as he slid into his chair directly across from Hermione.

As usual dinner with Hermione was a pleasant affair, the pair laughed and talked and generally caught each other up on the happenings in their lives that the other may have missed. Once they finished desert and set the kitchen to rights Harry and Hermione adjourned to the lounge room and sat before the fire and conversed over a bottle of nettle wine that Harry had summoned from the cellar.

“So then he gave me his number and address and asked if I'd like to get together sometime and catch up…I said I would…so I reckon I'll ring him later in the week and set up a time and place to meet.”

Harry took a swallow of his wine as he finished telling Hermione about his encounter with Dudley earlier in the afternoon. Hermione replied in a querying tone.

“It's wonderful that Dudley's had this change of heart but I'm curious as to what finally brought him round.”

Harry refilled both their glasses with wine and said matter-of-factly.

“Dementors.”

Hermione raised an eyebrow quizzically and asked.

“What do dementors have to do with Dudley wanting to make peace with you?”

Harry smiled.

“Seems that my saving his arse from those two dementors back at the start of fifth year changed Dudley's mind about me. Once he realized I'd saved his life he wanted to set things to rights between us but by then I was back at Hogwarts. And by the time I made it home for summer hols I wasn't exactly much for company having just lost Sirius and all. Then I was back off again after only a fortnight and by the time we had a chance to talk again he was going into hiding and I was off to hunt horcruxes.”

Hermione smiled warmly at Harry and said.

“That's really wonderful Harry.”

Harry took in the warm glow suffusing Hermione's cheeks, the happiness lighting her eyes, the soft curvature of her full lips as she smiled and found himself fighting back the urge to kiss her. Something of his thoughts must have shown on his face because at that exact moment Hermione's brow furrowed a bit as she inquired.

“Harry, what's…”

Harry cut her off by saying.

“Dudley asked me to bring you when we get together, says he'd like a proper introduction and he reckons you'll get on really well with the girl he's seeing.”

Hermione looked surprised.

“Dudley wants to meet me and introduce me to his girlfriend, why in Merlin's name would he want to meet me.”

Harry scratched the back of his neck and replied.

“Probably because he thinks you're my girlfriend.”

Hermione's eyes widened in astonishment.

“Me…why on earth would Dudley think I was your girlfriend?”

Harry drank another swallow of wine then offered an explanation.

“Well to begin with he thought you were my wife and that Teddy was our son and I suppose that when I corrected him on Teddy being my godson and not my son and our not being married I guess he just assumed that even though we weren't married we were still a couple…”

Hermione cut across Harry's words with her own.

“Your cousin thought we were married…and…and…and that Teddy was our son!”

Harry nodded.

“Yeah, that's what he thought.”

“What on earth would give him the impression that we were together.”

“Apparently I look at you the why my dad looked at my mum.”

Hermione gazed at Harry a clearly baffled expression marring her face. Without giving her time to voice her confusion Harry began recounting the portion of his conversation with Dudley that he'd omitted earlier.

“And that's when he said `I saw how you were looking at them…at her…it was exactly the way your dad looked at your mum on that picture that used to sit by your bed…' after that I set him straight about Teddy being my godson and that you were my friend from Hogwarts I thought he'd caught on till he asked me to bring you with me when we meet up…said he fancied a proper introduction to my girlfriend Hermione.”

Harry stopped talking and downed the rest of his wine. Hermione likewise finished off the last bit of wine in her glasses then uttered.

“I can't imagine what your cousin was seeing to think that you and I were…were together.”

Though the statement was clearly rhetorical Harry answered it all the same.

“Obviously he saw how happy you make me.”

Thankfully Hermione's glass was empty otherwise she'd have gotten wine all over the couch when the glass slipped from between her fingers. Harry took no notice of Hermione's shock and continued speaking aloud.

“I was all ready to convince myself that Dudley was mistaking our friendship for something more when the oddest thing happened…you put your hand in mine and everything suddenly made sense. I understood what Rita Skeeter, Viktor Krum and now Dudley were seeing, they were seeing what I'd been to bleeding blind to see for far too long…”

Harry briefly halted his soliloquy and staring into Hermione's lovely brown eyes took a deep breath and said.

“I've spent the better part of my life wishing to be normal…to have what everyone else had…someone who loved me…a family…a place to call home…that's all I've ever wanted. I didn't realize until today…until Dudley saw me looking at you that I had all those things and so much more with you.”

Harry heavily emphasized the last word he spoke then paused to allow what he'd said to sink in. He knew from the look on her face that Hermione was about to protest…to refute his words…try to find a logical solution to his sudden strange behavior. Rather than give her the chance he spoke again.

“You're thinking I've had too much to drink or that I've gone and confounded myself somehow but I haven't. The only thing I've done is looked at a few old photographs and finally figured out that I'm madly in love with you Hermione Jane Granger.”

As the words left his lips Harry leaned forward, Hermione closed her eyes and her breath caught in her throat as she steeled herself for what she knew was coming. Her heart hammered in her chest and Harry drew nearer and she caught the odd combination of spice, fresh air and sunshine that was peculiar to Harry and Harry alone. Then she felt his lips brush against the side of her cheek just missing her lips. The contact lasted a few seconds too long for it to be purely platonic and Hermione felt something akin to a jolt of electricity rocket through her leaving her breathless. Harry's warm breath caressed her ear as he whispered.

“Goodnight Hermione.”

With that Harry slowly stood to his feet and strode across the room and up the stairs. Hermione merely sat there to stunned to move, her pulse racing wildly, heart thumping frantically, skin warm and tingling where Harry had touched her. Slowly she raised a trembling hand to her cheek and gently fingered the spot where Harry's lips had been and allowed herself to wonder how it was that a simple nearly innocent touch from Harry left her aroused and breathless a feat that Ron, her boyfriend of two years had never once managed.

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3. Food And Conversation

A Day At The Park

Food And Conversation

Teddy Lupin was a morning person. At precisely 5:00 am the little boy's whimpers had drifted down the hall to Harry's bedroom and Harry being the ever dutiful godfather, having long attuned himself to be ready to answer Teddy's calls had rushed in to find the source of the child's discomfort. It turned out that Teddy was merely ready to start his day and fancied a bit of company with which to do so. Once he'd realized that Teddy had no plans whatsoever of going back to sleep or even sitting quietly while he dozed a bit longer Harry begrudgingly resigned himself to his fate.

Being that Kreacher was off tending to Andromeda and Hermione had made dinner the night before Harry deduced that the making of breakfast had fallen to him. As he and Teddy descended the stairs Harry was taken back to the time he Ron and Hermione spent searching for horcruxes and the times they'd been scrambling to find food and how Hermione had complained of being left to sort out the food because she was a girl. And suddenly a desire to surprise Hermione by doing something nice for her for a change overwhelmed him. Harry sat Teddy on the edge of the counter and with a wave of his wand threw open the cupboards. Harry perused the stock of ingredients Kreacher kept on hand as he ran a mental list of Hermione's favorite foods. Unsure of what she'd have a taste for Harry decided it'd be best to have an array of choices. With that bit decided he rolled up his sleeves whipped out his wand and summoning the items he needed, and looking down at Teddy said.

“Now then let's see about making some breakfast for Auntie Hermione, shall we.”

As sunlight filtered into the below stairs kitchen of Grimmauld Place Harry stepped back and surveyed his and Teddy's handy work. Spread out on the table was a veritable feast of fried and scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and kippers, mushrooms, tomato, baked beans, fried potatoes, buttermilk pancakes and maple syrup, croissants and toast with marmalade and jam, fresh fruit, yogurt and porridge. Carafes of freshly squeezed orange and pumpkin juice sat on the table as well as a pot of coffee and a kettle of hot water for tea. Harry smiled to himself altogether pleased with what he'd accomplished. Just then the door of the kitchen swung open and in walked Hermione. Harry turned just in time to see the pleasantly surprised look on her face.

“Harry, what's all this?”

Before Harry could answer Teddy, who'd been sitting on the floor munching a bit of croissant he'd nicked, wrapped his arms around Hermione's legs and squeezing with all his might cooed.

“Mornin' Auntee Miney.”

Hermione's gaze fell upon Teddy's upturned smiling face as she bent down and giving him a proper hug replied.

“Good morning Teddy. Did you sleep well?”

Harry remembering Teddy having risen at such an unholy hour, muttered.

“Apparently not, he was up by 5 bloody am.”

Hermione who was by now standing and holding Teddy giggled.

“Andromeda's an early riser. I imagine Teddy's cottoned on to her habit.”

“Bloody twisted habit if you ask me…anyways seeing that he would go back down I figured we may as well do something constructive and make you breakfast.”

Hermione who'd been about to reprimand Harry for his comment about Andromeda changed tacks mid-thought and said.

“You did all this for me?”

Harry nodded.

“Considering all the thoughtful things you do for me and Teddy I figured the least we could do was cook you breakfast.”

Harry's eyes had darkened and his voice had softened as he spoke. Looking at him Hermione felt a fluttering in her stomach that left her pulse racing and a crimson hue creeping up her cheeks. Averting her eyes from his she hurried over to the table and began putting Teddy in his highchair calling over her shoulder.

“Well then we should eat before the food gets cold and all your hard work goes to naught.”

Harry did not respond he merely strode to the table and began filling his plate.

The remainder of breakfast was spent in a rather torpid silence that drug on until Harry noticed Teddy drifting off over what remained of his bowl of porridge. Having finished his own breakfast Harry rose from his seat and mumbled something to Hermione that she assumed was him saying he was taking Teddy up to bed. Once Harry exited the room Hermione stood as well and began clearing the table. Turning to the sink she waved her wand and a stream of fragrant soapy water filled the sink, one by one the dishes and cutlery lined themselves up to be washed. So engrossed in her cleaning was Hermione that she didn't know Harry had returned until he spoke.

“I was going to take care of that.”

Hermione whirled around wide-eyed clearly startled. Harry reached out and touching her shoulder to steady her said.

“I didn't mean to fri..”

Harry's sentence was cut off as Hermione leapt away from him as if she'd been burned. For half a second he was confused over what could have possibly caused Hermione to be so skittish around him. And then he remembered their conversation from the previous evening. Raising an eyebrow he stated.

“I'm making you nervous.”

Hermione hastily rejoined with an emphatic.

“Of course not…what on earth would give you that idea.”

Sardonically, he replied.

“Oh just you jumping a bloody foot in the air at my touch.”

Hermione opened her mouth to rebut his statement but found she lacked a plausible explaination for her behavior. In the ensuing silence Harry asked.

“Is this about last night…what I said to you?”

Turning her attention back to the washing up so that Harry wouldn't see the lie in her eyes Hermione answered.

“Its not about last night at all. I know you didn't mean what you said. I mean honestly we drank a bottle of meade and a bottle of wine between us…we were good and tipsy at the least…it's a wonder we even remember last night…”

Hermione was once again startled when Harry whirled her around and her gaze met his, her pulse quickened and yet again she felt that fluttering inside her stomach as Harry said.

“We were no more tipsy last night than we are right now and I meant every sodding word I said to you…I love you…and not just as a friend…”

Hermione interposed vehemently.

“What about Ginny? You're in love with her. You have been since sixth year! Every since you two got together she's been everything to you…you honestly expect me to believe that's all changed now because of something your cousin thinks he saw the one time he's seen us together!”

Harry sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

“Ginny's been a very important part of my life and I did love her…even now knowing that what I feel for you is more than what I'd thought it was before a part of me still loves Ginny…but I'm not in love with her.”

Harry paused and let out another breath. He stared at the floor for several seconds that seemed like minutes before he spoke again.

“Four years is a long time. People change. They grow up; they start to find out who they are and what they want to do with the rest of their lives. And some relationships no matter how badly we want them to work just don't fit into the new lives we create for ourselves. That's Ginny and me…we've both changed so much since Hogwarts. We're different people now than we were then and we want vastly different things. Things haven't been good between us for quite some time now…seems we're always rowing about one thing or another…but you know all about that I'm sure.”

Harry paused and stared at Hermione pointedly. She was indeed aware that Harry and Ginny had been having problems for nearly a year now. She'd lost count of the times Ginny'd turned up at her flat in tears over her latest disagreement with Harry, last time being about three weeks ago. Seeing that his presumption was correct Harry plowed on.

“Its been obvious for a while that we just aren't meant to be but…I didn't want to hurt Ginny or Ron or any of the Weasleys really, they've all been so good to me…sacrificed so much for me that I felt like I owed them something in return…”

Hermione cut in.

“Harry you don't owe…”

Raising his hands in an appeasing gesture Harry overrode Hermione's interruption.

“I know now that the only person I owe anything to is myself and that's why I've decided to call things off with Ginny.”

Hermione's eyes widened and she whispered in shock.

“You're breaking up with Ginny.”

Harry nodded. Hermione chewed her lip for a bit then asked cautiously.

“This doesn't have anything to do with…with you thinking you have feelings for me does it?”

For the first time since the conversation began Harry's lips curved into something of a smile as he replied.

“I really do have feelings for you Hermione whether you want to believe that or not…but no I'm not ending things with Ginny because of that. We've been miserable for nearly a year now, Gin and me…its time that stopped.”

Harry fell silent and all Hermione could do was nod her head in understanding. They stood that way for a moment or two each lost in their own thoughts when suddenly the door to the kitchen swung open and the voice of Ginny Weasley filled the silence blanketing them as if their prior words had summoned her to them.

“Hmmm…something smells absolutely delicious…Harry, sweetie, where are…oh there you are. Hello Hermione, I didn't know you were here?

Hermione forced a smile and returned Ginny's greeting.

Hello Ginny, how are you?”

Ginny's reply was a quizzical and clipped “Fine”. Hermione sensed Ginny's uneasiness as she realized that she and Harry must look odd standing huddled by the sink staring at each other as they were. Hermione was about to offer an explanation when a loud thumping crash reverberated from above. Guessing that a certain little wizard was awake Hermione excused herself by saying.

“Sounds like Teddy's morning kip is over. I'll just go up and check on him shall I.”

Not waiting for a reply Hermione hurried out the door. As Harry watched her go Ginny said.

“Teddy's still here?”

Harry nodded and added perfunctorily.

“Andromeda's got a nasty case of Hungarian Dragon Flu, Teddy's staying here until she's feeling fit again and Hermione's been staying over to help out.”

Ginny nodded absently and plucked a strawberry from the plate of fruit that was still sitting on the kitchen table. Licking the sticky juice from her fingers and began.

“I stopped by the ministry and they said you were off for a few days, I was a bit shocked you hadn't said anything but…”

Harry interjected.

“I did say…Sunday at the Burrow…”

Ginny waved a hand dismissively and exclaimed.

“Oh yes well I must of forgotten. Anyway I was hoping we could spend the day together as we haven't done that in ages, just had a full day with only you and me. But I reckon we'd have to take Teddy seeing as he's staying with you still…unless Hermione wouldn't mind…”

Harry squeezed his eyes shut as he raised his voice and came out with.

“Ginny I don't think we should see each other anymore.”

Blinking hard with a sincerely confused expression covering her pretty face Ginny frowned and asked.

“What?”

Drawing himself up to his full height Harry repeated his words from a few seconds before.

“I said I don't think we should see each other anymore.”

Ginny's frowned deepened.

“Why in the name of Merlin would you say something like tha?”

Harry responded

“This…”

He gestured back and forth between himself and Ginny.

“This relationship just isn't working…”

Ginny cut in.

“Not working…what do you mean not working?”

Harry sighed.

“I mean its not working. Things haven't been right between us for ages…you just said we barely spend anytime together and when we do we're usually rowing about something…”

“Oh honestly Harry so we've both been busy lately with work and things and an argument or two is not rowing all that much!”

Harry let out an audibly frustrated sigh.

“Ginny its more than that and you know it. Perfect example you just said I didn't mention having time off when I announced it Sunday over dinner that Andromeda was sick and that Teddy'd be staying with me until she was better…”

Ginny cut in again.

“Bloody hell I forget one damn thing you say and suddenly you want to break off with me…”

This time it was Harry who cut in.

“I'm not saying that I want to break off with you because of that one incident but Merlin Ginny everything has changed…we've changed…we're not the same people we used to be…we want different things now…we're in completely different places in our lives. We barely talk anymore and we sure as hell don't listen to what the other is saying. We're miserable together and I for one am sick of pretending that everything's alright when I know it isn't! You deserve better than that Ginny…we both do.”

Harry finished off and stared directly into Ginny's eyes. She stared back relentlessly and asked in a quiet voice?

“Is there someone else?”

Harry had known somehow that she was going to ask that question from the moment their eyes met. Perhaps if it had been someone else he'd have lied but after all they had been to each other Harry felt he owed Ginny the truth.

“If you're asking if I've been seeing someone else behind you're back the answer's no...but there is someone I've begun to have feelings for.”

Ginny offered up a stunned expression at Harry's revelation, tears welled up in her eyes as a whispered “Oh” erupted from her throat in a strangled whisper. Harry hating the look of pain on her face added.

“I'm sorry Ginny I truly am. I never wanted to hurt you…and I'd give anything not to have to hurt you now but I…I think its better if we're honest with ourselves…and if we truly are…you know that this is the best thing for both of us.”

Ginny bobbed her head up and down as if she were in agreement with what Harry was saying, though it was evident for the tears standing in her eyes that she wasn't. Quickly she rose from her chair toppling it over in the process. Harry made to grab for her to offer her some sort of comfort but she jerked away from him much like Hermione had earlier and raced out the kitchen door. Harry started to go after her but stopped abruptly, he doubted he'd be much comfort considering he was the reason for her pain. He heard what sounded like a sob a second before he heard the front door slam.

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4. Visits With Friends

A Day At The Park

Visits With Friends

The next two days at Grimmauld Place were dreadful following Harry's breaking things off with Ginny. As was his habit Harry went into one of his more sullen brooding moods over the hurt he'd caused Ginny. Despite knowing he'd done the right thing by ending things he still hated the fact that Ginny had shed tears over something he'd done. It hadn't helped matters that he'd had to contend with the Molly Weasley as well.

Though Arthur had done his best to stop her Molly had turned up at Grimmauld Place on the evening of the break up in a right flap over Harry having called things off with her only daughter. Molly wanted to know what had gone wrong and more importantly how could it be righted. Harry had done his best to explain that there was nothing to right. That he and Ginny had simply grown apart. It was then that Molly had inquired as to who the new witch was in Harry's life and what role she'd played in splitting him and Ginny apart. Thankfully Arthur had shown up then and carted Molly off before Harry was forced to be rude.

Following Molly's visit Harry had come to realize that it would only be a matter of time before Ron showed up on his door, ornery as a Hungarian Horntail ready to pound Harry's face in for messing his sister about. Harry had seemingly forgotten that Ron was off with George procuring supplies for the joke shop. Hermione, however, had not. Thus, it was at Hermione's suggestion that Harry had rang Dudley and arranged to meet him at the Wrong `Un pub in Bexleyheath for a pint to get his mind off his troubles. It hadn't taken much prodding to get Harry to agree and as Dudley had been waiting since they met at the park for Harry to phone he immediately agreed. Harry had scarcely been out of the house five minutes when Ron showed up bellowing for Harry.

“HARRY! GET YOUR BLOODY ARSE OUT HERE RIGHT NOW! WHAT'S THIS ABOUT YOU BREAKING OFF WITH GINNY! HARRY DAMMIT HARRY ANSWER ME!”

Hermione came rushing down the stairs. She stopped on the fourth to the last stair and hissed angrily at Ron.

“Stop that yelling this instant otherwise you'll rouse Teddy! And taking into account how long it took me to get him settled tonight if you wake him with your incessant shrieking I'll hex your bloody bollocks off!”

Ron had been completely shocked by Hermione's appearance on the stairs. He hadn't known that Hermione was at Grimmauld Place. The sight of her materializing on the stairs had been quite enough to render him silent but the seething expression on her face and the added threat of his impending bollocks lost had ensured his continued speechless.

Hermione continued her descent down the stairs and grasping Ron by the elbow hustled him into the below stairs kitchen. Once the door swung shut she added a silencing charm just in case Ron forgot himself and started bellowing again. Harry's ill humor seemed to have been catching. Teddy had been a strop all day. His normally pleasant disposition giving way to a more churlish manner and his hair turned a dark stormy gray (definitely not his happy color). Not wanting to think of Teddy and his bad mood Hermione walked over to the cooler and as she did asked Ron.

“Would you care for something to eat or drink?”

Ron's reply was short.

“Where's Harry?”

Hermione heaved a sigh and answered back.

“You'll have to excuse me then as I haven't had a bite since breakfast and I'm very near starving.”

Having said that Hermione pulled open the cooler and took out a butterbeer and the leftover bangers and mash from the day before. Next she pulled down a plate and cutlery and dished up a serving of food and hit it with a heating charm. Finally she levitated her preparations over to the table and taking the sit across from the one behind which Ron was standing said conversationally.

“You're not eating but you can still sit down you know.”

Ron stared at Hermione as she dug into her bangers and mash. Ron pulled out the chair before him and took a seat. He watched in fascination for several moments as Hermione ate in silence seemingly unconcerned over why he'd shown up screaming murderously for Harry. After sitting there for several minutes and watching Hermione eat in silence Ron restated his initial question.

“Where's Harry?”

Seeing that Ron would not be deterred Hermione pushed her half eaten dinner to the side and in a calm tone stated.

“Harry's not here.”

“I cottoned on to that a while ago. Where is he?”

Hermione sighed.

“I'm not going to tell you where he is Ron.”

Ron frowned.

“And why not?”

“Ron what good is rowing with Harry going to do? You and he will be at each others throats and he and Ginny will still have broken up and you'll have accomplished little more than prolonging everyone's discomfort over the whole situation. Wouldn't it just be best for everyone to let it alone?”

Ron snorted contemptuously.

“Let it alone…let it alone…you want me to just forget about the fact that Harry's breaking my sister's heart!”

“Ron it's not as though he set out to do that. They just grew apart…”

“Oh bloody hell Hermione don't give me that rubbish! How do you grow apart when you're right there with the person everyday? How do you stop loving someone so quickly?!”

Ron looked at Hermione with an expression of angry incredulousness. Hermione expelled a breath and replied.

“It happens Ron. You can be right there, everyday, every second, and drift away from someone you care about…you can become so wrapped up in yourself that you loose sight of the other person. And by the time you open your eyes and realize what's happened the break between you is too big to work around. Your first love isn't always meant to be forever Ron. Besides there where extenuating circumstances”

Ron raised an eyebrow questioningly.

“What extenuating circumstances?”

Hermione countered succinctly.

“It was the middle of a war, they were young.”

Ron shook his head disbelievingly.

“That's shite Hermione…my mum and dad met and married young during the war and look how they worked out! Hell Harry's own parents married straight out Hogwarts in the midst of the war…that has nothing to do with it!!”

Ron's face was beginning to turn a telltale shade of red, a sure sign his temper was rising. But that fact did little to dissuade Hermione, in fact, the knowledge that Ron was so stubbornly refusing to hear reason only succeeded in getting Hermione's ire up.

“Harry and Ginny are not your mum and dad…neither are they the second coming of Lily and James Potter! I've spoken to Ginny and as hurt as she is even she admits that she and Harry ending things is probably for the best! Not everything ends in happily ever after Ronald…loving someone and being in love with someone are two totally different things!”

Ron looked at Hermione, truly looked at her, and for the first time since his arrival he noticed the oddness in her. Taking a deep breath he said quietly.

“We're not talking about Harry and Ginny anymore, are we?”

Slowly Hermione shook her head.

“No we're not.”

Ron nodded.

“Just for the record, which one of us got so wrapped up in self that we lost sight of the other?”

“I think we both did a little of that.”

Ron nodded again as silence stretched out between them. After several moments Ron spoke again.

“Ginny said she asked Harry if there was someone else he was carrying on with…and Harry told her he hadn't been seeing anyone else but that there was someone who he realized he had feelings for…”

Ron paused and looked directly at Hermione.

“Ginny reckons that the someone he meant was you…is it?”

Hermione stared unblinkingly back at Ron as she answered with a single word.

“Yes.”

Ron winced visibly. He closed his eyes and asked.

“What about you…do you…do you…have feelings for him?”

Hermione had expected the question and while she knew the answer she had no idea how to put her feelings into words. The truth of the matter was she'd been in love with Harry Potter from the moment he came barreling into the loo and flung himself on the back of a fully grown mountain troll in an attempt to save her. Although she hadn't known what it was at the time, all she'd known was that she felt an overpowering compulsion to be there for him as he had for her. She just hadn't allowed herself to see the truth of why she'd always been so willing to go to the ends of the earth for Harry.

The long silence prompted Ron to open his eyes he caught sight of the look on Hermione's face and instantly he knew the answer to his question, though he'd honestly known before he'd asked. Breathing out a deep sigh of acceptance Ron stood to his feet. The sound of his chair moving brought Hermione out of her thoughts. Ron's voice was quiet when he spoke.

“I should get going.”

Hermione stood to her feet as well.

“I'm sorry Ron…I never meant for th…”

Ron waved off her words and said.

“I know Hermione, I know.”

Ron closed the distance between them and pulled Hermione into his arms hugging her fiercely. Hermione returned the hug and tears started to collect in her eyes. Ron kissed her forehead before stepping back.

“Always felt better as friends didn't it.”

Hermione nodded unable to speak past the lump in her throat. Ron offered her a weak smile before turning around and striding out the door.

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5. The Truth Of The Matter

A Day At The Park

The Truth Of The Matter

Harry did his best to be quiet as he slipped open the door to number twelve Grimmauld Place and stepped inside. He was careful to avoid the squeaky floorboard in the foyer as he made his way unsteadily towards the stairs. He didn't want to wake Teddy and he certainly didn't want to wake Hermione considering that it was just gone two in the morning and though he was nowhere near as pissed as he had been a few hours before he was still not sober enough for a telling off of the sort Hermione was libel to give. Harry made it up the stairs without incident and was halfway down the hall to his room when he noticed that the door to the library was open and the soft shaft of light that was emanating from the room illuminating the otherwise dark and deserted hallway behind him. Curious he turned around and headed towards the open door.

As he peered across the threshold of the room, his eyes fell upon Hermione. She was lying on a chaise angled along the right side of the fireplace wearing the cobalt colored dressing gown of his that he'd given her to wear one night a year or more ago to ward off the chill that lingered in the house during fall and winter evenings. It had become hers by defacto as she'd neither returned it to him or taken it outright, she'd merely hung it in the closet of the room that'd been designated as hers and there it had remained. She lay on her side staring into the roaring fire that burned in the fireplace, lost in thought. An unopened book rested beneath her hand.

Envious of whatever it was that she was contemplating so intently, Harry spoke.

“Expecting a floo?”

Hermione never turned her face from the fire as she shook her head and spoke to Harry.

“Just doing a bit of thinking.”

Jokingly Harry replied.

“Bit late for such pursuits wouldn't you say?”

Hermione's response was a noncommittal shrug.

Sensing that something was amiss Harry stepped into the room and asked.

“Hermione, are you alright?”

The words were barely out of his mouth before she replied.

“Yes Harry I'm alright…quite alright indeed.”

Something in Hermione's tone struck Harry as odd and though he was not altogether sure how he knew, he knew that something significant had taken place, something that had altered Hermione in some way. Determined to find the source of Hermione's strange mood Harry opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by Hermione's unexpected homily.

“Ron stopped by earlier. He fancied a word with you about you having called things off with Ginny. Actually, he was angling more towards a row than a word but as I expected he'd be in a strop once he found out I wasn't too surprised when he turned up bellowing for your arse on a skewer. Naturally, I wouldn't tell him where you were and so instead of having a go at you he and I called things off.”

Hermione stopped speaking and resumed staring into the fire. The lingering effects of the alcohol Harry had consumed vanished as though he'd taken a hangover potion. How long he stood staring at Hermione he didn't know. His surprise was evident when he spoke.

“You and Ron broke off?”

Hermione slowly nodded her head.

“Yes. Ron and I broke off.”

Still disbelieving Harry stuttered.

“You and Ron…you're over…you broke things off…o…o…over Ginny and me?”

Hermione wrinkled her nose and bit into her bottom lip with those perfectly straightened teeth she'd gotten courtesy of Madame Pomfrey during fourth year and answered.

“Ron and I did not break up over you and Ginny…”

Harry cut across Hermione's words as he strode across the room to where Hermione was lying on the chaise by the fireplace.

“You just said that Ron came over here to have a go at me about Ginny and that because you wouldn't tell him where I was he broke up with you…DAFT…STUPID…IDIOTIC…GIT! WHAT IN THE NAME OF MERLIN IS BLOODY WRONG WITH RON? WHAT KIND OF A WANKER GIVES UP THE WOMAN THEY LOVE…ESPECIALLY WHEN THE WOMAN IS YOU…BECAUSE I BROKE OFF WITH HIS SISTER…STUPID ARSE OF AN IDIOT! I HAVE HALF A MIND TO GO OVER TO HIS FLAT AND KNOCK SOME BLOODY SENSE INTO THAT EMPTY HEAD OF HIS!”

Hermione quickly rose from her perch on the chaise and with a wave of her hand, the library door snapped shut with a familiar soft suctioning sound that Harry immediately identified as a silencing charm. Gazing squarely into the depths of Harry's eyes Hermione hissed angrily.

“I honestly don't understand what it is in the nature of blokes that makes you feel as though shouting at the top of your lungs accomplishes wonders but I can promise you that if your racket has woken Teddy you'll be the one up with him not me!”

Harry glanced towards the door with a somewhat horrified expression at the idea of spending the late night hours attempting to placate his godson. Though thankfully Teddy had not inherited his father's lycanthropy, he did a fair imitation of a werewolf's disposition when he was in a snit. Seeing the look on his face and feeling that Harry had been properly reprimanded she said.

“He slept through Ron's bellowing which was at least an octave or two higher than yours so I suppose no harm has been done.”

Harry directed his attention back to Hermione and shamefacedly mumbled an incoherent word or two that Hermione took to be an apology. Quietly she added.

“And just so you know…it wasn't over you and Ginny that Ron and I broke up.”

Harry's eyebrows rose questioningly.

Hermione sighed at the look.

“Well, it wasn't because of you as much as it was because of something you said.”

Cocking his head to the side Harry queried .

“And what exactly was it that I said?”

Hermione turned back towards the fire as she spoke.

“The other morning…the day you called things off with Ginny…in the kitchen before she came…you said that people grow up and change and that they start to find out who they are and what they want out of their lives. And that when that happens sometimes the relationships we have no matter how badly we want them to work just don't fit into what we want for ourselves. That got me thinking about my relationship with Ron.”

Hermione stopped talking as she gazed more intently into the fire searching for the words she needed to say. Finally, after several minutes she said.

“Once I got to thinking things over I realized you weren't the only one who was trying to make a relationship work because you felt you owed it to someone else and not because you were truly happy with that person. When Ron came over tonight looking for you, I tried to explain to him how you and Ginny had grown apart. I told him that you could be with someone everyday, and still drift away from them. I told him that no matter how much you care about someone that you can become loose sight them and by the time you open your eyes and realize what's happened its too late to fix the mess you've made. I told him that just because it's your first love that doesn't always mean it's supposed to be forever.”

Hermione's words stopped as she felt Harry behind her. Judging from the heat radiating from his body she was certain that if she turned around they'd be face to face. Harry's voice was enticingly low when he spoke.

“I don't suppose Ron took that too well.”

Although he couldn't see her face, Harry heard the faint smile in Hermione's words when next she spoke.

“He wasn't pleased about it no but he accepted things well enough considering…”

Hermione abruptly left off what she was saying, not sure, she should or could say what she was about to.

Harry noticed the obviously pregnant pause and asked.

“Considering what?”

Hermione took a deep breath and gathering all her Gryffindor courage turned to face Harry as she said.

“Ron took things very well considering the fact that he knows you have feelings for me…”

Harry interjected.

“You told Ron about my feelings for you?”

Hermione made a gesture that was a cross between a shrug and a nod.

“It was actually more along the lines of my confirming his suspicions.”

Harry pulled a bewildered face. Hermione explained.

“Ginny told Ron what you said about having feelings for someone else…and…well…she guessed that you meant me. Ron asked me if Ginny was right…and seeing as how they'd already sussed out the truth as it was, I told him that Ginny was right.”

Harry nodded and made an odd sort of grunting noise as he contemplated the ramifications of it his feelings for Hermione being known to Ginny and Ron and by extension the rest of the Weasley clan. Harry was sure to be receiving another visit from Molly once word got round, not to mention the chats he was bound to have with the four elder Weasley brothers over his ill treatment of their younger siblings. Harry was pulled from his thoughts by Hermione as she continued to speak.

“Once I'd answered his question about you having feelings for me…Ron asked…if…if…if I had feelings for you.”

Hermione paused and waited until she felt the intensity of Harry's gaze upon her. She brought her eyes level with his and Harry's voice erupted from his throat in a raspy whisper.

“Ron asked you if you have feelings for me…”

Harry paused and waited for confirmation, as Hermione nodded he finished off the last of his question.

“What did you tell him?”

The words that she hadn't been able to speak to Ron tumbled effortlessly from her lips for Harry.

“I didn't tell Ron anything…I couldn't seem to find the words to tell him that I've been in love with you since the moment you came barreling into the girl's loo and threw yourself on the back of a mountain troll to save me. I didn't tell Ron that the reason I've always stood by you no matter what, that the reason I've followed you to the ends of the earth and back is because I love you though I was to daft to admit it even to myself. I didn't tell Ron anything…I didn't have to…he could see the truth of the matter in my eyes.”

Hermione's voice had dropped to a whisper by the time she finished speaking. She stood there staring at Harry waiting for him to react to her words. They stood there simply staring at each other for what felt like an eternity before Harry stepped closer and drew Hermione into his arms. She was certain he could hear her heart thundering in her chest. Hermione sound she was suddenly extraordinarily aware of Harry, the spicy scent of him, the firmness of his lean muscled physique, the brilliant sparkle of his emerald green eyes. She swallowed convulsively as Harry stood with her cradled in his arms watching the range of emotions play across her face.

Without saying a word, Harry reached up and ran his right hand through Hermione's hair; releasing her hair from the ponytail she'd pulled it into as she got ready for bed. With his left arm he pulled her flush against his body. Of their own accord, Hermione's arms snaked their way up his chest. Her fingers tangled in the hair at the nape of his neck as Harry lowered his head. Hermione's eyes drifted shut as Harry lightly pressed his lips to hers. Hermione's response was tentative at first. Then Harry slid his tongue along Hermione's bottom lip and as she opened her mouth to receive him the kiss intensified from it previous gentle exploration of lips to a lush and passionate openmouthed tangle of lips and tongues and grasping greedy hands that roamed under jumpers and opened dressing gowns to caress bare honeyed thighs.

When they breathlessly drew apart they found that they had somehow moved from the standing in front of the fireplace to being pressed against the wall next to the fireplace. Harry drew back slightly from Hermione and took in her mussed hair and kiss-swollen lips and opened his mouth to speak but was silenced by Hermione firmly placing her fingers to his lips.

“As much as I enjoyed that I think we should take things slow…we've both got a lot of baggage just now and there is the matter of Ron and Ginny to consider. I want to be with you but I just need a bit of time.”

Harry's voice was a husky passion tinged whisper when he spoke.

“We can go as slow as you want.”

Hermione smiled and raised herself on her tiptoes and brushed a soft kiss across Harry's lips before bidding him goodnight and heading out the door. Harry watched her disappear out the door and slumped against the wall behind him.

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6. Down The Pub

A Day At The Park

Down The Pub

Harry sat alone in a booth at the very back of the Moon and Sixpence downing a pint of Mauldons Blackadder. Looking down at his watch Harry saw that it was nearly eight, Dudley was late. In the weeks since the two cousins had run into each other in the park they'd taken to meeting down the pub once a week. Usually on a Wednesday, the pair found it made the week infinitely more bearable when they held their weekly get-togethers mid-week to catch each other up and maybe have a bite to eat if there was time.

Harry finished off the last of his ale at the same moment that the pretty, blond barmaid, who'd been flirting with him since he arrived three quarters of an hour ago, flitted over to the table. She removed his empty glass and asked if she could get him a menu. The tone of her vice made it clear that she was offering up more than what was available on the menu. Just then the door opened admitting a blast of frigid blast of November air along with the personage of Dudley Dursley.

Upon seeing his cousin entering the pub Harry ordered another pint of Mauldons for himself and a pint of Fuller's London Pride for Dudley. The barmaid smiled invitingly and made sure to give Harry an unobstructed view of her cleavage as she deposited a fresh bowl of garlic and cheese chips on the table, then scurried off to fill the order Harry had placed. Dudley watched the scene with open interest as he slipped off his leather jacket and tossed it on the seat before sliding into the booth across from Harry. Grabbing a handful of crisps Dudley nodded in the general direction of which the barmaid had disappeared.

“Nice bristols on that bird eh.”

Harry replied wryly.

“Hadn't noticed.”

Dudley smiled playfully.

“Hadn't noticed...shame that is…especially seeing as how she's going to so much trouble to get you to notice all those lovely bits of hers.”

Before Harry could respond to his cousin's cheek the aforementioned barmaid returned with their pints.

“Here you are gents, can I get you anything else?”

Dudley's smile widened.

“I'm a bit peckish myself…what's say we have a bit, eh Harry?”

Harry shrugged and said.

“Fine by me.”

The barmaid next spent the few minutes shamelessly flirting with Harry as he and Dudley placed their orders, Steak and Guinness pie with mash for Harry and Lamb Henry, jacket potatoes and runner beans and steak and kidney pie for Dudley. For starters, Dudley ordered breaded mushrooms, BBQ spareribs, chicken yakatori, garlic bread and two fresh pints. A few minutes after their orders had been placed the barmaid arrived with Dudley's starters. When she'd taken leave of the table Harry spoke.

“I thought you were in training for a fight next week?”

Dudley nodded and answered around a mouthful of chicken and mushrooms.

“I am.”

Quirking an eyebrow Harry reached across the table and plucking a sparerib said.

“Oh I see eating like an up the duff bird is part of your training regimen then.”

Dudley shot Harry an evil glare. Harry smiled and bit into the spare rib he'd knicked and in as innocent tone as he could manage asked.

“What?”

Dudley ignored Harry's cheek as well as his feigned innocence and reaching for a sparerib himself changed the direction of the conversation.

“Speaking of my match…how'd you like to see me fight? I've got two extra tickets to the match that you can have if you like.”

Harry scratched his jaw idly.

“Hmm…I reckon it might be interesting to see you have a go at a bloke who isn't me and stands a chance of giving as good as he gets.”

Dudley put down the pint of ale he'd raised to his lips and said.

“Sorry to disappoint you as this bloke won't be giving any where near as good as he gets seeing as how I'll be doing the giving.”

The two cousins shared a smile. Suddenly Dudley's expression grew somber.

“I'm sorry too about all those times I used you as a punching bag back when we were kids. I shouldn't have given you such a hard time. I should've…”

Dudley's words were cut short as Harry interjected.

“Dudley that was a long time ago…”

“Not that long ago.”

Harry ignored his cousin's muttered assertion.

“Things were different then Dud…we were different people…taking on issues that weren't ours to take on…”

Harry paused briefly then continued.

“You've apologized and I've forgiven you…”

Dudley interrupted.

“Have you really forgiven me Harry?”

Harry looked his cousin straight in the eye as he replied.

“Yeah Dudley, I have, I wouldn't be sitting here if I hadn't. I just wish you would forgive yourself.”

Seeing the sincerity of Harry's words reflected in his eyes Dudley smiled and nodded. They saw in silence for the remaining moments before the barmaid arrived with their food.

“Anything else I can get for you?”

The attractive blonde-haired barmaid addressed Harry directly. Harry pretended once again not to notice her advances and after assuring her that her services were not presently needed he turned his attention back to his cousin, who inquired.

“I take it things are going well with you and Hermione then.”

Harry looked up over his glasses and failed miserably at concealing the smile that erupted across his face as answered.

“Couldn't be better.”

Dudley eyed Harry shrewdly.

“And what exactly does that mean?”

Harry shrugged and spoke around a mouthful of pie and mash.

“It means that considering my breakup with Ginny, hers with Ron, our…erm…estrangement from the Weasleys and Hermione's wanting us to go slow things are progressing nicely. We're taking some time to get to know each other.”

Dudley eyed Harry with an astounded.

“You're taking some time to get to know each other…why in bloody hell would you need to get to know someone you've known since you were eleven? That's the barmiest thing I've ever heard of.”

Harry smiled ruefully as he thought how similar Dudley's comment sounded to something that Ron would've said about the matter.

“Its not nearly as barmy as it sounds.”

Dudley eyed Harry skeptically. Seeing the look, Harry elaborated.

“You'd think that knowing each other as long as we have that we'd know everything there is to know about each other…but in these last two and a half months I can honestly say I've gotten to know loads of things about Hermione I'd have near guessed before.”

Still looking skeptical Dudley queried.

“Like what?”

Pushing aside his empty plate and signaling the bloke behind the bar for another round of drinks Harry said.

“Well for starters I've learned all about her life before Hogwarts and her family as well…she never talked much about her folks at school…not that I asked.”

“Okay so you know how she was as a kid and all about her mum and dad…what else?”

“Umm…er…I've learned some other things…little things that you don't take note of sometimes…like her favorite color is blue…she likes to go out plodding around in the rain…she's a right fine cook when she takes a mind to be…she's really actually quite funny…and she's got the most beautiful eyes I've ever bloody seen…”

Dudley chuckled.

“You've got it bad.”

Coming round from his momentary lapse in thought Harry asked.

“Huh…what?”

Shaking his head from side to side in laughter as he pushed his own empty dishes away Dudley replied.

“I said you've got it bad for this girl.”

Harry smiled as fresh pints were placed before he and Dudley and said.

“I've had bad before mate and its never felt quite so good as this.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So I'll leave the tickets with the attendant…the match starts at seven but you'll want to get there a bit earlier to get good seats. Melissa's usually there by six or so…I'll have her on the lookout for you two…you are bringing Hermione aren't you…is she a fan…do you reckon she'll enjoy it?”

Harry nodded as he yanked the zip up on his jacket as he and Dudley stepped out into the cold night air.

“Yes I'm bringing Hermione to your match Dudley and I'm pretty sure she isn't a fan of the noble sport as your dad calls it but I reckon she'll sit through it well enough. I imagine she'll think its about as bad as Quidditch.”

A wistful look spread over Dudley's face.

“I'd like to see this Quidditch of yours sometimes.”

Harry smiled.

“It'll take a special request from the Minister of Magic to make that happen but seeing as he's a friend of mine I'll see what I can do getting us some tickets to the upcoming Puddlemere United match.”

Dudley beamed at Harry.

“That'd be great.”

Harry and Dudley made plans to switch their Wednesday night at the pub to Friday night following his match. Instead of a night at the pub, they figured they might as well make it a proper dinner, as they'd have Hermione and Melissa along. Harry and Dudley said their goodbyes and Dudley headed down the stairs to the underground and Harry made his way to the nearest secluded alley where he promptly apparated to Diagon Alley. He'd promised Hermione that he'd run by Flourish and Blotts to see if the books she ordered had come in.

Once Harry had collected Hermione's packages, he stopped in a few other shops to pick up a few odds and ends he needed himself. Loaded down with parcels Harry headed for the Leaky Cauldron, from which he planned to floo to Hermione's to drop off her things before heading home. As he turned the corner, his mind already on seeing Hermione, Harry walked smack into a bloke coming down the cobbled sidewalk who, was likewise preoccupied and loaded down with parcels. Parcels spread across the sidewalk in all directions. Both Harry and the man he'd run into spoke at the same time as they attempted to suss out whose packages were whose.

“Sorry about that, couldn't really see where I was going…”

“Wasn't really looking where I was going either bit preoccupied…”

At the sound of the other's voice both men stopped talking and found themselves staring into familiar faces. Harry cleared his throat.

“Hello Ron.”

Ron replied tonelessly.

“Hello Harry.”

A/N: In case anyone is curious or knows of the place, the Moon and Sixpence is the name of a

British style pub in Portland Oregon.

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7. Mutual Understandings

A Day At The Park

Mutual Understanding

For several seconds Harry and Ron stared awkwardly at one another. In the two and a half months since Harry and Hermione had ended things with Ginny and Ron, Harry had neither seen nor spoken to his best friend. Truth was Harry hadn't really spoken to Ron for at least three weeks prior to the breakups. He wondered if it was even appropriate to think of Ron as his best mate given that they hadn't spoken so much as one word to each other in nearly three months and the rather convoluted state of their love lives.

Realizing that they must look a tad peculiar crouched on the ground, surrounded by parcels just staring at one another, Harry averted his gaze and pointing his wand at the packages scattered about the ground restacked them into two neat piles. Harry then charmed all his packages to fit into the bag from Flourish and Blotts as it was the largest. Having sorted out the shopping Harry could no longer avoid speaking to Ron. Squaring his shoulders and drawing himself up to his full height Harry raised his eyes to meet Ron's and said.

“Sorry about that…bumping into you…wasn't really paying attention to where I was going.”

Ron seemed taken aback by the fact that Harry spoken. He blinked uncomprehendingly, simply staring at Harry and not saying a word. Harry stared back as Ron regarded him and tried again at making conversation. Looking at the parcels he'd stacked Harry posed a query.

“How're things with George and the shop…still going well? I reckon Victoire's growing like mad… and how is the rest of the family…your mum and dad…Gin…”

As the first syllable of Ginny's name tumbled across his lips Harry bit down forcibly on his lip. Ron's brows knitted together in obvious irritation and answered back curtly.

“Ginny's as well as can be expected.”

It was evident from Ron's tone that he was only just concealing the anger and frustration that was so clearly bubbling just below the surface. Harry knew that it would be best for all involved if he just walked away and let time resolve the animosity that Ron felt. But that would have been the reasonable, logical sort of thing to do and as he'd never done the reasonable logical thing before Harry didn't see much point in starting now. Taking a deep breath, Harry responded to Ron's statement.

“Well if that means that she's keeping well then I'm glad to hear it. And if it means she's not…then I'm sorry to have had a hand in it…”

Ron looked as if he was about to give in to the desire he obviously been warring with himself about and either scream obscenities at Harry, punch him square in the face or both. But Ron never got the chance as Harry's next words startled him.

“I know how much you must hate me…bad enough that your so called best friend messes your only sister about by breaking things off and taking up with some other girl…but the girl he takes up with just so happens to be your other best friend who also happened to be your girlfriend until she broke things off with you on account of the aforementioned other best friend. I wouldn't blame you one bit if you never spoke to me again…Merlin knows I deserve much worse. And I'm not asking you to forgive me or to understand as I'm not sure I would or could do that if the shoe was on the other foot. But I need to tell you…I need you to know that I never wanted any of this. Ginny and me we were each other's fairy tale ending. I was her knight in shining armor and she was my big happy family ready made. That's not what love is though…love is much more than that…and Ginny ought to have the real thing not some sad imitation of it like she had with me. Even if there hadn't of been anyone else just now Ginny and me wouldn't have made it.”

Harry took another breath, then continued.

“As for Hermione…I can only say that I'm sorry my loving and needing and wanting her has caused you pain…you're the first friend I ever had…hell you're more like family to me than just a friend…I love you as much as you love any of your own brothers and I'd honestly rather submit to the Cruciatus Curse than hurt you Ron but I've had precious little love in my life that was more than a thought and a memory…and I've learned that life is far to fleeting to waste time on what ifs and what could've beens…I can't deny what I feel for Hermione Ron, not even for you. I'm not asking for forgiveness or understanding and I quite understand your hating me I just thought that all the past years of friendship deserved an honest explanation.”

Harry bent down and grasped the handles of his Flourish and Blotts shopping bag and straightening himself up once more added.

“Goodbye Ron.”

With that said Harry brushed past Ron and headed up the cobblestone sidewalk in the direction of the Leaky Cauldron. Ron stood there for nearly a minute before he snatched up his parcels from the ground and turning around rushed after Harry. By the time Ron was within hailing distance Harry was just reaching the brick wall that led from Diagon Alley to the Leaky Cauldron, he called out.

“Why did you lie?”

Harry whirled around shock plainly etched across his face. The last thing he's expected was for Ron to come after him. Ron repeated his question.

“Why did you lie?”

Harry frowned in confusion.

“Lie…I haven't lied about any…”

Ron interrupted.

“When we were searching for the horcruxes…the night I came back and pulled you out of that pond…the night I destroyed the locket…after I saw those visions…you told me Hermione was like a sister to you and that you reckoned she felt the same about you, that it had always been that way…why'd you…”

Harry ran a hand through his naturally tousled hair as he interjected.

“Ron I wasn't lying…when I said those words to you that night I honestly meant them…I didn't…”

“You didn't want to say anything because you knew I fancied her.”

Ron's words shocked Harry into momentary silence. However, as the words washed over him, Harry had to admit they were true. Ron saw the flash of recognition cross Harry's face and asked.

“When did you know?”

Heaving a sigh Harry answered Ron's question with a question.

“When did I know that I was in love with Hermione?”

Ron nodded. Harry answered his nod with one of his own then said.

“I knew I was in love with her the moment Dudley mistook Hermione and Teddy for my wife and my son...”

“What?!”

Harry waved off Ron's shocked exclamation.

“Long story…point is in that moment I realized if I could have my deepest heart's desire that would be it…she'd be it.”

Harry's voice drifted down to a low whisper. Ron looked at the man who had been his closest friend for most of his life and asked matter of factly.

“Have you told Hermione that?”

Harry shook his head. Ron said.

“You should tell her...she'd…it'd be…you should tell her.”

It was Harry's turn to nod. Ron asked another question.

“So you two are together then?”

“Yeah, we're testing the waters as it were. Hermione reckons we ought to take things slow…give ourselves sometime to work through everything's that's gone on.”

“That's why no one's seen you out together.”

Harry inclined his head to signal that Ron had sussed out the truth of things.

“Hermione says it's too soon…and she trying to avoid the stir it's bound to cause in the papers once word gets out.”

Ron acquiesced.

“I suppose she's right at that.”

Ron nodded his head for several seconds as he stood there staring at Harry, then suddenly he was speaking.

“What you said earlier about you and Ginny trying to live out a fairy tale…well you weren't the only ones. I…I…I was doing the same with Hermione…only I guess mine was the anti-fairy tale. I guess I wanted to prove that the hero didn't always get the girl.”

Ron paused for a second then picked up again.

“I'm not sure where I am in all of this, I need more time to sort out how I feel about you being with Hermione and all…but I don't hate you Harry…I don't hate you.”

Harry nodded. It seemed as though they stood shrouded in silence for ages but it was hardly more than a minute before Ron pointed over his shoulder and said.

“I should get going…George'll be wondering where I got off to.”

Harry hoisted up the bag his was holding in his hand and said.

“Yeah I should be getting on myself as well.”

Ron nodded.

“Yeah…well…see you around.”

That said Ron turned round and headed back down the street. This time it was Harry who called out.

“It was good talking to you Ron…really good.”

Ron stopped and looking back said.

“It was good talking to you too Harry.”

As Ron turned away and strode off down the street Harry smiled as he thought maybe just maybe things would turn out alright in the end. He then turned around and disapparated with a crack.

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8. Fancy Meeting You Here

A Day At The Park

Fancy Meeting You Here

Dudley stepped out of the locker room into the brightly lit and spotlessly clean hallway to a smattering of applause and cheers. He'd just finished off his third match of the season and much to the pleasure of his coaches he had managed to knock out his opponent in the second round. With a huge grin plastered across his face, Dudley made his way through the crowd of people and graciously accepted their handshakes and words of congratulations. As he made his way to the end of the corridor where Melissa was standing flanked on either side by their friends Piers and Amandine. Melissa threw her arms around Dudley, kissed him lightly on the lips, and queried.

“Are you alright?”

Dudley returned the kiss with a quick peck of his own and grinning madly answered back.

“Perfectly fine.”

Frowning Melissa ghosted her fingertips over the purplish bruise that had risen on his cheek and said.

“But that's a nasty bruise…”

Melissa's words were interrupted by Piers.

“Ahh, that's nothing that is…one tiny bruise…if you want to feel bad for someone feel bad for the bloke who got his face turned into a pound of mince courtesy of your boyfriend!”

Piers smirked as Melissa gazed at him with narrow eyes. She looked as though she was about to say something in reply but she was again interrupted, this time by Dudley's cousin Harry.

“Piers may actually be right Melissa…Dudley did a bang up job on that poor bloke's face.”

Dudley's grin grew even wider as he turned around and exclaimed.

“Harry…Hermione…I didn't know you two were going to be here!!”

Harry grinned widely much like his cousin as the two young men embraced each other in a brotherly hug. As they separated, Dudley said.

“What are you two doing here?”

Harry chuckled and replied.

“Why to see you beat up on some poor sod of course, what other reason could there be.”

Dudley beamed at Harry's words.

“Why didn't you say you wanted to come I would of gotten you passes like last time.”

Harry pointed to the brown-haired woman standing next to him and said.

“It was sort of a last minute kind of thing. We both lucked into an evening off and when I mentioned you had another match tonight Hermione said we should come down and watch. Seems that first match of yours those few weeks back whetted her appetite for rampant violence and bloodshed.”

Hermione smacked Harry's arm and rolled her eyes at Harry while she proffered her hand to Dudley to shake as she said.

“Good to see you again Dudley. Very well played match.”

Dudley's brow knitted together in a slight frown as he grasped Hermione's hand and instead of shaking it used it to draw Hermione into a hug that lifted her off her feet and squeezed the air from her lungs. Hermione tottered back into Harry once Dudley had set her back on her feet. Dudley winked at her playfully and answered the unspoken question that shown in Hermione's clear brown eyes.

“We're practically family you and me…they'll be no shaking hands between us.”

Dudley paused for a beat as Hermione cast a shifty-eyed glance in Harry's direction. Harry was saying hello to Melissa and seemed not to have overheard the exchange. Having greeted Harry with a hug Melissa made her way over to Hermione and hugged her as well. Melissa then set about making introductions. She introduced Harry and Hermione to her dorm mate Amandine Marcus. Dudley then introduced Hermione to his childhood mate Piers Polkiss. Dudley then turned and looked back and forth between Harry and Piers and said.

“I believe you two are acquainted?”

Harry and Piers nodded simultaneously following Dudley's words and exchanged rather insipid hellos. An awkward silence ensued that lasted for a few seconds which was followed by Piers excusing himself and Amandine saying that they'd promised to meet some other friends of theirs for a drink. After Piers and Amandine left, Dudley suggested that he, Melissa, Harry and Hermione get a drink as well. And so it was some twenty minutes later that the foursome were found walking down the street headed for the nearest pub. Hermione and Dudley were discussing boxing.

“So you haven't boxed all your life?”

Dudley shook his head no as he replied to Hermione's query.

“Not formally no…but as you and Harry have been friends for so long I expect you know what a bullying git I was growing up.”

Dudley paused and cast a glance in Hermione's direction. When she inclined her head as a sign that she had indeed heard stories of his bullying behavior Dudley continued.

“Well the headmaster at Smeltings, Mr. Danforth, kind of made me a pet project of his. He told all the staff that because I was bullying the smaller kids and my weight had gotten off the charts that if they didn't come up with a way to sort me out they'd of had to pack me back off home. That was when Coach Nesbitt saw me pummeling some kid and thought I might be a natural at boxing.”

Dudley grinned sheepishly and added.

“He was right…I was a natural…took to it straight away. The weight started to come off and Coach Nesbitt helped me to adjust my attitude. Its been a fantastic opportunity and I think I'm the better for the whole experience.”

Hermione nodded in agreement and said.

“Well you certainly are very good at it. The way you took that bloke down and so early in the match…it was incredible!”

Harry looked at Hermione and the shock he was feeling registered openly on his face and was apparent in his voice when he spoke.

“Incredible…since when have you found sports to be so remarkable?”

Hermione glared back at Harry and replied.

“I've always found sports to be interesting…”

Harry's eyes widened as he interrupted.

“That's a load of tosh!”

Hermione glared indignantly at Harry's exclamation and quickly rejoined by asking.

“How can you say that I was never interested in any sort of sport?”

Harry answered immediately.

“You never took this sort of interest back in school when I played…”

This time Hermione interjected.

“I never showed any interest…oh so showing up to every match and screaming myself hoarse is showing no bloody interest!”

Sensing that he could make no further objections in light of Hermione's declaration Harry rolled his eyes and stuck out his tongue instead. His actions garnered laughter from his three companions as they continued down the street. After a few moments Melissa looked over at Harry and asked.

“What sport did you play in school Harry?”

Harry was at a lost for what to say. Melissa had no idea what he and Hermione truly were so mentioning anything about Quidditch was out of the question. Harry spared a glance in Dudley's direction hoping to glean some sense of what his cousin may have told his girlfriend about him but judging from the look on his face Dudley had kept mum when it came to personal details. Just as Harry began racking his brain for a suitable answer Hermione responded coolly and succinctly with one word.

“Football.”

Melissa smiled and said.

“I had you figured for a footballer Harry…what position?”

Drawing on the endless times he had heard Dean explaining the finer points of football to Ron and Seamus, Harry remembered Dean saying once that given his quickness and excellent reaction time he would make a right fine striker. Clearing his throat a bit Harry answered.

“Striker.”

Melissa smiled again.

“I reckoned that too…Dudley's always going on about how quick you are so I guessed that if you were a footballer your position would be striker.”

Dudley cut in with a question that he directed to Melissa.

“How do know so much about football?”

Melissa shrugged as she answered.

“My dad's a big fan…”

The rest of Melissa's reply was cut off by the sound of someone gasping followed closely by the sound of Hermione's sharp intake of breath. Harry, Dudley and Melissa all turned concerned faces towards Hermione. They saw that she was staring straight with a frightened and disbelieving expression oh her face. Harry felt her nails dig into the flesh of his forearm as her previously open palm closed around the area where moments before it had lain placidly. Worried over what could have possible elicited such a reaction from Hermione, Harry followed the direction of Hermione's gaze and found himself staring at Ron Weasley who was standing no more than three feet away, fingers entwined with none other than Lavender Brown.

Ron cleared his throat and speaking to the foursome before him and said.

“Hello.”

Harry nodded in reply and replied.

“Hello Ron, Lavender.”

Lavender responded in a rather shrill voice.

“Hello Harry, its good to see you…its been ages since I saw you last.”

Lavender paused for a second and plucking up her courage chanced a glance at Hermione and said.

“G…good to see you too Hermione…you…you…you're looking well.”

Hermione's mouth curved upwards weakly in a semblance of a smile.

“Hello Lavender…Ron.”

Ron looked visibly uncomfortable as he responded with a very quiet.

“Hello Hermione.”

Following Ron and Hermione's exchange silence fell upon the group. In the stillness of the moment Harry glanced at Dudley who was regarding Ron quizzically. Harry set about making introductions.

“Ahh…er…Dudley, Melissa this is Ron Weasley and Lavender Brown, schoolmates of mine and Hermione's.”

Harry then directed himself to Ron and Lavender,

“Ron, Lavender, this is my cousin Dudley…Dudley Dursley and his girlfriend Melissa Pennford.”

Ron nodded and extended his hand first to Dudley and then to Melissa.

“Yeah, we met a couple of times before.”

Dudley nodded and mumbled hello to Ron before moving on to shake Lavender's hand as well. To cover the awkwardness of the moment Ron smiling somewhat self consciously said.

“Fancy meeting you here…like this…again.”

Harry returned the smiled as he mumbled.

“Yeah…fancy that.”

Ron rambled on.

“At least we didn't crash into one another like we did last time.”

Harry would have replied had it not of been for the fact that Hermione once again tightened her grip on his arm and dug her nails into his flesh. Harry was certain that if he looked at his arm he would see blood blooming on his sleeve. He chanced a glance at Hermione who was staring openly at him and saw a flicker of hurt. Harry'd never mentioned his bumping into Ron two months earlier to Hermione. Harry looked back at Ron who had obviously caught the look as well as he was studying Hermione's expression intently. As the trio stared at each other, a tense, uncomfortable quiet consumed them. Melissa spoke.

“We're just headed to the pub the four of us…we're celebrating…Dudley's just won his third straight boxing match.”

Ron and Lavender congratulated Dudley. He nodded and more to stave off the awkward silence than anything else invited the new couple along.

“You're welcome to join us if you like.”

Ron's eyes widened a bit and his mouth flapped open and closed once or twice as he struggled to find the appropriate words.

“Umm…er…ahh…it's kind of you to offer but we've actually plans that we're going to be late for if we don't get a move.”

Dudley nodded and muttered something about maybe next time. Ron mumbled something in return before he spun back around to face Harry and Hermione. With a bit of a rueful smile, he said.

“Well, gotta be going…it was nice seeing you two...”

Ron paused for a beat then looking directing at Hermione said.

“Really good.”

It was then that Lavender reasserted herself. Drawing close to Ron, she squeezed his hand and said.

“Ron, we really should be getting on, Ginny and Dean and everyone else is waiting for us.”

Ron nodded absently.

“Yeah, yeah…we should really get going.”

Ron glanced towards Dudley and Melissa called out a perfunctory “Nice meeting you” before hastily saying goodbye to Harry and Hermione. Hermione turned and watched as the pair disappeared into the mass of people moving along up and down the sidewalk. Harry watched her for several seconds before calling out to her.

“Hermione…are you…is everything alright?”

Hermione revolved around slowly in the direction of her three companions. However, when she spoke her words were directed to Dudley and Melissa not Harry.

“Of a sudden I'm not much in the mood to celebrate…perhaps some other time.”

Dudley nodded.

“Yeah sure, just say when.”

Hermione smiled and said.

“Goodnight then.”

With that, she turned on her heel and headed off without so much as a glance at Harry. Harry stood there stock still for a second before he spoke.

“Dudley I'll ring you later…goodnight Melissa.”

Dudley had barely opened his mouth to reply before Harry was heading off in the same general direction that Hermione had gone off in. As Dudley watched him go, Melissa looked up at him and asked.

“What just happened?”

Dudley looked at Melissa and simply shrugged his shoulders. He returned his gaze back down the street where Harry was walking to find that in the seconds it had taken him to speak to Melissa his cousin had disappeared from sight.

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9. The Terrace Garden

A Day At The Park

The Terrace Garden

Hermione's flat was situated in the neighborhood of Bayswater in a lovely old Victorian house that had been converted into three flats. Harry remembered that the estate agent who'd helped Hermione with her search had gone on and on about what an excellent find the place was. She'd said the location was ideal, as it was only a short walk from the famous Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and Palace. She practically gushed about the closeness of the many restaurants, coffee shops, supermarkets and Whiteley's shopping centre. Mrs. Franks, the estate agent, had also informed them that the area was also home to a number of trendy bars and pubs, and popular tourist spots like Oxford Street, Baker Street, Notting Hill and Portobello Market. Yet none of those superior trappings had sold Hermione on place. What sold Hermione on her flat was the doting old landlady Mrs. Prentiss. Mrs. Prentiss, who lived in the first floor flat, had lived in the house for nearly fifty years. She and her husband had moved in right after they married. When Mr. Prentiss had passed on five years previous and Mrs. Prentiss found it to hard to make ends meet, she'd converted the house into three separate flats, as she couldn't bring herself to sell the place.

Mrs. Prentiss was the consummate grandmotherly type who called everyone “dear” and had an endless supply homemade treats. She was forever puttering around in the back garden of the house where she seemed to have devoted her spare time to recreating the Kensington gardens. Something about the older lady had endeared her to Hermione from the moment they met, and vice versa. Within minutes of their meeting, the two were carrying on as if they were old friends. Hermione had taken the flat on the spot and a week after she'd moved in she and Mrs. Prentiss had installed what they referred to as a quaint little terrace garden on the small terrace that abutted her bedroom. Hermione often went out on her garden terrace when she need to clear her head or simply wanted to enjoy a moment of solitude. It was here that Harry was certain he would find her when he apparated to her flat minutes after leaving Dudley and Melissa.

Harry had no idea what to expect when he turned up at Hermione's flat but if he were to judge by her rather abrupt exit and the rather pointed manner in which she hadn't spoken to or looked at him before she left, Harry imagined she was more than a bit put out with him at the moment. He reckoned that she was upset with him for having not told her about his running into Ron. He knew a moment's hesitation as he passed through her tiny foyer and made his way down the hall towards the bedroom. The picture of Draco Malfoy being soundly slapped round the face appeared followed closely by the image of Ron being attacked by canaries in a deserted Hogwarts classroom. Hermione's temper was quite a force to be reckoned with when she was sufficiently riled. Harry imagined her ire was more than adequately up on this occasion. Just as he reached the door to the bedroom another thought crossed Harry's mind. The occasion in which Hermione had sent a flock of vicious canaries after Ron had come after she had seen his divining for some unknown ore down Lavender Brown's throat. Was it possible that seeing Ron and Lavender together was the cause of Hermione's sudden departure? Could it be that she still had some residual feelings for Ron?

Harry stopped dead in his tracks as he contemplated this new revelation. Was it possible that Hermione still cared for Ron…in a romantic way? Though he was loathed to admit it, Harry imagined that it was more than likely. As near as Harry could tell Ron and Hermione had been heading down the relationship road since at least third year. That totaled out to around five years of devoted fondness and two years of committed togetherness. Could he honestly expect their five months of constant snogging couldn't compare to that? As he stood there lost in thought, he felt the familiar sensation of Crookshanks rubbing against his legs. Absentmindedly Harry bent and gave the cat a vigorous scratch behind the ears. Crookshanks purred with satisfaction and something in the sound was strangely comforting. Taking a deep breath and vowing to take whatever Hermione did or said to him like a man, Harry gripped the doorknob and stepped across the threshold into Hermione's bedroom.

Harry caught sight of Hermione exactly where he'd expected her to be, perched on the cushioned chaise that sat in the left-hand corner of her terrace garden. Harry crossed the bedroom quietly and stepped out onto the terrace. Without thinking what to say or where to start, he called out to Hermione gently.

“Hermione, are you alright…you left without saying anything…I…I was worried about you.”

His words were greeted by a long unbroken silence. Just as Harry was about to speak again Hermione's voice permeated the air.

“I'm sorry I worried you.”

“You don't have to be sorry…I just wanted to make sure that you were okay…with seeing…after everything that happened.”

Harry stopped just short of mentioning Ron and Lavender by name. Hermione emitted a dry laugh as she picked up the thread of the conversation.

“I don't suppose you offered any sort of explanation for my peculiar behavior to Dudley and Melissa before you came after me.”

Harry shook his head. Then immediately began to wonder if Hermione was able to see his movements in the darkness that shrouded them. Apparently, Hermione had been able to see him because at the precise moment that Harry opened his mouth to vocalize his response Hermione said.

“I suppose they'll think me quite mad after this…”

Hermione's voice trailed off and Harry replied hastily as he covered the distance separating them and dropped down on the edge of the chaise beside Hermione.

“They'll think no such thing…Dudley knows all about you, Ron and me. And I've told him a fair bit about our Hogwarts Days as well. I'm bound to have mentioned Ron and Lavender carrying on in sixth year at least once. Dudley will explain it all and he and Melissa will understand all about how seeing them together would be upsetting to you…”

Harry's comforting words were cut off by Hermione's rather sharp tone.

“Why would seeing Ron and Lavender together upset me?”

Hermione had sat up and was staring pointedly at Harry. Stammering he replied.

“Well…er…its natural isn't it…to be a little upset seeing a person you've cared for with someone else for the first time.”

Hermione frowned a bit as she answered.

“Yes, but…”

Harry interjected.

“And I understand…I really do. You and Ron have a history; I respect that so I know it'll have been difficult to see him out with anyone least of all Lavender especially after sixth year…”

Harry's considerate diatribe was cut off by Hermione's near apoplectic screech of a reply.

“YOU THINK I LEFT THE WAY I DID BECAUSE I SAW RON WITH LAVENDER!”

Harry stared at Hermione in amazement and asked.

“That wasn't the reason?”

Hermione sprang up from the chaise as if she'd been just been poked in the bum with a needle.

“Of course that wasn't the reason!”

Harry frowned in confusion.

“But you saw Ron and Lavender and you froze…you dug your nails into my bloody arm…if you weren't upset over seeing Ron with Lavender what in the name of Merlin had you acting the way you were?”

“There I am walking along arm and arm having a laugh with my best friend and boyfriend when I look up and see my other best friend and ex-boyfriend who I chucked for you walking down the street. I haven't seen or heard from Ron in nearly five months… naturally I was shocked I had no idea how Ron would react to seeing us together.”

Hermione paused and Harry nodded as he processed her words. Hermione took a breath and continued.

“I was worried about how Ron would react to seeing us out together. I thought he might still be narked about everything that went on between us all…I didn't want you to having a row or anything. Then I realized that you two had seen each other and talked things out and …and…I felt left out.”

Hermione's voice dropped low on those last words. Harry eyed her quizzically as he asked.

“Left out, why would you feel left out?”

Hermione shrugged.

“I never had very many friends before Hogwarts…to be honest I didn't have any friends before Hogwarts. I have always been an outcast of sorts…you and Ron were the first people who ever took the time to get to know me. Seems we all had that in common being…outcasts that is. That's why you lot have always been so important to me. I knew when I ended things with Ron that I'd probably lost that friendship for good. I reckoned you lost him too but I hoped that maybe given time we'd be able to work things out…but when I caught on that you and Ron had already talked I remembered that I hadn't always been your friend. You two got on quite nicely without me before not hard to imagine you doing it again...”

Harry interrupted Hermione's explanation by rising from the chaise and pulling Hermione into his arms. He looked directly into her eyes as he said.

“I don't know if Ron and I will ever get back the friendship we had before but I do know that they'll be no getting on without you…its quite hard to function without one's heart…and that's what you are to me…my heart.”

Harry leaned forward and captured Hermione's mouth in a tender kiss. Sweeping his tongue into her mouth and tasting the mint of the toothpaste, she was so fond of using; Harry moaned and clutched Hermione tighter to him. Hermione reflexively responded to the kiss reveling in the now familiar taste of Harry. As the kiss, deepened Harry ran his hands over the curves of Hermione's body that he'd learned so well in the past months. Turning his attentions to her neck Harry licked and nuzzled his way to her collarbone causing Hermione to moan and arch her body into his. As he made his way, back up Hermione caught his face between her hands and said in a breathless tone.

“Harry I think we should…”

Harry nodded as he spoke in a gruff whisper.

“I know…we should stop…”

Hermione cut across him and said.

“Actually I was going to say I think we should go inside…to bed.”

Harry's eyes widened.

“I thought you wanted to wait.”

Hermione entwined her fingers with Harry's and said.

“I think we've waited long enough.”

As the words left her mouth Harry pulled Hermione back into his arms and kissed her until they were both panting with desire. Lips fused together they stumbled through the open terrace doors into Hermione's bedroom. The doors swung shut against the chill night air as they fumbled to the bed leaving a trail of clothing behind them as they went. Hermione ran her hands over Harry's exposed chest and began to trace her fingers across the hard muscles of his abdomen. At the feel of her hands on his bare skin, he sucked in a breath of air. Her lips followed the course set by her hands across his chest and arms. Hermione playfully nibbled the pulse point at the base of Harry's neck and he moaned her name softly. Smiling wickedly she trailed kisses across his neck and shoulders, he slipped his fingers into her thick brown curls and drew her mouth to his in a deep passionate kiss. He wanted to feel her skin next to his own; he wasted no time in removing the remainder of her clothing before laying her back on the bed to admire her in all her glory.

He took in the sight of her pouty lips slightly swollen from his kisses, her smooth golden skin, the rise of her full breasts, God, she was gorgeous. He stared at her amazed at the fact that this beautiful woman loved him. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her into his embrace. His mouth sought hers and they kissed. He allowed his hands to cover her body caressing her; he lowered his head and slowly licked the rise of her breasts as his left hand explored the damp heat at the juncture of her thighs. Hermione half-moaned half-whispered his name.

“Harry”

His response was a deep breathy whisper as he busied himself with caressing her inner thigh.

He flicked his tongue gently across her pink nipples and whispered.

“Gods Hermione you are so beautiful”

Harry drew a nipple into his mouth and began to nibble and suck until he had her writhing beneath him. Hermione knotted her hands into fists in his hair pulling his head closer to her chest. He gently slipped his probing fingers deeper inside her center and continued his torturous caresses. Hermione shuddered and her breathing quickened as Harry kissed and caressed her body, the desire he was creating in her was almost unbearable. She gave herself over to the feelings flooding her body and her senses. Hermione pulled Harry's lips to her own and before she kissed him whispered.

“Harry please…I need you…I need you now!”

Harry groaned as he felt her hand close around his hardened length and began stroking him. Stifling a groan Harry repositioned himself above Hermione and in one swift movement drove into Hermione's welcoming heat. They both moaned in ecstasy as they came together for the first time. Harry hadn't wanted their first time to be rushed but the feel of Hermione wrapped around him and the sound of approving moans and cries of pleasure proved too much for him. The pace of their coupling increased and all to soon he felt Hermione tensing beneath him calling out his name as she fell over the precipice of pleasure. Not long after Harry joined her in the oblivion of bliss as he too succumbed to his own release. A s their breathing returned to normal Harry drew Hermione into his arms and cradled her head against his chest, holding her as they both drifted off to sleep.

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10. Heart's Desire

A Day At The Park

Heart's Desire

Hermione rolled over and collided with the warmth and solidity of what could only be that of another person. A smile turned the corners of her mouth upwards as she snuggled closer to Harry, burying her nose in the crook of his neck. As she inhaled the mingled fragrance of their coupling from the night before that still clung faintly to his skin she sighed in utter contentment. Remembering the events of the night before Hermione silently scolded herself for having made both Harry and herself wait so long for something so perfect. Hermione closed her eyes and was so preoccupied with her thoughts that she didn't notice the slight shifting of Harry's body that signaled his waking up.

Harry opened his eyes and found himself staring down at Hermione's completive profile. While he watched her images from the night before replayed in his mind Harry remembered the night he'd bumped into Ron all those months back and the conversation they'd had. Harry had confessed the true nature of his feelings for Hermione and expressed his regret over having caused Ron any pain. Ron had followed Harry and probed him further about his feelings where Hermione was concerned. The memory of that moment flashed through Harry's mind's eye.

“Why did you lie?”

Harry whirled around shock plainly etched across his face. The last thing he's expected was for Ron to come after him. Ron repeated his question.

“Why did you lie?”

Harry frowned in confusion.

“Lie…I haven't lied about any…”

Ron interrupted.

“When we were searching for the horcruxes…the night I came back and pulled you out of that pond…the night I destroyed the locket…after I saw those visions…you told me Hermione was like a sister to you and that you reckoned she felt the same about you, that it had always been that way…why'd you…”

Harry ran a hand through his naturally tousled hair as he interjected.

“Ron I wasn't lying…when I said those words to you that night I honestly meant them…I didn't…”

“You didn't want to say anything because you knew I fancied her.”

Ron's words shocked Harry into momentary silence. However, as the words washed over him, Harry had to admit they were true. Ron saw the flash of recognition cross Harry's face and asked.

“When did you know?”

Heaving a sigh Harry answered Ron's question with a question.

“When did I know that I was in love with Hermione?”

Ron nodded. Harry answered his nod with one of his own then said.

“I knew I was in love with her the moment Dudley mistook Hermione and Teddy for my wife and my son...”

“What?!”

Harry waved off Ron's shocked exclamation.

“Long story…point is in that moment I realized if I could have my deepest heart's desire that would be it…she'd be it.”

Harry's voice drifted down to a low whisper. Ron looked at the man who had been his closest friend for most of his life and asked matter of factly.

“Have you told Hermione that?”

Harry shook his head. Ron said.

“You should tell her...she'd…it'd be…you should tell her.”

As Harry lay there reliving his encounter with Ron Hermione opened her eyes and the faint smile that had been lingering about her mouth fully enveloped her face and brightened her eyes as she caught sight of Harry staring down at her. Seeing that Hermione was awake, Harry returned her smile with one of his own. A blush tinted her cheeks as she spoke.

“Good morning.”

Harry's reply was a bit raspy.

“Morning.”

“Sleep well?”

Hermione's query was answered with a nod a huskily spoken.

“Best sleep I've had in ages…how about you…I didn't snore did I?”

Hermione giggled.

“The great Harry Potter snores!”

Harry shrugged.

“You tell me.”

Hermione shook her head.

“If you are a snorer you didn't last night.”

Harry smiled as he brushed away a lock of hair that was obscuring her left eye as he said.

“Good I would have hated to of kept you awake all night.”

Hermione chuckled as she replied.

“Merlin knows I can handle a bit of snoring Harry, I've spent more than a few nights sleeping beside Ron.”

No sooner than the words had left her mouth did Hermione regret saying them. Here she was lying in bed with Harry after they'd just slept together for the first time and she was going on about Ron and his snoring…how thick could she possibly get. Harry saw the sudden self-censure that etched itself on Hermione's face. Wrapping his arms around her snugly he responded by saying.

“Sounds like a bloody lawnmower sometimes doesn't he?”

Hermione looked up in amazement. Harry continued.

“You don't have to worry about saying something wrong in front of me Hermione. You were with Ron for a long time, you have a history together…I know that better than anyone does. I'm not going to have a fit every single time you mention Ron. I expect there'll be times when something happens that makes you think of Ron, there'll even be times when I think of Ginny too I reckon…they were a part of our lives for a very long time, no expects that to just go away…”

Harry's words were cut off as Hermione threw her arms around his neck and drew his mouth to hers in a slow, deep kiss. Hermione molded her body to Harry's as she deepened the kiss. She was amazed by how perfectly they fit together. Her breasts were pressing against his chest, and she could feel her nipples harden at the contact. Her stomach was pressed against his, and she could feel the evidence of his desire for her. Instinctively they moved against each other deepening the kiss, wrapping themselves around each other, mouths fused together, tongues caressing, hands roaming over backs and hips, cupping and caressing arses as their passions grew more intense.

Harry wanted this time to be everything that the night before hadn't been. He wanted to love Hermione, worship her, show her just what she meant to him. As those thoughts streaked through his brain, Harry crushed his mouth against Hermione's, kissing her with all his passion. It seemed he couldn't kiss her hard enough…he ravaged her mouth, spurred on by her moans and whimpers of pleasure. Gently yet firmly he pushed her onto her back before claiming her mouth once again. Harry kissed her until she was breathless. He then kissed his way down her body stopping to caress her breast in his hands. Leaning down he captured one breast in his mouth, then the other. Hermione closed her eyes as she felt his soft lips nibbling her. He moved down from her breasts to run his mouth over her belly.

Hermione moaned as Harry ventured further down her trembling form to the nest of curls at the apex of her thighs. Hermione gasped as Harry lowered his head and touched his mouth to her sex for the first time. Running his tongue between her folds, sucking at the core of Hermione's sweet womanhood, Harry moaned against her. She tasted so good, so sweet, supple and yielding. He gently pushed two fingers inside her as his tongue continued to caress her. The feeling of her soft tightness around his fingers as he readied her caused his already stiff member to harden even more. Harry swirled his tongue around her clit while he continued to move his fingers in and out of her in a steadily deliberate motion. Hermione cried out wantonly and bucked her hips as she felt her orgasm approaching. Harry's mouth was a wonder unto itself, he was mind-bogglingly good at this, his expert tongue alone had her on the verge of losing herself, something that had never happened to her before. She vaguely thought to herself that she understood why Ginny had stayed with Harry despite all their problems, who'd leave a man who could cause such pleasure so effortlessly. All thought ceased as she felt the rising pleasure overtake her and suddenly she was coming, spasming, her hand grabbed at his head, holding him in place as she cried out loudly from the intense pleasure rocketing through her body. She felt as if she was floating, it felt so good. She lay there, boneless, trying to slow her breathing. She couldn't seem to think straight. It felt so bloody amazing. She could feel the wetness between her legs streaming as she fought to get a grip on her trembling body.

But Harry was not done yet. Before Hermione had recovered, he was looming above her, whispering endearments as he slipped inside the lovely wet heat of her. Harry slid into her softness, his eyes sliding shut as he felt her clench around him. He moaned aloud, his words husky with passion.

“God, Hermione you feel so good.”

She was so warm and soft. He had never known such pleasure as he did at this very moment inside Hermione. He kept his thrusts slow and gentle at first, savoring the feeling of feeling her around him. He felt the pleasure building, felt like his whole body tingling. Hermione wrapped her legs around the back of his knees, pushing herself into him harder as she moaned softly. Harry leaned down to kiss her hard as he began to increase the pace. He pounded into her, harder, then faster. He didn't think anything in time and space could feel as good as Hermione wrapped around him. She grabbed his hips and opening her mouth cried out.

“Oh, Harry…Harry…oh God...oh….please…don't stop…harder...please…Harry…”

Harry increased the speed of his thrusts even more, adjusting himself just so to give Hermione the sensation of his throbbing member brushing against her clit each time he withdrew and re-entered her. He knew it was the right thing when Hermione arched up off the bed and screamed his name as her second orgasm overtook her. She clenched around him tightly, Harry groaned low in his throat, Merlin she felt so good, she was so hot, so wet, so tight...Harry let out a loud groaning wail as he came, spilling into Hermione, he trembled with the intensity of the moment. He had never come this hard before. He tried but failed to open his eyes, he lost all coherent thought as the wave after wave of pleasure crashed through his body. Breathlessly chanting Hermione's name Harry collapsed beside her utterly spent.

Harry was unsure of how long they lay there before their breathing slowed, their racing hearts reverted closer to their normal steady rhythms and they regained the powers of speech and mobility. But when he was once again able to open his eyes it was to the sight of a flushed albeit sated Hermione staring back at him in wonder.

“Bloody hell…if I'd known I'd be getting that treatment I wouldn't have made you wait!”

Harry turned on his side and smiled.

“You always did bring out the best in me.”

Hermione snuggled closer to him and saucily retorted.

“I hope you saved some for later.”

Harry winked as he leaned in close and said.

“I've got an infinite supply love, an infinite supply.”

Their lips met in a sweet kiss. As they parted, Hermione laid her head on Harry's chest, he wrapped his arms around her and they contented themselves with the nearness of each other. Harry's mind drifted back to his thoughts from earlier that morning. He remembered Ron's words to him that day two months before. Hermione looked up and saw the pensive expression covering Harry's face, taking a finger and tracing the muscles of his chest and arms, she inquired.

“Knut for your thoughts.”

Startled out of his thoughts Harry looked down at Hermione and asked.

“What was that?”

Hermione smiled as she rephrased her question.

“I asked what you were thinking about just now.”

Harry replied absently.

“I was just thinking about Ron.”

Hermione's eyes widened as she leaned back to get a better look at Harry's face. With an undisguised note of incredulousness in her voice said.

“We just had what was quite possibly the hottest shag in the history of all shags and you're thinking about Ron.”

Harry grinned rather sheepishly.

“I wasn't thinking about Ron…I was actually thinking about the night two months ago when I ran into Ron in Diagon Alley and something he said to me.”

Overcome by curiosity Hermione asked.

“What did he say?”

Harry told Hermione about meeting Dudley at the pub earlier that same evening and after they'd parted how he gone into Diagon Alley to fetch her books and a few other things he needed and run into Ron. He replayed his entire conversation with Ron to her. He explained the apparition that had emerged out of the locket during their hunt for the horcruxes (Harry and Ron had never shared that bit of the story with her). Harry told her how Ron had queried him about his feelings for her and when he'd realized what those feelings truly meant. Harry paused and took a steadying breath before saying.

“When I was talking to Ron that night I realized something that I suppose I'd always known but had never had plucked up the courage to say…Ron told me I should tell you…”

Hermione interrupted.

“What was it that Ron thought you ought to tell me?”

Harry took Hermione's hand in his and said.

“That it's always been you…my deepest heart's desire…the one thing I needed more than anything…it's always been you Hermione.”

Hermione closed her eyes momentarily and as she opened them she leaned over and kissed Harry softly on the lips as she whispered.

“I love you too Harry, I love you too.”

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11. In Diagon Alley

A Day At The Park

In Diagon Alley

“Teddy…be a good little wizard and don't move.”

Harry spoke in a conciliatory fashion as he stealthy made his way around the side of the table. Teddy stood there happily twirling Harry's wand in his pudgy little hands giggling happily as the wand shot blue, green, red and gold sparks about the room. Harry made to quickly grab the little boy but just as he did, Teddy whipped the wand around about his head in a wide arcing circle. Harry was thrown backwards into the bookshelf across the room. A shower of books cascaded down upon Harry. Teddy erupted into riotous peals of laughter.

Hermione rushed into the library and was greeted by the sight of Teddy laughing giddily as he pointed Harry's wand at the bookshelf across the room. A pile of books lay piled on the floor. Hermione hurried over to where Teddy was standing scooped the toddler up into her arms. Sliding the nicked wand out of his hands, Hermione gently reprimanded the little boy.

“Teddy what have I told you about touching Harry's and my wands…you mustn't fool around with our wands, they're not playthings you could've hurt yourself or someone else.”

Hermione looked over at the pile of books on the floor and with a shake of her head mutters.

“What on earth was Harry thinking leaving his wand lying about?”

Suddenly the pile of books shifted as Harry emerged from underneath them. Hermione gasped in shock.

“Harry!”

Harry straightened to his full height.

“Harry didn't leave his wand lying about…someone stole it right out of my pocket and went running off about the house with it. I cornered him in here and when I made a grab for him he blasted me backwards into the bookshelf.”

Hermione queried.

“Teddy stole your wand and you couldn't get it back.”

Harry could hear the laughter that was threatening to erupt from Hermione at any moment. Plucking his wand from her hand and tucking it inside his jumper Harry retorted.

“It's not funny…I swear he inherited all the benefits of Remus's more acceptable wolfish qualities without the hair and fangs.”

Hermione giggled.

“While I don't doubt that Teddy inherited more than a few of his parents extraordinary gifts, I'm sure that his…er…rambunctious behavior has more to do with his being an energetic two year old whose been shut inside a dusty old manor house and could do with a bit of fresh air.”

Harry frowned.

“I'll have you to know that this is not a dusty old manor house. It's been completely refurbished and is very well kept thanks to Kreacher.”

Hermione smiled affectionately at Harry.

“It was just an expression Harry. Grimmauld Place is perfectly lovely…its just that Teddy is used to getting out and having his fill of the outdoors…he and Andromeda spend a lot of time out of doors. It would probably help settle him down if he got out for a bit. What do you say we take him to the park?”

Harry stepped out of the pile of books that covered his feet and ankles and nodded in agreement. Twenty minutes later the threesome were strolling into the newly erected play park installed in Diagon Alley. The park had been built in honor of all the young who had lost their lives during the war. The memorial park had become quite a draw in Diagon Alley. It was commonplace to find young mothers stopping off for a bit to allow their little ones a moment to play while they took a break from shopping. It was also a popular lunch spot. During the weekdays, it was routine to find the park filled with ministry workers sitting on benches having a bite as they watched passersby carry on with their shopping. Normally Harry made a point of steering clear of the park, he didn't need any reminders of the friends he'd lost, but as Hermione had some shopping to do in Diagon Alley Harry had relented and agreed to the compromise.

The moment Harry and Hermione had set foot in Diagon Alley holding hands with Teddy riding on Harry's shoulders they caused quite a stir. Though it had been two years since Harry, Hermione and Ron had defeated Voldemort and his legion of Death Eaters their appearance amongst their wizarding brethren always generated a bit of a frenzy but today the fervor was intensified as this was Harry and Hermione's first sojourn out in public as an actual couple. It had been a week since the pair had finally consummated their relationship and it seemed that they had nonverbally consented to this outing being the public declaration of their feelings for one another.

Harry and Ginny's break-up had been big news. Though neither of them had openly confirmed their split, it was obvious that the relationship had ended when the two had stopped being seen out together. News of Ron and Hermione's separation had also made the circuit. However, unlike news of Harry and Ginny's split the stories circulating about the demise of Ron and Hermione's were being fueled by stories of Ron having it on with a litany of known and unknown witches, none of which was true. All sorts of articles speculating on the reasons for the two break-ups had been written in the papers over the past five months, Harry reckoned that his and Hermione's escapade into Diagon Alley with Teddy was sure to create quite a stir.

As they roved the streets and shops of Diagon Alley Harry, Hermione and Teddy caused more than a bit of intense whispering and staring. It was a rare occurrence to see the famous Harry Potter out enjoying the day with his godson; Harry tried to shield Teddy from as much media attention as he could. It was even rarer to see him out in the company of a woman that he was so obviously involved. Harry had always been somewhat fanatical about keeping his private life private. When he and Ginny had been together Harry made a point of not giving the press much to fill their pages. He made sure to keep any public displays or shows of affection strictly out of the view of the press. Indeed, it had often been said among members of the press that were it not commonly known that Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley were a couple no one would have guessed they were together. Thus, his noticeable affection towards his heretofore-best friend turned heads everywhere he and Hermione went.

Every shopkeeper they encountered seemed to take an extra moment to complete whatever transaction they were conducting as they came to the realization that the well-known witch and wizard before them were more than just friends. More than once Harry noticed the widened eyes and raised eyebrows of a nearby customer or shop attendant as he and Hermione discussed the necessity of a purchase, shared a whispered anecdote, referred to the other with an endearment or simply stood closely together as they went about their business. Harry and Teddy had just stepped out of Ferrell's Fast Floos, a new establishment that allowed patrons to floo their purchases home while they remained to do more shopping, Hermione was sending their packages back to Grimmauld Place and as she didn't need any help at the moment she'd sent Harry and Teddy on to the park. As they headed up the street in the direction of the park they found themselves right outside of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes just as Ron stepped out of the shop's door. Teddy who was still riding up on Harry's shoulders gave an excited whoop when he saw Ron and called out.

“Uncle Won! Uncle Won!”

Ron turned around with a start and found himself staring at Harry and a very excited Teddy. Ron's face erupted into a smile as he looked at Teddy and his best friend as he spoke.

“Hello Teddy!”

Ron reached out and plucked the two year old from his perch atop Harry's shoulders, tossing him into the air he spoke to Harry.

“Alright Harry.”

Harry returned Ron's jovial smile and answered back.

“Good and you.”

Ron swung a giggling blue haired Teddy up onto his shoulders.

“Quite good though I suppose we really ought to stop meeting like this.”

Harry chuckled.

“We have had a few awkward encounters here lately haven't we.”

Ron nodded.

“That we have…last week being the strangest…never thought I'd see the day when you'd be hanging about with that lump of a cousin of yours.”

Harry rejoined.

“Yeah well Dudley's done more than a bit of growing up since you saw him last but I reckon given our history it was a bit odd seeing us out together. I suppose it was about as shocking you seeing me and Dudley together as it was for me seeing you and Lavender together.”

Ron nodded in an amiable fashion and reaching into his pocket pulled out a chocolate frog, unwrapped it and handed it to Teddy who happily popped the treat into his mouth. Harry posed a question.

“So how long have you and Lavender been back on?”

Ron started at Harry quizzically.

“Back on…what…you think that Lavender and I are seeing one another!”

Harry replied.

“Well I just thought that seeing as how you were out and…well she said you two were gonna be late to your outing with Ginny and Dean…”

Ron cut in.

“A bunch of us were getting together for Seamus' birthday…Lavender didn't know where the pub was and as my flat closest to hers I said I'd show her the way. We were set to meet Luna, Neville and Dean at Ginny's place before heading over to the pub.”

Ron paused after his explanation for a beat then asked.

“Hermione didn't think that…that Lavender and I were carrying on again did she?”

Harry shrugged.

“Probably…I mean you two looked rather cozy…but she wasn't upset by it if that's what you're worrying about.”

Ron nodded absently.

“So how are you two coming on…you and Hermione?”

Harry smiled a bit at Ron's query and replied.

“We're wonderful…damn near bloody perfect.”

Realizing what he'd just said and to whom Harry backtracked.

“I mean…that is to say…”

Ron interrupted.

“You meant exactly that…you and Hermione are doing wonderfully.”

“I didn't mean to sound so cavalier about it…I know you're still sorting out your place in all of this.”

Ron replied.

“That's all sorted…when I saw you that night a few months back I was still a bit angry over how things had worked out and I wasn't sure if I'd ever be able to fully accept things. Then last week I saw you two and to be sure it was a bit weird at first but more than the awkwardness of seeing you two so clearly together or the shock of you being mates with Dudley, more than any of that I missed my friends.”

Ron took a breath before continuing.

“Sitting in that pub watching Seamus and Dean and Pavarti and Lavender and everyone else having a grand time laughing it up with their mates and I really wished that it was me out with you and Hermione and not your bloody cousin.”

Harry smiled.

“You miss us?”

Ron nodded.

“Been beside me self for weeks.”

Harry's smile widened.

“Hermione will love hearing that…”

“I'll love hearing what?”

Harry and Ron turned around at the sound of Hermione's voice. Hermione waited expectantly for a few seconds before Ron answered her question.

“Harry reckons you'll love hearing that I've been a bloody wreck without you two around.

Hermione smiled as she answered back.

“We've missed you too Ron.”

Ron looked between Harry and Hermione and grinned broadly. Harry and Hermione returned Ron`s smile. Suddenly Hermione's eyes widened and she pointed at Ron and saying.

“Ron, why is there chocolate in your hair?”

Ron reached up and ran his hand through his hair. Ron made a disgusted sound as his fingers made contact with the sticky mess. Harry reached up and removed Teddy from Ron's shoulders while Hermione performed a quick cleaning charm on Teddy's chocolate-covered hands and Ron's chocolate covered head. That done she said.

“Honestly, giving a two year old chocolate when he's riding up on your shoulders…what were the two of you thinking.?”

Ron and Harry chuckled at Hermione's scolding. Harry then looked over at Ron and said.

“We were just taking Teddy to the park, care to join us?”

Ron answered easily.

“I'd love to.”

With that decided, the trio set off down the street for the park.

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12. Full Circle: Seventeen Years Later

A Day At The Park Full Circle: Seventeen Years Later

Laughter, shouts, slamming doors, raised voices, feet thundering along hallways and up and down stairs, hooting owls, hissing cats, and the smell of rashers, eggs and fried potatoes wafting through the air signaled the start of another day in the Potter household. Harry rolled over and blinked at the clock. It was just gone six in the morning. Lying in bed, he listened to Hermione attempting to restore some sort of order to the chaos and havoc that their rather exuberant offspring were undoubtedly creating. From the volume of noise drifting upstairs Harry was certain that James and Jacob were causing their usual amount of bedlam. He wondered what new products their uncles George and Ron had supplied them with this time. Hermione’s voice rose above the din, and Harry couldn’t help smiling as he heard her giving the boys a stern reprimand for whatever transgression they’d just perpetrated. Harry well remembered the countless times he had been on the receiving end of one of those infamous castigations. Harry heard the boys muttered apologies and their somewhat hasty retreat. He then heard Hermione’s voice shift to a softer tone and the smirk he’d been wearing blossomed into a huge smile as he listened to Hermione conversing with their daughter Jillian. As he thought of his little girl, Harry was reminded almost immediately of the fact that his little girl wasn’t so little anymore. Today was the first of September, today was the day that Jillian was to begin at Hogwarts.

Harry sat up in bed. The first of September had arrived without warning. It seemed that the weather had turned crisp and cool rather more suddenly than usual, at least it seemed that it was more sudden than usual now that the day he’d been dreading for the past two months had finally arrived. In four or five hours the house would be childless a state it hadn’t been in for fourteen years. Harry got out of bed and headed to the shower. Given the night Harry had had at work he was certain that Hermione was letting him have a bit of a lie in before they had to set off for King’s Cross. It was hard to believe that James and Jacob were fourteen and that Jillian was starting her first year of Hogwarts. Soon they’d be fully qualified, of age wizards beginning careers of their own, as Teddy was doing now, a prospect he did not relish. By the time Harry got out of the shower and dressed three quarters of an hour had passed. He strode out of the door of his bedroom and headed down stairs.

As Harry made his way down to the kitchen, his arms were loaded with three wrapped packages. He stopped on the second floor landing and turned down the hall. He walked along for a bit before stopping at an open door on his left and stepped inside. Harry looked around the room of the eldest of his three children James. Though James and Jacob were twins, James was the elder by eight minutes. The walls of James’ room were plastered with diagrams of the night sky and maps covered in colored pins and posters of the Kenmare Kestrels and the Chudley Canons Quidditch teams. On top of the bed sat an opened trunk. Inside the trunk was a mishmash of folded, partially folded and unfolded clothes. Jammed inside the trunk alongside the clothes was a cauldron piled high with parchment, quills, inkbottles in every hue and a hodge podge of spellbooks and a host of other books and personal effects. On the bed beside the trunk were two old tattered copies of Defensive Spells and their Uses and Numerology and Grammatica. Harry smiled as he thought how much like his mother James was when it came to his studies and reading habits. Reaching down Harry picked up the two books and tossed them into the trunk along with the bulkiest of the three bundles he carried with him. Inside was a collection of some very advanced books on Dark Arts Defense, Magical Theory, Ancient Runes and Arithmancy. Harry hoped that this would end James’s rows with Madame Dewington, Madame Pince’s successor, over the appropriate sort of reading materials for someone his age. That done Harry turned and exited the room.

He walked straight across the hall and opened the door to his right, again entering a bedroom. This room was much messier than the first. The floor was covered with clothes, and Quidditch magazines. The walls were covered with prototype drawings of brooms and Quidditch posters of every seeker in the league, past and present, there were several hand-drawn images of Harry at various ages astride his fabled Firebolt catching the snitch. Harry was stunned by the accuracy of the images; he made a mental note to ask Jacob when he’d drawn them. On a corner bookshelf by the window a collection of model broomsticks stood. By the bed was an actual broomstick; an exact replica of the Firebolt Sirius had given him in third year. It had been given to Harry by the company not long after the end of the war. He hardly ever rode it but kept it for sentimental reasons; he hadn’t seen it for quite sometime and had wondered where it’d gotten off to. Sprawled at the foot of the bed was yet another opened trunk. The same sort of items were crammed into Jacob’s trunk that were inside James’ however Jacob had made no attempt at neatness whatsoever. To this trunk, Harry added a wrapped box of art supplies, which included some potion making ingredients that were not necessarily on the Hogwarts students list. Harry liked to encourage his children in their talents. As he turned to leave, Harry noticed the corner of a wooden crate bearing the logo of Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes. With a wave of his hand Harry concealed the crate to look like a box of art supplies, just in case Hermione happened across it when she inspected the boys’ trunks. Chuckling at his own deviousness Harry exited the room and made his way up to the room situated at the end of the hall.

The door at the end of the hall opened onto a colossal pale blue and white bedroom. Along the back wall of the room was a sitting area, the bookshelves lining the wall were full of books, stuffed animals and eleven years of collected artifacts. At the opposite end of the room was a large white-canopied four-poster bed. Positioned in the center of the bed was a third and final trunk. Unlike its predecessors this trunk was neatly packed; all the clothes were tidily folded, the school supplies and books were all smartly stacked to one side. Anything that was in danger of being damaged had been placed snugly in the bottom of the cauldron. Jillian’s excitement was palpable. Harry thought back to his first trip to Hogwarts and a rueful smile touched his lips, it was going to be difficult seeing his little girl off for the first time. Of all his children, Jillian was the most like him. They shared the same jet-black hair, though thankfully Jillian had inherited a less bushy version of her mother’s curls. They shared the same startling emerald green eyes as well. But more than that was her disposition. Jillian had inherited her father’s sense of fairness and equality or as Hermione liked to call it his saving people thing. She had also inherited his impulsive nature and tendency to travel just shy of the rules (traits that Hermione claimed all three of their children possessed in abundance). Sighing to himself, Harry took the final package he’d been carrying and placed it inside his daughter’s trunk. Inside were two of his most prized possessions and though he was loathed to part with them he knew that Jillian would use them well, turning on his heel he headed downstairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Potter family drew more than a little attention to themselves as they trouped through King’s Cross Station. But then that was to be expected, it wasn’t everyday that people saw a family with three school age children all bearing large ungainly trunks and atop each trunk a caged owl. Hermione hypothesized that it was the unlikelihood of seeing three owls of such varying breeds in one location that caused the stares. Harry supposed she was right. In the past when they’d come for the train James’ Great Gray, Thoth and Jacob’s Northern Hawk, Altair had always caused a stir with the muggles. Now with the addition of Jillian’s Snowy, Edwige Harry reckoned they looked a sight.

Edwige’s addition to the family menagerie had been a bit of a surprise. All the children knew the story of their father’s beloved owl Hedwig’s death and though it was the preferred form of communication for wizards no one it the Potter household ever thought of using owls until Teddy set off to Hogwarts and acquired a Tawny that he dubbed Cuan. When it was time for the twins to go they chose Thoth and Altair. It seemed that the boys had taken great pains to select owls that would in no way engender unpleasant memories for Harry. Thus, the twins had been scandalized when Jillian had walked into the Owl Emporium and walked back out with the Snowy owl that bore an uncanny resemblance to the one their father had owned. They were even more outraged when she named the owl Edwige the French form of Hedwig in honor of her father’s deceased pet. James and Jacob had thought the gesture would upset Harry but in actuality he’d found it quite a sweet act and had taken to slipping the bird an extra treat now and again. Harry cast a glance in the direction of his daughter and smiled, she had her mother’s subtlety when it came to getting him over things.

Just as the family rounded the corner to the portal that would take them to Platform 9 ¾ Jillian let out a squeal that was actually a name.

“Teddy!”

Trolley forgotten she ran and threw herself into the arms of the young man she considered to be her eldest brother. Teddy scooped Jillian up and spun her around. Jillian threw her head back and laughed giddily. The scene triggered a memory of a similar scene fro long ago. Harry pulled himself away from his memories as the pair came to a stop and Jillian asked.

“Teddy what are you doing here? I thought you weren’t coming…you said wouldn’t be able to get back in time because of your training…”

With a sly grin, Teddy interjected.

“Seems we trainees have made quite the impression on the head of the auror department…”

Teddy paused and eyed Harry.

“Word came down that all we lowly trainees were to be given the day off…”

Teddy lowered his voice a bit and in a rather dramatic stage whisper added.

“But even if we hadn’t gotten the day I’d have skived off to see you Jilly.”

Jillian smiled brightly at Teddy as she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. Jacob rolled his eyes and muttered.

“More like he was planning on skiving off to snog Victorie.”

James muffled as snicker. Hermione was about to reprimand the boys when a familiar booming voice rang out.

“Head of department let you off eh, sounds a bit like nepotism to me!”

Harry grinned broadly, as he turned around and strode towards the voice.

“And what would you know about nepotism Dudley considering that you’ve never had anything to be nepotistic about.”

The two men embraced each other in a warm hug as their wives simultaneously rolled their eyes in their husbands’ general directions as they too embraced affectionately. As Hermione and Melissa disengaged themselves from one another and kissed the other’s husband on the cheek Dudley replied.

“Very funny Potter, very funny.”

Harry grinned.

“I thought so…”

Dudley looked as though he were about to make some cheeky remark when Hermione asked.

“Where are Kyle and Ivy?”

Melissa answered.

“We’ve just put Ivy on the train to Loretto and Kyle left for Smeltings about an hour before that.”

Melissa then turned to Jillian and reaching inside her purse pulled out a neatly folded note and said.

“This is Ivy’s address at Loretto Jillian. I daresay she hoping for a letter this evening but I told her not to expect anything for a day or so as I’m sure you’ll both need to get settled in first.”

Jillian smiled and nodded. Melissa then turned to the boys and said.

“You lot already know how to get in touch with Kyle don’t you?”

The boys nodded in tandem as James replied.

“We’ll be sure and write to him by week’s end Aunt Melissa.”

Melissa nodded. Hermione spoke.

“How about you two join us while we ship this lot off?”

Dudley sighed.

“We’d love to really but we promised mum and dad we’d come by soon as we got the kids off…Aunt Marge is visiting…”

Dudley paused and looking directly at Harry added.

“When you’re done here you two should come by…I’m sure Aunt Marge would love to see you again Harry especially after all the fun you two had last time.”

Harry sent Dudley a slightly homicidal glare then said.

“No thanks I would rather eat glass I would…but don’t let us keep you.”

Dudley chuckled knowingly at the expression on Harry’s face.

“Honestly I’d rather stay here with you lot but the wife says we promised so we have to.”

Harry nodded as Dudley and Melissa hugged all the children as they said their goodbyes. As they were leaving, Dudley clapped Teddy on the shoulder and instructed him to give Harry hell. Teddy grinned and agreed to do his best. Dudley then turned to Harry and said.

“We still on for Wednesday?”

Harry smiled.

“Always.”

Dudley smiled back.

“Good…and tell that lazy sod Ron it’s his turn to pay.”

Melissa clucked her tongue at her husband as they moved off into the crowd. Harry laughed to himself as he turned back around and said.

“Right then we’ve got a train to catch.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the Potters made their way onto Platform 9 ¾ their propensity to draw attention to themselves was no less among wizards than it was among muggles. Though the stares were less open than they once had been Harry’s presence still attracted notice. As he and Hermione walked along hand in hand searching for a certain set of familiar faces Harry was bombarded by his own memories of his trip to Hogwarts. The cacophony of cheery and tearful voices, the hissing of the engine and the billowing clouds of steam reminded him of his first encounters with Ron and Hermione, chocolate frogs and pumpkin pasties he’d consumed, the games of wizards chess and exploding snap they played to pass the time and the seemingly endless confrontations with Malfoy. Harry wondered if Jillian would love Hogwarts as much as he had. With that thought in mind, he looked up to get a glimpse of his little girl. James, Jacob and Jillian who had walked ahead to secure a car for themselves were standing beside the gleaming red engine talking to Ron and Luna. Ron looked up and seeing his two best friends called out jovially.

“Bout time you lot got here I thought you were going miss the train.”

Hermione replied as she hugged the assemblage.

“We ran into Dudley and Melissa and stopped to chat for a bit.”

Luna asked.

“How is Melissa…I haven’t seen her for ages and I do so miss our chats.”

Hermione smiled and informed Luna that Melissa was quite well. Ron shook his head and speaking to Harry said.

“What brought Dudley and Melissa to King’s Cross?”

Harry replied.

“Seeing off Kyle and Ivy.”

Ron nodded then asked.

“Dudders on for our Wednesday usual.”

Harry smirked.

“He’s on and he says it’s your turn to pay.”

Ron snorted and muttered something indecipherable that Harry took to mean “not bloody likely”. Hermione turned to Luna and asked.

“Where’s Ginny…I thought she would’ve wanted to see little Frank off?”

“Oh she wanted to be here but Allison’s come down with an awful case of gnome warts so Ron and I volunteered to bring Franklin along with Arista and Ianto. Neville is already at Hogwarts of course getting things ready for this new crop of students.”

At that precise moment Franklin Longbottom hopped down from the train. He was closely followed by Ron and Luna’s daughter Arista and their son Ianto along with James, Jacob and Jillian. Harry looked around and noticing Teddy’s absence asked.

“Where’d Teddy get off to?”

James, Jacob, Franklin and Ianto answered in chorus.

“Snogging Victorie!”

Arista rolled her luminous blue eyes that were exact replicas of her mother’s and said in a tone of voice that was unmistakably Weasley.

“Frankie, you and Ianto will do well to ever find anyone willing to snog you at all!”

James and Jacob burst into uproarious laughter at Arista’s comment. Eyeing them she added.

“Find that funny do you…well I think we’ll all be quite interested to see how you two greet Cerise Wood and Deanna Thomas.”

Both boys went a bit scarlet at that. Jacob quickly mumbled that they should get back to their seats before someone nicked them. That remark sparked a flurry of last minute instructions and directives. As Hermione gave the twins their standard list of dos and don’ts Harry pulled Jillian to the side. Smiling a bit sadly he said.

“Well this is it…you’re not nervous are you…”

Jillian shook her head no. Harry nodded then asked.

“You packed all your things…not that it matters, if you’ve forgotten something your mum and I will send it along. And there’s no need to worry over what house you’ll get sorted into…your mother and I will be proud no matter what house you’re placed in…so never mind your brothers saying you’re a lock for Slytherin…”

Jillian interrupted.

“I’m not worried about which house I’ll be in dad. I’m sure I’ll be in Gryffindor as all I have to do is ask the sorting hat to place me there…”

Harry stared at Jillian a perplexed expression on his face. Before he had a chance to ask how she knew that, Jillian answered.

“Mum told me about that…so you see I’m not worried about which house I’ll be in…and I’m certainly not fretting over anything Jamey and Jake have to say, if I did I’d never set foot out of the house…”

Though he’d been wrong about the reason it was obvious from the rapid-fire manner of her speech (another trait passed down from her mother) that something was troubling her. Placing a hand on her shoulder Harry squatted down so that he and Jillian were eye to eye and asked.

“What exactly are you worried about my little Jilly Bean?”

Jillian smiled at the pet name that her father had given her ages ago. Taking a breath, she said.

“Well…it’s just that…I’ve head the stories about Grandma Lily and Grandpa James and you and mummy and Uncle Ron have done so much…especially when you were at Hogwarts. Teddy was smart and popular, he even made Head boy…Jamey and Jake are popular, and they have loads of friends…and…and…well what if I’m not…what if I don’t make any friends.”

Harry frowned.

“Not make any friends…what on earth are you talking about. You’ve got friends…you’ve got Franklin and Ianto…”

Jillian shook her head.

“Frankie and Ian are family dad…I mean what if no one else likes me, what if I’m not what they expect.”

Harry cupped Jillian’s cheek and said.

“All you have to do is be yourself…the friends you’re meant to have will find you…”

Harry spared a glance in the direction of the two people who’d been closest to him the longest. His voice dropped by an octave or two as he said.

“They’ll find you Jilly Bean, trust me they’ll find you.”

Jillian smiled as she wrapped her arms around her father’s and hugging him close said.

“I love you daddy.”

Harry hugged her back as fiercely as he dared and whispered.

“I love you too sweetheart, I love you too.”

Harry and Jillian drew apart and there was a flurry of activity as everyone realized it was time to depart. All six of the children were hugged, kissed, and reminded to behave and to do their best in lessons. They were likewise asked to give Neville everyone’s regards and to write often. Franklin, Ianto and Jillian were given extra kisses, as this was their first time off. All too soon, they were on board hanging out of the windows alongside the rest of their classmates saying their last goodbyes as the train began to pull away. Harry walked along with the train smiling, waving, and dying a bit with each step as he watched his little girl drift away. The train rounded a bend and they were gone. As Harry stood watching the spot where the train had disappeared Hermione came and stood along side him. Slipping her hand into her husband’s she whispered to him.

“She’ll be alright you know.”

Harry squeezed Hermione’s hand in his and with a nod of his head said.

“I know she will…it’s me I’m not sure about.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Harry and Hermione Potter had just settled into bed. Twelve hours earlier they’d seen their three children off to Hogwarts and had spent the remainder of the day out and about so as not to have to think about the presently empty house. At around eight that evening James’ Great Gray Thoth had arrived with the perfunctory letter recounting the trip to Hogwarts. Jillian, Franklin and Ianto had been sorted into Gryffindor and all seemed to be settling in quite nicely. James and Jacob had thanked Harry for the books and supplies he’d slipped into their trunks. Harry was just about to extinguish the lamp on the bedside table when they heard a tapping at the window. Hermione sat up and glancing at the window was shocked to see Edwige.

“Harry that’s Edwige…”

Harry threw the covers off and hurried over to the window. He hastily opened the window and ushered the owl inside. She’d barely landed before Harry had the scroll of parchment in hand unraveling it. Hermione called out to him.

“Is everything alright…Jilly isn’t ill is she?”

Harry stared down at the parchment in his hands and two words in the neat scrawl of his daughter swam into focus.

Mischief Managed

“Harry is she alright.”

Hermione called out to Harry again. Smiling Harry lay the parchment aside and turning to his wife replied.

“Everything’s fine love…Jilly just wanted to say goodnight.”

A/N: And that is that. I thank all of you who have taken this journey with me. I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have. Until next time…happy reading…Searcy