Unofficial Portkey Archive

Day One of Operation Bridesmaid

Author's Note: This chapter starts up right after the last one. It's basically just fluffy fun on the first day of Hermione's week with Harry: Tonks hatches an ultra-evil plan to make sure Hermione doesn't die an old maid, Ron avoids Tonks at all costs, and Harry and Hermione try to steal a few moments alone together. I don't know why, but my last few chapters have been really dialogue-driven. I don't know if that makes the story better/worse (not that it could get much worse) but…I don't know…it's just something I noticed….And I hate hate hate web layouts. On Word, my story has nice little paragraphs and a lovely text layout…and then I put it in web-view and it's just ….ugly.

Important things to know: "Ghosts" in my little story are more traditional than JK's awkward agents of comic relief. Ghosts are scary things that no rational witch or wizard believes in (like Werewolves or Crumple-Horned Snorkacks).

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

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"Operation Bridesmaid." That's what I'll call it! It's brilliant…And not too military-like… I don't want it to sound like I'm invading Malta or something…Funny how anything with 'bridesmaid' in it makes it all fluffy and friendly. Like a "bridesmaid's machete" or "a makeshift bridesmaid's killing machine."

…Well, actually that last one is pretty scary…

Tonks paced around the foyer waiting for the last carriage for the last of the wedding guests. She knew that for her plan to work, she had to put it into effect immediately-that meant, as soon as they saw off the last guest, she had to launch Phase One of the newly titled "Operation Bridesmaid."

The problem was, she didn't know exactly what Phase One entailed. Getting Harry to notice poor little Hermione wasn't going to be easy. There was always the old standby "lock them in a broom closet until they come out engaged" trick. And then there was the "put one of them in life-threatening situation and let the other one rescue them" prank. But both were fairly crude and obvious….

"And, let's be honest," she muttered, "if I got Harry eaten by a tiger or something, Remus would never forgive me…Besides, I know I can do better than a boring-old tiger. Maybe a swarm of scarab beetles or something…."

She opted to save the beetles as a last resort. What she was needed was a more subtle approach. She needed to get Harry and Hermione alone together-nothing so extreme as pushing them into closets-but just alone. Together. Walking maybe. Walking happily arm-in-arm down sweet little street in a snow-covered seaside village…

Tonks grinned as the idea came to her. It was so simple really. All she had to do was arrange for Harry and Hermione to come for a walk with her and then "accidentally" wander off. Harry and Hermione would have to find their own way back. Chatting and laughing all the way of course, which would lead to engagements and marriages and cake and babies. It was brilliant. She was brilliant. She would've laughed maniacally if she weren't saying goodbye to her parents.

"Now you behave dear," her father warned in a stern voice. He recognized the mischievous I-just-had-an-idea-and-my-parents-will-rue-the-day-they-let-me-live-past-my-first-birthday glint in her eye.

"I will Daddy," Tonks smiled sweetly.

"And don' t let Remus run underfoot," Andromeda said, winking at her.

"I won't Mommy."

Andromeda patted her on the head. "That's a good girl. And remember to keep an eye on Hermione. She's not used to being away from home. You're the married one now, and you've got to look after her."

"Oh, don't worry about that. I've got everything worked out."

"That doesn't sound promising," her father muttered.

"No, it doesn't," Lupin agreed.

Andromeda waved away their concerns. "I don't know what you two are talking about. It sounds as though Nymphadora had a nice little holiday planned for all of you." She gave Tonks a quick kiss on the cheek. Ted did the same and the two climbed into the awaiting carriage.

"Goodbye darling," Andromeda sniffed and dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief.

"Good luck Remus," Ted shook his head pityingly.

"Goodbye Mommy and Daddy!" Tonks waved to them as the carriage came to life and floated down the lane.

As soon as the carriage disappeared round the corner Tonks squealed and jumped into Remus's arms.

"That's the last of them!" Tonks hugged Remus. "Did you know that? That's the last of the guests!" She gave him a long kiss and laughed as he twirled her in his arms. Tonks went on excitedly as he set her down: "Poor Mommy wanted to leave right away, but Daddy wanted to have a word with you in the study. What did he say? You two were in there forever."

Remus smiled. "He was just telling me about the finer points of your personality."

"I'll bet he did. Was he apologizing for them or just giving you fair warning?"

"A little of both."

Tonks giggled. "Well then you'll be amply prepared for my bad behavior in the future."

Lupin made a noncommittal sound as Tonks started ticking off on her fingers exactly what this "bad behavior" constituted:

"You know, tantrums, throwing plates, forgetting to water the plants, small-ish house fires, instigating a land war in Asia…Hallo Harry!"

Harry quietly walked up to them and greeted them both. She noticed Harry's bright smile and decided she'd best start her plans while he was in a good mood.

"You look cheerful."

Harry shrugged, but his grin told her that he most certainly was.

"Everyone's gone, aren't they?" she asked innocently. "And it's only half past eleven."

Harry nodded, his smile growing wider.

"The house is awfully quiet, isn't it? What are your plans for the rest of the day?"

"Oh, I was thinking of going into town," Harry said vaguely.

"Why, that's wonderful," she said excitedly. "Remus and I were going to do that too!"

"We were?" Lupin looked at her oddly

Tonks nodded. "Why don't you come with us Harry?"

"Well…I….maybe some other time."

"Some other time…what other time…?" she started to protest. Harry however said a hasty goodbye to them both and walked away.

"Well, that was…horrible." Tonks said, looking sadly after Harry.

"What was horrible?"

"Harry. I mean, he just ruined everything. Absolutely everything. He's almost as bad as Ron. He didn't even think twice about it. And I had everything all worked out so well…"

"You had 'what' worked out so well?"

"The Operation," she blurted out before she clapped her hand over her mouth. "Er…I mean…[gulp]…nothing."

"An operation?" Remus groaned. "Tonks you're not going to cut anyone open are you?"

"No…well, I hadn't thought of that, but I can't see any reason to. Not yet any way…of course, there's always Ron…"

Remus rubbed his head. The week had only just begun and Tonks was already talking about killing Ron and doing goodness knows what with knives…

"What am I going to do with you?" he muttered, taking a calming breath.

"I don't know." Tonks pat him on the shoulder pityingly. "Daddy used to ask that question a lot."

"I'll bet he did."

"Poor darling. But I'm really not as bad as all that. I'm quite good at keeping out of the way when I have to, and I don't usually break the very valuable dishware. Unless it's an emergency or something and there's nothing left to throw."

"That's…just…wonderful to know."

"I'm only kidding!" she laughed, pulling him into a hug. She was too busy comforting Remus to notice the three cloaked figures who were making their way down the lane into town.

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"Harry, stop pulling me!" Hermione said, shrugging off his hold on her arm. Moments ago, he'd charged into the study with her cloak and rushed her into the hallway.

Harry didn't answer her, but he did loosen his grip. Carefully crossing the hallway, they ducked into a study and abruptly came to a stop at a door leading out into the garden.

He was just as rough with her when he 'helped' her into her cloak.

"Ow! Be careful Harry."

"Sorry luv," he muttered, watching her untangle her hair from the mess he made of her hood. Harry knew he didn't sound sorry at all. He sounded like he was in a hurry-which he was. Apparently Tonks expected…what? To come with them? He explained as much to Hermione, who had finally managed to fasten the now-neat ties of her cloak.

"So Tonks wants to come with us?"

Harry nodded.

"And what's wrong with that?"

"Nothing's wrong with it," he said carefully. "I just thought we should go alone. It's a nice walk down to the village…and it might be nice for us to…you know, for just the two of us to…well…spend some time…there won't be much of a chance…" he trailed off. "Not that there's anything wrong with Tonks…not than anyone thinks that…except Ron maybe…but he's not coming with us either…so it doesn't matter what he thinks…" Embarrassed, he rubbed the back of his neck. Was she really so surprised that he wanted to spend time with her. Just her? He was having trouble explaining as much without insulting Tonks or sounding like an idiot.

"Oh Harry," she laughed, sensing his distress. "Of course it would be nice. The two of us going into town, I mean."

"Yeah?" He asked with a grin. He tucked her chin with his finger. "Good."

She gave him a smile at that. He was still getting used to her smiles, but he knew this one well enough-her head tilted slightly to the right with an amused quirk on her lips. He'd seen it his first night in Meriton at that Christmas Party. Aurora Granger was introducing Ron to Luna, and all the while this lovely young girl with hazel-colored curls was looking at him with this amused, interested stare. A look that vanished as soon as Ron said his name. Apparently "Harry Potter" didn't hold as much interest to her as the simple man standing in the doorway of her house-he'd seen that look a dozen nights as he lay in bed thinking about that moment, an irresistible look that had caught him completely off guard…

The corner of his mouth twitched at the memory and he took her hand and pulled her to him. His fingertips touched her hair, then stroked down the side of her face, slipped round her neck, and pulled her in for a long, tender kiss. He touched her face again, wonderingly, moving his fingers along her lips, which were now curved upwards into a bright smile.

"Let's get going," Harry said, taking her hand.

"Go where?" Ron asked as he came ambling in, chewing on an apple.

Neither Harry nor Hermione seemed to have an answer for that as they took a step away from each other. Hermione shyly looked at the floor and Harry tucked his hands into his pockets.

"Sowhareyougoing," Ron repeated around his mouthful. It wasn't so much a question as a statement. He could see that they were wearing their cloaks…Harry's hand was on the door handle...Hermione had her gloves in her pocket… They were going somewhere, he deduced. Harry said as much, after all. It wasn't that hard to figure out. The hard part was talking without spitting apple everywhere.

"We're going on a walk into town," Harry said without enthusiasm.

"Great! I'll get my coat." Ron tossed the apple core into a wastebasket.

"Oh…um…fine."

"Yeah. It'll be fun. Cold, but fun. Hold on, I won't be a minute," Ron said over his shoulder.

"Hmm. Yes. Fine. Thanks Ron," Harry said flatly to the spot where Ron used to be.

The disappointment was palpable as Hermione took his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"Come on Harry," Hermione smiled encouragingly. "It will be fun."

Harry made an affirmative noise. "Right" he muttered. "Cold but fun."

Hermione chuckled. "At least this way we won't have to worry about Tonks throwing Ron off a bridge while we're gone."

"Now there's an idea…" Harry said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully just before Hermione playfully shoved him out the door.

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An hour later, Ron was considering throwing himself off a bridge.

'Cold but fun' …more like freezing-your-arse-off-but-fun.

Ron wrapped his cloak tightly around himself and rubbed his hands together. It was a bitterly cold day and only getting colder by the minute. The sky was a gray haze and the ground was blanketed in sheets of white frost. The only hint of color came from the sunlight reflecting off the icicles on the overgrown beech trees.

Ron grimaced at the road ahead of them. The quiet lane from Godric's Hollow to Pemberley was usually a pleasant enough walk, but today it was more like a trek through an icy wasteland. The only reason he'd come along was because (one) he was starving and (two) he was afraid to be alone in the house with Tonks.

"Come on you two keep up," Ron called to Harry and Hermione. He was getting fed up with the whole "let's walk into town because we're too balmy to use a carriage" idea. They'd be there by now if Harry and Hermione didn't keep falling behind. They would've been their an hour ago if they'd just Apparated like he wanted to.

He stole a glance over his shoulder at the couple. Cold or no, they seemed comfortable enough. Hermione happily had her arm linked with Harry's and was laughing at something he whispered in her ear. Her cheeks were pink, but Ron couldn't decide whether it was from what Harry was saying or from the nipping wind.

Ron shook his head, confused. He just didn't understand those two. Yesterday they were barely speaking and today they were…well…they were acting as though this was a stroll through some bloody winter wonderland or something. Ron couldn't understand it. They didn't even like each other. At least, that's what he thought…

Ron grimaced when he heard Hermione giggle and say something along the lines of "oh Harry stop it…"

"Come on now," Ron called harshly over his shoulder. "They're going to close soon."

"What's going to close?" Hermione asked. She and Harry quickened their pace to catch up.

"Vesta's."

"What's that?"

Ron stopped short. "You've never heard of Vesta's?! It's only the best bakery in the civilized world. And they close at two on Saturdays so come on." Ron motioned for her to hurry up.

"I still don't see why we couldn't ask Tonks and Remus along," she said, trotting to catch up with him.

Ron shook his head. "Because Tonks scares me."

"She's only angry because you almost ruined her wedding."

"Yeah well… Tonks ruined the wedding by showing up."

"That's funny coming from you," Hermione replied archly. "You don't remember anything about last night. You could've fallen asleep on the cake and you wouldn't know it."

"I didn't fall asleep on the cake. Tonks was eating it this morning. I doubt she'd eat it if I'd been rolling around in it." He paused. "Come to think of it, maybe she would. That girl is…"

"Nutters," Harry finished for him. "I have to say, Hermione's right. You didn't exactly do justice to the Weasley clan last night. If it'd be me, I would've left you by the roadside to fend for yourself."

"Hey, now, that's harsh."

"Well so is watching your best friend get sick on your wife."

"Ugh. Let's not get started on that," Hermione grimaced. "Look, we're almost there." She pointed to the dainty yellow and white sign that read "Pemberley."

Ron had a look of absolute elation on his face as they approached the town square. He started bragging about how Vesta's had the best cinnamon rolls in the country and how Hermione was in for a treat.

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Pemberley was largely a Wizard-populated town. The roads along the cliffs were too rough and confusing for most Muggles; however, it distinguished itself from other Wizard seaside resorts in that it kept up an appearance of non-magic normalcy. The main boulevard boasted several white-stone storefronts and there wasn't an airborne broom or floating carriage in sight. This actually increased its popularity as a destination for vacationing wizards who wanted to experience a Muggle-like seaside village with actually having to deal with Muggles themselves.

But the season had ended months ago, and most of the shops were boarded up in anticipation of a rough winter. The cobblestone streets were empty except for a few couples prominating along the sidewalk looking through shop windows.

From a distance, Vesta's looked no different from the other quaint cafes that lined Pemberley's main street. Like most of the storefronts, Vesta's boasted a large window display-slices of pumpkin bread, steaming cinnamon rolls, cream cheese danishes, colorful fruitcake, and blueberry muffins were artfully arranged on glistening glass platters and elaborately decorated with pink and yellow ribbons.

Twinkling bells sounded as the trio stepped through the shop door. There was a bakery in the back and several tables and chairs towards the front. It was a large room painted in a cozy pumpkin color with wood-paneled cathedral ceiling. Shelves lined the walls stocked with countless magical baking goods: self-stirring spoons, floating dishware, singing candlesticks, fluttering napkins, and other magic trinkets. The shop was alight with floating candles, and large decorative glass orbs floated above them like giant bubbles sending ripples of light to every corner of the room.

Ron leaned over to Hermione: "Smell that? Must be what heaven smells like." He made the sign of the cross and then darted over to drool over the large display cases containing colorfully frosted pastries, chocolate pies and scones, giant éclairs, and soufflés. Even Hermione felt a few sharp hunger pangs as she caught the scent of a dozen baked treats. Eyeing a two-tier coffeecake, she suddenly realized how hungry she was.

"It smells wonderful," she whispered to Harry. "I didn't eat anything at all earlier."

"Was something wrong with your breakfast?"

Hermione looked longingly at the coffeecake. "I just didn't have much of an appetite."

"Well then, let's get you fed." Harry patted her on the shoulder and went over to where Ron was placing an order.

Hermione stood staring at that stupid coffeecake. She didn't even like coffeecake. Aunt Aurora made it every Christmas, and every Christmas she and her sisters had to find new ways of hiding the rock-hard slices under the table.

But this coffeecake looked fairly scrumptious. And there she stood, separated from it by a cruel and unnecessary plate of glass. The damn thing was mocking her with its moist deliciousness and all she could do was drool over it and with her hand pawing at the glass like some stray dog at a butcher's backdoor…

…And now I'm declaring mental war on a cake. Hermione shook her head. Honestly, I'm as bad as Tonks…

"Blueberry Miss?"

Startled, Hermione looked up.

An older woman with sandy brown hair and round cheeks was holding out a basket of blueberries over the counter. "Go on dearie, take one. I know the look o' you well enough-half starved you are."

Grateful, Hermione popped a few in her mouth and sighed appreciatively. The woman introduced herself as Mrs. Vesta Hay, the owner of the shop.

"They're hard to come by this time of year," Mrs. Hay sighed sadly.

Hermione nodded, still chewing.

"You 'ere for Mr. Lupin's wedding?"

Hermione said she was and Mrs. Hay leaned in confidentially:

"That was a bit of a party last night, weren't it? Could hear that lot clear across town."

Hermione laughed. "That's what I understood. But I'm afraid didn't quite make it to the reception."

"I expect you know Mr. Lupin's wife then."

Hermione told her that the new Mrs. Lupin was in fact her cousin.

"Oh that's nice…that's very nice...You know I didn't ever catch 'er name."

"Nymphadora Tonks. Well, Nymphadora Lupin now of course."

"Huh," Mrs. Hay muttered, unimpressed. "Nymphadora Tonks, eh? Sounds Greek."

Hermione said she supposed that it did.

"You know, I remember Mr. Lupin chasing after Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley when they were only knee-high. They used to come tearing round here on their broomsticks, racing around, making noise…" she sighed. "Was a long time ago that. Of course, some things never really change…"

The both looked over to where Ron and Harry were still arguing about what to order.

"Oh, but it's not the same is it?" Mrs. Hay muttered (more to herself than to Hermione). "Not since Lily Potter passed, I can tell you."

"You knew Lily Potter?"

"Oh yeah. There wasn't a person in town worth knowing who didn't. She was a dear girl. All bright-eyed and smart as a whip. Town owes a lot to 'er. The place has changed since 'er death, and not for the better."

Hermione shook her head. "What do you mean, the town owes her? Owes her what?"

"A debt of thanks for one. Mrs. Potter had a lot to do with those restorations they did to 'em old buildings. Everything had gone to pot when she first came 'ere. She got to work right away-giving money for the repairs, throwing parties for them donations-like that the medieval Muggle church on the east side. Been falling apart forever. Mrs. Potter took it upon 'erself to see to the repairs. She got workers right on it. And the town hall too. And that old ramshackle inn, "The Grinning Spoon." Made the place right nice for visitors. Brought back the old summer crowds."

Mrs. Hay sniffed and wiped her eyes. "Ah well. Young Mr. Harry is a nice young gentleman. He'll make his mum proud, you'll see."

"I'm sure he will," Hermione said with a smile. She turned to see Harry coming over to them.

"Hello Mrs. Hay," he said cheerfully.

"Oy Mr. Potter! It's been months and months since you've been in town. How've you been?"

"Very well thank you Mrs. Hay. I see you've met Hermione."

"Oh, is that the young lady's name? 'Hermione'?"

Hermione curtsied: "Hermione Granger. It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Hay."

"Hermione Granger," Mrs. Hay repeated with a nod. "Proper English name that."

"Oh, thank you," Hermione said with a small smile.

Mrs. Hay said she had to get back to work and for the "young-ins to get on with your eatin."

Harry offered his arm. Hermione took it and followed him to a table.

Like the rest of the village, the shop wasn't crowded, and Harry and Hermione quickly found a place to sit. Harry placed an order for some coffee and a few minutes later Ron came round with a box full of treats. All three dug in hastily.

Hermione sighed contently as she bit into a fluffy cinnamon roll.

"Good?" Ron asked, munching on an éclair.

Hermione nodded, savoring the taste. The rich vanilla frosting melted in her mouth and she washed down the sticky sweetness with hot coffee. "Tonks would love this. We'll have to bring her along next time."

"The next time?" Ron asked, his mouth full of pastry. "I thought they were leaving today."

Harry explained that they were staying on another week.

"What! But… why?!" Ron cried. He had a what-did-I-do-to-deserve-this tone.

A few shop employees turned around at the noise.

"Keep your voice down Ron," Hermione hissed.

"But why? Just…why!?"

"Tonks wants to see some of the town before they go to Grimmauld Place." Harry shrugged.

"But…but it's the winter," Ron pointed out.

"So?"

"So who wants to see the ocean when it's freezing out?"

"Tonks apparently," Harry replied.

"Bah. Figures. Tonks would look at the snow and say, 'hey gang, let's go to the beach, that way I can stab Ron with a piece of ice I scraped off the boardwalk.'"

"We'll be sure to avoid the boardwalk then," Harry winked at Hermione.

Ron huffed."'S not fair."

Harry hummed sympathetically.

"It's really not fair." Ron unhappily shoved another roll in his mouth. "For me I mean. You don't care because Tonks isn't trying to kill you. And Hermione doesn't care because it means she can stay. Least someone is happy about this," he grumbled.

Harry turned to her with a barely-concealed smile. "Yeah. How about that."

Ron nodded. "Guess you didn't know that Hermione here was all sad about having to go."

"Really?" Harry asked with fake surprise.

Hermione stared out the window, refusing to dignify his question with an answer. Harry knew perfectly well that she didn't want to leave and why.

"I still can't believe Tonks is staying." Ron groaned. "I'll never hear the end of this wedding business, will I?"

"Nope," Harry grinned. "She'll probably get a Pensieve for it and mail it to your mother."

"Oh Merlin." Ron buried his head in his hands. "Fred and George will have a field day with this one. I can hear it now...ickle Ronnikins can't hold his ickle-drinkies."

"Ronnikins?" Hermione burst out laughing.

Ron waved it away, embarrassed. "S' nothing…just a nickname."

Hermione kept laughing, "I'm sorry Ron," she managed. "But…Ronnikins? Really?"

"Hey, you try growing up with five brothers and see what kind of nickname you come out with."

"Can't be any worse than Ronnikins."

"Yeah…well… Your best friend's named Nymphadora Nightingale. So there."

"Good point," Hermione replied, now looking at their plate. She could've sworn they'd started with at least a dozen different cakes and breads and now they were down to just four.

She mentioned as much and Ron reached over and grabbed one of the last cinnamon rolls.

"You'd better hurry up Hermione. Harry and I are going to finish this lot before you've had your one." Ron quickly finished it and reached for another.

Hermione snatched the roll away from Ron's greedy hands.

"Hey!"

"What? There's two left."

"But I wanted that one," Ron pouted, stuffing another one in his mouth.

The three quickly finished off their food and gave a simultaneous sigh of contentment.

"I'm completely stuffed," Hermione sighed.

"What? On two little rolls?" Ron rolled his eyes. "If I ate as much as you did I'd start chewing on gravel I'd be so hungry.

"Ron, if I ate as much as you did, you'd have to carry me back to Godric's Hollow."

"Say now…I do remember that," Ron muttered absently.

"Remember what?"

"Carrying you. All romantic-like. After the wedding."

"Romantic? You call that romantic? It was horrible! You slung me over your shoulder and almost dropped me on my head!"

"I did not!"

"You most certainly did! I had to run barefoot in the snow to get away from you."

"Oh come off it. You're just saying that because I was so dashing and so forth. You were probably running away because you were afraid I'd accidentally seduce you or something."

"Seduce me?!" Hermione's mouth fell open. She tried sputtering an answer as Harry shooed them outside.

"What do you mean 'seduce me'? Ron, if that's your idea of seduction, you'd be better off using a net and a polo mallet."

"What's a polo mallet?"

With a frustrated sigh, Hermione started explaining the Muggle sport when Ron shouted and pointed at an old tumbling building down the street.

"Hey Harry!" Ron suddenly cried. "Isn't that The Hollow?"

Harry nodded. "I was wondering if you'd recognize it."

"Gone to shambles hasn't it?"

"It's not as bad as all that."

"What's The Hollow?" Hermione asked, still slightly annoyed with Ron.

Harry took her hand and eagerly started towards it. "The Hollow Tree actually. It's an old building my father bought about fifteen years ago. My mother wanted to turn it into a library, if I remember correctly, but she never got the chance. Now it's just…sitting there."

"A library!?" Hermione asked excitedly.

"A library?" Ron groaned.

Harry nodded. "It has a lot of potential…"

"Potential?" Ron laughed. "Yeah, potential for just sitting there all useless like. Unless you enjoy having the living piss scared out of you."

"Ron!" Hermione cried.

"What? It's haunted," Ron insisted.

"It's not haunted." Harry said impatiently.

"Yes it is. None of the townsfolk will go near it."

"Ron, you're going near it."

Ron rolled his eyes. "Yeah, but I'm not going inside it."

They came to a stop at the foot of the door. Ron leaned over to Hermione and lowered his voice to an ominous whisper: "The neighbors hear unholy noises coming from the cellar. Howling and banging around and such."

"Really?" Hermione said skeptically. The windows on the upper stories were boarded up and the door had a large, unwelcoming padlock on it. But other than that, it looked like most of the other businesses lining the street. It measured about five stories high, had white brickwork and long narrow windows with diamond shaped panels. With its clean white bricks and view of the seaside, it certainly wasn't her idea of a haunted house.

Ron nodded towards it. "Spoooooky, huh."

Hermione shook her head. "Not really. It looks like every other building on the street."

"Only on the outside…" Ron made a ghostly sound and Hermione playfully shoved him.

"We should come back and look around inside. Remus keeps a key for it somewhere," Harry thoughtfully muttered, studying it.

"Could we really?" Hermione asked eagerly.

Ron grumbled: "Yeah, well, count me out. I'd like to keep my eternal soul right where it is…" he patted his stomach.

All three suddenly jumped as thunder clapped overheard. They nervously laughed as raindrops began hitting the cobblestone streets as it started to rain.

"Just as well. That place gives me the creeps…" Ron reached into his cloak and pulled out his wand. "I'm heading back," Ron announced. "You two coming?"

"Oh…um…You can go ahead. I thought Hermione might want to walk a bit." Harry said slowly, catching Hermione's eye.

Ron scoffed. "What? In the rain? In the freezing rain that's going to start pouring in ten seconds? Yeah, I'm sure Hermione would love that. Huh, Hermione?"

Hermione looked at Ron and then back to Harry. "Well…I suppose we should start back if it's going to rain."

"I'll say," Ron said looking at the sky. "And if you think I'm going to walk there, you're as crazy as Tonks. I'll see you two at the house." With a flick of his wrist, he disappeared with a loud cracking sound.

Not quite ready to return to Godric's Hollow, they started walking back, fooling themselves into thinking that the rain would hold off for a while yet. The weather however, had other plans. They'd just reached the outskirts of the village when the few freezing drops became a light sprinkle.

Hermione took Harry hand and he brought her in close. "I don't suppose we'll walk back either," she said, disappointed as he led her under an evergreen tree. The overhanging branches offered them a little shelter from the rain shower.

"Doesn't seem we have much of a choice," Harry replied taking out his wand.

She pulled her fur-lined hood over her hair and felt Harry's arm go round her waist. The rain was beating down in sheets now, freezing fast as it hit the ground.

She closed her eyes and waited for the familiar crack! but nothing happened.

Confused, she looked up. "Harry, what is it?"

Harry captured her mouth, effectively answering her question.

He lifted her head back and covered her mouth with his. They kissed until they couldn't breathe; pulling away momentarily, they took a few gasping breaths. Hermione rested her forehead on Harry's shoulder, curling her arms around his neck, savoring the feel of him against her…

"Cold luv?"

"Not at all," she muttered. She huddled against him as a few freezing drops tapped her shoulder. She knew it wouldn't last. The rain was coming down in sheets now. They couldn't stay there much longer, even the tree wasn't offering much shelter anymore as the rain came down through the branches.

"We should get back." He planted a kiss to her temple.

"Mmmm. Not yet."

"You're shivering."

"Your hands are cold."

"You smell like cinnamon."

"You taste like rainwater."

"You're adorable."

"You're…" Harry cut her off with another kiss. She quickly forgot what she was going to say as he lifted her to him and ran his fingers through her wet hair. She quickly forgot many things…like how they were supposed to be taking things slowly or how Ron was waiting for them back at the house or how the cold rain was now pouring down on them or how quickly the afternoon was slipping away.

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"They're back" "Where?" "Over here" "Over where?" "Over here you Nit!"

--Tonks and Ron came charging in to the foyer of Godric's Hollow where Harry and Hermione had just Apparated--

Ron shook his head: "There you two are…Merlin you're wet! Look at you!"

"Gods you're soaked Mione!"

Hermione nodded, the movement of her hair sent a sprinkle of cold water to the floor.

"What the hell were you two doing?" Ron demanded.

"And they're freezing."

"What took you so long?"

"What were you two thinking?"

"I told you it was going to start pouring."

"I don't blame you for not listening to Ron, but really, what on earth made you run around in the freezing rain? Even I know better than that."

Lupin had also followed the noise to the foot of the stairs, but remained silent as he took in the youngsters' appearance-soaking wet cloaks, mussed hair, tousled clothes, bruised lips-it didn't take much guesswork to figure out what had kept them. The fact that those two were constantly wandering off hadn't escaped his notice. He'd always suspected a strong attraction on Harry's part (he'd guessed as much at the Pomona Ball) but until recently, he didn't think Hermione shared his feelings.

This could be a problem…Lupin thought, shaking his head. He'd come to realize that at 25, Harry was too old to need of a guardian, but he still felt a strong sense of responsibility for him. And Hermione, who was now his in-law and the daughter of a close friend, surely he had to act in her best interest as well. What would John Granger think of all this? Or James Potter for that matter?

"Come on Harry," Lupin said gravely. Harry recognized a certain tone of disapproval and followed Lupin into the hallway. Lupin gravely told him they had a few letters to answer and that he should dry himself off and head to the study. He had an "I'll deal with you later" edge to his voice that Harry didn't fail to notice.

"Really Mione," Tonk hissed as they walked away. "Don't you realize that if Harry dies of pneumonia, Remus will ship you back to Meriton in a box." She turned to Ron, "You however, are free to die whenever you see fit. Come on Mione."

She pulled Hermione along the corridor, explaining how she'd get her poor cousin all dried off and then they could get busy sorting through the chaos that was her wardrobe.

"Really Mione, I tried to get the house-elves to help, but they kept running away screaming…"

"You should be used to that by now!" Ron shouted after them. From the top of the stairs, Tonks stuck her tongue out at him.

Shoving his hands in his pockets, Ron stood in the empty foyer, thinking. Without all the noise (and the perpetual annoyance that was Tonks), the realization slowly dawned on him that something was definitely off. He just couldn't put his finger on it. First Harry and Hermione were acting all cuddly during the walk into town and now they were staying out in the rain together… as if…as if…

As if they wanted to be alone together…

Ron mulled the possibility over for a minute.

Nah…Ron muttered. I'm just imagining things. Tonks probably put something in the drinking water. I'd better stick to Scotch until Remus sorts it out…

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Ron, however, didn't get a chance to talk to Lupin. Remus kept Harry sequestered in his study as they dealt with the estate business. Tonks spent the rest of the afternoon with Hermione, finishing the hefty task of packing away her clothes. They didn't stop until just before dinner when Ron came in and offered to make them some cocktails.

Everyone except Harry was gathered in the drawing room where a fire was blazing in the massive fireplace. Tonks was trying out a Muggle card trick on Lupin and Ron but was failing miserably.

"You are holding … the queen of hearts!" Tonks said triumphantly to Ron.

"Nope," Ron grinned and turned his card around. It was the ace of spades. "Wrong again."

"What! That's impossible! You're cheating!"

"What's the point of cheating at a card trick?"

"I don't know Ron. Why don't you tell me since you're the one who's doing it."

"I am not! It's not my fault that you botched it."

"It is too your fault because you're cheating!"

"Darling, why don't you try it again." Lupin stepped in smoothly and handed Tonks back the deck.

As Tonks dealt out the cards, Hermione strolled over to the window. Dark clouds had settled over the horizon and the snow was beginning to pile up outside the window. Even from this far away, she could just make out the rough-looking white caps lapping at the misty gray and orange sunset. Hermione smiled as she watched the light played off the choppy waves. With the warm fire crackling behind her and the wind whistling outside, Hermione felt a deep sense of contentment. Whatever she expected from her stay at Godric's Hollow, it wasn't this sudden, easy coziness, this sense of instant belonging. It was nice, very very nice to be here in his home, she thought. Harry's home, that is.

"It is wonderful," she murmured.

"What's wonderful, lovely?" Harry said over her shoulder.

Hermione quickly turned around and smiled. "You keep sneaking up on me."

"I keep trying. So what's wonderful?"

Hermione shyly looked down at her hands. "Oh…I was just thinking."

"About what?"

"Yeah Mione…what were you thinking about?" Tonks called from the table. She'd turned around in her chair and was staring at them with a sweet, knowing smile on her face.

"Oh…nothing," Hermione stammered. "Just…the view. It's beautiful, isn't it?" Hermione motioned at the window.

"I like the view too. The beach and everything," Tonks agreed loudly. "I'll bet it's even better in the summertime. Of course, I wouldn't know anything about that…." She trailed off with a sad sigh.

"…If only…well…if only… Say Harry, do you think we could visit in the summer too? It'd be awfully jolly. Imagine what a merry party we'd make." Tonks batted her big pleading eyes at him.

"Oh…um…of course. I mean, you and Remus are always welcome…"

"Hermione too?" Tonks asked innocently.

"Hermione too," Harry grinned as Hermione blushed and looked away.

Endlessly pleased with herself, Tonks gave Harry her best smile. "Well done Harry. You're an excellent host. So generous and everything. Hermione here was just saying so. Weren't you Mione?"

"Well no, I wasn't. But…um… yes, you are Harry."

"Hear that Harry? Hermione thinks you're an excellent host." Tonks flashed one last smile before turning around and shuffling her deck of cards.

"I'm an excellent host, am I?" Harry whispered

Hermione gave a so-so gesture. "You're passable."

"Passable enough to spend your summer here?"

Hermione turned to face the window, hiding her smile: "I have to ask Aunt Aurora of course."

"Of course."

Tonks could hear them whispering behind her and smiled. Everything was going brilliantly on the Harry and Hermione front. It was simple--she was a genius. She felt like rubbing her hands together and laughing like some Frankenstein mad scientist.

Ha ha! This is sooo easy! She laughed to herself. Those two won't know what hit them. Remus and I will be announcing the engagement faster than you can say, "Mrs. Niddlemark, Hermione wants a pirate theme for her wedding…"

Tonks kept on smiling even as they all went into dinner. It didn't escape her notice that Harry and Hermione sat next to each other, carrying on their own quiet conversation apart from the group, a conversation that Tonks was certain had nothing to do with the Quidditch Regionals.

Harry was, in fact, recounting how quickly the wedding guests left that day.

"A few of them even left bags behind." Harry shook his head. "I hope they don't come back to get them."

"You could always spell up some angry birds to chase them away."

Harry thoughtfully rubbed his chin. "Hmmm. That is a thought…"

They both laughed, remembering the chaos of the night before.

Harry chuckled and shifted closer to her. "You know, there's not cardinal in sight -You can't be worried about Tonks and Remus now, can you?"

"I'm always worried about Tonks."

"I'm serious."

"I am too. Yes, she's happy now because…well…she's up to something. The only time she's really happy is when she's planning some prank or other. You'll see. It'll be horrible." Hermione paused. "No, 'horrible' is too nice a word for it. "Apocalyptic" maybe…Honestly, I don't even know how to describe it."

"Horrible for who? Ron? Believe me luv, Ron's gone up against worse than Tonks. Have you met his brothers Fred and George?" Harry shivered. "Trust me, when it comes to pranks they've tried them all. Mostly on Ron."

"I don't know what to think." Hermione glanced at Tonks. "For the first time in ages I really don't know what she's up to. I'd forgotten how scary that is."

Harry reached under the table and discreetly placed his hand over hers.

"Don't worry sweet. If she does play some joke on you, I'll be right there with you."

"To witness my humiliation? That's exactly what I'm afraid of."

"All right then," Harry leaned closer to her, lowering his voice. "Then I promise I won't laugh."

She squeezed his hand under the table. "I'll hold you to that."

They all finished their excellent dinner of duck and their dessert of caramel custard. Afterward Ron suggested a card game, but Hermione begged off.

"Goodnight Tonks," Hermione said, hugging her cousin.

"What? You're not playing?"

"I don't think so. I'm awfully tired."

"Awwh. Poor Mione. Say Harry, why don't you walk Hermione back to her room? You wouldn't mind, would you? The hallways are dark you know. She could get hurt, what with all the staircases and sharp corners and end tables and so forth."

Hermione was surprised by Tonks' sudden concern for her, but she went with Harry without protest.

Ron left to find the cards, and when the room was empty, Remus turned to his wife. "Tonks, darling, I wish you wouldn't encourage them."

"Encourage who?"

"Harry and Hermione. Remember, we're supposed to be chaperoning here."

"I am chaperoning. That's all I do all day long. Chaperon. Chaperon. Chaperon. I hardly get to eat I'm so busy chaperoning…"

"Darling," Lupin asked evenly. "Do you know what 'chaperoning' means?"

"Is that where you nap between meals?"

"No dear, it means looking after the guests."

"Ohhhh. Right. Well, I do that too. Like just now. I asked Harry to make sure Hermione gets to her room safely. Isn't that chaperoning?"

"Not exactly…"

"I mean, what happens if Hermione falls down the stairs and breaks her legs or something? Or what if she wanders outside? She could tumble off a cliff or fall down a well or get her foot trapped in one of those railroad ties. All I can say is thank heavens for Harry being there because he'll rush in and unjam her foot before the train flattens her like a pancake."

Remus opened his mouth to answer but thought better of it. He didn't have an answer for that. He doubted anyone had an answer for that. He just kissed her hand and excused himself to check on Harry and Hermione.

Ahead of him, Harry and Hermione had made it all the way to her guestroom door before venturing even a casual touch

"Goodnight luv," he said politely, giving her a chaste peck on the hand.

"Goodnight Harry," she replied.

A silence settled between them as his lips lingered over her hand, the same hand that suddenly found its way to his collar and pulled him to her. At once his arms were wrapped around her waist, her leg was hitched over his hip, and their mouths were fused as they desperately tasted each other. She felt the door against her back as he lifted her and pressed himself against her.

"I had a lovely day," she muttered as he tickled her throat with his lips.

"Me too," he said in a rough whisper.

"I'll see you tomorrow."

"…"

"Footsteps."

"Mmmm."

"No Harry, footsteps. I hear footsteps!"

They pulled away from each other just in time to see Remus turn the corner into the hallway. Hermione quickly gave her hand back to Harry and politely curtsied.

"Goodnight Harry," she said sweetly, trying to calm her gasps.

"Goodnight Hermione," he said, breathing quickly.

She waved to Lupin and darted into her room, giving a sigh of relief as she latched the door behind her.

Harry quickly walked past Lupin, who wasn't half as fooled as he let on. Even in the faint candlelight, he hadn't failed to notice Hermione's flushed cheeks or Harry's dazed expression.

He grimaced as he followed Harry towards the drawing room, muttering and worrying all the while. There was definitely something going on between the two youngsters. The trouble was, he had no idea what to do about it. After his own two-week engagement, it wasn't as though he could lecture Harry on the liability of a hasty courtship...

A Muggle portrait of a young James Potter was hanging on the wall by the staircase. Lupin paused to look at it.

You know James, this could turn into a problem if we're not careful…

Stoic and very expensive-looking, the portrait wasn't much help, but Lupin knew James would agree with him. He knew he had to something. And soon.