Well here we are, the end of Time after Time. We do hope you all enjoyed this fic. We'll see you all in Last Dance (which could use some love, hint- hint!) and in the coming months, a brand new story :D
The Way I Am - Ingrid Michaelson
If you were falling, then I would catch you.
You need a light, I'd find a match.
Cuz I love the way you say good morning.
And you take me the way I am.
If you are chilly, here take my sweater.
Your head is aching, I'll make it better.
Cuz I love the way you call me baby.
And you take me the way I am.
It had been a year and a half since Hermione had won custody of Bella, and her life and turned completely around. Once Damian had been convicted of spousal abuse, Hermione had been granted a quick divorce. She sold the house, keeping Tilly on with her, and she and Bella enjoyed each other's company without the fear of Damian over their shoulders.
Harry had also been a constant in their life. His petition to adopt Billy had been granted and Hermione could see how much Harry enjoyed being a father. They had helped each other immensely in their new lives.
"Hermione," a voice cut into her thoughts. "Do you take Harry as your lawfully wedded husband?"
Hermione's maid of honour, Bella, tugged on her mother's arm. "Mummy, this is the part where you say 'I do'," Bella whispered.
Hermione laughed. "I do."
The vicar smiled. "And do you, Harry take Hermione as your lawfully wedded wife?"
Harry grinned. "I do."
"May we have the rings?" the vicar asked. Billy pulled the rings from his pocket and handed them to him. He was serving as Harry's best man and he'd taken the job very seriously.
"Thanks, son." Harry said.
Billy grinned.
The vicar handed Harry's ring to Hermione. Hermione slid it on to Harry's finger. "With this ring, I thee wed."
Harry took Hermione's band and slid it carefully onto her finger. "With this ring, I thee wed."
"By the power invested in me," the vicar announced. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Harry, you may kiss your bride."
Harry pulled Hermione to him and smiled at her for a moment before pressing his lips to hers.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the vicar said. "I present to you, Harry and Hermione Potter and their two children, Isabella and William."
The small audience watching broke out into applause.
Harry squeezed Hermione's hand. "Mrs. Potter."
"Mummy," Bella said. "That's my last name now too, right?"
Hermione smiled. "Yes, baby."
"Yay!" Bella said happily.
It had taken some effort, but they'd finally managed to get Damian to sign away his parental rights to Bella. Harry and Hermione had signed the papers just yesterday to have Harry officially adopt Bella.
"And now you're my brother," Bella said to Billy.
Billy grinned. "And you're my sister."
"Now you've really got to watch out for her," Harry teased.
Billy laughed. "Dad, I already do that."
"And a great job of it," Harry nodded.
"Congratulations!" Elinore exclaimed coming forward to give her daughter a hug. "Hermione, you look beautiful!"
"Thanks Mum," Hermione hugged her tightly. "I'm so glad you and Dad are here."
"We wouldn't have missed it," Robert said shaking Harry's hand.
"Thank you," Harry said. "We're all glad you made it."
"When do we get to eat cake?" Ron asked earning a nudge from Luna. "What? I'm starving!"
"All in due time," Harry shook his head.
Neville, his wife and children laughed at this. Harry still ran his foundation with Neville's help. "Some things never change," Neville said to Ron. "Always thinking of that stomach of yours."
"I'm a hungry boy," Ron said defensively.
"Let's walk over to the reception hall and give the new family a little time alone," Luna suggested.
"Can I have a piggyback ride, Daddy?" Bella asked Harry.
Harry grinned. "Come on then, little monkey."
Bella giggled. "I'm not a monkey!"
Harry swung her around. "Excuse me, maid of honour."
"Better," Bella grinned at him.
Hermione knelt down in front of Billy. "And I have never seen a more handsome best man in all my life."
Billy turned red. "Do I call you Mum now?"
"You can call me whatever you want," Hermione told him.
Billy nodded. It had taken him awhile to stop calling her Mrs. Conaghan and it was easier for now for him to call her Hermione.
Hermione gave him a hug. "I'm just really happy to be a part of your family."
"Me too," Billy said.
The photographer asked to take some shots of the family together and then of just the bride and groom.
"And I'd like one of my mum and dad with us too," Hermione requested.
"Of course," the photographer said.
Hermione smiled as Harry slid his arms around her. "How are you doing so far, Mrs. Potter?"
"Blissfully happy," Hermione said leaning against him. "I've waited for this day for so long."
"Me too," Harry replied. "You don't know how long."
Hermione turned to look at him properly. "I think I have some idea."
He tucked her hair back behind her ear. "You look gorgeous today, Hermione."
Hermione smiled up at him. "You look handsome today. I love it when you wear a suit."
"Had to look good for you," he said.
Hermione leaned in for a kiss.
Harry wound his arms around her.
"I love you," Hermione said resting her head on his shoulder.
"I love you too," Harry said. "I love you more than anything."
"We're really married?" Hermione whispered.
"We sure are," Harry rested his forehead on hers.
Tears welled up in Hermione's eyes. "I didn't know it was possible to be this happy."
"You're always going to be this happy now," Harry told her. "Always."
Hermione believed him. She finally had everything she always wanted and she wasn't afraid anymore.
"I trust you," Hermione said. "More than anything."
"I'm glad," he said squeezing her hand. "It wasn't always this easy over the past year and a half."
"I'm sorry," Hermione started to say.
Harry shook his head. "Don't apologise."
"I owe you so much," Hermione said. "My life..."
"Hermione--" Harry started.
"I owe you my life, my daughter's life," Hermione said. "If you hadn't have come back into my life, I don't want to think about what might have happened. "
"I don't like to think about it either," Harry admitted.
"I tried pushing you away," Hermione said. "But you didn't let me."
"Couldn't," Harry smiled crookedly.
Hermione kissed him. "You have that family you always wanted."
"So do you," he pointed out.
"There's something else," Hermione said touching his cheek.
"What's that?" he asked softly.
"The new house has that extra room," Hermione commented.
"Right," Harry nodded. "We were talking about turning it into a library..."
"I had another idea actually," Hermione said.
"Oh yeah?" Harry asked.
Hermione smiled. "I was thinking it would make a good nursery."
"A nursery?" Harry asked "Why--" he stopped short.
"For the baby," Hermione said squeezing his hand.
"You're pregnant?" he managed.
Hermione nodded. "I found out a couple of days ago."
Harry stared at her. "You're pregnant?"
Hermione nodded again.
Harry suddenly picked her up and whirled her around.
Hermione laughed. "Harry!"
"Now we have a completely new reason to celebrate," Harry told her.
"What's going on, Mummy?" Bella asked.
"Guess what, my little maid of honour?" Harry scooped her up.
"What?" Bella asked.
"You," Harry nuzzled her cheek. "Are going to be a big sister!"
Bella looked at him in confusion. "Billy's the same age as me."
"No, love." Hermione laughed. "I'm going to have a baby."
"Really?" Bella asked excitedly.
"By the end of the year," Harry nodded.
"Are you having a boy or a girl?" Billy asked.
"We don't know yet," Harry told him.
"I hope it's a girl," Bella said.
"I hope it's a boy," Billy countered.
"A girl would be more fun," Bella said.
"No way," Billy said.
"You'll love the baby if it's a boy or a girl," Harry said.
"I guess," Billy replied.
"You guess?" Harry asked, setting Bella back down. "Billy?"
"It's cool," Billy replied.
Harry grinned. "Thanks, son."
Billy grinned back at him. "If it is a silly old girl, I'll have to watch out for her too."
"Silly old girl?" Bella asked. "Billy!"
Billy ducked away, laughing as Bella swiped at him.
Hermione looked at Harry. "We're going to have our hands full."
"I don't mind," he said with a grin.
"Me either," Hermione agreed. "You're not mad that I didn't tell you when I found out, are you? I just---I wanted to give you a special present today."
"I'm not mad," Harry shook his head. "It's made this day even more perfect."
Hermione grinned. "I know they have their preferences, but what would you like? A boy or a girl?"
Harry shook his head. "It doesn't matter. We already have one of each."
"You never know," Hermione said. "It could be twins..."
"Now THAT would be interesting," Harry said.
Hermione linked her arm in his and leaned against him. He always had a way of making her feel safe.
She remembered the first night they'd finally been together. It was several months after Harry had adopted Billy and they had dropped him off to play with Bella while the two of them went out to dinner together.
Well, Harry had told Hermione it would be a night out, but he'd surprised her when he'd taken her back to his place. "Nice restaurant," Hermione had quipped.
"I'll have you know this is the poshest place in Johannesburg," Harry told her.
Hermione laughed as she followed him into the kitchen. Harry waved his hand and the candles on the table were lit.
"Show off," she teased.
"Nothing but the best for my girl," Harry said holding out her chair.
Hermione smiled at him and sat down.
"Champagne?" Harry asked.
"That would be lovely," Hermione replied.
Harry poured them each a glass.
"It smells wonderful," Hermione said. "Have you been cooking all day?"
"Yes," Harry said with a grin. "Billy and me."
"He helped you?" Hermione asked.
Harry nodded. "He liked being in charge. Kind of reminded me of how you used to boss Ron and me around."
Hermione laughed. "Is that so?"
"You aren't going to deny that you used to do it, are you?" Harry teased.
"Maybe," Hermione shrugged.
Harry grinned. "Well, if it makes you feel any better, I always thought you looked adorable when you were doing it."
"Adorable?" Hermione wrinkled her nose.
"Cute?" Harry corrected.
"You're getting better," she shrugged.
Harry stood up. "I'd better serve the salad before you talk about how bad the service here is."
"Very funny," Hermione told him.
Harry set a plate of salad before her. He and Billy had fun that afternoon planning everything out. Though, Billy had pointed out, that Harry should take Hermione out for a cheeseburger and chips.
"Well I have to say, this restaurant is off to a wonderful start," Hermione said.
"Madame is pleased?" Harry asked.
"Very," Hermione nodded.
"You know," Harry pointed out. "This is the first time we've been out where it's just been you and me."
Hermione nodded. "I love having the kids, though."
"Me too," Harry agreed.
"You've been a wonderful father for Billy," Hermione told him.
Harry smiled. "You really think so? Half the time, I don't know what I'm doing---"
"You're doing fine," Hermione interrupted him.
"With lots of help from you," Harry said.
"That's what I'm there for," Hermione said softly.
Harry reached across the table and took her hand.
"This really is lovely," Hermione said. "Better than any restaurant."
"I'm glad that you like it," Harry said. He had been so patient these last few months. He hadn't pushed her. He'd let her set the pace.
"You're amazing, you know." Hermione looked at him intently. "I just... I don't know what I would have done without you."
"I feel the same," Harry said stroking her hand.
"No," Hermione shook her head. "I just... I'd still be with Damian if it weren't for you. Still thinking that my life is worthless and everything I did was wrong. I'd still be putting Bella in danger."
"You drove me absolutely crazy with worry, you know that?" Harry asked. "I didn't know why you would stay with him after all that he'd done. If I had known why, I would have---I could have---"
"I just felt trapped," Hermione looked away from him. "I didn't think I was worth all that trouble you were going to."
"You're worth everything," Harry said softly.
Hermione looked back at him, her eyes welling up with tears.
Harry stood up and held out his hand to her. "Come here."
Hermione willingly went over to him and he drew her into his arms.
"I love you," Harry whispered. "I would do anything for you."
"I love you too," she said softly. "I always have."
Harry pulled away to look at her. He leaned in and gently kissed her.
Hermione closed her eyes and gave in to his kiss. He was always gentle when he did this and never rushed her or pushed her into anything.
Harry deepened the kiss and tried to remind himself not to get too carried away.
"Harry," she murmured.
"I-I'm sorry," Harry said quickly. "I didn't---"
"No," she put a finger to his lips. "I like this..."
"You do?" Harry asked.
"Yes," she said softly. "I want more... with you."
Harry kissed her again.
She wound her arms around him, pulling him as close to her as she possibly could.
"Harry?" Hermione asked tentatively.
"What?" he asked breathlessly.
"Can we---can we go upstairs?" Hermione asked.
"What?" he asked, not sure if he'd heard her correctly.
Hermione bit her bottom lip. "I was thinking---if you want---we could go upstairs..."
"Are you sure?" he asked her.
"I've never been more sure," Hermione said softly.
Harry smiled, taking her hand in his.
Hermione was nervous. She'd only been with one other man and he hadn't exactly been known for his gentle nature.
Harry led her to his bedroom. "Sorry," he said sheepishly. "It's a little messy. I wasn't expecting..."
Hermione smiled endearingly at him as he hurried about trying to straighten things up. "Harry--"
"I know--" he said, looking over at her. "I shouldn't be such a slob--"
Hermione stepped closer to him. "It's fine, really."
He tossed the clothes into the closet and shut the door. "That's better."
"Now who's being adorable?" Hermione asked.
"What?" he asked.
Hermione put her arms around him. "You--you're adorable."
"Very funny," he said.
"Your room is fine," Hermione reassured him.
He smiled crookedly at her.
Hermione gave him a kiss. "And this is fine..."
Harry brushed his lips gently over hers. "And this..." he said, winding his arms around her. "This is very, very fine."
Hermione smiled. "It's perfect."
Harry gently pulled her over to the bed.
Hermione shivered when he lifted up her shirt. She still had scars from Damian's abuse.
"You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen," Harry told her. "You take my breath away, Hermione."
Hermione shook her head. "I'm not--"
"Yes, you are," he told her.
Hermione met his gaze. She did feel beautiful when he looked at her.
"Just tell me if I'm going too fast for you," he told her as they lay back on the bed.
Hermione nodded wordlessly.
Harry leaned in and kissed her again, his fingers going to the snap on her bra.
Already this was quite different from any of the times she'd been with Damian. Harry was so gentle and patient with her.
He carefully peeled her bra off, and kissed her again.
Hermione smiled up at him.
"Still okay?" he whispered.
"Better than okay," Hermione whispered back. She reached out and touched his chest. She'd wanted to touch him like this for so long.
Harry grinned down at her.
Her hands were trembling as she worked on his belt.
"I've got it," he said.
"I'm sorry," Hermione apologised.
"It's all right," he assured her.
Hermione watched as he undid his belt and threw his trousers to the floor.
She hooked her fingers into her skirt and tugged down on it.
"I love you," Hermione whispered.
"I love you too," he said softly. "You, Billy, and Bella are the most important people in the world to me. I can't imagine life without you now."
"You changed everything," Hermione said. "For all of us."
He smiled at her.
He kissed her again and Hermione closed her eyes.
As much as she hated thinking of Damian, she couldn't help but compare the way Harry was with the way her ex husband had been.
"No second thoughts?" Harry whispered in her ear.
"No," she said without hesitation. "Not a one."
"I would never, ever hurt you," Harry said as he trailed kisses down her shoulder.
"I know you wouldn't," Hermione said, closing her eyes. The feel of his lips on her skin felt wonderful.
"I've wanted this for such a long time," Harry said against her skin. "I have absolutely no problem taking my time..."
Her body trembled under his. "I've wanted you too," Hermione told him.
He touched her cheek. "I love you."
"I love you too," she said softly. "Kiss me..."
Harry did just that as she slowly entered her.
Hermione felt tears leaking from her eyes. "Harry," she whimpered.
He kissed her again, holding her close to him.
"Please..." she said as his lips moved over her neck and down between her breasts.
"Hermione," Harry whispered as they began to move together.
"It's never been like this," she said staring up at him.
"Like what?" He asked softly.
"Amazing," Hermione whispered.
Harry smiled. "For me, either."
Hermione pulled him down to her and kissed him as hard as she could.
Harry smiled again. She was amazing.
"Harry," she breathed, her lips still brushing against his.
"Yes?" Harry asked
"I need more of you," she said, arching her back so her body pressed against him.
"Ask and you shall receive," Harry said pressing deeper.
Hermione let out a loud moan. She was getting more pleasure in this short amount of time from Harry than she ever had in her entire marriage.
She wrapped her legs around his thighs. This time, it was Harry who moaned. He felt as if he was seeing a little of the old Hermione---the one who knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid of doing what she had to do to get it. Damian Conaghan had been a fool not to realise the wonderful woman she was, but Harry vowed that he would never, ever take her for granted.
"Harry!" she pressed her face into his neck to muffle her cries.
"Her-mione," Harry managed. He was feeling a little dazed at the moment.
She was breathing hard as Harry pushed himself off to her side.
"Merlin," Harry said breathlessly.
Hermione nodded, turning on her side to look at him.
Harry smiled lazily at her.
"That was incredible," she said softly.
"You were incredible," Harry said pulling her to him.
Hermione closed her eyes as Harry gave her a soft kiss. "This is the best night I've ever had."
"The first night of many," Harry said. "I hope."
Hermione nodded. "It is."
Hermione rested her head on his chest. "I never knew it could be like that."
Harry stroked her hair. "You didn't?"
"I used to just lie there," Hermione said. "I would think about all these things and just wish that it would be over. But, with you, it was just---perfect. I never wanted it to end."
"It doesn't have to end," Harry told her. "Not ever."
"Promise?" Hermione whispered.
"I promise," Harry continued running his hand through her hair.
"I dreamt about this night," Hermione said.
"Me too," Harry said.
"You and me," Hermione said turning to look at him. "After all this time..."
Harry grinned at her. "Finally."
Hermione gave him a kiss. "Thank you for waiting."
"Once I found you, there was no question," Harry told her.
Hermione thought about how she'd tried to push him away, but he'd never left her; not really. Hermione kissed him again.
Harry smiled at her when she pulled away. "I still have dinner downstairs."
Hermione grinned. "I'd forgotten all about it."
"Billy would be terribly disappointed if we didn't eat," Harry joked.
Hermione pulled back the covers and reached for Harry's shirt.
Harry watched her sit up and button it over her nude body. "Are we eating like this?"
"Why not?" Hermione asked with a grin.
"I don't know how I'm supposed to keep my hands off you," Harry answered mischievously.
"You'd have to catch me first," Hermione winked at him.
Harry laughed as she darted from his room.
"I'm a Seeker, Hermione," Harry called after her.
"Then prove you've still got it!" she called back.
Harry laughed and reached for his boxers. He put them on before running out of the room. Downstairs, it was quiet and there was no sign of Hermione. "Granger?"
Hermione held her breath, trying not to laugh as she crouched next to the armchair.
"Granger, come on," Harry called out.
Hermione covered her mouth.
A slow smile spread across Harry's face and with a pop he disappeared.
Hermione peeked over the top of the chair. "Harry?" she whispered.
"Looking for me?" Harry asked, appearing behind her.
Hermione yelped.
Harry picked her up. "The kid still has it."
"You bugger," she laughed.
"You still love me though," Harry grinned, nuzzling her neck.
"Of course I do," Hermione said softly.
He carried her into the kitchen. "And you look beautiful in my shirt, too."
Hermione grinned at him. "I have to admit you're right."
He kissed her before setting her down.
"I have worked up an appetite," Hermione said coyly.
"Me too," Harry said setting a plate before her. "The debut of Harry and Billy's signature dish---spaghetti."
"It smells delicious," Hermione said.
"Tuck in," Harry said.
Hermione found herself diving into her meal. "This is very, very good!"
Harry grinned. "Make sure you tell Billy."
"I will," Hermione promised.
"To new beginnings," Harry said raising his glass.
Hermione brushed her glass against his. "To new beginnings and new steps in relationships."
"Here, here!" Harry said.
"What's for dessert?" she asked.
"Chocolate cake, but before you get too excited," Harry said. "I didn't make it. I bought it from the bakery."
"You'll just have to make it up to me then," Hermione teased.
"Any ideas?" Harry asked.
"Oh yes," Hermione nodded.
"I'm getting a few right now," Harry said as he felt Hermione's foot on his leg.
She grinned at him.
Harry put his hand on her thigh. "Two can play that game, you know."
"I know," she said, her lips curving up.
"Dessert can wait," Harry said pushing back from his chair.
Hermione's laughter trailed behind them as he picked her up and carried her back into the bedroom.
Hermione laughed. "Bella! Billy! Come on, we're going to the reception!"
Bella grinned. "Cake!"
"Chocolate cake," Billy added. "With strawberries, right?"
"You should remember," Hermione said. "You helped us pick it out."
"Oh yeah," Billy said sheepishly.
"Let's just hope Ron hasn't snuck a piece or two," Hermione said.
"Or six," Harry deadpanned.
"He'd better not have!" Bella put her hands on her hips.
"What will you do if he did?" Billy asked her.
"Daddy said that Uncle Ron is really, really afraid of spiders," Bella said mischievously.
Harry laughed. "That he is."
Bella whispered something in Billy's ear.
"Do you think that would work?" Billy asked.
"Probably," Bella replied.
"That's so cool!" Billy exclaimed. "You are brilliant!"
"What are you two planning?" Hermione asked suspiciously.
"Nothing," Bella said hastily.
"Isabella," Hermione began.
"We're protecting your cake, Mummy," Bella said. "That's all you need to know."
Harry laughed. "Duly noted."
Bella and Billy ran ahead of the happy couple and Hermione's parents.
"I'm so glad you adopted him," Hermione said.
"Me too," Harry said. "I'm glad that I was able to give him a home. He changed everything for me."
"Well you changed everything for me," Hermione said. "And for Bella. I love hearing her call you Daddy."
"I do too," Harry said. "I'm glad...I'm glad that Damian signed away his rights and he has no claim to her now."
"He never loved her," Hermione said.
"He's a fool," Harry commented.
"Yes he is," Hermione agreed.
"He had you and Bella and he never realised what an incredible gift that was," Harry said softly.
"It doesn't matter now," Hermione said. "That part of my life is finally over."
"Our life is just beginning," Harry said softly.
"Absolutely," she agreed, smiling at him.
Bella and Billy walked into the reception room. "Ladies and gentlemen! And Uncle Ron..."
"Hey now," Ron said.
Bella giggled. "Billy and I would like to present to you...our mummy and daddy!"
Harry squeezed Hermione's hand in his as they entered the room.
"Here! Here!" Luna and Ron exclaimed.
"The cake is still intact," Hermione said.
"I threatened Ron," Luna called out.
"Thank you," Harry joked.
"I'm right here you know," Ron grumbled.
Luna rubbed his arm. "I'm sure once the cake is cut you can have as much as you want."
"It is a big cake," Luna said.
Molly Weasley came forward and hugged Harry to her in a tight bear hug.
"Molly," Harry choked.
"I'm so h-happy for all of you," Molly sobbed.
"Thanks," Harry said, his face returning to a normal colour once Molly released him.
"And you!" Molly exclaimed looking down at Billy. "So handsome!"
"Don't pinch my cheeks," Billy muttered.
"Billy!" Harry exclaimed.
Molly laughed. "It's okay. It's just that he has the cutest set of cheeks in the whole wide world!"
"I do not," Billy protested.
"Yes you do!" Molly said pinching both of his cheeks. "Adorable!"
"Man!" Billy tried to duck away.
"And look at the little princess!" Molly gushed, looking at Bella. "Your dress is so pretty, sweetheart!"
"Thank you," Bella twirled around.
"I hope you don't pinch the new baby's cheeks, too!" Billy said.
"New---new baby?" Molly asked. "Oh, Hermione!"
"I just found out a few days ago," Hermione said.
Molly hugged her. "Congratulations!"
"Thank you," Hermione hugged her back. "Thank you so much for everything, Molly."
"I'm just glad you're back in our family," Molly said.
"Thank you," Hermione said sincerely.
"The happy couple should share their first dance," Neville announced.
"Can you dance?" Hermione looked at her husband.
"Not very well, but you didn't marry me for that, did you?" Harry replied with a grin.
"No," she said, laughing.
"That's a good thing," Harry said taking her hand. "Come on then."
Hermione closed her eyes as Harry circled his arms around her.
"How am I doing so far?" Harry whispered in her ear.
"Perfect," she whispered.
"I love you," Harry said kissing the top of her head.
"I love you too," Hermione murmured.
"Ron and Luna have agreed to watch the children for us tonight," Harry said as they continued to dance.
"Hmmm..." Hermione smiled. "So what have you got planned?"
"Well," Harry said. "I booked us a suite at the Palazzo Montecasino." The hotel was the poshest in Johannesburg.
Hermione gaped at him. "You did?"
"Yes," Harry replied. "And then tomorrow morning, we are going away for a week to St. Lucia. Your mum and dad are going to keep the kids in London while we're gone."
"Harry!!" she exclaimed.
Harry grinned. "This is my first honeymoon. I might have gone a little overboard."
"This will be my second, but I'm sure it will be better," Hermione said.
"Absolutely," Harry grinned spinning her around.
"That was very smooth," Hermione laughed.
"I practised," Harry said.
"I can tell," she said.
"I had to impress my wife," Harry said. "Wife..."
"Wife," she echoed, kissing him.
Bella and Billy watched their parents dance. "You know it's going to be a little girl," Bella whispered to him. "A little girl with brown hair like me and Mummy."
"No way," Billy said. "A boy with black hair."
"I already have a brother," Bella pointed out. "Now, I want a sister."
"Well I already have a sister," Billy countered.
"I guess a little brother wouldn't be that bad," Bella relented. "If he was like you."
"Duh," Billy replied.
Bella poked him in the side. "I'll tell Nana Molly to come over here and pinch your cheeks again."
"Don't you dare!" Billy said.
Bella giggled. "I wouldn't."
"You're cool, Bells." Billy said.
Bella beamed at him. "So are you."
"Maybe later we can dance," Billy said. "I'm not that good.."
"I'm not either," Bella admitted.
"We'll just have fun," Billy said.
Bella nodded. "Yes, we will."
"When do you think they'll cut the cake, Luna?" Ron asked.
"After they finish their dance," Luna replied.
"Oh good," Ron said.
Luna gave him a kiss. "That's my Ronald."
"Maybe we should get married," Ron said.
Luna looked dreamily at him. "Are you proposing?"
Ron gulped. "Uh..."
"Oh, Ronald!" Luna exclaimed throwing her arms around him.
Ron patted her back. "I don't have a ring, Luna..."
"That doesn't matter," Luna said happily.
"It doesn't?" he asked.
Luna nodded. "We can worry about that later. We're engaged, Ronald!
Ron let out a shaky laugh. "Yeah... I guess we are."
Luna smiled. "I think we should get married when Mars and Venus are aligned during the next full moon."
"When will that be?" Ron asked.
"Two weeks," Luna replied.
"Two weeks?" Ron almost shouted.
Luna nodded. "I know you think it doesn't sound like enough time."
"It's just sort of sudden..." Ron began. "But--"
"We've been dating for a long time now," Luna pointed out.
Ron nodded. "If that's when you want to get married, then let's do it."
Luna let out an ear-piercing squeal. "Ronald!"
"What's going on?" Neville asked.
"Ronald and I are engaged," Luna told him.
"Since when?" Neville asked.
"Two seconds ago," Ronald replied. "I--I think I need a drink."
Neville watched in amusement as Ron headed for the bar. "Guess that was sort of unexpected?"
"I saw him asking me at some point," Luna said dreamily.
Neville smiled. "Well congratulations."
"Thank you," Luna said hugging him. "This has been such a special day!"
"For everyone," Neville nodded.
"Thanks to you," Luna said smiling at him. "You led them back to each other."
"I should have said something sooner," Neville replied.
"She asked you not to," Luna said. "You were being a good friend."
Neville nodded. "Well... I'm happy it all worked out in the end."
"It did," Luna said. Harry and Hermione sat down. "You looked like you were gliding Hermione."
"I am," Hermione said dreamily.
"Where's Ron?" Harry asked.
"Getting a drink," Luna replied.
Harry looked over at the bar. "Is he okay? He looks a little pale?"
"We just got engaged," Luna explained.
Harry chuckled. "That would explain it. Well, congratulations, Luna!"
"Thank you," Luna said. "But this is your day."
"We're still very happy for you!" Hermione exclaimed. "It's about time!"
"I quite agree," Luna twisted a long blonde lock of hair around her finger.
Bella and Billy joined them. Harry lifted his son and set him on his lap. "Before you ask, we'll cut the cake in just a moment."
"How did you know that's what I was thinking about?" Billy asked.
"I think I know my son well enough by now," Harry said mussing Billy's hair.
Billy grinned at him.
"How are your cheeks, Billy?" Hermione asked. "You can barely see Molly's fingerprints now..."
"Don't say anything," Billy pleaded.
"I promise," Hermione said smiling at him.
Billy relaxed and smiled back at her.
Hermione thought about her first wedding. It had been a huge occasion with an expensive dress and at a posh location. She hadn't even known most of the people there. Damian had pulled her around, practically ignoring her yet displaying her like arm candy.
This wedding couldn't have been more different. The guest list numbered about thirty with family and friends and colleagues from the school. Hermione's dress was simple, but elegant.
And her husband was completely different. Harry couldn't have been more attentive and loving. Hermione put a hand to her stomach. And he was completely over the moon about the baby.
"Everything okay?" Harry asked her.
"I'm perfect," Hermione said reaching for his hand.
"Hungry?" he asked.
"Yes," Hermione replied. "And so is the baby."
"By all means, let's get you some cake, then." Harry said.
Hermione took his hand and together with their children they walked over to the cake.
"Are we smashing?" Harry asked jokingly. "Because I don't want to get you all messed up."
"No," Hermione said shaking her head. "No smashing. Ron wouldn't want us wasting perfectly good cake."
"So let's cut it already," Billy said impatiently.
Harry picked up the knife and Hermione put her hand over his as together they cut into the cake.
"About bloody time," Ron called.
"Shut it, Ron," Hermione retorted.
Harry laughed as he put a tiny piece into Hermione's mouth.
"Yummy," Hermione said. "And now for my husband..."
She did the same for him with a slightly larger piece.
Harry leaned in and gave her a kiss.
Billy grasped the knife and cut a small sliver for himself and Bella.
"Thanks," Bella said.
"No fair," Ron said. "Why do they get cake?"
"Relax, Ronald." Luna said. "Dinner's coming out now, then we'll all get cake afterwards."
"Can't I just have a small piece?" Ron asked. "Bells...cut your Uncle Ron a piece!"
"I can't," Bella said.
"Billy---" Ron tried.
"Only if my mum and dad say its okay," Billy replied.
"We'll give him a small slice just to shut him up," Harry said.
"Okay," Billy said, laughing.
Ron grinned. "Thanks mate."
"Honestly," Neville said. "You couldn't wait five minutes?"
"I'm choosing to ignore you," Ron said as Billy handed him a plate. "Thanks, Billy."
"You're welcome," Billy said.
"On a more serious note," Harry said. "I'd like to thank all of you for joining Hermione and me here today. We've both waited a long time for this day and we're glad that the people we care about most in this world were here to share it with us."
Hermione nodded. "It took awhile for us to get here but we've finally made it. Please enjoy the day and have some fun!"
Hermione was about to follow Harry back to the table when Bella tugged on her arm.
"Mummy?"
"What is it, love?" Hermione asked.
"This is what happy feels like, isn't it?" Bella asked looking up at her mother with wide eyes.
Hermione smiled. "Yes it is."
Bella gave her a hug. "We don't have to be afraid anymore."
"Never again," Hermione promised.
"Thanks for keeping me safe," Bella said hugging her tightly.
Hermione held her daughter as tightly as she could. "I'd do anything for you, baby."
"Everything okay?" Harry asked.
"Couldn't be better," Hermione answered.