Hermione had woken up early on Saturday, as she had been for the past four months. Saturday was the day that 'Wizarding Properties' would be delivered to their flat in London by Owl Post, at precisely 8 o'clock. She opened the window, took the magazine from the tawny owl carrying it, and gave him an Owl Treat, then sat down in one of the comfortable chairs, pen in hand, and began to peruse the advertisements. Ten minutes or so later she called out:

'Ron, Ron! Come and look at this one, I've found it!' Ron could almost hear the smile in her voice, but still pulled on his dressing gown a little roughly, and replied grumpily:

'I'm coming, darling,' before swearing under his breath as he stepped on the now aged Crookshanks, who had been hiding under the bed, on his way to the bathroom. Ron was becoming accustomed to his pregnant wife's behaviour when it came to houses. She wanted their house to be perfect, and every week or so she would find another in that bloody magazine and proclaim it to be so. Then, they would visit it and Hermione would find a million things wrong with it. 'At this rate, our baby,' Ron felt a flurry of excitement and pride rush through him, 'will come before we move and have to have its cot in the bathroom.' The couple's flat was tiny, but suited to what they had wanted three years ago – somewhere cosy and cheap, close to the Ministry. They had saved up carefully, and were both earning good money, as well as royalties from articles – which Hermione wrote – and public functions they attended, interviews and speeches they gave to journalists, historians, radio programs and schoolchildren. Finally, they had enough money to consider buying a house in the country. 'Please let this one be the one,' thought Ron, thinking through all this as he washed his face. 'I'm starting to go insane, Crooky,' he said to the cat, to whom he had become quite affectionate. Crookshanks looked up at Ron, blinking slowly and lazy, half glaring at him as if he knew what was about to happen:

'Ron!' called Hermione, crossly.

'Yes, coming,' Ron ran out into the living room, nearly tripping over Commodore, the younger cat they had bought to keep Crookshanks company, whom Ron swore must have been the elder cat's son.

'Look at this! It's absolutely faultless!' exclaimed Hermione, pointing to a picture of a small cottage.

'Love, it looks wonderful but, isn't it sort of, small?' asked Ron cautiously.

'No, that's the really clever bit – 'An Undetectable Extension Charm has been placed on this beautiful English cottage, so you can have all the space and modernity of a new house, inside a delightfully old exterior: the best of both worlds!'

'Well, that certainly is impressive,' said Ron, struggling not to laugh at the cheesy tone of the article. 'What else makes you think this is the right one?'

Hermione rolled her eyes:

'Just read it, Ron!' she pushed the magazine into his hands before getting up. 'Cup of tea, sweetheart?' She kissed him on the cheek, now pushing him into the chair.

'Urm, alright then, yeah,' said Ron, before beginning to read:

The Willows – Idyllic Wizarding Homes

An Undetectable Extension Charm has been placed on this beautiful English cottage, so you can have all the space and modernity of a new house, inside a delightfully old exterior: the best of both worlds!

What appears to be a small, two bedroomed cottage actually houses five double bedrooms, three of which have ensuites, a fourth bathroom and downstairs lavatory, a sizeable kitchen with utility (Adapted Muggle machines such as 'washing machines' and 'tumbled-ryers will be installed upon request), two reception rooms, a family room, study and small library. Also, there is a conservatory, a large shed and a greenhouse, within the large, well-kept garden filled with magical plants, and the three willow trees.

All of this is situated in the wizarding village of Little Nympsfield, the second all wizarding village in England – no need to worry about inquisitive neighbours pondering how so many fit in such a small house, or what those unusual plants are!

A wizarding home, perfect for a growing family.

Hermione levitated Ron's tea to him, carrying her own as she did so. Her face was bright and inquisitive.

'Well?' she questioned, eagerly.

'It certainly sounds lovely –'

'Doesn't it? A library! Can you imagine? Isn't the garden gorgeous?' she pointed to the images in the magazine, which showed flowers moving in the wind while butterflies landed delicately on them. 'I really think we should take a look at it. It's perfect, don't you think Ron?'

'Yes, Hermione, but that only means that people will be extremely interested.' He was trying to prepare Hermione for disappointment if the house had already been sold. She looked crestfallen, but only fleetingly.

'Let's go then! We should get in there quick.' She winked and headed off to the bathroom. 'Blimey,' thought Ron, 'Pregnancy is really making her cheerful.'

Hermione, who was five months pregnant, was luckily still allowed to apparate. Ron and her had dressed, and rushed out, arriving at the 'Idyllic Wizarding Homes' estate agency at 9 o'clock. They had previously been shown four houses by the agency, none of which Hermione had approved of. They walked in, and a voice, seemingly from thin air, said:

'Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley! How nice to see you again, I take it you have still not found your ideal abode?' Ron and Hermione looked up. The agency had knocked the floors separating the original three stories, leading to an extremely high ceiling. This, coupled with the shelving which went all the way up to the roof, filled with files, house profiles, contracts, tax records and other important documents, made for an impressive office space which contrasted with the small desk in the corner of it.

'No, Marcus, we haven't,' sighed Ron.

'Oh, Ron,' exasperated Hermione, 'we think this might be the one, could you get down here Marcus?'

'Momentarily!' called the voice, before a large armchair floated gracefully down, rotating lazily to face Hermione. On it was the estate agent, Marcus, a thin, very bookish sort of wizard, with a charming smile and witty intelligence.

'The one, Mrs. Weasely? Is that so?' he smiled.

'Apparently,' smirked Ron.

'Both of you know the others just weren't right, I mean the one you showed us in Ardenfield, Marcus, it was just tiny, and Ron, don't get me started on the one you found in Piggleby –' Hermione was maddened and slightly annoyed.

'Mrs. Weasley. Allow me to interject before you get far too agitated for someone in your condition. Which property do you wish to view.'

'The Willows, please,' replied Ron, who put his arm round his wife's waist. She rested her head on his shoulder, with her hand on her now perceptible bump.

'Aha, that one is quite the gem. Well, you will be pleased to know you are the first clients to see it – its first advertisement was only distributed an hour ago.'

'Oh, excellent,' blushed Hermione. Marcus winked at Ron, stating calmly 'The early bird gets the worm.' He then turned to the cluttered desk in the corner of the gigantic room.

'Here are the plans,' he said, floating back to Ron. 'And here is the exact address, so you may apparate. Off you go.' He turned away, and began casting spells to secure the agency while he was showing the house, hearing only a small 'pop' from behind him as the couple disapparated.