The next morning, Harry woke up early to get breakfast before everyone arrived for the memorial ceremony. He had been warned that the press would be coming to cover the ceremony. They had been warned that if they bothered anyone, they would be removed by force. They had also been warned that if they messed with Harry, the Ministry would not hold him responsible for his reaction. Harry quickly ate breakfast and then returned to his apartment. He changed into Hogwarts robes and waited until Professor McGonagall sent for him. He still did not want to be surrounded by so many people. A couple of hours before the ceremony, there was a knock at his door. He was happy to see Hermione. She was smiling and looking happier than the last few times they had seen each other.

"So, this is where you have been living," said Hermione as she walked into the apartment. "I didn't even know Hogwarts had apartments like this."

"Apparently they are for guests who will stay for a while. It is rather nice. So, what's up?"

"I just wanted to see how you are doing. I know it has been rough on you."

"It's been rough on everyone. I'm just glad this is the last of the events. Where's Ron?"

"He's with his family. They are being sat in a special section for the family members of those who died."

"How are you two doing?"

"Fine, I guess. He's doing his best to cope with the loss of Fred. I've been staying with the Weasley's just to help them out. If I knew coming and staying at Hogwarts was an option, I would have been here."
"I would have told you except I figured with you and Ron being together..."
"Harry, we aren't together. We both talked it over and realized that he and I would not be a good couple. We are constantly arguing. That would not be a healthy relationship."

"Oh. Sorry. The last I knew was about the kiss."

"Yeah. We both attributed that to adrenaline. So how is learning about being a lord going?"

"Mr. Weasley told me some information that has me baffled. You know how I am now the lord of three houses, right?"

Hermione shook her head in acknowledgement.

"Apparently, if all three lines are to be kept alive, I will have to marry three different women. How insane is that?"

"Are you serious?"

"I couldn't believe it when he told me, so I looked it up. It is true. I am at a loss for what to do. On one hand, I could marry one woman, someone that I truly love, and just keep the Potter name going. That would then mean that the Gryffindor and Black family lines would cease to exist."

"Let me guess, you would feel guilty if that were to happen."

"Sirius left me his family name. He left me everything. I feel that it would be a dishonor to him to let the Black family name die off. And with Gryffindor, that is a name that should live forever."

Hermione sat down next to him on his couch.

"Harry, we both know that the wizarding world is much different than the muggle world. I am appalled that this is even something you would have to consider. I'm not sure how you would even approach someone with that situation. How do you tell three women that you want them to be one of your three wives?"

"I can't think of any of that right now. It is just too much. New topic. What are you planning on doing after today?"

"I don't know. I went to Australia to bring my parents back, but then I saw them and how happy they were and couldn't bring myself to ruin that. I already made them pack up their lives and change everything about what they knew."

Hermione started crying. Harry wrapped his arms around his best friend. She had sacrificed more to help him than he could ever thank her for. As he held her, Harry thought about what he could do to make things right. He would find a way to reunite Hermione and her parents.

Hermione wiped the tears from her eyes and cheeks. She could not dwell on what had already been done. She needed to focus on the future.

"What are you doing after today," she asked, trying to act like she was not still hurting.

"I'm not sure yet. I honestly have no idea. I've thought about going on a holiday. I have never been able to enjoy life and now I can afford it. I know I need to go do some shopping. I need new clothes. Why don't you join me? It would be nice to hang out with you without having to be hiding."

"I could use with some shopping therapy."

"Then that is what we do tomorrow."

The two discussed their plans for the next day when Professor Flitwick arrived at the door with Ron at his side

"Sorry to bother you Mr. Potter, but we have just been told that there is more to this ceremony than assumed," said Flitwick.

"How much more," asked Harry, worried about what was happening.

"Minister Shackelbolt wants to present certain people with awards for their heroics during the war. The three of you will all be receiving special awards as will a few of your other classmates."

"And no one thought to ask us if we wanted this kind of publicity," cried out Hermione. She knew this was what Harry had been trying to avoid. "Who else is getting recognized?"

"The staff is just as frustrated at this change Ms. Granger. Since this is a ministry run ceremony, we had very little say in it. As for the others, Neville Longbottom will be getting an award as will Luna Lovegood, Ginny Weasley, Sheamus Finnegan, Tracy Davis, and Daphne Greengrass."

"Not to sound rude, but what did either Tracy or Daphne do," asked Ron.

"They actually deserve it," said Harry. "During the battle, there was a lot of damage done to the Slytherin common room and the dungeons in whole. There was a collapse that trapped most of the Slytherins. There was another collapse, but Daphne and Tracy both shielded everyone and helped get the others to safety. They both then joined in the fight against the Death Eaters. Ron, not all Slytherins are vile evil people."
Ron rolled his eyes. In his opinion, all members of Slytherin were snakes. The three followed Flitwick to their seats. Ron and Hermione were sat with the Weasley family. Harry was to sit with the faculty of Hogwarts on the stage. This infuriated him. He was being put on display without his consent. He wanted to simply leave but knew it would look bad. He held his emotions in check. He was then approached by Professor McGonagall.

"Harry, I know this is not what you wanted. I tried to argue against it. I was able to get some changes made. Firstly, we will be recognizing all that fought and died first. The minister will then introduce you and give you your award. From there on, you will be able to give out the awards. I think it would mean more to the others if it came from you. Also, as a personal favor to me, I have one last request."

McGonagall could tell that Harry was not in a giving mood.

"We have finally finished putting Hogwarts back together. You were a big part of helping in the rebuilding process. Would you make the announcement that school will resume next term?"

"I can do that. That part I don't mind. It is the other stuff. This was supposed to be honoring those who died."

"It is, but it is also honoring those of you who fought bravely and went well above what would be expected from students."

Harry wanted to argue but knew he wasn't going to win. He sat and waited for the ceremony to begin. Kingsley took to the podium and welcomed everyone. He then went on to explain why they were all gathered. The ceremony was rather pleasant and was filled with tears as each of the fallen had received the Order of Merlin First Class. Once all awards had been given, Kingsley then shifted the conversation to those who lived.

"The first award today is one that should not come as a surprise. This young man had been fighting this war since he was a baby. He led students into a battle at our own ministry and fought off witches and wizards who thought they were far more talented. They found that they were wrong. This young man has done more for the wizarding world in his short time on Earth than most people would do in seven lifetimes. It is my great honor to award the Order of Merlin First Class to Lord Harry James Potter."

Harry flinched when he was referred to as Lord Potter. He had hoped to keep that information a secret. He walked up and shook Kingsley's hand, keeping a smile on his face. Only those who knew him well knew that it was a forced smile. He then regained his composure and looked down at the notes that had been left for him.

"Thank you, Mr. Minister. First, I would like to once again acknowledge those who died in this war. Too many lives cut short because a mad man wanted more power. Their spirits will live on and they will always be remembered. Now, I have been asked to help present awards to others that went above and beyond during the war and the Battle of Hogwarts. First, I would like to recognize Ms. Daphne Greengrass and Ms. Tracey Davis. During the final battle, many students were ushered to the dungeons and the Slytherin common area to be kept safe. Unfortunately, the battle caused severe damage to the foundations. A collapse had trapped students in. When a second collapse was imminent, both Daphne and Tracey stepped up and shielded the other students as they evacuated through a secret tunnel. Their actions saved the lives of many students. After they had successfully evacuated everyone, the two then joined the rest of us in the final fight. For their bravery and selfless actions, the ministry hereby awards Daphne Greengrass and Tracy Davis with the Order of Merlin First Class."

The two walked up to Harry. They were both smiling. He then pinned the awards onto their robes. The two walked back to their seats. Harry then continued. He gave then awarded Seamus, Ginny, and Luna for their contributions to the war and the final battle. He then came to Neville.

"This next award is more deserved than anyone will ever understand. Neville Longbottom was the head of the rebellion here at Hogwarts while the school was basically under siege. He put the well-being of others before himself. When it came time to fight, Neville was ready to lead at the front lines. At the time when all seemed to be lost, it was Neville who stood up to Voldemort. It was Neville who refused to give up. It was Neville who led the final charge. And it was Neville who made it possible to defeat Voldemort by killing the snake Nagini. The ministry is proud to award Neville Longbottom the Order of Merlin First Class."

Neville walked up to Harry while a standing ovation was happening. He couldn't help but smile.

"You deserve this more than any of us," said Harry as he happily pinned the award on Neville. The two smiled as the crowd still cheered for Neville. After a couple of minutes, Neville returned to his seat next to his grandmother. Harry decided to change things up from what he had scripted in front of him.

"The final awards go to the two people who helped me survive not only this past year, but my entire time at Hogwarts. I would please ask that Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger please join me."

The two stood up and joined Harry at the podium.

"During this entire war, it seemed that all focus was on me. It was said that I did all these incredible things. Some of that was true. Much of it was exaggerated. For the past seven years, these two have stuck with me through hell. These two have kept me going when I was more than ready to give up. They have sacrificed so much to help me. They have sacrificed so much to help the wizarding world. I can honestly say that if it was not for the two of them, I would not be standing here today. Actually, if it wasn't for these two, I would not have survived my first year. Professor McGonagall always would ask why when there was trouble or something happening in the school, it always somehow involved the three of us. It wasn't that we caused the trouble, but that we always seemed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. There were times we felt like outcasts here, but we stuck together. We always had our differences and we would fight, but when it mattered most, we were right there together, side by side, ready to take on whatever came next. It has been my honor and pleasure to call them my best friends. It is also my honor to award them both with the Order of Merlin First Class."

The crowd once again cheered. The three of them stood in front of everyone and smiled. Harry felt that finally his friends had gotten the credit they deserved. Once the cheering died down, Harry ended the ceremony.

"That is all that the ministry had for today. Professor McGonagall has asked me to make one last announcement. As many of you know, Hogwarts suffered severe damage. With the effort of the staff of Hogwarts, as well as some other volunteers, we are proud to announce that Hogwarts will be open and ready to greet new students at the start of the new term!"

With the final announcement out of the way, Harry looked for a quick escape route. Unfortunately, he was soon surrounded by people wanting to talk to him and thank him. He became overwhelmed. He looked for Hermione and Ron, but they had been pulled away from him.

"For Merlin's sake, let the man breathe," yelled a voice that Harry had not thought would come to his aid. Daphne Greengrass was walking towards him, creating a hole in the large crowd. "Come on Potter. Let's get you out of here."

Harry was soon following Daphne up to the castle. Once they were far enough away, they stopped to take a break.

"Thank you for that," said Harry.

"No problem. I could tell you were about to go crazy. Thank you for what you said during the ceremony. I didn't know anyone else knew about that."

"I had heard from one of the professors while we were repairing the dungeons. I also saw the two of you during the last fight. You two are heroes. You deserve it just as much as the rest of us."

"You're not too bad, for a Gryffindor," said Daphne with a grin.

"Same could be said about you, especially for a Slytherin," said Harry, grinning back.

The two were soon joined by the others who had received awards as they were trying to get away from the large crowds. Harry had a quick thought and led them down to Hagrid's new house. They were all impressed with how much nicer it looked. Harry summoned glasses for everyone and a bottle of Fire Whiskey.

"I figure we all deserve a drink after that," said Harry. "A toast. To those lost. May they never be forgotten."

Everyone raised their glasses and then quickly emptied them.

"That is some strong stuff," said Tracey.

"It does the job it was made for," said Neville.

They all laughed. They eventually made their way into the great hall where a feast was waiting. They all had seats at the head table. They sat and talked and ate, ignoring the fact that they were on full display. As the dinner was winding down, Kingsley approached them. He had multiple boxes in his hands.

"There is one more surprise we had for all of you. It will soon be public knowledge, but I figured you would like to see them first."

He then ended everyone a box. When they opened the boxes, there was a large squeal from the girls and cheers from the guys. They each now had their own Chocolate Frog cards.

"These will be going out into circulation with the next batches sent out," said Kingsley.

Everyone compared their cards and laughed when they all disappeared. The event had finally come to an end.

Harry has said goodybye to all of his friends and the Weasley's. The one person he had been unable to say goodbye to was Hermione. After Kingsley had given them their Chocolate Frog cards, she had excused herself. Harry returned to his apartment to find Hermione sitting on the stairwell next to his door. Harry could tell that Hermione had been crying. He said nothing. He simply sat next to her and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close to him.

"Harry, I feel lost," said Hermione, her voice quivering.

"What do you mean?"

"I used to have a plan for my life. I knew what I wanted and how I wanted to get there. Now I have no idea what I want to do anymore. I've lost my parents. I have gone to school here for six years and feel like it hasn't mattered. I don't know what to do."

"Hermione, what started all of this? What happened to have you thinking like this?"

"Stupid Chocolate Frog. I was there in the picture and then the next moment, I'm gone. Is that how it is? People matter only for a short while and then they are irrelavant?"

Harry did everything he could not to laugh. He knew Hermione was really upset, but he just found it funny what had caused it.

"Hermione, that is not how things really are. If that was the case, I would have been forgotten about a year after my parents had died. You are an incredible witch. One of the most intellegent ever. You have not lost your parents. We can get them back and return their memories. I can promise you that they are going to be pissed, but I will be there with you when you tell them. I'll even find a way to take the blame. I'm used to it by now. At least this time, I will have chosen to do it. As for not knowing what you want to do, you are not alone. I have no clue. I thought that I wanted to be an auror, but this past year has made me question that. Do I really want to keep putting myself in danger all the damn time?"

"If you did, at least it would again finally be by your own choosing."

"Exactly. We have choices now Hermione. We can take our time. We can do what we want."

Harry then thought for a moment and looked Hermione in the eyes.

"Come with me."

"Where?"

"On holiday. We can plan where we want to go and just get away. We can figure out what we want together. You have been there for me ever since we met almost seven years ago. You have helped me more times than I can count. Let's do this together."

"Where would we go?"

"Wherever we want to. We can figure that out tomorrow. Are you in?"

Hermione looked deep into Harry's green eyes. She could tell that he was very serious. She also knew he was not going to take no for an answer unless she could give him a good reason, which she did not have.

"I can't afford it," was all she could think of.

"Money isn't an issue. The only thing that matters is if you want to go with me on an adventure that does not include running for our lives."

"It would be nice to just enjoy life for once," Hermione thought out loud.

"Then it is settled. We will go shopping tomorrow and then plan our first place to visit."

The two hugged. Hermione quickly realized that it was much later than she had thought.

"Everyone else left, didn't they?"

"Probably an hour ago. You can stay here. I've got a couch that I can sleep on. You can take the bed."

"Harry, I could not kick you out of your bed," said Hermione.

"You aren't. I am kicking myself out of the bed. I want you to stay, and I am not about to let you sleep on the couch."

"I'll stay, but you are sleeping in the bed."

"You are not sleeping on the couch," said Harry, starting to get frustrated.

"I didn't say that I was," she said with a grin. She walked into the apartment. It took Harry a moment to realize what Hermione had meant. "Are you coming?"

Harry walked into the apartment, finally understanding what Hermione had meant. She soon realized that she had no change of clothes.

"I've got a few shirts and pants you can use," said Harry, pointing to his dresser.

She pulled out a pair of his boxers and one of his t-shirts and then went into the bathroom to change. While she was in the restroom, he changed into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. She came back out and crawled into the bed. Harry then crawled into the bed as well. The bed was a queen size, so there was plenty of space for the two of them. Harry took his sleeping potion and drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

When he awoke the next morning, he felt something was different. He woke up to Hermione spooning him and her arm was drapped over his body. He had never woken up to another person in the same bed as him, let alone a girl. This triggered a reaction from his body. He had erections before, but never as rigid as he had at that moment. It was rather uncomfortable. He wanted to roll onto his back, but he was afraid he would disturb Hermione and that she would wake up and see the tenting of the sheet. He then felt Hermione stir. She squeezed him tightly and moved her arm to resting on his stomach. She was getting too close to his hard situation. She then pulled her body closer to his. He could feel her perky breasts in his back. They were not large, but also not small. They were the perfect size in his opinion. He knew he had to get out of the bed and take care of his problem. He slowly slid from underneath Hermione's arm and crawled out of the bed. He heard a low whining come from her. He got to his dresser, grabbed a change of clothes and then rushed into the bathroom. He started a cold shower and let the water flow all over him. The cold of the water assisted in calming his erection. He could have taken a different route, but was afraid of Hermione accidentaly walking in on him as he took care of himself. He dried off and changed into his clothes. He came out of the room and found Hermione sitting up in the bed stretching.

"Good morning," she said with a smile. "How did you sleep?"

"Great. And you?"

"Best sleep in a long time. So, when do you want to leave for London?"

"As soon as you are ready. We have to go to Gringotts first so I can exchange for some muggle money and then we can go. I want to get some breakfast first."

"I know a great spot that has incredible breakfasts. I just need to figure out what to wear."

Harry then realized again that Hermione had no extra clothes. He pulled out a pair of shorts and a t-shirt for her.

"I'm not great with transfiguration, but I know you are. You can transfigure those into whatever you need them to be. I'm going to be replacing all my clothes anyways."

Hermione climbed out of the bed and grabbed the clothes from Harry. She then kissed him on the cheek and walked into the bathroom. This caused him to smile. It also confused him. She had never done that hugged all the time, but she had never kissed him on the cheek, He figured he was over thinking everything. He he sat in the sitting room and waited for Hermione to come out. When she did, Harry looked at her in amazement. She had turned his clothes into a pair of jean shorts that barely went to her mid thigh. She had beatiful legs that were smooth and pale. The t-shirt was transformed into a red spaghetti strap.

"What," she asked, thinking that something was wrong.

"Nothing. You look great. I've never seen you dressed comfortably before. It's nice."

Hermione was now the one to smile. She had never told anyone that she had been crushing on Harry since their fourth year. It was then that she had realized what kind of guy Harry was. She had also noticed his transformation into a good looking guy. She kept herself from blushing and just smiled.

"Thank you. We should get going."

The two flooed to Gringotts where they were met by Silverclaw.

"Greetings Lord Potter. How can I help you today?"

"I need muggle money. Need to do some shopping in London."

"Do you know how much you will need?"

Harry looked at Hermione for a rough estimate. She wasn't sure because of everything that he was wanting to get.

"I honestly have no idea. We are going to do some major shopping," replied Harry.

"Give me one moment Lord Potter. I have something that will benefit you."
Silverclaw quickly left, leaving Harry and Hermione waiting in the foyer of the bank.

"It is going to take some time getting used to hearing people refer to you as Lord Potter," said Hermione with a grin.

"It's going to take me sometime getting used to being Lord Potter. I still have no idea what I am supposed to do as a Lord."

"We will figure that out later. For now, lets just enjoy the day."

"Good idea. While on the subject of the day, where do we want to go first on our holiday? That will partly decide what we need to shop for."

"I'm not sure. The question should be what things are you wanting to do while on holiday?"

"The beach. I want to spend time on the beach. I really have no idea what other kinds of things there are to do because I wasn't allowed to watch TV and I have limited knowledge of what people do on holiday."

"I think we should visit a travel agent. They have all sorts of holiday ideas," suggested Hermione. "I do like the idea of going to the beach."

They were interrupted as Silverclaw returned.

"Lord Potter, since you have no idea how much you will be spending, we have these cards that are similar to the ones muggles use. It is linked to a muggle bank that we own. It will allow you to make purchases in the muggle world and not have to carry large amounts of muggle currency. The card is enchanted to only allow you and anyone you want be able to use it. It is accepted everywhere in the muggle world. It does not work in the wizarding world. If you are going to make large purchases in our world, all you will need to do is fill out a transaction slip at the shop. Is there anything else we can help you with?"

"How would I authorize somebody else to use the card?"
"You simply have to hand them the card. It will know if you want them to use it."

"Thank you for your help Silverclaw."

Harry and Hermione left Gringotts and hurried down Diagon Alley, avoiding all the people staring at the two of them. The got to The Leaky Cauldron and hurried out the door. Hermione then led Harry to a small cafe that she claimed had the best breakfasts in all of London. After eating, Harry agreed.

"So where to first," asked Harry as they walked out of the cafe.

"Since we know that we want to go somewhere with a beach, I would suggest getting some clothes that are light and loose," said Hermione. "Plus we will need swimsuits and appropriate shoes."

"Then lead the way," said Harry.

The two headed to the tube so that they could get across London quicker. The two soon arrived at the Westfield London Mall.

"We can find everything we need here," said Hermione.

"I've heard about this place, but it is bigger than it was described to me," said Harry, looking at the building in amazement. Hermione grabbed his hand and led him into the mall. The first store they arrived at was Urban Outfitters.

"We can get just about everything we need in this store alone," said Hermione. She then led him to the mens department. She started looking at different shorts and was putting them back. "These are way out of most people's price range."

"Hermione, price is not an issue. If you think they look good, then add them to the stack."

Hermione hesitated, but figured if Harry was willing to pay for the two of them to go on a holiday together, then he could probably afford a few pairs of shorts. She found fours pairs of khaki shorts for him and five polos. All where light weight material and light colored.

"We can get shoes from a different store. We need to get you a pair of swim trunks."

Harry let Hermione drag him around the store. He was enjoying spending time with her away from Hogwarts. They found him a couple pairs of simple swim trunks and swim shoes.

"On to the next store," said Hermione.

"What about you," asked Harry, looking at her like she knew his plans.

"What about me?"

"You need things too."

"Harry, I can't afford things in this store."

"I didn't ask about that."

"Harry Potter, I can not allow you to spend money on me."

"Why not? You are my best friend and I can promise you that I am not going to be hurting for money."

"Harry, this place is expensive."

Harry pulled out a slip of parchment that Silverclaw had given him the first day he left Gringotts. He handed it to Hermione. She gasped when she saw the amount.

"Is that Pounds?"

"No. That is the galleons," said Harry with a huge grin. He knew he had just ended the argument with Hermione.

"That...that is a lot of money Harry," she said, trying to get over what she had just seen.

"It is. More than I could ever expect to spend in a lifetime. More than I could spend in fifty lifetimes. I want to enjoy life and I want to spoil the one person who means more to me than most. Hermione, I love you. I have loved you for years, but never thought you would want a broken me. I am damaged. I have issues. At least the worst of my issues is behind us. I only started dating Ginny because I never thought you would have wanted me."

Hermione interrupted his rant and kissed him. She had thought about that moment many times, but never actually believed it would happen. He wrapped his arms around her waist. In their minds, the world around them stopped. It was just the two of them in their embrace. They could've cared less that people were staring at them.

After what felt like an eternity, the two broke the kiss.

"Wow," said Harry.

"Is that all you have to say, Lord Potter?"
"I am still letting my mind process what just happened. That was amazing. That is something I had thought about many times before. I think i only have one question."

"And what is that?"

"Hermione Jean Granger, will you be my girlfriend?"

Hermione smiled. It was a phrase she had been hoping to hear for years.

"Of course. Nothing would make me happier, except you asking me to marry you."

As soon as Hermione said it, she wished she could have taken it back. She had just gotten the man of her dreams and now she was going to scare him off. He didn't say anything. She tried to think of something to say to fix the situation. He spoke first.

"I didn't think that was an option," began Harry. "If I knew you would be ok with that, I might have asked that instead."

Hermione's jaw dropped. That was not the response she expected.

"We have known each other for 7 years, " continued Harry. "It's not like we don't know each other. There are only a few problems I see with that."

"What are those," asked Hermione, nervous about what he was fixing to say.

"Well, first of all, I don't have a ring for you. That seems like a requirement. Second, not a very romantic place for a proposal. Would not make a great story. The biggest issue is the one I just found out about. I am expected to have three wives. I have no idea what I am going to do about that. I don't want to put you in that position without talking to you about it first."
"Ok. First two are not issues. You could propose to me in the loo with a paper ring and I would probably say yes. The last part is an issue. I am not sure how I would feel about having to share you with two other women. That doesn't change how I feel about you, but it is something I would have to really think about."

"So, for now, we will just focus on being in a happy relationship."

"I can handle that."

"Good. Now, since you are now my girlfriend, I find it my duty to spoil you. Let's head over to the women's department and get you some clothes."

The couple walked towards the womens department and as soon as the clothes were in sight, Hermione raced off. Harry slowly walked towards where she was. He noticed she was grabbing all kinds of different tops and dresses. He found a chair and sat down as she moved from one rack to another. He couldn't help but smile at the joy she had shopping. She then went to try on the different outfits. She came back with most of the outfits.

"Are we done at this store," asked Harry.

"I think so," said Hermione. The two checked out, making Hermione cringe slightly when she saw the total. Harry then reminded her to remember the number he showed her. She then relaxed. She not only had an incredible boyfriend who was sweet and loving and a good guy, but he also was rich. That wasn't a deciding factor for her, but it didn't hurt him either. After they left the store, Hermione went to the restroom and shrunk down their purchases and placed them in her neverending bag. They then moved on to the next store.

"Shoes," said Hermione. "I take it you have never had a brand new pair of sneakers."

"Not once," confirmed Harry.

"You are going to love this. Your feet will feel so much better."

Both bought a couple different pairs of trainers. Hermione had been right. Harry loved how his feet felt in them. They paid for the shoes and Harry left the store with one pair on. He threw his old pair in the garbage. The next stop for the pair was H&M.

"I need a new swimsuit," said Hermione as they walked into the store. "Why don't you look around while I grab one."

"Am I not allowed to see what you get," asked Harry.

"I want it to be a surprise."

Harry pulled out his wallet and handed her his card.

"I'll be sitting outside the store. Just come get me when you are done. I want the next stop to be lunch."

Hermione took the card and disappeared. It did not take Hermione long to find her suit and get out of the store.

"That was quick," said Harry.

"I know what I like. So, what sounds good for lunch?"

"Something simple."

"I know just the place."

Hermione led Harry to Five Guys. This was another place that Harry had heard of but had not had the pleasure of enjoying. They enjoyed their dinner and then continued shopping. Hermione had one last stop.

"Victoria's Secret? Isn't that full of women's underwear?"

"Yes," said Hermione. She blushed slightly. She knew it was awkward, but she was in need of new undergarments.

Harry once again handed her the card and sat down outside the shop. It was almost 45 minutes later until Hermione came back out of the store.

"So what did you get," asked Harry?

"Stuff," responded Hermione. "So, clothes shopping completed. Now we need to find a travel agency."

After doing some research, the two headed back to the tube and found themselves at a small office just outside of London.

"Welcome. How can I help you today," asked a young woman, no more than 30.

"We are looking to go on holiday and we need ideas. Neither of us have planned a trip before."

"That's why you came to me. Please have a seat. Now tell me, what kinds of things are you looking to do?"

"Beach," said Harry. "Someplace warm and relaxing"

The woman smiled.

"That is easy. Have the two of you thought about going on a cruise?"

Hermione's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree at the mention of a cruise.

"That sounds great actually. Where would this cruise go," asked Harry.

The woman then explained the different locations that they could go to from various different ports around the world. Harry and Hermione finally settled on a Caribbean cruise out of Orlando, Florida. Harry had concerns about getting a passport, but Hermione assured him that she knew where to get that taken care of quickly. There was an office within the ministry of magic that could get them passports within a couple of days. The couple booked an 8 day cruise for the following weekend. Harry paid for everything, including the flight and hotels for while they were in Orlando. The two left the travel agancy and returned to Hogwarts. They returned to the apartment and put everything away. As they were getting ready for dinner, Professor McGonagall stopped by.

"Good evening Professor," said Harry.

"Good evening Mr. Potter. And good evening Mrs. Granger. How was your day?"

"Very eventful," said Harry. "Sorry I didn't tell you about Hermione staying last night."

"That is quite alright. That is not the reason for my visit. I have a question about the next school year. Are either of you considering coming back to finish your seventh year, or your twos case, take your seventh year?"

Harry and Hermione looked at each other. Neither had considered that as an option.

"I didn't know that we would be able to," said Hermione.

"It was discussed by the staff and we all agreed that anyone who was unable to complete their schooling would have the option of returning next year. Is that something that would interest either of you?"

"Can we think about it," asked Harry. "I am not sure if it will be possible for me to attend school while also being a Lord."

"Of course. I would need to know by the beginning of August."

"We will let you know before then," said Hermione.

"Thank you. Were the two of you coming down for dinner?"

The three left the apartment and went down to the kitchens for dinner. Harry and Hermione informed the new headmistress of their travel plans for the following weekend. After dinner, the two returned to the apartment and got ready for bed. Hermione was the first to crawl into bed, wearing a new nighty. Harry decided to wear only a pair of boxers, feeling much more comfortable around Hermione. Unlike the morning, Harry laid facing Hermione and pulled her close to him, wrapping his arm around her. The two quickly fell into a deep, happy sleep.