Before Hermione knew it, it was the weekend and the day of the family visits. The day had been set for Saturday as many couples wanted to go into Hogsmeade to begin planning their weddings. In fact, Harry and Hermione had already received their first invite to a wedding only a month from now (It was Dean and Parvati's as they had been together before the law).

As Harry and Hermione both had no family to greet and plan with they thought they would take a look around Hogsmeade, Hermione wanted a new quill set and Harry wanted to stock up on sweets from Honeydukes. She knew that Mrs Weasley was going to the castle to see Ron and Ginny and, if her and Harry were being honest, neither of them were ready to see the Weasley matriarch. Hermione was fully aware of how the older woman had long been hoping for her and Harry to become Weasleys and she was worried that seeing her today would be awkward and uncomfortable for all involved.

They left the castle early on the clear Autumns morning, Harry strolling alongside Hermione in a comfortable silence. He hadn't touched her since the day he kissed her two days ago and Hermione was now beyond confused, she couldn't figure out what it meant. The closest theory she had formed was that he was so drained from the incident in the hall that he'd kissed her without really registering what he was doing. Hermione wasn't sure if it meant something to him or not.

"So, Three Broomsticks for lunch Mione?" Harry's voice broke through her thoughts, "We could go to the Hog's Head and see Abe if you want but I'm not fussed about eating there again!" he chuckled, obviously recalling the last time they went when Aberforth tried to serve them goat stew.

"Sure, Harry. Sounds good, I want to stop by Madame Malkin's too. I need new dress robes for Parvati's wedding, if we go early hopefully we can avoid the rush of everyone else. I don't want to be in any Bridezilla's way" Hermione sighed, although her wedding was still four months away (Harry had wanted to marry in January, 30th January to be exact as a tribute to his Mother) Hermione didn't even want to start considering a dress yet, especially as she wouldn't have her mother there to help her. She sighed again and considered the implications of having to plan this wedding by herself without her parents, she never would of guessed that this is how her wedding would of turned out.

As if reading her thoughts Harry suddenly spoke, "we could look through dresses together if you want. I know it's bad luck to see the bride's dress but it's not that far away anymore and we might as well do it together. I'm sure we can defeat the great trial of the wedding dress together you know." Harry grinned at her but faltered at seeing Hermione lost in thought. He gently took her hand, "Hermione, you know we don't even have to look, we can order robes for Dean's wedding.."

Hermione started at the feel of a warm hand against hers, "Oh, er, Harry! Maybe we can, let's just see ok?" She expected him to then let go of her hand but he didn't, he continued to hold her hand and moved to lace his fingers with hers. Hermione grinned to herself, maybe he was coming round to the idea of them being engaged and he was ok with it. They continued their walk in silence, both content to watch the world go by on their short journey to Hogsmeade.

When they finally arrived at the wizarding village Hermione could already see how busy it was. The main street was bustling with students and their families and there was already a queue out of the door of Madame Puddifoots. Hermione rolled her eyes at the sight. She had always despised that sappy shop and their ridiculous displays of hearts and flowers. She turned to Harry, who had yet to unclasp her hand, and asked, "where to first?"

He smiled sheepishly back, "Quidditch?" he grinned at her frown, "only joking Mione, book shop it is."

She grinned at him and began to tug at his hand in earnest, dragging him off to the book shop for a good browse. Harry grinned at her enthusiasm and chuckled to himself, it was good to see how little she had changed throughout everything.

They had not gone far down the street however before a long bang was heard, Hermione felt herself being pushed around behind Harry, she drew her wand without a second thought and looked over Harry's shoulder.

What she saw shocked her, she could see the aurors surrounding someone, keeping her wand in her grasp she stepped around Harry and stood beside him. Harry was stood in a defensive pose, wand at the ready and fierce panic on his face. He had a foot forwards as if to run if necessary and was staring at the commotion unblinkingly. Hermione went to touch him but before she could she heard a familiar voice.

"Harry, Hermione quickly away!" Hermione looked up at Auror Capps' face, he was a brave soldier for the light side in the final battle and helped move many of the casualties into the Great Hall during the break in the fighting. "Rebel Death Eaters causing commotion- back to the castle with you, all students are being returned to Hogwarts."

Harry visibly bristled at this and Hermione feared another outburst, she quickly grabbed him and sprinted back in the direction they came, wand still at the ready. She could feel Harry resisting but instinct had taken over, protect the Chosen One, run and take him to safety. It was an old habit from the war, she knew he was the most important trophy and Hermione was all too familiar with protecting him at all costs.

"Harry, come on, I can see the gates!" Hermione was panting heavily, Harry was still resisting her protection and she was close to anger at his resistance. "Hurry now, we're safe in the walls!" Hermione pushed her legs to work harder and dragged her fiancé through the gates. She stopped running and bent double, trying to get her breath back. Hermione looked over at the raven haired boy who was now stood stock still, staring back towards the village. He seemed totally unaware of the other students and families pouring round him in their haste to reach the salvation of Hogwarts. "Harry", Hermione panted.

Harry didn't look round. Hermione stood and reached across to him, he didn't acknowledge her. Hermione tried to reach for his hand and finally Harry reacted, he collapsed against her and Hermione released he couldn't catch his breath. "Harry, Harry, what's happened?" Hermione searched her friend's face for a sign of a hex, a curse, anything that could cause the pain. Harry's eyes were wide and he was still panting hard, he was curled against her now, wringing his hands.

"Death….Eaters." He managed to wheeze out, "Did….they?"

"No, the aurors had them Harry, they were arresting and evacuating until it is safe." Hermione held Harry close and stroked his head, "Breathe Harry, match your breathing to mine." She took deep, even breaths to help Harry clam himself. "Come on, you need to be inside, you need chocolate." She stood and helped Harry make his way to the castle, fear welling inside her chest. Another panic attack, another moment of fear for Harry, it was so unfair on him. She worried about the third outburst of abnormal behaviour in a week. She must go and see the Headmistress again and see if she would be allowed some time with Dumbledore to get more information on how she could help Harry.

As they walked into the hall, arms still around each other they stopped, Harry was staring at the hall with wide eyes. Concerned, Hermione looked around too and groaned internally, it was family day and of course, Mrs Weasley was sat with her children at the Gryffindor table staring at the entwined couple that had just walked through the door. However, before she could say anything she was almost deafened by her son.

"Hermione, Harry! What happened?" Ron was bellowing while running towards them, "The staff wouldn't let us leave, said something about safety procedures. Bollocks, I tried to get through but they wouldn't let me go find you."

"We're ok Ron, there were aurors already rounding them up, couldn't see who it was." Hermione informed the final third of the trio. "Auror Capps got to us and sent us back up here. He's down in Hogsmeade, stabilising the perimeters again to make it safe."

"How did they get in?" Ron questioned, "I thought Hogsmeade was protected?"

"They must have found a gap." Hermione shifted Harry's arm further over her shoulder, "we just need to sit down and get some sugar. It's been a shock."

Ron led them back to where he had been sitting with Hannah, Ginny, Terry and the Weasleys. They all sat and Hermione busied herself getting hot chocolate and biscuits to bring Harry out of the panic he had previously shown. She was aware of the Weasley matriarch sitting only metres away from her and wanted to buy herself some time to deal with this. Once she had finished serving herself and Harry she straightened and smiled at the table, why hadn't she taken Harry straight to the kitchen? She thought to herself.

"Hello Hermione, Harry dear." Mrs Weasley smiled at them, "are you ok? Goodness! I can't believe it! Hogsmeade, attacked! I'm so grateful you're both safe, we were so worried."

Hermione relaxed at the older woman's words, maybe she would be ok, the concern for them had overrode the initial awkwardness of the marriage law pairings. She felt harry begin to relax to, his hands finally unclenching and his breath was now almost at the same pace as hers. "We're fine Mrs Weasley, just shocked, we were told Hogsmeade was safe!"

"Well, the ministry will be tightening security further, I dread to think what work will be like tomorrow." Mr Weasley chimed in, "So glad you're both safe."

Hermione could see Molly Weasley studying them both, it was then she realised that Harry had again taken her hand and was running his thumb back and forth across her knuckles. She swallowed and stirred her drink while appearing to try and seem nonchalant about it, as if could avoid drawing attention to her match.

"So, I hear congratulations are in order. " the red headed woman started, "you must both be pleased with your matches, we've just met Ron's and Ginny's future partners." She smiled across at Hannah and Terry, "Have you set a date? We're just discussing potential dates for Ginny's wedding. Of course, I shall need some time to plan, it wasn't quite what I was expecting."

I bet it wasn't Hermione thought to herself, you were probably planning a wedding to the man sat beside me. But, she smiled pleasantly, "Have you set a date yet Gin?" She directed her question to the girl who was sat quietly the other side of her mother.

"December 5th, we're going for a winter wonderland theme." Ginny replied, with a glint of happiness. Hermione was relieved that she was able to show some enthusiasm for her wedding. She may not empathise with Molly but she did not want to lose the friend she had gained in her daughter.

"Yes, Harry dear have you decided when you will….?" Molly directed her question at Harry and Hermione bristled, she was the one doing the talking and Harry needed time to recover.

Hermione stepped in to reply, "January 30th." Hermione didn't elaborate on why they chose that date. Molly could work it out for herself.

"Lovely, well at least you'll all still be here together, before you have to live out in the wide world so far away from each other. I think Ron and Ginny shall miss you both."

"I think we'll all see each other Mrs Weasley," Hermione replied frostily, "We are after all great friends, especially after all we have been through."

Mrs Weasley replied, "I'm sure you will Hermione, it will just all be so different."

"Not really mum! We have all year before that anyway so it doesn't matter." Hermione threw a grateful look at Ron for stepping in, "I'm sure Hannah and Terry will get used to us all hanging around together. They know our story- the whole of the wizarding world does!" Ron looked at his mother, "we're all trying to get through this without any drama." He looked pointedly at Mrs Weasley, who had the grace to look embarrassed.

Harry suddenly stood, "It was nice to see you all but I need to lie down after this afternoon, I think I need to just process it all before any owls or actions and given. Hemione are you coming?" Without waiting for a response, Harry took the hand he had been caressing and half pulled her out of the hall. Once they were in the entrance hall he stopped and looked at her, "Sorry Mione, couldn't listen to her moaning about how different everything was, on top of everything else today. Can we go to your tower? I just want some time the two of us."

"Sure Harry, lead the way. Thanks for saving me from that."