Departing the house

After this, they went another month with no word from Harry. Things went smoothly as possible, Aurora grew very attached to the men. Viktor and Hermione grew to be closer than friends, the kisses on the cheeks and hugs grew to be longer than normal. However, Viktor knew that with Aurora and Ron always around, relationships were strictly forbidden.

That night, Harry apparated into their apartment, once again. He was interrogated by Ron and Viktor, just like the last time, and was cleared.

When Hermione entered the room, she gasped. Harry had two black eyes, and what looked like several scars on his arms. He looked as though he hadn't slept in days, and probably hadn't.

"Hermione, Viktor, Ron, and Aurora, I have good and bad news. The good news is, the last two Death Eaters were rounded up today and given The Kiss. Also," He smiled, "Ginny had the baby, and Lillian is fine. Thank you so much, Viktor. That Bulgarian healer really is amazing." Hermione and Ron both sighed, this was the news they had been hoping for. "The bad news is, Dzijulia is dead." Viktor nodded, expecting this. "She killed and the other Death Eaters went on a rampage in Hogsmeade, looking for people who would know of all of your where-a-bouts. Viktor, I am very sorry we, but we had to"

Viktor interrupted, "Harry, I am very grateful. I vas hoping that you would give me this news." He paused, and looked down for a moment, "Did the healer I sent you help you, really?"

"Yes, he was wonderful. He knew exactly what he was doing, he saved Lillian's life. Thank you Viktor."

"You are velcome, vlease do not hesitate to ask for favor, Quiddich stars get everything vor free, I do not mind." He smiled sadly, knowing he would have a hard time with Dzijulia's death. Her family and his family were very close to one another, and would no doubt find out who relayed the information which brought her down.

"Alright, well you all are being released from this place. Hermione, I need to talk to you." Harry looked sad, and Hermione just hoped it wasn't another death.

They walked back to Hermione's bedroom, and closed the door.

"Hermione, the Death Eater's went back to your home and ransacked it again. I am so sorry, but it was almost completely destroyed with magic. The ministry has demolished it, and I hope you are happy with the replacement." Hermione breathed a sigh with relief, she was expecting a death. "Well, I am sure you are eager to get out of this place, so I will leave you to tidy up as I know that you weren't allowed to bring anything." Harry had a twinkle in his eyes, and Hermione remembered that twinkle from when he presented Aurora with the miniature version of her car. She suspected a surprise, but wasn't going to ask.

Hermione tidied up the house quickly, as she had only brought the clothes on her back and her purse. Ron had managed to bring a small amount of clothes, as did Viktor. The house had been already full of the things they needed, and it magically restocked itself when needed. They wrote down the things they needed specifically for food on a piece of paper, and it magically appeared inside their fridge. She would definitely miss that, she knew. Not having to worry about a single thing for 8 weeks was paradise for Hermione, but she was very eager to get out into the real world.

Goodbyes were said to Ron and Harry, who were anxious to get back to Ginny. Viktor wanted to escort Aurora and Hermione home, so he apparated into the lobby of the ministry, where Hermione and Aurora shorty followed.

Hermione was amazed that she had only been a hundred feet above all of this, and hadn't seen or heard any of it for 8 weeks.

"Hermi-own," Viktor was amazed that he still hadn't mastered Hermione's name yet, "lets go to your papa's home. I haff a veeling that there vill be a surprise there."

When they apparated to Hermione's father's home, she was bombarded with hugs and kisses. Harry was there again, and with Ginny and Lillian. All of the rest of the Weasleys were there, and were celebrating their return. Viktor's team was there along with his family, and Ron's girlfriend, whose name Hermione never learned, was there. Hermione and Mrs. Weasley took turns holding little Lillian, who was just as tiny as a little baby doll. She was definitely a dwarf, but Viktor's requested doctor had worked a miracle on her. Ginny thanked Viktor profusely, and the poor Quiddich player was red with embarrassment.

They partied all the rest of the afternoon, talking and celebrating their safe return. Aurora and Lillian were the center of the attention, but Lillian quickly got fussy and had to leave with her Mama. Aurora spent most of the party with Fred and George, who were two of her favorite men on earth.

Viktor introduced Hermione to his parents, who seemed to be overly pleased to meet her. She wondered about this, and figured that Viktor probably talked to them about her a lot. The Bulgarian Quiddich seemed to snigger at Viktor when he introduced Hermione, and this confirmed it. Viktor liked her, and must talk about her awfully lot.

When the party was breaking up, as in most everyone was married and had a curfew to keep, Harry came back and walked with Viktor, Hermione, and Aurora to the spot of Hermione's former home.

Hermione almost fainted when she saw its replacement. It was magnificent.