Disclaimer: I own NOTHING!! NOTHING AT ALL! I don't wish to get sued.

A/N: This takes place in the life of Harry and Hermione… but you'll have to use your imagination a bit as always in fan fiction. I love to hear from you if you liked the story! Please Read and Review, but no flames. I don't feel they are necessary.

I'm sorry it took almost two months to get out the next chapter, but I ended up having to have a bit of emergency surgery. The chapter keeps getting longer. If it's not up to my usual par, forgive me!

This chapter was originally SIXTY pages long when I typed it single spaced. I was going to include the proposal and all in it, but figured it was a bit much for a chapter. I have it broken down into two chapters. This is the final part of chapter 20.

Thank you all for the Amazing reviews! I really appreciate them! Keep 'em up! They really help me keep up my writing quickly!! I love reading your comments, especially my frequent readers as well as my new readers! Keep them up!

I have to say that I have the BEST reviewers ever! You all are amazing! Please keep them up. It helps to know what you think about my writing… the only thing I'm having difficulty with is who to pair Ginny with… hmm… Draco? Neville? Someone completely out of the loop? Not sure yet..

It only takes a couple seconds to review so please Keep the Reviews Coming! I love 'em.

Harry couldn't get out of the office fast enough, knowing that his godson was in the hospital. He felt instant panic, as he quickly got around to get to the hospital.

"Do you want me to go?" Ron asked.

"No, one of us needs to stay here and it's not going to be me." Harry replied.

"I'll be there at five." Ron said.

"Right." Harry replied, running to their apparating spot. Harry thought as hard as he could and arrived within seconds to the hospital. Running up to the healer station, he immediately asked for the condition of his godson and Andromeda. He was sent to another station who explained the situation to him.

"The cars were traveling on either side of the road, when Mrs. Tonks's car swerved and went into oncoming traffic. Teddy suffered bumps and bruises and a broken leg which we are mending right now, while Andromeda we are mending her bones as we speak."

"Can I see my godson?"

"Soon." Healer Jones replied, "Wait here, and I will bring you back as soon as possible."

Harry sat down on the chair, his elbows on his knees, wondering what went wrong in the car. Why they would lose control. Visions of the crash that he hadn't even been apart of flew through his mind. He was sick over the fact that he couldn't see his godson, that he was lying there, bones being mended with no one with him except for strangers. He put covered his face with his hands, silently hoping that this was all a dream, when he felt someone sit next to him, taking his hand. He looked up at the intruder and sighed.

Only minutes before, Ron went as quickly as his legs could take him, down the hall and to the elevator to the ministry of magic and muggle department. He felt that Hermione should be with Harry, bypassing his own girlfriend's office to find his best friends. He threw open her door, slightly out of breath, "Hermione." Ron said, running into her office.

"What?" She said, looking up from her itinerary that she was trying to finish a bit alarmed with Ron's behavior.

"Teddy and Andromeda were in a car accident."

"What?! Are they alright?!" Hermione said standing up at her desk, looking at Ron in disbelief.

"Harry doesn't know. He got an owl and took off."

"When did it happen?"

"2:50 in the afternoon."

"My god." She said, clearing her desk off quickly, "Are you going?"

"No, that's why I got you. I'm leaving after work. One of us has to stay and I wasn't about to tell him to stay."

"You couldn't do that." Hermione replied, pushing past Ron, "I'll see you there."

Ron smiled nodding as Hermione fled the office and to the annex to apparate. She made it to the hospital in seconds, looking for Harry. She couldn't find him so she asked at the Healer's station, and ran down the hall. What she saw broke her heart. Her fiancé was sitting with his head in his hands. His shoulders were bent forward as he waited with his face in his hands. Hermione quietly walked over to him, sliding into the seat next to him. She gently covered his hand with hers. He looked over at her and took it gratefully. Hermione kissed his cheek, as he wrapped his arm around her.

"Any news?" Hermione asked.

Harry shook his head, "Not since I first got here."

"I'm sure we'll here soon."

"Don't you have work? Your itinerary has to be finished by tomorrow and…"

Hermione shook her head, "Some things are more important than work."

Harry sighed, "I'm sorry."

Hermione nodded, "Me too." She laid her head on Harry's shoulder, staring at the sickening green paint on the wall that much resembled pea soup. Hermione scrunched her nose, she hated pea soup. She felt the same lump in her stomach that she got when her mum and dad use to force feed her pea soup. She refused to ever do that to her children, "Why would they paint the wall in here green?"

"It's supposedly cheery."

"It should be yellow."

Harry shrugged, "I think that in this room, no matter what color it is, you will always associate it with a negative opinion."

"Not yellow." Hermione said.

"Bile?"

Hermione shuddered, "What about pink?"

"Roses." Harry smiled.

"What's wrong with roses? They symbolize weddings."

"And deaths."

"I prefer thinking about weddings." Hermione replied.

"So do I, but in a place like this…"

Hermione thought for a few moments, trying to get their minds off of Teddy and Andromeda being hurt, "Blue?"

Harry thought for a moment. Normally he associated blue with the sky, quidditch, flying, the lake, the ocean. She may have gotten him with that color. He gave her a perplexed look and she began to smile a bit, "The lake." He concluded.

"Nothing's wrong with the lake." Hermione said, "It should be blue…"

"On the contrary love. In a place like this, when I think about the lake at Hogwarts, I immediately think of drowning."

"Oh come on. You are making that up."

"No I'm not." Harry assured her, "If you'll remember the goblet of fire chose me and tried to kill me." He said, "In a place like this I think of almost losing Ron, You, Myself, and also Gabrielle. Keep in mind you were sleeping throughout the entire experience."

"Alright, alright. I thought you were going to say quidditch."

"That's what I thought first." Harry said.

"What about purple?"

"A bruise." Harry said.

Hermione smiled, "Now you're reaching."

Harry shrugged, "Fine, how about orange?"

Hermione was about to make an obvious comment, when the Healer came in, "Mr. Potter?"

"Yes." Harry said, releasing Hermione's hand and stood up.

"Master Lupin will be healed in another hour or so. Mrs. Tonks will have to stay in over night for a few more potions and we must run a few more tests, but she will be released as soon as everything is clear for her."

"Can I see them?"

"I'll bring you back to see the boy." She said, "He's a bit shook up."

"I can only imagine." Harry replied as Hermione stood up next to him.

"Come on back."

Harry walked to Teddy's room. His blue hair now a pale yellow, as he sat there, under the influence of the potion, to get his leg to heal. He looked at Harry and immediately reached for him. Hermione stood back while Harry took a seat next to his godson. Hermione felt tears sting her eyes as she watched the relationship between Teddy and Harry. He talked so gently to the three year old, and Teddy ate it up. His hair slowly went for the blonde color to the usual vibrant blue that they were use to. Harry kept his hand on the top of Teddy's forehead, and never broke eye contact with the boy. Teddy hugged Harry tightly and relaxed, allowing the potion to work better. A small "Myme" broke Hermione's thoughts and she went over to the bed, standing next to Harry. She kissed his forehead and placed her hand on Harry's shoulder. The three stood there, waiting for the leg to heal.

Harry went over to the next floor where Andromeda was, leaving Hermione with his grandson. He knocked softly on the door and saw Andromeda lying on her side, facing away from the door, "Andromeda? Care for some company?"

A soft sigh came from the elder witch, as she turned around to her grandson's godfather, "How are you Harry?"

"I should be asking you the same thing." Harry said, walking over to her bed.

"I've been better." She said, wincing as the healing potion took place.

Harry looked at her tired features, "What happened?"

Andromeda shrugged, "I was driving, and then the car in front stopped suddenly. I turned the wheel and the next thing I knew was that I was in the hospital."

"Have you seen Teddy yet?"

She shook her head sadly, "Not yet. I plan on seeing him as soon as they allow me. How is he?"

"He's alright. Hermione's with him right now. Broken leg, but it is healing nicely." Harry reassured her, "You both were lucky."

"I didn't mean for this to happen." Andromeda replied.

Harry smiled, "Muggle drivers, that's why I refuse to get my license."

Andromeda smiled a bit, "He's alright though?"

"Yes. He'll be released today."

"Will you take him until I am out?"

"Of course." Harry smiled, "I'll keep him as long as you need. I doubt you'll be here too much longer…"

Andromeda shrugged, "I'm just glad he's not worse off."

"Me too. I didn't know what to expect when I got that letter."

"Thank you for coming." Harry nodded at the witch, and stayed with her a few more minutes before saying, "You should probably go back with Teddy. He needs you more than I do."

Harry didn't need to be told twice, but with a final, "Are you sure?"

"Go." She said. Harry nodded, said goodbye to her and headed back to his godson. Hermione was sitting by the side of his bed, smiling as Teddy clung to three of her fingers. She talked softly to him, as he watched her. Harry listened to Hermione tell of one of the many tails and adventures the trio experiences when they were in Hogwarts. He watched how naturally it came to with caring about Teddy. He listened to her soft voice in the pale blue room. He listened intently and realized that she was telling him about a Quidditch match and how Gryffindor won. Folding his arms, he leaned against the door frame, staring from Hermione to Teddy and then back. Teddy was calm as he lied next to Hermione, nodding along with her or talking to her about Quidditch. Harry was amazed at how much she knew about Quidditch. She never showed a lot of interest in the sport, even though she showed her support. She had every aspect down to a tee. Finally, after the story ended, Teddy caught wind of Harry and called over to him.

"The healer was just in." Hermione said, "About twenty minutes ago."

"And?"

"They said that Teddy could be released within the hour, and no later than four. They asked if we were taking him home tonight, or if he would be staying with a relative. I told him we'd take him."

He smiled, kissing the side of her head, "What do you think Teddy? Do you want to go home with me tonight?"

He sniffled, and said, "Yes. Grandmum too?"

"No, Grandmum has to stay here for a bit. You'll see her when she is out."

Teddy nodded and looked at his leg, "Almost fixed?"

Hermione nodded to him, "Almost."

Harry placed his hands on Hermione's shoulders and smiled at her. Kissing her head, he rubbed her shoulders gently, waiting for news that he could take his godson home.

Two hours later, Teddy was as good as new. His first few steps were very tentative, but after that, he was running around like a normal three year old. Harry who was holding Teddy, apparated to Grimmaulds Place and arrived moments later to the familiar foyer. Hermione followed shortly after. Teddy immediately went running around Grimmaulds Place, playing with any toy he could find. Harry and Hermione sat in the kitchen drinking tea when they heard a yowl and an "Oops!"

Hermione squeezed her eyes shut, "What is he oopsing about?"

"I don't know."

"Myme!" He said, running into her sight.

"What?" She said, not really looking forward to what the child was going to say.

"Kitty ran away!" He told her, his eyes bright blue and wide.

"What do you mean kitty ran away?"

"I pulled him and he ran!"

"What did you pull on him?"

"Tail." He giggled.

"Teddy!" Harry said, "You shouldn't be pulling the kitty's tail. Crookshanks doesn't like that!"

"I better go find him." Hermione said, "He ought be sulking somewhere. Teddy, do NOT pull the kitty's tail."

Hermione found the cat sulking under their bed, looking at Hermione through a fat, scrunched up face, "Well I'm sorry Crookshanks, but that's what you get living with a three year old. Come on out." The cat continued sulking, "Fine! What do you think you are going to do when Harry and I have kids of our own? Hide the rest of your life away? Don't expect me to wait for you." She frowned, and walked out of the room. She headed to the linen closet and pulled out clean sheets to put on Teddy's bed. She opened the bedroom door and used her wand to refit the sheets on his bed. Hermione smiled at the sheets she picked up. They were red and had gold with snitches all over them. Hermione shook her head, but knows that Teddy would most likely be a Quidditch player in the near future. Rolling her eyes she smoothes out the wrinkles and walked back downstairs to be with two of the most important people.

"Are you hungry Ted?" Harry asked, brushing a stray piece of hair away from his eyes.

"Um, YUP!" He smiled.

"I'll go cook…" Hermione began, but Harry stopped her.

"No. I can do it." He replied.

Hermione grinned and nodded, getting a kiss from Harry, on the lips, "Yucky!" Teddy said, looking at the pair.

"Yucky eh?" Harry laughed, ruffling up his blue hair, "I'll remember that when you are older."

"I won't!" Teddy smiles.

"You won't what?" Harry asked.

"Kiss no one!" Teddy said, outraged that Harry would even think that.

"I'm sure." Hermione chuckled. Harry kissed Hermione's forehead and went into the kitchen to start cooking dinner.

"Neve!" Teddy smiled as the white owl fluttered down onto Hermione's shoulder. Teddy pulled himself up onto Hermione's lab, and reached for Neve with both hands. Neve, a bit frightened dug her talons a bit too deep into Hermione's shoulder.

"Ouch, Neve!" She said, before turning her attention to Teddy, "Teddy, you need to be gentle with Neve."

"Myme! I want to pet him!"

"Her. You want to pet her."

"I said that." He pouted.

"Watch." She said, as she used the palm of her hand to stroke the soft white feathers. She felt the owls talons release her grip on her shoulder a bit, "One hand Teddy and you must be gentle. Neve doesn't like to be grabbed."

Teddy took what Hermione said to heart and gently pet the owl, smiling victoriously, "I did it!"

Hermione nodded, grinning, "You did. Brilliant job honey. Don't hurt her."

"I hold her."

Hermione shook her head, "She's not ready for you to hold her yet. She will fly down on your shoulder when she is ready, alright?"

Teddy nodded, jumping off of Hermione's lap. Hermione nudged Neve off her shoulder to see the damage that was done, "Damn." She swore as she saw the blood trickling down her shoulder. She stood up and went into the kitchen, grabbing a napkin.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked, seeing the napkin soak up her blood.

"Teddy startled Neve when she was on my shoulder." She said, blotting her shoulder. Harry walked over to inspect it closer, "It's nothing Harry."

He looked at her shoulder closely, before taking her wand and tapping it on her shoulder, stopping the blood immediately, "Thank you." She smiled.

"I think she and I need to have a discussion. Where is my little feathery friend?"

"I dunno." Hermione said, "She didn't mean for it to happen."

"True enough, but what if it were Teddy?"

"Honestly Harry, you talk to Neve as if she were human." Hermione laughed.

"She understands." Harry smiled.

"To a point."

"No, she understands." Harry smiled.

Hermione looked out of the kitchen, watching Teddy play with his miniature toy broom, one that he could NOT ride. Harry had wanted to get him one that he could fly, but Hermione put her foot down. She didn't like the idea of a three year old being able to pilot his own broom, even if it only flew two feet off the ground. Harry in turn felt the need to remind her that Sirius got him a broom for his first birthday. 'I'm not Sirius.' Hermione retorted.

'I came out alright.' Harry responded.

'I'm waiting for the verdict on that one.' She teased, getting promptly tickled until she surrendered.

Hermione looked at Harry and lowered her voice, "Well, what are you going to do about Teddy?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, are you going to let Andromeda take him?"

"When she is out of the hospital."

"Harry, she was in a car accident."

"So what?" Harry said, "Lots of people are in car accidents."

"Not that injure a child!"

"Hermione, I don't think that Andromeda is a threat to Teddy, if that is what you are thinking."

"That's NOT what I'm thinking." She said, "I'm just really worried about his wellbeing."

"Because of Andromeda."

"NO…"

"Hermione, I am his godfather, and I say that he needs to be with his grandmum. It was one accident. It's not like she has been purposely putting Teddy in harms way! She's fine Hermione!"

"I was just wondering." Hermione said, "I'm worried about Teddy. Andromeda isn't exactly young."

"I'm aware." Harry said.

Hermione sighed, "I just wanted to know."

"Soon as Andromeda feels fit enough to have him back, he'll be going." Harry replied. Harry had just finished getting Teddy his food when a patronus came through the open window. It was a Jack Russell Terrier.

"Harry mate, we need you. Death Eaters are on the move. We're going after them. Apparate here as soon as you get this." And with that the terrier was gone.

Hermione looked at Harry, "I'm sorry love." He said.

"Not a problem, go ahead." She smiled, kissing him, "I'll see you tonight."

"You bet. Are you alright with Teddy?"

"Fine." She replied, "Go on."

"Harry!" Teddy smiled, running into him.

"Hey Teddy, I have to go to work, but you stay here with Hermione, and I'll see you when you get back, alright?"

"Ok." He smiled.

"Be good for Hermione."

"I will."

"See you in a bit." Harry smiled, kissing her softly on the lips, "I love you."

"Love you too." She smiled.

Harry apparated and ran to his office, "You made it!" Ron said, smiling.

"I wouldn't have missed it for the world." Harry smiled as all the Auror's conjugated at their point of apparition.

"How's Teddy and Andromeda?"

"Andromeda needs to stay with the healers for a little while longer, probably a few days. She needed tests done. Teddy is staying with Hermione and I right now, till Andromeda is back on her feet. He had a broken leg but is good as new right now."

"Well good to hear they will both be alright."

Harry nodded, "Yeah."

All the Auror's apparate with their wands at hand, poised, calm, collective, and ready to enter into the undisclosed location. It was a rush of adrenaline every time you arrive at your target location. They stay hidden until the proper time, watching, listening, waiting for the chase. Harry and Ron are always partners. They have the best chemistry when they work together. They watch out for each other. The adrenaline pumped in the warm summer air. They waited and watched and finally, they pounced. The head Auror's leading them into the hostile territory, followed by the rest of the Auror's. Spells collided with one another, red and green sparks flew from wands as the attack continued.

Hermione sat looking at the clock on the wall. Harry had been gone for four hours. The entire day went rather smoothly. Hermione always needed to keep herself occupied during the times she knew Harry was out and in danger. She and Teddy had a full evening, complete with a trip to the park down the street, and then over to the Burrow to play with Victoire. Ginny was there so Hermione spent a few hours with them, before saying goodbye and heading back to the house at around eight. She knew that Teddy would be exhausted. Hermione gave him a bath, and changed him into his pajamas that they kept at the house for just this reason. The nervous pit in her stomach grew as the minutes that Harry was not with her. She hated waiting, but thankfully had Teddy to keep her occupied, if not for only a little while longer. "I can do it!" Teddy said, pulling Hermione's thoughts away from Harry and back to the child.

"Exactly what can you do?"

"Put on my jammies!"

"Well ok then, go right ahead sir." Hermione laughed. She watched him get his bottoms on flawlessly, and then giggled as his head got stuck in his top. Hermione watched as the tot tried to get his head through the armhole, "Can I help you yet?"

"NO." He said, quite sure that he would be victorious over the battle between him and his shirt.

"Teddy, that's the wrong hole love." Hermione smiled, sitting on the bed.

"HELP!" He cried when the shirt just wouldn't go over his head, "Pwease!"

"Come here." She said, taking his arm, pulling him towards her. She maneuvered the shirt to go over his head, "There, is that better?"

"Yes." He said, hugging her tightly, "Thank you."

"You are most certainly welcome." She said, standing up with him, "Are you ready for bed yet?"

"Not yet." He said cheerfully.

"Well, why don't we see if Ron and Harry have some ice cream in the freezer."

"YEAH!" He said, as the pair walked downstairs.

Looking at the clock, another hour had gone by, "Alright let's see what they have." She replied to Teddy as she sat him down on a chair at the table, "Ron and Harry must have gone shopping without my knowing." Hermione laughed, seeing the four pints of ice cream in the refrigerator, "Well hun, you have a choice, do you want chocolate-vanilla-strawberry, or cookie dough, or double fudge brownie, or mint chocolate chip?"

"Banilla!"

"Of course." She laughed, pulling out the vanilla ice cream as well as her personal favorite, double fudge which she hated having in the house. She never bought ice cream for herself, because she would eat it, but every time the two boys went out food shopping alone, they always remembered Hermione. She scooped out the two dishes of ice cream, presenting it to the tot.

"Yum!" Teddy smiled, "Thank you."

"You're welcome." She laughed.

"Harry want mint." Teddy reminded her.

Hermione nodded, "He would want the mint, but he's at work."

"Yup! Harry want Myme's too!"

"I'm sure he would."

Hermione smiled and couldn't believe that Teddy was getting so old. His speech and his understanding of the world around him has grown so much over the past few months. Every time she sees him, he is a new person. She loved being with him, and loved watching him grow, but most of all, loved watching Harry interact with Teddy. "Did you manage to get any into your mouth Ted?" Hermione laughed, seeing the vanilla ice cream all over his face and down the front of his pajamas.

"Yes, I did." He said, scooping the last bit of ice cream into his mouth. He licked the ice cream off his fingers.

"You need another bath." Hermione said.

"NO! Wand Myme!"

Hermione laughed, "I'll try."

She finished her bowl and then placed both bowls and spoons into the sink. She then casted a cleansing charm on Teddy, cleaning him to perfection. She then did something she rarely did, and Harry would call her a hypocrite. She casted a charm to wash the dishes, "Don't tell Harry." She said to the boy.

"Kay." He said, as Hermione picked him up, "What now?"

"What now? You sir are going to brush your teeth and go to bed."

"No." He said, firmly.

"Yes. It is almost nine thirty!" She said, "If your grandmum knew you were up this late…"

"Where grandmum?"

"Hospital."

"Where Harry? Hospital too?"

"Merlin no!" Hermione said, a bit louder than she originally intended, "Work."

Hermione got his teeth brushed, his face washed, and him into bed by nine thirty on the dot. She tucked him in, kissed his forehead and then casted a charm for the hallway to have a night light, in case he got up. Finally she went downstairs. Walking around the kitchen she uses her wand to put away the bowls and the spoons. She then grabs a bottle of water and walks into the sitting room. Her mind was uneasy as it always was when she was waiting for Harry to come home. She knows the risks and knows that he will be fine, but there is always that 'what if' that plagued her mind during the day. Putting the tele on and her feet up on the table she sat back, flipping through show after show, occasionally looking up at the clock. She heard footsteps around ten o'clock coming down the stairs, hitting two feet at a time. Hermione stood up and walked to the doorway of the sitting room, "What do you think you're doing sir?"

He looked at her, rubbing his eyes, "I want you."

Hermione smiled, picking him up as he came into the room, "Do you want to stay with me for a little while?"

"Yes." He said, lying his head against her neck.

Hermione nodded, rubbing his back, "What made you wake up?"

"I was awake." He replied.

Hermione sat down on the couch, lying against the arm of the couch with him against her neck. He reached up over the back of the couch to pull the red and gold afghan over him. Hermione smiled and adjusted it for him. The pair watched television while Hermione awaited Harry, falling asleep sometime between ten and eleven.

Harry and Ron got back to the ministry at midnight, and were exhausted like all the Auror's. They sat in the circular for a bit of debriefing before being allowed to go home. They were tired, they hurt, but they caught four death eaters. Harry leaned his head back and closed his eyes, briefly, "Come on Mate." Ron said, nudging Harry, "Let's head home."

"Right." Harry said, standing up, "Are you coming to the house?"

"No, I'm going to go to Claire's flat. I haven't seen her in a day, so…"

"Well, you have fun with that." Harry teased as they walked to the apparating point in the ministry.

"I'm so tired there will be no fun." He yawned, "I just want to be with her."

"I feel the same way." Harry said, clapping his best friend on his back, "See you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow." And they apparated to two different locations. Harry hung up his cloak and heard the television on. It was almost one and he could not imagine that Hermione was still up. He walked into the sitting room and smiled at the site. Teddy was curled up against Hermione's neck, sound asleep with his arm wrapped up around her shoulder. Hermione had her arm tightly wrapped around the small of his back, her chin lying against the side of his face gently. He watched taking in the sight, trying to picture what she would look like doing the same to their own child. Not wanting to wake either one of them, knowing he had to, he walked over to the pair, picking Teddy up slowly and carefully. Teddy let out a bit of a whine before Harry put him against his neck with a shushing noise. He walked upstairs and put him into bed, kissing his cheek, closing the door, and walked back downstairs. He went into the kitchen to see if there was anything to eat. He decided on a bit of ice cream before he woke Hermione up. It was one thirty by the time he went to wake her up. He ended up deciding to take a quick shower before going to bed, then back downstairs to get the love of his life. "Hey." He nudged her. She groaned a bit, "Don't make me carry you too." He teased her, kissing her lips.

Barely waking up, she rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand, "Are you ok?"

"I'm fine." He reassured her, kissing her forehead, "I'm tired, are you ready to get some sleep?"

"I was sleeping." She replied, as he pulled her up off the couch, "Where's Teddy?"

"I already took him up." He said, wrapping his arm around her waist, she leaned against his chest, as they walked up the steps. Crawling into bed, Hermione wraps her arms around his waist, her head on his chest, and falls almost instantly asleep.

They slept until seven thirty when a little ball of energy came running into their room, jumping on the bed, "HUNGRY HUNGRY!" He said smiling, bouncing.

Harry, groaning, grabbed Teddy and pulled him down, "Its seven thirty in the morning."

"Yup! Food time!"

Hermione giggled, "You're like your mum."

Harry yawned, realizing quickly that he wouldn't be able to sleep any longer and hoisted Teddy up into the air, "Pancakes sound alright to you?"

"Yup!" Teddy smiled.

"What about you 'Myme'?" Harry teased her.

"Sounds good. I'm going to get a shower first though."

"Alright, we'll leave you to that, though…"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence Harry James."

"Never." He smiled, kissing her, "Come on Ted."

Hermione took her time in the shower that morning, knowing that it would probably be her only time alone. She changed into a pair of comfortable yoga pants and a lilac spaghetti strap shirt. After putting little makeup on, and then fixing her hair, she was ready to go downstairs. She laughed as she saw Crookshanks sitting next to Teddy, with a very annoyed look on his face, "Teddy are you being nice to the kitty?"

"I am Myme!"

"Why do you think he looks so pissed off?" Harry said, "He wants to run, but has no reason to do so."

Hermione walked up behind him, wrapping her arms around his bare chest, leaning her head against his back. She kissed the center of his back, right between his shoulder blades. Harry smiled, snaking his hands around to the back of her, acknowledging her.

"What do you say we knock out some of our wedding plans today?" He asked her.

"Really?"

"Yeah." He smiled.

Hermione nodded against him, not letting him go, "Sure."

"You know sweetie, I love you, but I need to move so I can get breakfast done and you're not helping that."

Hermione took out his wand and casted a spell to flip the pancakes, "Done." She smiled.

Harry, laughing, turned in her arms and kissed the top of her head, "Can't get enough of me, eh?"

"Never." She smiled.

Teddy came running in and attached himself to the couples legs, and Harry decided that breakfast was ready.

That night, once Teddy was sleeping, Hermione and Harry sat down and started to think about some of the aspects of the wedding. "I guess the first question is who will be in the wedding?" Harry responded.

"Well, who do you want?"

"Ron's going to be my best man."

"Naturally." Hermione smiled.

"What about you? Cosette?"

"I thought the wedding was going to be a magical wedding." Hermione said.

Harry shrugged, "You have more family than I do, most not knowing that you are a witch. I figured that your mum would rather it be a muggle wedding. I mean, the Weasley's would be alright with being in the muggle world. Mr. Weasley is fascinated with muggles. They will be fine though. And all our witch and wizard friends know that you are muggle born…"

Hermione smiled, "I assume it would be fine having a muggle wedding."

"Besides, how are you going to explain to your family the truth of you."

"Well, what about Teddy? I mean, it's not every day that you see a child with blue hair." Hermione reminded him.

"We'll have to change the color for the day. You're great at transfiguring appearance, so that won't be horrid."

Hermione thought for a bit, "Well, alright. What do you say about Victoire and Teddy being the flower girl and ring bearer?"

"Sounds fine. Now, about you, who will be your maid of honor? Do you want Cosette?"

Hermione thought for a moment, "I was kind of thinking Ginny."

Harry smiled, "I'm sure she will be thrilled."

"We'll have to check all wands at the door."

Harry laughed, "Consider it done. Where would you like to have the wedding?"

"Somewhere outside. I really love how weddings happen in the garden, and Bill and Fleur's wedding as gorgeous. I wish we could do it at the burrow."

"Well, considering it's quite a drive for most, that won't be happening. We'll have to find somewhere equally as nice."

Hermione nodded, "Yeah, but it's going to be hard to find something that pretty in London. I wish this would be easy. I mean, all our magical friends…"

"Hermione, you are the one always trying to make muggles and magic work together. This will be a test, but it will be nice. We'll get it done. This will work. I promise."

Hermione smiled and nodded, "I'm going to go look into everything tomorrow. My mum wants me to go with her, which means you and Teddy are on your own."

"Not a problem." Harry replied, "Ron's babysitting Vicky so we'll have a full day."

"Where's Mrs. Weasley?"

"She's going with Ginny to see Charlie and Ellie for the day. Apparently so are Fleur and Bill. Ron didn't feel like going so him and Claire are taking Victoire."

"So Ron needs your help." Hermione giggled.

"Yeah." Harry smiled. "Who else are you looking at having in the wedding?"

"Well, I figured I'll send Luna an owl, then Cosette, Ashlyn, and I guess I'll have to have Claire. Fleur as well. You?"

"Ron, Neville, Dean and Seamus."

"You need two more." Hermione replied.

Harry thought for a bit, "Fred and George?"

Hermione looked dubious, "I don't know Harry. They have a habit of being a bit…"

"They were fine at Bill's."

"But that's family…"

"Mum will still be there to keep them in check."

"Alright, if you want them."

"First two that popped into my mind." He shrugged, "I have some people at the office I could ask though."

"No, Fred and George will be fine. Do you think Gin will be my maid of honor?"

"Of course she will." Harry said, "You two have been best friends for a while, since our fourth year."

"I suppose." She said biting her lip nervously.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked.

"It's just…" She sighed, "Do you really think a muggle wedding will go over? I mean a mixed wedding is going to be a bit… out of the ordinary."

"Well…" Harry replied, "We could tell your family that we eloped. Just have the people who know you're a witch."

"I want my family there!" She shouted at him, "I only plan on doing this ONCE Harry James."

"Don't middle name me Hermione Jean."

"We could just have a muggle wedding…"

"Since my family are all wizards? Not to mention all your friends are witches and wizards!"

"Well you were quick to tell me to have a magical wedding instead of a mixture!"

"We'll keep it small. Close friends and family."

"I'm sure that will work as well." She huffed, "Seeing as 'The Boy Who Lived' is getting married. The entire wizarding community will want to be there!"

"Close friends and family. That's all."

"How are we going to pull this off?"

"Well, our side will be easy, since they KNOW you're a muggle. Your side won't even know…"

"Until people show up in their robes." She said, shuddering.

"Well, we'll put a stop to that. Black tie affair." Harry replied, "No wardrobe from the magical world."

Hermione thought, "Won't that be a bit much for the Weasley's?"

"Not at all." Harry said smiling, "Considering that half of them will be in the wedding."

Hermione nodded, "I'm still a bit nervous."

"Well, if anyone sees something they shouldn't on your side, we'll just have to magically fix that."

"We won't have our wands." Hermione replied.

"I suppose one or two of us should."

Hermione smiled, nodding, "So you're ok with a muggle/magic wedding?"

"Only if you are."

"You're not helping…"

"Hermione, I'm a guy. I don't really care about the aspects of a wedding. I care about you and what you want. Do you think the lot of them are there to see me? Not bloody likely. It's always about the bride, as it should be, and I am not going to be the one that stands in the way of how you want your day… I mean our day to go. I will make decisions, but feel free to shoot them down, not that I really have any doubt that you will. You seem to enjoy shooting my plans down."

Hermione laughed. She really did speak her mind to Harry, and damn near anyone else. She never was one to care what people thought about her, except when it comes to Harry and Ron, "I figured I should ask Ginny tomorrow."

"She's going to be ecstatic." Harry laughed, "And I'm sure you will have one of the best bachelorette parties known to woman."

"I'm sure." Hermione laughed, "Maybe I should choose someone less energetic than Ginny."

Harry shook his head, "No, because Ginny is perfect for you."

Hermione yawned and nodded, "I'm tired."

Looking at the clock Harry notices that it was late, almost twelve thirty, and he also felt the signs of exhaustion setting in, "What time are you heading to your mum's?"

"Ten."

"Alright.

Hermione and Harry stood up, turning all the lights out downstairs. They climbed into bed and unlike usual, Harry did not fall asleep right away. He listened to Hermione's steady breathing as she slept, curled up against him. He had his arm around her shoulders, stroking her curls as she slept. He was thinking about the wedding as he did that. He was thinking about how great it will be to finally marry his best friend, thinking how many nights Hermione will be on edge trying to plan everything. He looked down as Hermione sighed in her sleep, smiling as she snuggled down deeper against his chest. Kissing the top of her head, he closed his eyes, willing sleep to come to him. He must have fallen asleep sometime during the night, because the next morning he woke up with sunlight in his eyes. Groaning, he looked next to him, realizing that the bed was empty. Rubbing his eyes, he stood up, used the bathroom and then headed downstairs to find out where his fiancé and godson were.

"Myme, I want pancakes!" Teddy said to her, crossing his arms.

"That is definitely not how you get pancakes out of me Ted Remus Lupin. Ask properly."

"Pease Myme!" He said smiling.

"Please Hermione what?"

"Pease Myme can I have pancakes."

"Yes you may." She smiled, using her wand to float the necessary ingredients.

"Can I help?"

Hermione nodded, pulling a chair over to the counter that he could stand up on, "Be careful up here Teddy. Don't grab until I tell you it's alright."

Harry walked into the kitchen just as Hermione squealed, "Teddy! Don't!" Flour filled the air, covering both Teddy and Hermione, not to mention every end of the kitchen. "Dammit." Hermione cursed under her breath. She heard laughing behind her, and turned around, fuming, "You would laugh Harry James."

He smiled, looking around the kitchen, "Hermione?"

"What!" She said.

"You've got some flour on you." Harry replied, walking over to her, using his finger to clear some of the flour off her nose. He wasn't sure if she was going to slap him or scream at him at first, but instead she broke down into a fit of giggles. Wiping her face off with a towel, she had tears running down her cheeks. Teddy was looking at Harry, not knowing whether to cry, run away, or laugh, "It's alright Teddy." Harry laughed, "Isn't it Hermione."

"Fine." She giggled, as she used her wand to clean up the mess, "Come here Teddy, let me get your face."

Teddy made faces as Hermione scrubbed his face. Then, they continued to make pancakes. Hermione let Teddy put certain items carefully into the bowl and then she mixed the batter. They cooked and then ate their fill, before Hermione cleaned up, and stood up, "I've got to get going soon. My mum's going to be waiting."

"Alright." Harry said, "We'll see you when you get back."

"Ok." Hermione smiled, kissing Harry. With a final goodbye she apparated to her mum's house.

Hermione arrived seconds later, finding her mum in the kitchen drinking tea, "Hi mum."

"Hi dear." She smiled, as Hermione walked over to give her a kiss, "Would you like some tea?"

"Please." Hermione smiled.

"Are you hungry?"

"No, we just ate pancakes at Harry's house. He has his godson with him until Andromeda feels better. She was in a car accident the other day."

"Is she alright?"

"She will be. They are running a lot of tests at the hospital. She's not the youngest person." Hermione sighed, putting three big scoops of sugar into her tea.

"Hermione, you shouldn't use so much sugar."

"Mum, I've used this much for… since I could remember."

"It's not good for you."

"It hasn't hurt me yet." Hermione said, "It's how I like it. I don't like the non-sweet taste."

"Use cream then."

"No. I don't like that either." Hermione replied.

Mrs. Granger shook her head, "What do you do without me."

Hermione laughed, "I have no idea. Probably live my life the way I see fit."

"You've done that since you were two." Her mum smiled, "So have you decided on your place for the wedding?"

"Harry and I agreed that we would do a muggle ceremony, BUT our magical friends and family, close friends and family would be attending."

"Is that wise?"

"Mum, I have been trying for the past year and a half for muggles and wizards to get together. Don't make this difficult."

"I didn't mean that. I just mean, no one knows that you are a witch…"

"Well, maybe it's time that they do."

"Hermione…"

"No mum I'm serious. Maybe it's time that grandmum and granddad and my aunts and uncles and cousins know. What's it going to do? I mean, I am not ashamed of who I am… Cosette knows that I'm a witch. She found out the hard way, but she accepted it. Why wouldn't anyone else?"

"I just worry about you Hermione. I don't want them to consider you a freak or anything."

"They are my family. If they can't accept me for who I am, then I don't want them in my life or at my wedding."

"Well, it's your decision Hermione. You are old enough to know who you want to tell and who you don't."

"I just keep thinking about my kids. They are going to be magical."

"How do you know?"

"He's a wizard and I'm a witch. I mean, sure they might be a squib, but the chances of that are so slim. He's an amazing wizard…"

"And you're an amazing witch."

Hermione smiled and nodded, "What if our children are magical, and you can't control your magic at a young age. Then it shocks everyone…"

"It's your decision Hermione, no one else's."

"Why couldn't you have done this for me before?" Hermione laughed.

"I wasn't comfortable with it before."

"I'm not saying tell everyone, but just the ones who I'm close with…"

"You decide, and we'll go from there."

Hermione nodded, "So what's the plan today?"

"Well, I figured you'd want to check out places for the wedding. Are you thinking o a church wedding, or something outside?"

"I was actually thinking about the Clearing. It's gorgeous there, and close by. Plus, we have all that space."

"What if it rains?" Mrs. Granger questioned.

"It won't." Hermione smiled.

"You need to think of that."

"Mum, I have plenty of spells that I can use to keep the guests dry if it DOES rain, but it won't."

"Now how many people are you looking at having?"

"Close family and friends." She replied, "I don't want a wedding of three hundred people or anything. I must know EVERYONE there. I don't want friends of friends. I don't want people you have worked with fifteen or twenty years ago. I don't want college friends of Dad's or yours, who have met me once, maybe twice in my life OR who hasn't seen me in more than ten years. Family and Friends. I don't want anything huge. We're doing the same thing on the magical side. I'm thinking MAYBE one hundred and fifty people, but even that seems big to me."

"Alright, so we'll say one-fifty then. And you want it May 14th?"

"If it's free."

"Well honey, let's go." Mrs. Granger smiled. They drive twenty minutes to the destination and they met with the coordinator.

"Welcome to the Clearing." The lady that they soon learned was named Madeleine Alexander, "How I help you?"

"Well, I am just beginning to browse the different outdoor locations in London for my wedding."

"Alright," The woman smiled, "What day would you be having it?"

"Next May. May 14th." Hermione replied, smiling.

"We can definitely accommodate that." The lady smiled.

Madeleine took Hermione and her mum on a walk along the grounds, showing them where most people took pictures, or had their ceremony. She saw the flowers and the crystal blue lake and fell in love with the place. She nodded and asked questions as they wandered. Hermione could not think of a more beautiful location, but she knew that Harry had to see it.

"Well, I still have to talk to my fiancé about the location, but I am interested." Hermione replied, as Madeleine finished her presentation. Hermione was given a lot of information about the garden where she hoped her wedding could be held. Now it was up to Harry. She told Madeleine that she would be back in the next few days with her decision, and Madeleine assured her that the date Hermione originally wanted would be held until her decision was made.

Hermione and her mum went out to lunch after the meeting. They ordered and then Mrs. Granger dropped a bombshell on Hermione.

"Hermione, I need to run something by you."

"Alright." She replied.

Her mum was ringing her fingers having trouble finding the words to tell her daughter, "I'm just going to say it. Jake asked me to marry him."

Hermione's mouth dropped, "Really? When?"

"Saturday."

"Merlin!" She replied, not sure what to say or what she felt, "What did you say?"

"I didn't say anything yet." Mrs. Granger replied, "I told him that I need to discuss it with you."

Then it clicked in Hermione's head. She wanted with all her heart to say no and go with her gut, by yelling and saying NO WAY, but she couldn't. She saw how nervous her mum was and she responded, "What do you think?"

"No, it's not about me…"

"Yes it is mum." Hermione replied, "It is about you."

"It's about us…"

"It's not us anymore. I'm twenty one years old… it is about you."

She shrugged, "I suppose I'm really nervous about it. Your father and I were together for so long."

"Do you love Jake?"

"Of course I do." She said almost outraged, "It's just that, I feel guilty marring someone else. I feel guilty because he isn't your father and I swore I'd love him til…"

"Death do us part. Deaths' taken over mum. Dad would want you to be happy, and if Jake can make you happy, well then, he would understand. You're not replacing dad…"

"You're older now Hermione. You're out of the house and have been for a year and a half. You're getting married. You are starting your own life. I know I'll be lonely… I just want to make sure that you're ok with it."

"Mum, I'm fine with it. I love you, and I want you to be happy. It didn't seem like that years ago, but I've grown up. You don't have to walk on egg shells around me. I'm not a fifteen year old girl who lost her father anymore. I'm not eighteen realizing that my mum's got a boyfriend. He's stuck with you and I'm happy for you. If you want to marry him, don't let me stand in the way."

Mrs. Granger looked at Hermione, and cupped her hand under her daughters chin, "When did you grow up so fast? My little girl."

Hermione smiled, "I'm still your little girl, just twenty-one."

Mrs. Granger smiled, "You're sure you're ok with this."

Hermione nodded, "I'm sure. I want you to be happy."

"He can do that."

"Mum."

"Yes?"

"If you're marrying Jake, he needs to know that I'm a witch."

"I agree."

Hermione kissed her mum on the cheek and they ordered lunch talking about any aspect of the wedding for Hermione. They decided in a couple weeks they would go shopping for her wedding dress and also begin to look for the bridesmaid dresses. Hermione nodded, thinking that blue or green would work the best as a dress color, considering Ginny was a redhead. Lavender or yellow could be a possibility as well. She couldn't really think about that now until she asked her bridesmaids to be involved. By almost three, Hermione and her mum were heading back to the Granger Household. Jake was already over when they returned.

Hermione and her mum walked through the door, "Jake, are you here?"

"I am." He replied, walking in from the sitting room, "How was your day?"

"Splendid." Hermione smiled, putting down her wedding brochure, "I hear congratulations are in order for you and my mum."

Jake, shocked that Hermione knew about that already let his jaw drop before looking at Mrs. Granger, "I thought you were going to wait to tell her Kate and NOT do it on a day set for her."

"It's fine." Hermione smiled, "I'm happy for you two."

"If you aren't ok with it Hermione, tell us." Jake replied.

She shook her head, "I'm fine with it. I'm happy for the both of you."

"Alright then." Jake smiled.

Hermione hugged her soon-to-be stepfather, before turning to her mum, "I do believe it's time for me to be heading home."

"I didn't see your car outside." Jake replied.

"I don't have a car." Hermione laughed, "I'm not even licensed to drive yet. I'll have to get working on that."

"Do you want me to call you a cab?" Jake asked.

Hermione shook her head, "I'll manage."

"Is Harry picking you up?"

"No." Hermione smiled, "I suppose you have a right to know something about me, being my stepfather and all. I just need you to know that not many people know this about me."
Jake raised his eyebrow at his soon to be stepdaughter, "Alright."

"I'm a witch."

"You're a what?"

"A witch."

"A witch." Jake said, almost not believing her.

"I am."

"So… you can do… magic?"

"Yes."

"And… you don't need a car? What do you have? A broomstick?"

Hermione shook her head, "I'm not fond of flying."

"And Harry is a witch?"

"Wizard."

"A wizard." Jake said, looking back at Hermione's mother, "You've known about this?"

"Since she was six."

"Wow… I mean, wow. It's hard to believe…"

Hermione shrugged, "That's what most non-magical people say who knows."

"And… your family knows?"

"No." Hermione said, "Not yet. My mum and dad were the only ones who knew. They kept it from everyone which I don't agree with."

"So your father was a…"

Hermione shook her head again, "You don't need magical parents to be a witch or a wizard. I'm what is called muggle born. I am born of non-magical parents. However, the chances of my kids being magical are extremely high. It's hard for children to control their powers, which is why I am beginning to tell people about what I am."

"This is just… unbelievable. I mean I have heard about the magical world, we all have, but most of it is associated with…"

"The bad magic. I fought against that. I work in the magical government. I'm the person trying to get muggles and magic together. It's quite difficult." Hermione replied, laughing, "I just need to know that you are ok with having a witch as a stepdaughter, not to mention not telling anyone."

"I… I suppose I am." Jake said, "So, you have a…"

"A wand? Yes. It's always on me."

"You could do magic right now?"

"Well, I normally won't do magic in a muggle setting, but yes I could."

"Wow…"

"I don't blame you for being shocked, or even if you can't handle it, meaning you don't want me around…"

"Hermione, why would I think that?" Jake asked, "I have known you for three years now, and you have always been a witch. I just didn't know it. It's just a shocking thing."

Hermione smiled, looking back at her mum, "Thank you Jake. Alright, I'm off."

Kissing her mum goodbye, and then getting a hug from Jake, she walked into the dining room and apparated home, "Harry?" Hermione called as she arrived in the foyer of the house.

"In the den!" She heard him call. She walked into the den and saw Teddy and Victoire watching TV, while Harry was working on his death eater profiles, "How did it go?"

"Great." Hermione smiled, "I found a really nice place, and I have a few brochures for you to look over. It's called the Clearing! It's amazing there. I told them that I liked it, but I need you to see it first."

"I'm sure I'll love it." He smiled, as she leaned down to kiss him.

"Oh, and we have a wedding to attend." She said.

"Oh yeah? Who?"

"My mum."

"Your mum?!" Harry said, shocked at what he was hearing, "Jake and your mum are getting married?"

"Yes."

"And, are you ok with it?"

Hermione nodded, "I am. Don't look at me so shocked. I am not a child anymore."

Harry laughed, "Well I'm glad you're ok with it."

"Me too. She seems happy as well. Oh and Jake now knows that I'm a witch."

"Wow, your mum allowed him to know?"

"She didn't have a choice. He's going to be around all the time when they are married, and I don't want him shocked if magic occurred. I told him today, and he was alright with it."

"Well that's good." Harry said.

Hermione nodded, walking over to the kids, kissing each of them on their heads, "Where's Ron?"

"He's upstairs checking on Claire."

"What's wrong with Claire?"

"I dunno. Either a cold or witches flu."

"Wonderful." Hermione rolled her eyes.

"I haven't seen her since last night. Ron said she doesn't look too bad. I believe he's just bringing her tea."

"Right, well, anyway, look at the brochure please."

"I will Hermione." He exclaimed, "Right after I'm done with this profile."

Hermione nodded and sat down on the couch and immediately Victoire came over, "Mi!" She called, and hopped up into her lap. Hermione smiled, though Victoire could say her name, to a point, she refused to call her it. Mostly she called her Mi.

"Hey Vicky." Hermione smiled, cuddling with the two year old. Ron came back into the room and scooped his niece up into his arms, kissing her cheek.

"No Unk!" She said, "Want Mi!"

"Oh I see how it is." He laughed, passing her back to Hermione, "Well, how was it?"

"I love the Clearings! It is beautiful! I just need Harry to see the place first. On and my mum's getting married."

"What?!" Ron replied, "But you're so calm! I see no evidence of you crying."

"Har-har Ronald." She replied, rolling her eyes, "I'm alright with it, because he makes her happy. Oh and also, he knows I'm a witch now."

"Well that's good. Least you don't have to hide anything from your stepdad."

"There is that." Hermione smiled. "I just think it's time for my family to know who I truly am. I've been hiding for so long."

"Good for you Hermione." Ron smiled, "But I wouldn't go telling the world of muggles."

"What do you think I'm mental?! I'm only telling certain people in my family, and since I have a stepfather, I suppose he has a right to know, especially when I primarily apparate or floo into the house. I'm sure that one day I would just appear in the house and he would be there. That would be quite a shock and an even larger explanation."

Ron smiled, "You were sick of hiding your powers."

Harry laughed as Hermione frowned at the pair of them, changing the subject, "Claire alright?"

"She's got a cold. She is heading home in a little while."

"Not the flu?"

"No. Bloody hell, I wouldn't be anywhere near her with the flu." Ron laughed.

"So, when are we going to pick out a ring Ronald?"

"I'm thinking next week, if you have time off."

"Did you already pick some out?"

"I did." Ron nodded, "I have four that I really like. I just need a girl's opinion. Hey Squirt." He says to his niece, "Are you ready for some dinner?"

"Yes." Victoire smiled, reaching for Ron, "Teddy too."

"Of course. Can't do anything without him can you? Kind of like your Uncle Harry and Aunt Mi."

"You're full of it." Harry said, rolling his eyes, "Hungry Ted?"

"Yes."

"Hermione, can you watch them while we get them food?"

"Of course Ronald."

"Alright," Ron said as the two walked into the kitchen, "What are we feeding this lot?"

"Pasta. It's quick, easy, and clean." Harry smiled.

"Right then." Ron said, pulling out his wand. They were cooking when Claire came down, "Hey love."

"Hey." She said, "I'm heading home."

"Alright." Ron smiled, giving her a kiss on the forehead, "I'll be over after Bill comes for Victoire."

She nodded and said her goodbyes, before apparating to her flat.

"She looks alright." Harry shrugged.

"Yeah, but she's bloody miserable. Imagine Hermione when we didn't let her study for the OWLS and you get Claire with a cold."

"Scary." Harry laughed.

"Yeah. Our two girls are a lot alike, even if they don't think so."

"So does that mean that you have a thing for my fiancé? Because if you do I may have a problem with that." Harry smiled.

"Merlin no. Not that I don't love but, Hermione and I would seriously kill one another. Hermione is all yours mate." Ron laughed.

Harry laughed, nodding, knowing that it was the truth. They argue a lot, much alike an old married couple, but them being married, well, no good would come of that, "Ted, Vic, come on you two." Harry called as he heard the pitter pattern of their feet on the ground. The two scrambled into their seats and waited for their food to arrive.

Levitating the plates, Ron set them down in front of the two kids, and smiled, "Here you go vultures."

"Thank you!" Both said, digging into their food.

Hermione walked in and stood next to Ron and Harry, "What is with men and pasta?"

Harry shrugged, "It's the only thing Ron can make."

"Git." Ron frowned, but laughed, "I can make a lot of foods! I just choose not to."

Harry laughed, "Fine, you do the cooking tomorrow."

"I will then!" He said, trying to redeem his dignity.

"Don't you dare fink out because Claire is sick."

"I won't." Ron laughed, "I'll be here."

Hermione smiled, and cut up the kid's food. The boys gave them whole strings of spaghetti and Hermione refused to allow them to eat with their hands. "So is Ginny home tomorrow?"

"Yeah, but I believe she's at class for a while, to do the healer thing, and then she's working with Fred and George."

"I'll have to stop by during the night at the shop then."

Ron nodded, "She'll be there all night. They like to think that they don't have to pay siblings to work at their shop, but boy are they wrong. Ginny will be bloody ticked off if they don't pay her."

"They'll pay her." Hermione laughed.

"I dunno. It took them a while to give me mine."

"That's because they don't like you." Harry teased his best friend.

"Git." Ron said, getting slapped by Hermione, "Ow! What was that for?"

"Your niece is sitting right here, not to mention Teddy, and I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want my child to be using that language. Bill will maim you when he finds out that Victoire learned the word 'Git' from her Uncle Ron."

"She's too young to remember that word." Ron said, "She wasn't even listening."

"I'll remember that when she says it, preferably to Bill. He'll knock you silly."

"I'm about to teach her another word to call her Aunt Hermione it rhymes with witch but it's not." Ron smiled at her.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "You are utterly hopeless Ronald."

"And you of course love me for it."

"Tolerate at best." She teased him.

"So Ron, you're going to be my best man at the wedding right?"

"Course." Ron smiled, slapping him on the back.

Hermione, waiting another minute for more of a speech from Harry, dropped her mouth at the lack of sentiment when the discussion didn't come, "That's it?!"

"What?" Ron and Harry responded to her.

"That's all you're going to say, 'So Ron, you're going to be my best man at the wedding right?' That's all?!"

Harry looked at Ron, "What else am I going to say to him?"

Hermione still outraged shook her head at them, "Boys!"

"Boys what?!"

"I have been sitting here, going crazy about who I am going to ask to be my maid of honor and what I am going to say to her and how I'm going to ask her, but YOU TWO just spit it out and move on?"

"That's the problem with girls love. You think entirely too much. It's just words. Besides, who else would I ask to be my best man?" Harry said.

"You both infuriate me sometimes."

"Who are you asking?!" Ron asked.

"None of your business, until I ask her." Hermione replied.

"Testy aren't we?"

"Hopeless aren't we?" Hermione grumbled.

"Smile Myme!" Teddy said to her, "Like this!" He gives her the biggest, toothy, smile he could muster, causing an instant smile to crest her lips, "Better!"

"Yeah Myme. You're much prettier when you aren't frowning." Ron laughed, getting slapped by Hermione.

Hermione ruffled Teddy's hair, before walking out of the kitchen and up to their bedroom. When Harry came up after the kids were fed, he saw her sitting with pamphlets spread out on the bed, "What are you doing?"

"Wedding planning."

Harry sat next to her, and pulled a pamphlet from her hand, "Where is this?"

"The Clearings." Hermione said, "I really love the location."

Harry thumbed through reading and commenting on different aspects of the location. He did like it, and it was clear that Hermione didn't want to be married anywhere else, so of course he agreed, "I really like it."

"Really?!" She said, looking at him with bright eyes.

"Yeah. We should be married here."

"Oh great!" She said, hugging him with such force she knocked him down onto the bed, planting a hard kiss on his lips, "I am so excited you like the place! I mean it's really beautiful and I don't know what I would have done if you didn't like it! Oh Harry it's perfect isn't it? I mean, I know there's a chance of rain but I really don't think that it would be a problem. I mean there are so many trees and they have a canopy that if it does rain the people won't get wet. Then, we also have magic so we could use it to make sure that the rain isn't ruining the wedding, which it won't, because all I want to do is marry you. I went to see this with my mum and she loved it. I had another place in mind if you didn't like it, but I don't like it nearly as much as this. I can just picture it! It is going to be beautiful, I know it!"

"Hermione slow down." Harry said laughing as his fiancé spoke to him at a speed of no less than a hundred miles an hour, "I don't' think I've heard you talk this fast since you were trying to talk to me about the NEWTs before Ron was out of his."

"I'm sorry." She said, "I'm just really glad you like it."

"You like it. How could I not? You have impeccable taste."

She kissed him, this time softer, "I love you."

"Love you too."

Hermione smiled even brighter, "So, it's still only close friends and family right?"

"Right." Harry nodded, "I wouldn't want anything else." Hermione smiled, lying her head down against his chest, yawning a bit, "Hermione Jane, you can't possibly be tired yet. It's not even seven thirty."

"I had an extremely tiring day I'll thank you to remember."

Harry laughed, "I'm sure you did. Telling your soon to be stepfather you were a witch."

"And trying to plan our wedding."

"Well we have the reception, now all we need is the rest."

"Yeah." Hermione replied, "And I have to see if Gin will accept my offer."

"She will. Don't worry about that."

"Well I am." Hermione sighed.

"Harry!" Ron called from downstairs, "I'm taking Victoire back to the Burrow then heading to Claire's. Do you want me to take Teddy with me?"

"No." Harry called back, sitting up, kissing the side of Hermione's head, "I'm coming down."

Hermione walked back downstairs with Harry and they watched TV with Teddy for the rest of the night.

The next night, Hermione headed to Diagon Alley to find Ginny. It was a very warm night as she walked over to the store. Hermione smiled as she walked into the store, "Hey Fred." Hermione said.

"Why Hermione, good to see you." He smiled, hugging her, "How's motherhood treating you?"

"You're horrible." She said smiling, "Teddy's fine. Andromeda should be out of the hospital in a day or so and then she'll be taking him back."

"Well, long as she's alright."

"She is." Hermione nodded, "Ginny here?"

"Yeah. She's in the back, hang on, "GIN!"

"Hey Hermione." George said to the bushy haired girl.

"Hi George." She replied.

"What brings you to our humble shop?"

"I need Ginny for a few minutes. I haven't seen much of her lately and needed to ask her a question."

"Right, did Fred go to get her?"

"Yes." Ginny smiled, walking up to Hermione, hugging her, "How are you?"

"Great. We chose the place for the wedding and the reception."

"Really?! That's great!" Ginny smiled.

"Ugh, girl-talk." George replied, smiling, "See you two later."

"Bye George."

"Don't be too long Gin." George smiled.

"Prat." She replied, "So what's up Hermione?"

"Well, Harry just asked Ron to be his best man."

"Naturally." Ginny laughed, "They only have each other."

Hermione laughed, "It was quite sentimental."

"I'm sure. What was it, "You're my best man, right"?"

"Yes, basically." Hermione laughed, "But listen, I was actually wondering… I need a maid of honor, and…"

"And what?" Ginny asked.

"Well, I feel that we've gotten fairly close over the years. I trust you with everything and I consider you my closest girlfriend. Would you do the job?"

"Me?!" Ginny said shocked, "You want me?"

"I'd like to have you."

"Of course! I'd be honored!"

Hermione smiled, hugging her, "I'm glad."

"Yeah! This is brilliant! Thank you!"

"I'm so glad you accepted."

"Hermione, you're also one of my best friends. You and I are like sisters. Of course I would do this. I am… wow!"

Hermione smiled, as Ginny hugged her again, "Good."

"Damn…" Ginny replied, a bit forlorn, "That means that I'm going to have to walk down the aisle with Ron doesn't it?"

"Sorry." She laughed.

"Oh well. I can tolerate that for one night."

Laughing, Hermione walked around the store with Ginny, before customers came in, "Well, that's the end of my break." Ginny smiled, "I'll see you later alright?"

"Right." Hermione smiled, "Thanks Gin."

"No Hermione, thank you. It's an honor."

"I'll talk to you later."

"Bye." Ginny smiled, as she walked over to the customers.

Hermione walked around Diagon Alley for a bit, checking out her favorite bookstore, before apparating home. Harry was just finishing giving Teddy a bath, when he obviously had no intention of getting dressed into his pajamas. Hermione walked up the stairs and heard the three year old giggling and feet running across the floor. Hermione laughed as Teddy ran straight into her, naked as the day he was born, "Ted Remus Lupin, if you think that I am going to have you up all night you have another thing coming to you." Harry said, as he came after the child. Hermione had him in her arms, as he giggled and kicked as he tried to break her grip.

"Missing something?" Hermione giggled, "Teddy, you need to go find some clothing."

"I don't wanna go to bed!" Teddy said to Hermione, quite sure of himself.

"Well, what did Harry say?"

"Harry said, get his little butt into the room and get dressed." Harry replied, smiling at Hermione, talking in the third person, "But someone has another idea."

Hermione passed Teddy over to Harry who took him and the pair went into Teddy's room, "NO HARRY!" He giggled, kicking, "NO SLEEP!"

"Yes sleep." Harry said, wrestling him into a pair of red and gold pajamas, "Are you ready to go back with grandmum tomorrow?"

"Um, no." He smiled.

"Don't you miss her? I am sure she misses you."

"I miss gram." He said, "Miss you too."

"I'll miss you too." Harry smiled, "Now in bed you little monster."

"NO! Myme needs to say night!"

"Fine, go get her. Go tell her goodnight."

Teddy jumped out of his bed and ran over into Harry's room, jumping onto the bed, "Night Myme!"

Hermione put her book down and smiled, hugging him, "Night Teddy. I'll see you tomorrow ok?"

"I go home tomorrow."

"I'll still see you before." She said as he kissed her.

"Kay. Night!" Teddy jumped off the bed and ran full force back into his room, jumping under the thin blankets. Hugging Harry, and with a final goodnight, Harry walked out of the room, closing the door. He walked down the narrow hallway to his bedroom, bidding a goodnight to Kreature as he passed, "So, what did Ginny say?"

"She says that she'll do it."

"Great." Harry smiled, "I knew she would."

"I suppose I did too, but it's a bit nerve-racking. So is Andromeda well enough to take him tomorrow?"

"Yes. She said that everything checked out as good as it would be and that she wanted him tomorrow, if it was alright with me. Of course I said it was. I'll drop him off tomorrow afternoon."

"Right." Hermione smiled.

Harry would miss Teddy. He liked being around to take care of him and have someone to come home to. It was a glance into the future with him. He knew that one day he would have his own children to look after, and while he wasn't ready at this time, he knows that sooner rather than later, there would be children in the house again. Harry looked at Hermione, kissing her forehead briefly. She looked up at him and smiled. Tomorrow, it would be calm again, until Teddy comes again to visit.

In July, Ron knew what rings he wanted to show Hermione. He had five rings picked out and they went from the Ministry to the jewelers. Ron was walking a hundred miles an hour, "Ron please slow down. I can't keep up with you."

"Sorry." He mumbled, slowing his pace, "I just can't wait."

Hermione smiled, "How in the world are you going to propose to her if you are this nervous picking out the ring."

"I'm doing it tomorrow. I'm just going to ask her. I saw how much of a pain it was for Harry to get it perfect and I just figured, no time like the present."

"I agree."

"Thanks Hermione for coming with me."

"No problem Ron. I know you would have done the same for me… or something like that."

"I owe you Hermione." Ron said, "I know you and Claire don't get along all the time, but I really needed you today."

"Ron, I am fine with Claire. We are a lot better now than we were. I enjoy her company… most of the times."

"That's a relief to hear. I hope she says yes Hermione."

"She will, she loves you. You two are meant to be Ron. I'm so happy for you."

"You're going to be in the wedding right?"

Hermione nodded, "Of course, as long as Claire doesn't pick some god awful dress."

"I love her, Hermione. I have never felt this way about a girl before."

Hermione smiled, "Well, let's go get your ring."

The next day, another wedding was going to be planned for early fall of 2002.

It was December, with a bit of snow on the ground, Harry and Hermione went to the local muggle shopping center in London to finish up some of their last minute shopping. The holiday was quickly coming up on them.

"Who do you have left to shop for Hermione?"

"I need to get my mum one more thing, and then Mr. Weasley. Then we need to go and get Victoire and Teddy another gift or two. I figured since I got them books already, a toy would suffice."

"I'm sure they will be happy with anything you give them."

"I'm sure, they are two and three years old, but I still want to get them something nice." Hermione smiled.

"Well, how about this. I'll go look for a toy for Teddy and Vicky, you go and get your mum something, and we'll meet at the toy department when you are finished."

"Right. I know what I will be getting my mum so it shouldn't take me too long." Hermione smiled, "Remember, we need to meet Claire and Ron for lunch in thirty minutes."

"I'll remember."

Hermione nodded and the two parted ways temporarily. Harry walked through the decorated aisles. He looked briefly at the different ornaments and Christmas trees, knowing that Hermione would be a bit longer than she expected to be. He smiled as he saw all the lights twinkling on the trees. He never liked Christmas until he went to Hogwarts, because it was never magical for him. He knew his place at his Aunt and Uncle's house and never argued about it. It was how he grew up. Now, it was as magical as ever because he had a family, a fiancé, and a godson that he would give his right arm for, who he had fought for. He went over to the toy section and was looking for anything muggle that caught his eye for the two kids, when he heard a voice that he never thought he would hear again, "Harry?"

Harry stopped cold in his tracks, not believing his ears. He turned around slowly and blinked a few times, "Dudley?!"

"Bloody hell." He said, as the two stood staring at one another. Dudley, who now stood an inch shorter than Harry and who had significantly lost a bit of weight, not to mention tone up stared at the raven haired man, "I can't believe it."

"How… how have you been?" Harry asked him, not knowing what else to say, having not seen him in about three years now.

"ME?! Bloody hell Harry, I thought you were dead!" He said, shocked that he was even staring at his cousin, "We haven't heard from you since… since they took you away and sent us to that god awful house to hide!"

Harry shrugged, "Well, it wasn't fun I'll tell you that."

"I thought you were dead."

"No." Harry said, green eyes not taking them off his cousin, "I'm fine."

"All worked out then?"

"Yeah."

"Saved the world?"

Harry laughed, "You could say that."

"You made it out then. I thought you would come back or at least send us a note saying that you were alright."

"Send a note? Are you mental? Your dad hates me. He hated me since I was first dropped off at your place."

"Well, you and I, we made up a bit…"

"We did." Harry said, shrugging, "I just figured once I was gone..."

"Mum talks about you sometimes, you know."

"Really?"

He nodded, "Yeah. Wondered where the 'Boy' was on occasion, before she started calling you Harry. I hated when she called you the 'Boy'. "

"No you didn't."

"I did… once I grew up. Harry, I'm sorry about all those years, our childhood. While I was away, and when you were taken, I had a lot of time to think. I asked my mum a lot of questions. She actually told me a bit about your kind and your mum. I started to understand you lot. I started to wonder about how it could have been different and if I ever had a chance to see you again I'd try to make up for it."

"That was a long time Dudley." Harry replied.

"Yeah, it was, but I still, Harry, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything. I just did what my parents wanted. I did what they told me. I treated you like shit, because that was what they did. I could have stopped it…"

"No, you couldn't. I don't regret the time I was at your house, but it was never my house. Sure, I thought about running away when I was younger, sure I wished that my godfather was alive so I could have started to have a real family. You know what though Dudley, it taught me to love. I believed that there was more outside of that house than what I had gotten inside, and it made me a stronger and better person. I grew up quick in your house."

"I'm still sorry…"

"I appreciate that Dudley." Harry responded, smiling.

"So, Harry, what's been… going on?"

"Well, I'm engaged."

"Really?! Well, that's Wonderful! Congratulations! Who is she?"

"Her name's Hermione Granger. She's, well, she's my best friend and has been for the past ten years."

"I suspect she's a witch?"

"She is." Harry smiled, "And a damn good one. She was the smartest witch of our year. Smartest one I know. What about you?"

"Well, I teach in the Surry secondary school. Mathematics. I also coach boxing."

"Any girls?"

"I've been with one for about a year now. Her name's Rose."

"And your mum?"

"She's doing well, as is dad."

"Excellent."Harry smiled, "Glad to hear it."

"Harry!" Hermione called to him as she walked up with a bag in hand, "I ended up getting my mum a… oh, hello, I'm sorry, didn't mean to interrupt." She replied, with a smile.

"Hermione, this is my cousin Dudley."

"Nice to meet you." Dudley said.

Hermione's stare turned icy, with an "Oh. Hello."

"I take it you've heard of me." He said sheepishly.

"I have." Hermione replied, still with a bit of ice in her voice.

"I hear congratulations are in order for your upcoming wedding. When is it?"

Hermione watched Harry's facial expressions, noticing that he was almost relieved that he saw his cousin again. He looked happy to be talking to him, so she changed her tune, "May. May 14th."

"Coming up." Dudley said.

"Yeah it is." Harry replied.

"Harry, we really need to get to the restaurant to meet Ron and Claire." Hermione replied, "I'm sorry Dudley…"

"Not a problem. I wish you all the luck, both you and your lovely fiancé." Dudley smiled at his cousin.

"Dudley, I'd love to keep in touch, catch up more." Harry responded.

"I'd like that. Are you living in the area?"

"London."

Dudley gave him a card with his phone number on it, "My flat is in Surry, but I would be glad to grab a pint or two with you."

"I'd like that."

"Me too." Dudley smiled.

"So until then?"

"Until then."

Hermione decided to muster up the courage to ask since Harry and Dudley were pussyfooting around it, "Dudley, I'd love for you to be at our wedding."

"Really?"

"Yes." Hermione smiled, "You're family after all."

"Send me the invitation and I'll be there."

"Your parents are more than welcome to come as well." Harry responded.

"Mum may, but dad…"

"I'd prefer if he didn't come." Harry reminded Dudley.

"I understand."

Harry watched Hermione casually look at her watch and saw that she was getting antsy, "Well, I'll ring you soon."

"Alright. I'm looking forward to it Harry. Great seeing you."

"You too." Harry said, as Dudley shook his hand.

"Nice to meet you Hermione."

"You as well."

And with that, the trio parted ways, but Hermione had a lot of questions, "What was that about?"

"I dunno." Harry shrugged, "First time seeing him since before our quest."

"You alright?"

"Fine." He smiled, "He's family. I'm glad to get a second chance with him."

"Do you think he's changed?"

"I know he did."

"How did you find him?"

"I heard him."

"If he changed, why hasn't he contacted you?!" Hermione retorted, not wanting Dudley to get off the hook just yet.

"And how was he suppose to do that? It's not like I was looking for them. I mean, Dudley and I made up a bit at the beginning of the war, before all of you came to get me out. He thought I was dead. Why would someone look for a dead person?"

Hermione nodded after taking in everything Harry had told her. Taking Harry's hand he brought it up to his lips and kissed it, causing a smile from her, "Come on. Ron will never let me live it down if I'm late for dinner."

Harry laughed and they walked out of the store to the restaurant getting there only a few minutes before their redheaded friend.

"All finished shopping?" Ron asked the couple.

"Not yet. I still need to get Teddy and Victoire a toy of some sort."

"I thought you were doing that before mate?"

"I was, but I ran into someone."

"Who?"

"Dudley."

"DUDLEY! That fat git?"

"Well, yes, but he's not fat, and well, he's not a git."

"Harry, that bloke was horrible!"

"He was. We talked a bit, and, well, I'm going to get together and see if we can get a relationship going again."

"Did you meet him Hermione?"

"I did. He seemed genuine." She shrugged.

"Well, I'm glad then." Ron shrugged.

"Who's Dudley?" Claire finally piped up.

"My cousin." Harry replied.

"And you haven't seen him?"

"Not since before the war."

"Why not?"

"I lived with them since my parent's died and I wasn't exactly treated like family… to say the least. I got little to nothing there. Dudley and I weren't exactly close."

"Fred, George, and I had to pull bars off his window second year, and third year… I think, Fred and George made his tongue grow a couple feet."

"That bad?"

"Yeah, he was." Harry replied, "We kind of made up before I left the house, and now, we'll see."

"Well, that's good then." Claire smiled, as they sat in the muggle restaurant to eat.

Harry thought about what a relationship he could have with his cousin. He wondered if he could get past all the torment, though, he was never one to hold a grudge. He usually turned the other cheek. He discussed the occurrence in more detail with Hermione who in the end, agreed with him trying to get to know his blood relative. She understood why Harry would give Dudley a second chance, and even his Aunt if he could. She wasn't going to stand in the way of him having a shot with his blood relatives.

Christmas was soon upon them. Hermione and Harry apparated over to the Burrow for the yearly tree decorating party. All the Weasley's were there. Victoire was excited about Father Christmas coming and told everyone that she saw that she was a 'VERY GOOD GIRL!'

Songs of the holidays rang through the crooked house as all the wizards and witches had their wands drawn while decorating for the season. The tree was done by hand, and always was done by hand, of course, after the lights were put up. Hermione loved Christmas, every part of it. This year, Hermione and Harry would be spending the entire time with the Weasley's, because her mum and Jake would be out of town visiting family members. Laughter filled the household as they decorated, ate, and discussed the festivities that would be arriving. Charlie came a bit late, because Ellie had to work. Victoire ran over to him full force as he called, "Did I miss the decorating?"

"Uncle Charlie!" She grinned her long blonde hair flowing back behind her as he caught her.

"Hey Vicky." He smiled, kissing her, "How's my favorite Goddaughter?"

"I've been VERY GOOD!" She said to him.

"Oh have you? So Father Christmas will be bringing you some presents then?"

"Yup!"

"Good." He smiled, kissing her, "Mum. How's next August sound to you?"

"Next August?" She replied, looking at him.

"Yeah, next August. Anything big going on?"

"Not that I know of, besides Ginny turning 21."

"No, I know that, what about mid August, say, August eighteenth?"

"Why?"

"That's when Ellie and I decided to have our wedding." He smiled, as the entire family stood staring at him, mouths dropped for a matter of moments, before the noisy chatter came and the hugs, kisses, and pats on the back came, "Of course, I'm following after Bill if you'll let us have it here, in the gardens."

"Of course we will! Won't we Arthur."

"Of course!" He smiled, "Congratulations son."

"Thank you."

"This calls for some wine!" Mr. Weasley smiled, "Ron, go grab it."

"Sure dad." He smiled, grabbing the wine from the wine rack. Harry helped with the glasses, levitating what he could. They drank to the special occasion, and continued their tree.

That night, the girls decided that they would go out after the tree was trimmed. Luna came over from her house to relax with the enormous family. Since it was a Saturday night it was a perfect time for all the girls to talk about all the stuff the men refuse to listen to. "Alright ladies, let's head out." Ginny smiled as the tree was completed.

"Where are you girls going?" Ron asked.

"I figured to three broom sticks." Ginny shrugged, "Haven't been there in a while."

"Me neither." Luna and Hermione agreed.

"I'm game." Fleur smiled.

"Right then, we'll see you lot later." Bill smiled, "Don't get too pissed."

"Speak for yourself. I for one don't care if you ladies get pissed. In fact, Ellie, I suggest you have a few fire whiskeys while you're out love." He said, winking at her, "Just make sure you come back to the right fireplace and the right bed."

"CHARLIE!" Ellie said, blushing.

"Mum do you want to come?" Ginny asked.

"No, thank you." Mrs. Weasley smiled, "You girls go and have fun."

"Are you sure? There's always room at the pub." Fleur smiled.

"No. You girls enjoy your night, just not too much."

Hermione kissed Harry, "I'll be home later."

"I'll be waiting." Harry laughed.

And with that, the apparating ladies left and arrived in Hogs Mead. You could see Hogwarts in the distance, blinking lights brought back a lot of memories. Ginny took Hermione's arm, as she caught her staring at the castle, smiling, "Memories?"

Hermione nodded, "Yeah."

"Me too." She said, "Come on. After a few drinks, you'll forget all about it."

Hermione smiled, "Maybe one."

"No way Hermione, you're having a couple."

"We'll see." She smiled.

Julia walked into the bar first, pulling out twelve knuts, "Can we have seven shots of fire whiskey."

"WHAT?!" Claire replied, looking at Julie as if she were crazy, "Are you nutters?"

"It's on Fred." She smiled.

"I can't do this. I'm such a lightweight." Hermione replied.

Ginny smiled, passing the whiskey to her, "Practice for your bachelorette party. Which will be occurring early May."

Luna smiled, "Have you found a dress yet Hermione?"

"No." She sighed, "Nor have I chose a color for you girls."

"Anything that isn't red." Ginny said.

"No, definitely not red. We do need to go shopping soon."

"Just tell us when." Ginny smiled.

"Oh yes, I'll just have to get off the day. The quibbler is quite popular lately. I have not been able to keep up with the editing."

"Bottoms up ladies." Julie smiled, tilting the glasses back.

Hermione struggled to get the drink down her throat, and hated how it burned as she drank, but she drank it anyway.

"That's not bad." Claire smiled, "But I don't know how the guys drink this all the time."

"It's because of their aura." Luna said.

"Come again?" Ellie said, looking down at the loopy blonde sitting in front of her.

"It all depends on their aura. If their aura's show redness, then they are able to handle the fire whiskey. Some are not. I had an article in the quibbler that told all about the difference in the two aura's, the feminine and the masculine ones. Did you catch it?"

"Sorry, no." Claire laughed, "Luna, you are too much."

"How so?"

"You're ideas!" Claire exclaimed, "I have never had someone so into their own ideas. You can argue your cause without even having visual proof."

"Visual proof can only get you so far."

"And on that note, I need another drink." Julie smiled, "Another round ladies?"

"No." Hermione replied, "Something that isn't a shot." She already felt her head beginning to swim.

"Hermione you couldn't possibly be feeling this right now."

"I am." She laughed, "I can't do many shots."

"Clearly." Fleur smiled.

After three drinks and a shot, the girls all became quite happy, talking about anything that popped into their minds.

"I've got one…" Hermione said laughing, "What in the bloody hell is a narggle?"

"A narggle? Why Hermione, you know what a narggle is! It's a little pixy creature that lives in mistletoe."

"Have you seen one?"

"Of course I have!"

"Personally?"

"Well, yes. I have. I mean, seeing isn't always believing is it? Can you see your love for Harry?"

"Well, yes…"

"Only when you show affection. But when you aren't around him, do you still love him?"

"Of course." Hermione replied.

"How can you tell?"

"I just know! I feel it."

"Exactly, but you can't see it." She replied, downing the last bit of her fourth drink, "You can't see it, but you know that you love him because you feel it. There are lots of things that you know are there but you can't feel. How do you explain your love if you don't see it?"

"I feel it." Hermione replied, finally understanding Luna one hundred percent. The dreamer sat next to her explaining it to her, "Luna, I don't know which one it is, either when I'm drinking you are philosophical or when you're drinking you become philosophical."

"Bit of both don't you think?" Ginny responded, "But drinking makes me understand Luna."

"I have a different view on life." Luna smiled.

"A different, but not wrong." Fleur smiled.

"No, I am quite bright." She smiled, "I was a Ravenclaw after all."

"That is true." Hermione laughed as they decide on yet another shot of fire whiskey.

They girls continue to drink, as the hours past them by. At last, around closing time of the bar, 2:00 in the morning, the girls floo to their respected places, neither one of them in any condition to apparate. With a round of hugs, the girls retire for the night. Hermione and Claire stumbled into Grimmaulds Place, giggling as they trip over furniture that had been there for almost two years.

"When did they put that table here?!" Claire giggled as she slurred her words.

Ron walked down the stairs, "Bloody Hell you two! Did you drink the bar out of business?"

"RON!" Hermione said, mustering all the pride she had in her body, "How dare you make an accu… accu… acu… oh hell."

"Accusation?" Ron laughed, "Well, considering you two are stumbling around in the dark, not using your wands to light up the ways, I feel that you will have a successful hangover tomorrow."

"Ugh…" Claire whined, "Stairs."

"Up them, both of you." He laughed, "I can't believe you didn't wake Harry up."

He walked carefully behind the pair, ensuring they did not fall or pass out or vomit in that case, "How much did you two drink?"

"Dunno." Claire said, stopping to wrap her arms around him on the stairs, "But I know that I love you. I love you!"

"Yes, I love you too." He smiled, "I'm marrying you for a reason. At the moment I have no clue why."

"WE need to get to bed." She slurred seductively, or as much as she could muster.

"Sorry love, but that doesn't do it for me tonight. I will however, stand next to you, holding your hair back as all your alcohol comes up in reverse." He teased her while steadying Hermione as she climbed. Ron banged on Harry's door and opened it, "I have something that belongs to you." He smiled, "Enjoy her drunkenness. Mine won't let me go."

Harry rubbed his eyes, turning on the light, "Drunk are we?"

"Not too bad!" She smiled, running into the end of the bed, falling over onto it.

"I'm sure." He laughed, as he stood up, grabbing one of his exceptionally large t-shirts, helping her change into it, "You alright."

"I'm fine!" She said, as she curled up onto the bed, passing out shortly after her head hit the pillow.

Harry, shaking his head, kissed the top of her head, "You are going to have such a horrid headache tomorrow."

The next day, as expected, Hermione woke up at almost ten with a horrific headache. She rolled over and opened her eyes, groaning at the light flowing through the curtain. Groaning again, she feels the blood pounding in her head, "Why did I do that?" She grunted to herself. She could barely move her head hurt so much. Hearing the door open, she covered her head with a pillow, "Don't play possum love" Harry said, 'because I have a bit of a potion that you're going to drink."

"No." Hermione said flat out, "I can't stomach anything right now."

"You can. Charlie brewed this last night, knowing that all of you girls would be in a bit of rough shape this morning. Take it." She pulled her head out from under the pillow, and sat up, taking the glass. She sniffs it, and makes a face, "Drink it all." Harry said, folding his arms, "You'll feel better in about two hours."

She drank it, expecting to go running into the bathroom, but surprisingly it stayed down, "Thank you."

"How much did you drink last night?"

"Too much. Three drinks, and a couple shots. How's Claire feeling?"

"Had her head in the toilet all morning. I'm quite glad you didn't follow suit."

"Me too." She groaned, closing her eyes.

"Rest for a bit, then get up, get a shower, and you'll feel good as new."

Hermione nodded, and did as she was told. Surprisingly, she was good as new by noon, which was wonderful, because her mum called her and said that today they would be looking for her wedding dress. Hermione was thrilled. She went out at three, with her mum to a few boutiques and found different dresses for the girls and she found the perfect dress for her. This dress fit her to a tee. She found it after trying on three dresses. Hermione, as everyone knows, once she made up her mind, she had difficulty changing it, which included choosing her dream dress. Purchasing it, she brought it back to her mum's house. What does it look like? No one would be able to see it until the wedding. Hermione looked at the calendar. It was only five months away. She had her dress, she was looking for her bridesmaids dresses, and then, it was time to think of the invitations. So much to do, so little time. In just five short months, she would be married… they would be married.

A/N: So like it? Love it? Comments? Review please! Chapter 22 will be up soon! Chapter 21 will include the last few months of the wedding planning, as well as the wedding, and the honeymoon? Thank you so much for all your reviews! Thank you also for adding me as one of your favorite author's/ favorite story.

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