You're all so amazing! Here's another lengthy one. If I'm assuming correctly there will be two more chapters and then... FIN! I know right?! Cue the sad violin. But with this chapter we can finally have our showdown. Dun dun dunnn.

Thank you Rusty Weasley who had this chapter done faster than I can check my emails, lol. You're the best!

As always, read and review!

Chapter 25

Hermione woke up, stretching in her bed. She felt overly content. She lay in bed listening to the birds chirp outside her window.

Life was good. She had a great job. She'd spoken to Blaise the day before and Pink Ray was being sold not by the vial, or crate, but by the pallet. St. Mungo's and various other hospitals and clinics around the greater U.K. area had placed orders exceeding all expectations they had.

The workers at the facility had done a marvelous job at being efficient and safe. They learned Hermione didn't mess around with safety when she made George wobble around on crutches at WWWZI, using him as an example of what could happen if they were careless and didn't follow instructions.

She also had a wonderful apartment that was close enough to all her favorite things. She had an amazing boyfriend who was returning later that evening. She was eager to see him. After their little "activity" on the phone two days ago, she was anticipating the real thing. That, and she was ready to move their relationship forward.

After seeing Adrian off at the Ministry with Harry and Ron, she opened up to them about being worried that things were too perfect. Sure, they argued some, but they hadn't had a big blow out yet and it was making her nervous. Harry soothed her thoughts saying that he and Ginny didn't have big fights either. Small spats maybe, but it was because they respected each other enough not to get carried away. Ron had made a snarky assumption that at least the sex was mediocre. Much to his and Harry's embarrassment, Hermione let them know that Adrian was very attentive and very giving in bed, and in the shower, and in the kitchen, and on the couch, and in the office, and in the Potter's guest room. She relented when both boys begged her to stop.

A tapping on her window had her come out of her daydream. Rolling out of bed, she went to the window and let the owl in. She took the note from its outstretched leg.

Come over for lunch at noon. There's a very handsome man waiting to see you.

-Ginny

Hermione smiled at the note. Baby James was very handsome. She was ready to smother him with hugs and kisses as well as with a new toy. She had been playing around with one of his stuffed animals when she got an idea.

Going to a toy store, she bought a few stuffed animals. After working out a few kinks in the charms, the stuffed toys now turned color to fit the baby's mood or problem. It would turn blue if the baby needed a diaper change, orange if it was hungry, green if it was feeling ill, and red if the baby was happy. Hermione was sure Harry would appreciate it. He'd know now when James needed a diaper change instead of sniffing the foul nappy.

With a spring in her step, she headed towards the shower. Hermione took an extra long one, grooming her legs and armpits. She debated on shaving off all her pubic hair but after much deliberation, she went for a trim instead. Adrian had never complained before. Washing the conditioner from her hair, she finished up, brushed her teeth, and went to get dressed.

Clothed in a comfortable sweater, jeans, and flats, she tidied up the apartment. After picking up Adrian at the Ministry, she'd bring him straight here, she thought. With enough time killed, she grabbed her purse, wand, new toys for James, and Disapparated to the Potter home.

Hermione entered through the back door, mindful of the Muggle neighbors. The kitchen was oddly quiet.

"Ginny!" she called out.

"Living room!" the red head called back.

She set everything except the gifts down on the kitchen table. "Where's my handsome man," she squeaked walking to the other room. Hermione stopped in her tracks upon entering.

"Should I be concerned that you're trading me in for baby?" Adrian asked with a lopsided grin on his face.

Hermione rushed to the couch, knocking Adrian down as she planted a solid kiss on his lips and wrapped her arms around him. He slid his arms around her waist, hoisting her up and pulling her closer.

"Alright, we get it. Enough with the PDA," Ginny teased.

Hermione finally released him and smacked his arm, "You said you were coming in later!"

"Surprise!" he gestured lifting his hands in mock enthusiasm.

"How was your trip? How's Daphne? Did you bring me anything? What time did you get here? Why didn't you come over? Why didn't you say anything?"

"Merlin woman, you'd think you were a bloody Auror with the inquisition! Let the man breathe!" Ginny scolded.

"Don't you have a child to take care of?" Hermione asked.

"He's with mum and dad for the day," the mother responded.

"Before I tell you all about my trip, we're waiting on a few more people," Adrian said casually.

"George and Angie?" she asked.

"Just George," Ginny responded.

It was then that Hermione noticed the other two fidgeting. Why were they expecting more people and why were they so nervous?

"What's going on? You're both acting off," she commented.

"Soon, Love. Just wait." Adrian took her hand, holding it firmly.

Ginny went to get some tea from the kitchen, leaving the couple alone for a few minutes. As soon as she left, Adrian attacked Hermione's lips. He caught her by surprise, delving into her mouth with his tongue. Between kisses he said, "I missed you."

"Mmm, I missed you too," she replied when he nipped at her neck.

They broke apart when they heard someone clearing their throat. George had come through the Floo, but both had been so preoccupied with the other, neither heard it go off.

Adrian stood, giving George a hug. "All good mate?" he asked pointing at George's cast.

"I told the healer just to chop it off but she didn't understand my humor. Bandaged me up the good old Muggle way," he grinned. "Everything alright with you?" The double meaning implied.

"Yeah. We're almost ready," Adrian said nervously.

Hermione eyed the exchange. Ready for what? She wondered. Were they going to fire her? No. George wouldn't do that here. Was Adrian joining the Weasley business? No. Then they wouldn't be nervous. Were they going to ask her and Adrian to be godparents to James? No! Then Harry would be there! She tossed ideas around in her head, nixing each one shortly after.

George tapped her head, "I see the smoke coming out of your ears. Relax."

"Easy for you to say. I'm the only one not in on this little club," she said crossing her arms.

"That's not true. Harry and Ron don't know either," Ginny said, setting down the tea. She handed everyone a steaming mug.

The four sat, sipping their tea.

"Are we going to address the elephant in the room?" Hermione asked.

George scoffed, "Hermione! That's rude. Ginny just had a baby! She'll lose the weight! No need to call her an elephant," he looked at his sister, "She's more like a young calf."

"Stupid git!" Ginny smacked his injured arm.

George muttered an apology, rubbing his cast.

Adrian set his tea down and angled his body towards Hermione. He removed the mug she held and took her hands. With a deep breath, he began, "I have something to tell you. Something I've been lying to you about."

Hermione felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped down her back. Her mouth got incredibly dry and the room shifted. She swallowed several times in vain. "The woman on the phone-" she croaked.

"No, no. I'm not cheating on you Hermione. I told you. I would never do that," he said honestly.

"Hear him out Hermione," Ginny offered kindly.

Adrian nodded to the red head and continued, "Right. I-I want you to know that you mean the world to me. I've never felt like this about anyone. Ever. You're the light of my life and I honestly have no idea how I got by before you." He took another calming breath and wiped his sweaty palms on his trousers, taking Hermione's hands again. "The night I showed up at your parents home-"

Hermione visibly flinched. He knew she didn't like talking about her parents. Even less in front of George and Ginny. She tried pulling her hands away from him but he tightened his grip.

"When I saw how not fine you were, although you claim you are, I wanted to help. I couldn't sit idly by while you were in emotional and physical turmoil. I wanted to make you happy again." Adrian looked right into her chocolate colored eyes. They were confused, worried, and with a hint of anger.

Hermione didn't know how to react. The feeling in her stomach gave her an inkling she was going to be unhappy.

"I didn't go to Peru," Adrian said quietly.

"What?" her focus snapped back to him. "What do you mean you didn't go to Peru?" Hermione fumed, "Where were you?" She finally pulled away from his grasp.

He floundered. This was harder than he imagined. "I uh- um..."

"Speak up Adrian. You had the audacity to lie to me for a week and a half. The least you can do speak loudly in your confession," she spat.

"Granger calm down," George motioned for her to relax.

"Oh you're next Weasley!" she looked between the siblings, "Did you both know he didn't go to Peru?" She waited for a reaction but they both dropped their gaze. "Did you both help him lie to me?" No response again.

"Hermione... " Adrian reached for her again.

"I wasn't talking to you Pucey!" she answered angrily. She felt her magic begin to stir in anger. "No. Someone needs to start talking quickly or I will leave and never speak to any of you again!"

George knew Hermione's threats weren't to be taken lightly. When no one made a move he decided to take action. "Pucey went to Australia."

She sucked in a breath. Realization hit her like a ton of bricks. It hit her harder than any curse she'd ever endured. It felt like her body was being weighed down by cement blocks. "What?" she whispered.

"I went to Australia. I found your parents my love," Adrian said empathetically.

Hermione bolted from the couch and faced the trio. "No! Absolutely not! You had no right to go there! Who the fuck do you think you are!?" The tips of her hair began to spark. With a finger pointing menacingly at them, she shouted, "That is a chapter in my life that you do not understand! How dare you meddle into business that does not concern you! I-"

"Of course it concerns us! We're your family Hermione! What hurts you hurts us!" Ginny got to her feet and shouted back. "Merlin you're just like Harry! Whenever one of us is too prideful to ask for help, you take it upon yourselves to solve our problems!"

"That's different!" Hermione countered.

"Bullshit Hermione! It's the same damn thing! You do it without our permission! No one asked you to be a fucking problem solver! But you do it because you love us!" Ginny's face matched her hair from shouting.

"Screw you, Ginevra!" Hermione then faced George, " Of all people I thought you would understand! You bloody came with me! You knew I wanted to leave it alone! I begged you! Literally begged you! You've betrayed me George. That is unforgivable!"

"No, what's unforgivable is you acting like a downright ungrateful bitch."

Everyone spun around to identify the new voice. Pansy stood by the doorway, wand pointed at Hermione. She nodded towards the three less hostile people. "Potter. Weasley. Pucey. You didn't wait for me?"

"I thought you wouldn't come," Adrian said. "What about Da-"

"And miss this fiasco? Please. She understood. Merlin knows you can't handle anything by yourself," she scoffed. She barely saw the twitch of Hermione's finger, but she moved quickly. "Expelliarmus!"

Hermione seethed at being bested by Pansy. She glared at the Slytherin, unaware of where her wand landed. "What are you doing here?"

"She really is like a lion isn't she?" Pansy humored.

George rotated his hand back and forth, "So-so."

Hermione had enough. She stomped past Pansy towards the door. Wand or not, she was leaving. When she tried the handle, it wouldn't budge. She turned to the group, "Unlock this door!"

"No!" Ginny and Pansy replied.

"You're not leaving until you've heard me out Granger. So sit your ass down. Shut your damn mouth and open your ears." Pansy flared at her until the other girl huffed with a sigh of indignation.

Hermione took a seat away from everyone and crossed her arms defensively. If her anger hadn't been directed at him, Adrian would have found her pout endearing.

"I've met some selfish people in my time Granger, but bloody hell do you take the fucking cake. Sit. Down," Pansy gritted when Hermione made to get up again. "These people here have worked themselves crazy to make you happy. They've lied and schemed for your benefit. And you just take a shit on their efforts? Perhaps you can do that to Potter and Weasley, but you will not do that to Adrian!"

"I never asked them to!" Hermione shouted.

"Do you have any idea what's been done in the name of your happiness? Malfoy had to pull strings all over the Ministry here and Australia! Blaise called in a life debt! Weasley blew himself up! Potter had to play nanny to distract you! Adrian got Crucioed! And I committed murder!" Pansy's pitch rose unbelievably high. "So tell me Granger, didn't you do just as many things to help Potter so many years ago? Didn't you sacrifice your soul to help and protect the ones you love? Because if you ask me, everyone here did the exact fucking thing you did! Grow the fuck up Granger, and quit being a hypocrite!"

Hermione stared at the enraged woman in front of her. She tried to mask her emotions because it was too much. Pansy had struck every nerve in her core. She shifted her eyes towards Ginny who had an agreeing look to Pansy's rant. Then over to George and his cast. He wasn't stupid. He'd have known better than to mess with the soy sauce again. Then her eyes shifted to Adrian. He looked tired and anxious. It was then she noticed the weary look on his face. He had the posture of someone who was exhausted.

He stared right back at her, refusing to break the contact. Slowly he got up from his seat and knelt down in front of Hermione. Reaching for her face, Adrian caressed her cheek. When she didn't pull away, he enveloped her in an embrace. She tried to shift away but Adrian held her still. "I'm sorry I lied to you. I'm so, so, sorry," he kept saying.

Finally, as if a switch flipped, Hermione clung to his shirt and proceeded to sob. She sobbed because she was angry, because he lied, because her friends lied, because they loved her unconditionally, because she loved them too, because they had the best intentions, regardless of how dumb the plan was, because they did it all for her.

Adrian moved away and wiped her tears. Even red, blotchy, and with her nose running, she was beautiful to him.

Between sniffles, Hermione asked, "Why did you get Crucioed and who did you kill?"

"Umm...before we get to that, there's something more," Adrian said apprehensively.

"How could there possibly be more?" Hermione asked in shock.

"You didn't think we went to bloody Australia just for holiday did you Granger? Surely even you're not that daft," Pansy insulted.

Hermione stared at the kneeling man in front of her who seemed at a loss for words. The wheels in her brain turned. As the puzzle pieces came together, she put her hand over her mouth to stifle her gasp. "Adrian, please tell me you didn't."

"I'm on it Pucey!" George called. He Disapparated seconds later.

Hermione hadn't stopped searching Adrian's eyes for an answer. "Did you?"

A smile crept onto his face, unable to hide it any longer, "We did."

The front door opened, George came barreling in with two people in tow.

Adrian helped Hermione off her seat and held her close. He heard her choke back a sob as she stared at the two people responsible for her very existence.

"Mommy? Daddy?" Hermione's chin quivered as she asked hopefully.

The Granger's had their own eyes full of unshed tears. Emily had a knot lodged in her throat, preventing her from speaking. Instead, Richard made the first move. "My little girl," he said emotionally.

Hermione launched herself at them. Her head was buried into her mother's neck as she cried remorsefully. She clung to her father's arms as if they were her lifeline. The three slowly sunk down to their knees, unable to let each other go. Words of sorry, and of love murmured amongst them.

Adrian felt his own throat close up. He shifted to see Ginny who was openly crying. George had a few silent tears streaming down his face. Even Pansy was blinking rapidly, trying to keep the tears at bay. He motioned for them to follow him to the kitchen, offering the family some privacy.

The Granger's remained embraced a while longer. Emily finally broke the hug and wiped her daughter's face. "No more tears baby. We're back. We're all back."

Richard helped his girls off the floor, relocating them to the couch. Hermione refused to let them go, needing constant contact. She sat on the coffee table, wanting to face them. Her mother still wore the same perfume. Her father still had the same beat up watch on his wrist. With the exception of a few gray hairs on her father, and barely noticeable wrinkles on her mother's cheeks, they looked just like they had six years ago.

Emily and Richard seemed to be taking her in as well. She was older with a sense of poise. Her face friendly but stern. She seemed guarded. They blamed that on the war she fought in. She wasn't the seventeen-year-old girl that was wet behind the ears, but instead she was twenty-four-year-old young lady who had lived.

"You've grown so much, Sweetie," Richard said as he took her hand.

"You're so beautiful," Emily added.

Hermione chuckled, "You're just saying that." Although they denied it, it felt amazing to hear it. "Are you mad at me?"

"No. I mean at first we were upset. You should have talked to us and we would've figured something out. However, after much discussion, we understood why you did it," Richard said. "Had you told us about all that was going on, we believe we wouldn't have let you go."

"But that could have affected the outcome of the war, right?" Emily asked. "We know about your contribution and that you're a hero. You sacrificed more than anyone would have expected you too." She unconsciously rubbed Hermione's forearm where her scar was. She could feel the raised skin through the sweater sleeves.

Hermione, on instinct, tried to pull her arm away, but Emily caught the sleeve. "Please don't," Hermione said quietly through her tears.

"Adrian didn't tell us what happened. He said it wasn't his story to tell." Richard gave her other hand an encouraging squeeze.

With a defeated and nervous sigh, she nodded towards her mother, who began rolling up her sleeve. When the 'D' came into view, Emily faltered slightly, but with determination kept going until the full word was on display. Although it had been several years, the scars were a dark red. They stood out against her white porcelain skin.

"Are they dead?" Richard asked fiercely.

Hermione nodded, "Yes. Mrs. Weasley killed her."

"Good," was all he said.

"Adrian told us you kept the house," Emily said changing the subject.

"I did. It was the only thing I had left of yours. I couldn't stand to sell it," Hermione said.

"Can we go home? We have a lot to talk about. A lot to catch up on," Emily said beaming at her daughter.

Hermione's heart swelled. Home. They could go home. Together. She went to stand, but felt shaky on her feet. "Actually I don't think I can Disapparate us right now. I'm not very stable at the moment."

"It's ok sweetheart. I've got it. Adrian!" Mr. Granger shouted.

He came rushing to the living room, skidding to a halt. "Yes sir?"

Emily laughed and whispered to Hermione, "He's afraid of your father."

Hermione watched as her father told her boyfriend what the next step was. She leaned towards her mother, "Why?"

"It slipped that you're...intimate," Emily said delicately. She laughed again when Hermione turned crimson.

Adrian put a hand on Hermione's shoulder, squeezing it affectionately, "Ready?" He gave her an odd look when he noticed her flushed face.

"Let's go," she said.

"Wait, where's Pansy?" Emily asked looking for the other girl.

The other three people in the kitchen came hurdling out, giving away that they were listening in.

Emily and Richard hugged Pansy, thanking her for everything. They promised to keep in touch and to have dinner soon. Hermione watched in awe as Pansy seemed civil, even friendly towards them. They also said goodbye to the Weasley siblings, thanking them as well.

Ginny captured Hermione in a crushing hug. "Please don't be mad at me."

"I'm not. I promise," the brunette assured.

Pansy approached her next. "Granger," she stuck out her hand. She was surprised when Hermione pulled her into a brief but meaningful hug.

"Thank you."

Pansy nodded, unsure of what else to do.

Adrian took Hermione and Emily's hand while George took hold of Richard. Together they Disapparated to the Granger residence.

Richard located the key under the flowerpot and unlocked the back door. He and his wife went in first. George took his leave, not wanting to intrude. Hermione and Adrian followed behind her parents. He had yet to let go of her hand.

"I tried not to change anything. I did have to get a new refrigerator, but everything else is the same," Hermione said when they'd gone around the entire house.

They were back in the living room. An awkward silence fell amongst them and Adrian suddenly felt like he was intruding. "I should get going. I'm sure you have lots to catch up on," he said rising from his seat. Before they got a chance to protest he kissed Emily and Hermione on the cheek and patted Richard on the back. "If you need anything don't hesitate to call."

He headed towards the back door but stopped when a hand gripped his elbow. Hermione had followed him into the kitchen.

"Everything okay?" he asked, tucking a loose curl behind her ear.

Unsure of what to say, Hermione kissed him softly on the lips. She pulled away shyly, grinning at Adrian's confused face. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Remember, I would do anything for you. I love you," he said leaning his forehead on hers.

"I know," she swallowed heavily. "I-I love you too."

He smiled lopsidedly. "I'm going to snog you senseless now."

He claimed her mouth with his, savoring every feeling. He'd kissed her a million times before but it was nothing compared to this one. She loved him back. Adrian slipped his tongue into her mouth, needing more from her. Hermione was only too happy to comply, lacing her fingers in his hair.

They were still in plain sight to the Granger's in the other room. They tried not to watch as their daughter melted against the young man who brought them together. "She did good," Emily said.

Richard huffed, "She could've done worse. Ow, woman!" He rubbed his leg where she pinched him. He felt his face heat up when he saw Adrian's hand cup Hermione's rear. "No manhandling my daughter!"

The couple broke apart, turning to her parents. Adrian laughed nervously facing Hermione. With a final chaste kiss, he let her go. "Call me if you need anything."

"I will," Hermione promised.

She watched Adrian's back as he left. When the pop of Disapparition signaled his leave, Hermione took a deep breath. It was time to reunite with her parents.

By the way, thanks to those of you who leave a comment almost every chapter. I do try and PM all of you back and my sincerest apologies for not getting back to some of you. However you are noted and appreciated!

Also thinking about changing the story summary. It turned out different than what was in mind. Thoughts?

Now go leave a review!

-steph