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.
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!
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This chapter was meant to be based pretty much on the boys of the family, though it is not as long as the others, I didn't feel this chapter needed much more explanation!!!
Sorry it took so long!!! Just move a month and a half ago… it got a bit crazy. It's a bit of a lonnngggg chapter, but hopefully you enjoy it!
Read, Enjoy, Review!
Hermione was running on lack of sleep and had been since she had Luke. He was different from his sister. He always got up between five and five thirty in the morning without fail. He would stay awake until nine when he would sleep, however, by that time Hermione could not sleep anymore, because she had two other children to take care of, especially on weekends when their father worked. Teddy had been a huge help, usually, especially with Lily. She idolized him and wanted to do everything he did. It was almost lunch, and Hermione had Luke in his little chair on the counter, strapped him in and set to work. She made lunch quickly and set it on the table, before walking out of the kitchen and into the play room, "TED REMUS AND LILLIAN KATE! GET IN HERE!" She shouted for them. She heard footsteps from upstairs running down to her and then from the sitting room, "Did I or did I NOT tell you that you needed to clean this room up two hours ago! It's a disaster!"
"Teddy did it." Lily said.
"Don't even THINK about trying to blame this all on him Lillian. I don't think he was playing with all YOUR toys all week. You two have a HALF HOUR to get this place cleaned after lunch. Do you understand?"
"Yes mum." They both said as she stormed out. The kids followed her and then they sat down to lunch. Teddy and Lily spent the half hour cleaning the room and then Lily went up for her nap. Hermione was exhausted. She had been up since five in the morning after not going to be until almost twelve. She put Luke down for his nap upstairs and then she went into her bedroom. She told Teddy before that she would be upstairs if he needed her. Hermione was grateful that Teddy was of the age where he didn't need her every second of the day. He was able to play and manage on his own for a little bit of time. She walked through her bedroom, leaving the door open incase her sons or daughter needed her and laid down on her bed, pulling her book from the nightstand. She didn't get past the third page when she fell asleep, in need of a good long nap. She was woken up around two hours later by Lily who crawled up onto their bed and laid next to her. Hermione opened her eyes and kissed her daughter.
"Mummy, I'm hungry." Lily said sweetly.
"I suppose you want a snack then?"
'Yes." Lily replied, hugging her mum.
"Come on." She said yawning as she walked downstairs, "Teddy, do you want a snack?"
"Oh yes!" He said as he ran into the kitchen, "I want ice cream."
Hermione agreed, something that she doesn't normally do when it comes to sweets, but she also could use some ice cream.
Hermione sat down with the kids and ate her scoop of ice cream, before her son woke up. As if clockwork, he woke at three on the dot. Hermione walked upstairs, "That's enough of your crying." Hermione said in a soothing voice as she walked over to the crib, "Good sleep then Luke?" He gave her a sleepy smile as she reached in and picked him up, "I thought you did." Hermione changed him and picked him right back up, situating him against her neck. He nestled down against the crook of her neck. Hermione smiled widely and kissed the top of his head. She loved having a baby at this age in the house, even if he didn't allow her to sleep that long, "You're going to be hungry soon aren't you? Daddy hopefully will be home early tonight. I'm sure your brother and sister will go flying and that will leave you and me alone a bit." She said, talking to her son, "What do you think about that?" Luke flailed his arms a bit and Hermione kissed his forehead, "I thought you'd like that."
Hermione walked downstairs with Luke and they went into the sitting room. Hermione smiled and sat with her son, cradling him against her chest. His eyes wandered as he sat with his mum. Lily came running in and stopped, frowning a bit at Luke, "Mummy, I want to sit with you."
"You can sit next to me." Hermione offered.
Lily frowned and shook her head. Hermione sighed. Lily has her days. She could be an angel and get along with anyone and everyone around her, or she can be horrible, bossy, miserable, and mostly jealous of the new baby of the family. The jealousy has dissipated a lot, but still showed its head a couple times during a week.
"What's your choice Lils?"
"Sit next to you." Lily said in a defeated way. She jumped up onto the couch and leaned against her mum, "Mummy, Luke sit with me."
Hermione smiled at her daughter's changed attitude, "Alright, hold your hands out. Mind his head."
"I know." She said as she took her little brother into her arms. She was never rough with him, which Hermione was glad about, "I hope your father comes home early tonight."
"Why?" Lily asked.
"Because I'm exhausted and I need to go out with Aunt Claire tonight."
"I go with Uncle Ron." Lily smiled.
"You probably will." She smiled.
"Luke can play with Alex."
"Eventually." Hermione grinned.
Teddy came down and sat on the chair next to Hermione. He gently ran his finger over Luke's hand who instantly smiled at his big brother and kicked his feet, "Can I hold him?"
Hermione nodded, "Of course." She passed Luke to Teddy. It was easier having Teddy hold him then Lily. He knew how to handle the infant and was careful. Lily was unpredictable, though Hermione never had much trouble with Lily holding her brother. Hermione rested her elbow against the arm of the couch and leaned her head on her fist, smiling, watching her sons' interaction. Lily came over to Hermione and crawled up in her lap. Hermione kissed her cheek and tickled her a bit, as they waited for their father to come home.
"Dad's home!" Teddy said as Hermione took Luke back.
"Daddy!" Lily squealed.
"I'm home!" He called, and Hermione smiled. She situated Luke against her neck and stood up. Harry walked in with Teddy in one arm, Lily in the other, "How was your day?" He asked, putting his oldest two down and kissed his wife.
"Brilliant. Yours?"
"Good." He smiled, taking Luke from Hermione, "Busy. We have a couple days coming up that may last well into the night."
Hermione nodded, "As long as you're safe…"
"Aren't I always?"
"No." Teddy smiled.
"Who asked you." Harry smiled, as he tickled him a bit, "What's the plan for tonight?'
"Well, Claire and I were discussing going out to the store tonight. Are you ok with that?"
"Of course. I'll see if Ron wants to come over with the kids."
"CASSIE!" Lily replied.
"Yes love, Cassie." Harry smiled, and kissed her forehead.
"So you're alright with us going out?"
"Have I ever not been?" Harry smiled, "Yes, it's fine."
Hermione smiled and stood up, flooing Claire to tell her their plans. Within the hour, the Weasley's were over at the Potter's house and Claire and Hermione left in their car.
Christmas Eve came quickly. Hermione, Harry, and the kids went over to Ron's house for dinner, and then headed home. This was the first year that Lily actually understood what was going on and she was super excited.
"Mummy! Father Christmas coming!" She said dancing around in her little flowing dress.
"I know he is." Hermione said as she fed Luke by the fire. She didn't mind her excited ways, because the more she carried on, the easier she would go to sleep. She and Harry still had a few presents to put together and wrap before the night was over, so she needed Lily to stay asleep, "Where's your brother?"
"With daddy." She danced. Lily was fascinated with the Christmas tree. She was able to put up all different decorations this year since she was two and a half. She sat Luke up and patted his back softly, "Lily honey, watch out for Crookshanks please." She watched her cat dive away from the feet of Lily and hide behind the Christmas tree. She smiled apologetic to her old orange kneezel. Lily carefully walked over to Crookshanks and pet him softly, "Sorry Crooky."
"Very nice Lils." She smiled. She got Luke to burp and she wiped his mouth, sitting him against her, they watch Lily happily play. Hermione picked up one of Luke's toys and watched him smile and batted at the toy his mummy had for him. Luke grabbed hold of the toy and pulled it to his mouth, sucking on whatever he could get his gums onto. Hermione smiled and kissed the top of his head, smiling as he looked up at her with deep caramel eyes.
"Mummy, watch me." Lily said as she spun around on her heel.
"Wow, very good Lillian."
She giggled and ran around some more, "Mummy, we need cookies."
"For what?"
"Father Christmas." She said, in a tone that told Hermione she should have already known that.
"Oh, right. Come on then." She smiled as she placed Luke in his playpen for safe keeping. Lily skipped next to Hermione, into the kitchen. They placed the cookies on the plate and Lily even got one for herself.
"I want a cookie too!" Teddy said, as he walked into the room.
"I was just going to call you down for one." Hermione said.
"Thanks mum." He said and ran off.
"Can I have one?" Harry asked.
"Later." She smiled.
"Where's my other son?"
"In the playpen."
Harry walked out of the kitchen and over to his little copy, "What are you doing down there? Did mummy make you stay here while everyone else is getting cookies?" He asked as Luke gave him a smile and kicked his legs, "Come up with your dad. Next year, you'll be able to have a cookie with us." He cuddled his son against his neck, "And you'll be able to enjoy Christmas. Lillian, what in the world are you doing?"
"Dancing!" She said twirling.
"Well you'll be dancing to bed in about fifteen minutes. I'm going to get your brother to bed first."
"I'm not tired!" Lily complained.
"You're still going to bed." He smiled. It was almost nine, which was way past Lily's bedtime, but almost time for Teddy, "Hermione, I'm going to go put Luke down."
Hermione walked out and kissed his forehead, "Alright."
Harry waked upstairs and went into the first bedroom on the right. He turned on the light and got Luke changed into his pajamas which were placed out on the changing table, "So it's your first Christmas tomorrow buddy. Are you ready for it Mate? I have a feeling you'll be the first one up tomorrow, hungry at around six, then your brother and sister will follow suit. Do you agree?" He smiled at his daddy, "I thought so. Then, you'll be meeting a lot of mummy's family and then we'll be off to The Burrow. You're going to be the hit of the Granger Household, and then of course you and Alexander will get to play." Luke yawned as his daddy talked to him. Harry picked him up and settled down in the rocking chair by the window. Harry looked outside and smiled at the soft power of snow that had covered the sidewalk. He loved a white Christmas. Luke squirmed to keep himself awake, but Harry kept a tight wrap on him. He looked down at his son who shared his mummy's eyes and smiled. He gently rocked Luke and watched him ward off sleep, which only lasted around fifteen minutes. Harry watched him sleep for a while, and then put him into his crib, covering him with a warm blanket. He kissed his forehead and closed his door, walking back downstairs.
"Alright you two, you're next." Harry said.
"Mum?" Teddy said to her.
"He's right. It's late. It's almost nine thirty. You need to get to bed."
"Mummy come too." Lily said, as she held her arms up to her.
Hermione smiled and nodded, scooping her daughter into her arms. Lily was fading, finally. She had worn herself out, which Hermione hoped was enough to keep her in bed until at least six thirty. Harry helps his wife get the kids together and then he does the warning about staying in bed to Lily, "If you get out of bed, Father Christmas won't come. If you want him to come you need to close your eyes and go to sleep until it's time to wake up in the morning."
"Ok daddy." She said, kissing him.
"I love you and I'll see you in the morning."
"Love you daddy." She smiled sweetly.
Harry walked out and said goodnight to his oldest, not bothering to warn him, because he already knew the rules.
Harry and Hermione stayed up until almost one in the morning putting the kids' new bikes together and wrapping the final presents, "You know, this was a lot easier to do this when the kids would forget their gifts even if we bought them in front of them." Hermione said, taping a piece of paper to the box.
"And I didn't have to read quite as many directions." Harry groaned as he worked on putting together Lily's bike. Teddy's had taken over an hour and a half to build; Lily's was a bit under half that time.
Hermione smiled and finished her last gift to wrap. She placed it under the tree and stretched, rubbing the kink out of her neck. Harry finished just as Hermione stood up, "Let's go to bed love." He said, kissing the nape of her neck.
Yawning Hermione agreed. With a flick of her wand, she turned off the lights and they headed upstairs. They checked on their kids and then went to bed only to be woken up at four thirty in the morning by the cry of their son.
Harry heard him first and stood up, yawning he walked out of the room and flicked on the light, "What are you doing up already?" He asked him, picking him up with the blanket.
Hermione was on his heels, "Is he ok?" She asked.
"I think so." Harry said.
"Is he sick?"
Harry placed his hand on his forehead, "No, he doesn't feel warm. He just wants some company. Maybe he's hungry."
Hermione nodded and took him from her husband, "I'll try feeding him then." Harry nodded and walked back into their bedroom for a few minutes. Hermione looked down at her son who was wide awake. She tried to feed him, but he wasn't interested. She rocked him, but he spent the time squirming, giving her a big toothless smile when she stopped trying to get him back to sleep. It was almost a half hour later when Harry came back in, "He's still up?"
Hermione nodded, "Yes, and not interested in feeding OR sleeping."
Harry smiled, "I'll take him. We'll go downstairs for a little bit and relax by the fire."
"I can do that… you should sleep."
Harry shook his head, "No, you sleep and I'll get him to sleep."
Hermione couldn't help but admit that his idea was marvelous. She was exhausted and knew she would be awake before long by her oldest kids. She nodded and passed Luke off to Harry. The father and son walked downstairs. Luke was fussing a bit, but only to keep himself awake.
"You know, you and your sister are a lot alike. The pair of you likes to wake up early on your first Christmas. Lily was sick on hers. Her teeth were bothering her. You however, just want some company don't you? You aren't hungry, you are just lonely." Harry smiled at Luke, "That's ok. I don't mind you waking me up once in a while. I love getting to spend time with you." Luke watched Harry and smiled as he heard his voice. This was bonding time for Harry with his son and he wouldn't give it up for the world. He hated working so much, only because it meant that he had to be away from his kids, but times like this made it worth it.
Harry reclined back in his chair and lit the fire with his wand. He then proceeded to accio another blanket and pull it over the pair of them. He rubbed Luke's back soothingly and talked in a quiet voice to him, "You know pretty soon you'll be big enough to go flying with me. Then you'll be old enough to pilot your own broom, and finally you'll be able to go to Hogwarts. I have a lot of stories that Uncle Ron and I will have to tell you and Alex. Some things that mum won't approve of, but where's the fun in keeping to ourselves." Luke loved to just sit and be rocked. He also liked to walk around a bit. Harry hoped that he would fall asleep so that he could get back to sleep too. He watched Luke squirm, "None of that…" Harry told him quietly, "You need to sleep. You're not going to be happy tomorrow if you don't, and it's almost five… your sister and brother will be up before you know it. Lay still." Luke yawned and Harry gently brushed his finger tip over the bridge of his nose. He willingly closed his eyes, opening them every minute or so to see if his father still had him, before they closed for good. Harry fell asleep as well. Harry heard a pitter patter of feet quietly and slowly coming down the stairs. He figured it was late enough to wake up, but he was wrong. He cracked his eye open and saw that it was only five thirty. He was curious to see who was sneaking down at such an hour. He heard the steps coming closer and then stopped at the doorway.
"What are you doing up?" Harry asked.
"I'm awake daddy." Lily said with a yawn.
"I can see that. Why? It's too early for you to be awake."
"Luke awake."
"No he's not. He woke up because he was hungry and then went back to sleep." Harry whispered. He looked at his daughter whose brown curls were all over the place. He smiled when he looked at her tired form. She stood there rubbing her eyes, "Come over here." Harry smiled.
Lily went and waited for her dad to scoot the baby over to accommodate her. Lily snuggled against Harry as he situated the blanket over her. Luke sighed in his sleep as Lily gently played with the curls on her head. She watched the fire for a few minutes, "Daddy, can I open them?"
Harry shook his head, "Not until mummy and Teddy wake up."
She nodded and went back to twirling her hair around her fingers. Harry and Hermione had learned over the two years she had been around that when she did that, she was exhausted.
She continued to twist before she let the lock go and turned over against Harry's chest. She watched her brother and then looked up at Harry, "I love you Daddy."
"That's good because I love you too."
"I love Luke too." She said, and gently touched his hand.
"He loves you too." Harry kissed her curly head and rubbed her back a bit, succeeding in getting her back to sleep. He looked down at his sleeping kids, and knew that there was nothing he could do about them. If he moved, one of them would wake up, and he was not having a cranky child on his hands, so he did the next best thing. Harry closed his eyes and fell asleep until almost seven thirty, when he was woken up by his wife.
Hermione came down with Teddy at seven twenty. She was curious to find out what Harry had been doing with the other two. She walked over and smiled when she saw the trio asleep in the large chair with a fire going. She put her finger up to her lips for Teddy to stay quiet. Then she pointed into the kitchen.
"Mum, I don't want breakfast yet." Teddy said quietly.
"We aren't eating breakfast. I want to give them a bit more time to sleep, so I figured you and I could have some hot chocolate. Lily won't stay asleep much longer."
Teddy sighed, but agreed, "Alright. Then can we open presents?"
"Yes Teddy, then we can open presents." Hermione said, kissing him.
They drank their tea and hot chocolate for about ten minutes, before they heard Lily padding off of her father and into the kitchen, "Happy Christmas." Hermione said softly as she scooped her daughter up.
"Happy Christmas." She said to her mum, rubbing the remnants of sleep out of her eyes. She looked over at Teddy and scoffed, "Mummy, I want some please."
"Alright." Hermione smiled as she put Lily down on the nearest chair and got her a small cup of cocoa. Lily drank it quickly before running out into the living room, jumping on Harry,
"Daddy! Up! Presents!"
Harry cracked an eye open, "Seven Thirty… the only way this would have been better if it had been uninterrupted." He smiled.
Hermione kissed him and picked up Luke who was still sleeping. She laid him in the portable crib and turned her attention to the oldest two. Lily giggle and tore open all her presents showing her mum and dad. Hermione leaned up against Harry and smiled as Lily threw every present at her parents to open or to just see what it was. Lily showed Teddy as well. Luke's presents were all unwrapped this year and sat under the right side of the tree. Each child had their own spot, though by the end of the morning, they all got jumbled up.
Christmas morning always went too fast for Hermione's liking. By the time they were finished opening gifts, it was time to get dressed and head over to the Granger household for brunch, then a couple hours later it was off to the Weasleys for dinner. As always, Teddy and Hermione had the same argument.
"Mum, I am NOT wearing a tie."
"Yes you are." Hermione said firmly as her son came in with his black suit pants on and his red collared shirt.
"No. I am eight years old! I should have a say in whether or not I wear a tie."
"Ted Remus, I am not having the same argument year in and year out with you." She frowned.
"Yes you are." He mumbled, which did not go unnoticed from Hermione.
"Don't you DARE get smart with me." She said firmly, "You are going to wear your tie or when you go over to your Grandmum's house and to Nana's you will be sitting your little butt on the steps and are not permitted to move at all. You're choice."
Teddy stomped his foot but went back into his room and brought the tie to Hermione to put on him. Hermione smiled a bit as he tied the tie, "You look nice."
"I look horrible." Teddy frowned, "I look like I'm going to a funeral."
"Boys…." Hermione groaned, "Lillian Kate, come here please."
Hermione heard the stairs creak as Lily came up from downstairs. Hermione picked her up and got her dressed. Hermione pulled her plum colored Christmas dress onto her and fought with her to put tights on, "Lillian, stop moving, you are going to rip your tights."
"No mummy, I don't want them."
"I don't care! You can't go around in your dress without tights."
"MUMMY!"
"LILY STOP!" Hermione shouted at her. Lily knew that tone and knew it was time to give in. Her mummy was getting mad and Lily didn't like being in trouble. She sniffled and held up her foot for her mummy to put the tights on her. Hermione didn't speak to Lily while she was completing her task. Lily allowed her to put on her shoes without a fight and then she stood on the bed. Hermione looked her over and nodded, "Alright, go on."
"Mummy?" Lily said quietly, as Hermione turned, looking at the two and a half year old. She held the bottom part of her dress out and asked timidly, "Do I look petty?"
Hermione smiled, "You look very pretty."
Lily smiled and jumped up and down on the bed a few times, before her mum scooped her up into her arms and twirled her around. Little things could make a two and a half year old happy. Lily giggled and held on to her mum's shoulders as she twirled her around, "Again mummy!" Hermione did it a second time before putting her down with a kiss on the cheek.
Hermione walked into her bedroom with her daughter following. She twirled around the bedroom while Hermione got ready. She pulled on her dress and stockings and sat at the vanity and did her makeup. Lily stayed close to her mum, as always, when she did her makeup. Lily loved anything girly, especially lip gloss. Lily leaned up against Hermione's chair as she put her blush on. Looking down at her daughter being patient, she knew exactly what she wanted. Hermione pulled out one of her un-used makeup brushes and handed it to Lily. Lily smiled and mimicked Hermione as she put the rouge on her cheeks, and then the eye liner and mascara on, and finally her eye shadow. She pulled out the lipstick and Lily got all excited, handing her the brush back she waited patiently for what she wanted most of all. Hermione put the color of her choice on and then took out the gloss. Placing the gloss on her lips, she turned to her daughter, "Would you like some?"
"Yes please." She said as she pursed her lips. Hermione smiled and gently placed a piece of shine on her lips, "Thank you mummy!"
"You're welcome." Hermione responded as her daughter ran around the room dancing yet again. Hermione laughed.
"Daddy! I am petty!" Lily said as she ran into his legs as he came out of the bathroom.
"You are gorgeous. And I see mummy gave you some makeup?"
"Yes, so I can be petty."
Harry smiled and kissed her forehead, "You are pretty without it. You look like your mum."
Hermione blushed as she finished fixing her hair, "Are you almost ready?"
"Almost. I just need to get my shoes. Is Luke dressed?"
"Yes. And so is Teddy."
"Good."
Hermione got the kids ready to go and Harry followed to the car. Luke was exhausted and a bit on the fussy side, but Hermione knew that he'd feel better once he had a bit of a nap on the ride over. It had snowed the previous night, and everything was covered in two inches of fresh powder, "We're going to need to bring over play clothes tonight to the Weasley's." Hermione said, "The kids are going to want to be out playing."
"I think mum has some still." Harry replied, "Actually, I'm sure she still has some."
Luke and Lily fell asleep as soon as the car started. Teddy stayed up and talked to his parents, "Dad, can we go flying today?"
"We'll see. I am not sure if we are going to have time to get a pitch going or not."
"But it takes two seconds to transfigure everything."
Harry nodded, "I'm aware, but we need to check to see if Grandmum needs help and all first."
"Ok." Teddy said, a bit defeated.
"I'm not ruling it out. I just really need to see if we have time."
They drove for the half hour and then pulled into the driveway. Hermione got Luke's carrier and brought him into the house. Harry grabbed Lily who was a bit on the grouchy side being woken up.
"Daddy…" She whined.
"I know, I'm mean, but we're at Nana's and I can't have you sleeping out here in the car alone love."
She wrapped her arms around him and buried her face into his neck. He patted her back gently as they walked into the house. "Happy Christmas." Harry said to his mother and father in-law.
"Happy Christmas." Jake smiled shaking Harry's hand, kissing Lily on the cheek, who was not too happy about the affection. She kept her head hidden against Harry's neck, "What's wrong Lily?" He smiled.
"She had a bit of a broken sleep." Harry said, rubbing her back, "Went to bed around ten, woke up at five, and then slept for another hour, and then I went and woke her up in the car."
"You're mean dad." Jake smiled patting him on the back.
"I know." Harry smiled. Harry got a kiss from his mother-in-law next and took her granddaughter, who was not too happy.
"Oh stop it or you're going upstairs for a nap." Kate said to her granddaughter as she kissed her cheek, "She looks tired."
"She is." Harry laughed, "She woke up at five today after not going to bed until almost ten, and THEN fell asleep in the car and I woke her up."
"Well, Nana knows what will get you going." She told Lily as they walked away from Harry and into the kitchen. She presented Lily with a muffin which she instantly cheered up and ate it happily.
"Sugar always work eh mum?" Hermione smiled.
"It does."
"Until she has a sugar crash." Hermione smiled.
"It's good mummy." Lily smiled.
"I'm glad." Hermione smiled as her mum came over and took her grandson.
"Hermione, there is something I need to discuss with you."
"What's that mum?" Hermione asked as she poured herself a cup of tea.
Kate looked nervous and Hermione could tell. She knew her mum through and through, "Jake's job is transferring."
"Oh? When?"
"During the end of January. He was asked to go, and he and I decided that it would be a good idea for us to go as well."
"Where is it at?"
"In the states."
"The states?!" Hermione said, a bit shocked, "You're moving to the states?"
Kate nodded, "Unless you don't want me to. I hate leaving you, you know that. I just… well, he is not ready to retire yet, and neither am I. I already have gotten the ok to join up with a dentist office in South Carolina…"
It was difficult for Hermione to comprehend, but she was not a child anymore. She was twenty seven and not going to make a big deal, "Mum, whatever makes you happy…"
"I'll still fly back. All our family is here, same with Jake. It's just a new opportunity. And now, you'll have a place to visit in America." She said, trying to look on the bright side of the situation.
Hermione nodded, "Yeah, I suppose."
"Hermione… this wasn't planned."
"Is the house up for sale yet?"
"Yes."
"How long have you known about this?"
"A month. We just weren't sure until the other day that we were going."
"I don't want it to seem like I'm leaving you…"
"You're not. I just am shocked. A bit upset as well. I mean, this is the house that I grew up in. It's hard. All the memories I have are here…"
"I know love."
"But… no, it's fine. If you need help packing up, I'll be glad to help. Anything I can do mum, I'll do it."
"I'm going to miss you lot." She said, "I watched Lily grow, but Luke, I will only see a few times a year I fear."
Hermione nodded, "But that's ok. We'll come out there too. It will work."
"I don't want them to forget me…"
"They won't." Hermione assured her, hugging her mum.
Kate looked down at Luke who was pulling on her shirt a bit, "He really looks like his father."
Hermione laughed, "He does. He's a little clone of Harry, but he has my eyes. I kind of wish he had the green also…"
"I love your eye color."
Hermione looked down at Lily and scooped her up, kissing her cheek, "This one… she's going to be trouble when she's older."
"I not!" Lily giggled.
"Yes you are. You have your father's green eyes. Everyone loves green eyes." Hermione smiled.
"I a good girl mummy."
Hermione smiled, "You are a very good girl… and quite sticky as well." She said, looking at her hands and the crumbs down the front of her dress. Hermione sat her on the counter and washed her up, "Shall we go say hi to everyone? Now that you are in a better mood?"
"Yes." She smiled, as her mum helped her down.
"Hermione… are you sure you're ok with this?"
Hermione nodded, "I'm going to miss you mum, but it's your choice." She hugged her mum and then the three girls walked out into the sitting room. Luke was being passed around from person to person. He was the newest baby of the family. Lily made friends with Hermione's second cousin Brynn who had just turned two a week ago. Teddy was running around with some of her youngest cousins who ranged between the ages of nine and thirteen. She smiled and said hello to all her family, small talked for a while, before Luke decided he was hungry and didn't want to be held anymore. Hermione held off feeding him as long as she could, and then finally excused herself and walked upstairs to her parent's den. She saw most of the things were packed. Hermione couldn't believe it had been ten years since her father passed away. She sat down in the familiar office and fed her son, keeping him relaxed from all the noise downstairs. Luke sat against his mum once he finished and fought off sleep. Hermione smiled down at him, "You're going to lose Luke." He squirmed around, trying to keep himself awake. Hermione pulled a blanket off of the chair and draped it over them. She brought him up to her shoulder and got him situated, gently rubbing his back in a circle. His baby soft, dark hair tickled the side of her neck as she rocked him slowly. He scooted around, fussing a bit, but eventually quieted down. Hermione smiled and kissed his cheek, "I told you."
She felt her son stick his whole fist into his mouth and eventually he fell back asleep. Hermione walked downstairs to her old bedroom and put him into the crib. She covered him up with the blanket and brushed a piece of hair off of his forehead. He drew his legs up and under his body, his rear end sticking straight up in the air. Hermione closed the door and walked back to the brunch. She turned to Harry, "Mum's moving to America. She's living in South Carolina."
"What? When did this happen?"
"Jake's getting transferred and she is moving there. She will be working still, just over there."
"How are you?"
"Ok I suppose. The house is for sale, so I'm sure it won't take long to sell it. It's a brilliant house."
"It is. Do you want to buy it?"
"What?!"
"Do you want to buy it? I know how much you love this house."
"I do, but no. I'm happy where we are right now. Teddy loves his school. We're settled. I don't want to move anytime soon."
"Just a thought."
Hermione kissed her husband, "Thanks for the thought."
He shrugged and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, "As long as you are alright."
"I'm fine." She assured him with a smile.
"Good." He said, kissing her cheek.
They opened presents by the fire for about a half hour. Lily was just as excited as she was this morning. She loved all her gifts, as did Teddy. Luke slept for an hour and a half as they visited. Lily, around one decided that she was ready to go, "Mummy?"
"What honey?"
"I wanna see Cassie."
"Soon enough." Hermione said, kissing her daughter's cheek.
Lily crawled up onto Hermione's lap, "I wanna go now."
"Soon Lils." Hermione whispered. Lily pouted and leaned against her mum, playing with the necklace that hung from her neck, "Lily, please don't pull on my necklace, thank you."
"I want to go." She whispered.
"Don't be rude." Hermione said forcefully back. Lily continued to pout against her mum, and rubbed her eyes. She was tired which wasn't helping her mood, "Ok Lily, up, I need to go check on Luke."
"No…" She said, not wanting to move.
"Go to daddy. He'll hold you." Hermione said, standing her up. She cried and held onto her mum's legs, "Lillian Kate…" Hermione said, as she unraveled her grip and picked her up, walking over to Harry, "Take her please. I need to go get Luke."
"What's her problem?"
"She's exhausted." Hermione sighed, "And she is going to be taking a nap as soon as we floo over to the Weasley's.
"No I not." Lily said, as she held onto Hermione.
Harry took Lily with a bit of a fight and she walked upstairs. She smiled when she saw her mum with a wide awake Luke. Hermione leaned against the door frame with her arms crossed, smiling.
"He just woke up." Kate smiled at Hermione as she realized she was being watched.
"That's fine. I expected him to be awake. Do you want me to change him?"
"I am perfectly capable of changing my grandson, thank you very much. I changed you, Teddy, and Lily." She smiled.
Hermione nodded and sat down on her old bed. Kate changed her grandson and talked softly to him the whole time. Hermione smiled and watched. She had learned so much from her mum and from Mrs. Weasley that she couldn't have been the mum she was without them.
"I'm going to miss you mum." Hermione said, smiling.
"I'm only a plane away." She smiled, as she picked her grandson up and placed him against her shoulder, sitting next to her daughter, "We'll still see each other. I mean, it's not as though we saw each other all the time."
"At least once a week."
"Right, but that's not all the time. I promise I'll fly back every couple of months, but it will be easier for you to get to me." She smiled.
"Yeah, if the ministry of magic allows you to have the floo network, which I doubt they will, but still."
"It's only a flight. And you have me for another couple months anyway."
Hermione nodded, "Yeah, I know."
Kate hugged her daughter, "We'll make it work."
Hermione nodded against her mum. She pulled back and looked down at Luke who gave her a little bit of a smile, "Well little man. Now that you are up, we should probably start saying our goodbyes. We need to go to Grandmum's next and your sister is exhausted."
"You stayed late today." Kate smiled, "Not that I'm not happy about it. You're normally gone by twelve."
"Well, it's our last Christmas in the house I grew up in."
"Oh and you'll have to come over in the next month or so and take what you want, because we aren't going to be taking everything. I have a lot of your old things."
Hermione nodded, "I'll come over after the holiday. I will help you in any way getting packed as well mum."
"Oh I expect that." Kate smiled at her daughter, looking at Luke, "Your mummy is an excellent organizer."
Three generations walk downstairs. Lily was still in Harry's arms, looking none too happy with her Aunt Allison who was trying to talk to the toddler. Lily answered when she was asked a question, but was not about to tell her great Aunt what she got for Christmas. Hermione walked up behind Harry and leaned against his back, "We should probably get going soon."
"Whenever you're ready." Harry smiled, as Lily reached for Hermione. She took her into her arms and walked around, saying goodbye to her family. They drove home first, and then flooed over to the Burrow. Harry immediately walked Lily upstairs, "Daddy, I want to see Cassie."
"I'm sure Cassie will be taking a nap soon too." He replied to his daughter.
"I do not want to sleep." She cried.
"Well, I really don't care love. You need to go to sleep. I am not having you crying all night and miserable."
"I am not."
"Yes you are." He replied, lying her down on the bed.
He heard footsteps coming up behind her, "Looks like we had the same idea." Ron smiled.
"Yeah."
"Lily!" "Cassie!" The girls squealed, giving one another huge smiles. Harry had to admit that it was loads better than her previous mood.
Ron put Cassie in the bed next to Harry, "Go to sleep girls." The girls both got hugs from their father and godfather.
Harry and Ron walked down, "You know Ron. One day soon, when we put the girls in the same room, they won't be napping, they will be talking."
"That one day isn't now thankfully." He said, brushing a piece of ginger hair out of his eyes.
It was May when Harry came home looking flustered. Hermione was feeding the kids lunch and was shocked when the familiar pop came from the foyer.
"Daddy home." Lily smiled.
"I wonder why." Hermione said, as she continued to feed Luke, "Harry?"
"Yeah."
"Why are you home already? I didn't think you were coming home till tomorrow."
"I just needed to see you." He smiled, kissing Hermione and then the top of Lily and Luke's head.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing…" He said, sighing, "We just had a rough raid. It was a tough fight, but we got half the death eaters. I can't believe they are still hanging around."
"Well don't get yourself hurt." Hermione smiled.
"I won't."
Luke smiled and babbled to his father as Hermione spooned another mouthful of peas into his mouth. He grimaced a bit as he ate the green concoction, but smiled every time he was finished. Harry wiped him up and took him out of his high chair, kissing his cheek as he placed him onto his hip.
"I leave tonight for a couple days."
"What?! When were you going to tell me this?"
"I just found out about a half hour ago."
"How long are you going to be?"
"Dunno."
"Well, where are you going?"
"Dunno."
"Who is all involved?"
"Dunno."
"Well what in the bloody hell do you know?!" Hermione said raising her voice.
"I know that I am leaving tonight, gone for however long it takes and Ron and I are going for sure."
Hermione frowned, and wiped up Lily. Lily jumped up, her brown hair flowing behind her and grabbed around her father's legs. Harry maneuvered his son and picked up Lily. Lily was able to hold herself up for the most part in her daddy's arms and help him make her not as heavy. She leaned her head against his neck and smiled up at him. She giggled as he kissed her forehead, "Nap time for those two." Hermione said.
"No nap Mummy, 'cos Daddy is home."
"Daddy is home early. You need a nap."
"Daddy, can you take me?"
Harry nodded, "Of course."
"Change Luke please. Lily, you need to try and go to the bathroom."
"I don't have to go." She pouted.
"Well you need to try."
Harry placed Lily down on the ground and she instantly took her hand. He walked upstairs with his son and daughter. Luke was put down first, who instantly fell asleep. Lily met her father in her bedroom after she finished in the bathroom. She got into bed and opened her arms to her dad for a hug, "Daddy, are you leaving?"
"For a few days." He said, kissing her cheek.
"When you comin home?"
"Dunno. After I'm finished with my job."
"I will miss you." She told him seriously.
"Well I'll miss you too."
"You will be careful, right?"
Harry nodded, "I'll try."
"Ok, good." She said as she gave him a huge toothy grin.
"Will you be here when I wake up?"
"I should be… but not sure."
"Ok. I love you daddy."
He smiled, "I love you too."
Harry closed the door and walked back down to his wife, who was doing a brilliant job of pretending to be mad at him to hide her concern. She sat with her arms crossed in the sitting room, her foot tapping. Harry sat next to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, "Every time you go on one of these missions, I can't help but feel that I'm going to have to visit you in the hospital."
"That won't happen this time Hermione."
"You can't promise me that."
"No I can't, but I think it will be alright."
Hermione sighed and leaned against his chest, "Please be careful."
"I will." He said, kissing her.
Nine o'clock at night he was called into work. After getting the kids into bed, he left the house with a final kiss to every member of the family. It was two days later when he came home at three in the afternoon.
"Hermione!" Harry called, knowing that the kids were probably still taking their naps, but it didn't matter. He needed to get to her and get her out of the house, "Hermione! Where are you?" He frantically looked through the house, finding Hermione in the basement, as she came up quickly.
She smiled when she saw him, 'You're home!" She said excitedly, but her voice changed when she read the worry on his face, "What's the matter?"
"Listen to me. I need you to get the kids packed up and get them out."
"Why? What's wrong?"
"Listen…" He said, "I want you as far away from this house as you can be. Go and visit your mum, go to an island, go to the states. Take the kids and go."
"But what about you…"
"I am needed back… I need you lot out of danger. The death eaters are furious. I don't want you hurt. Ron is getting Claire out of the area as well. You need to meet at their house and decide where to go. I can't know. Don't tell me, and don't contact me. I will get in touch with you. If someone comes up and tells you that I am hurt, do not go with them. Someone will get in touch with you. One of the Auror's if not Ron or myself."
"You're scaring me Harry."
"I am doing this for your safety."
"I'm in danger?"
"Our families are. I don't want them going after you. You need to go tonight. I'll enchant the house. It will be fine. After this, it will be over…"
Hermione wiped a tear from her eye and kissed him, "I love you."
"I love you too. I'll see you soon." He apparated out two seconds after.
Hermione went upstairs and got their bags together. She tried her hardest to remember everything. Her husband scared the hell out of her, and it was all she could do to get the things together. She woke the kids up upon finishing and they flooed to Ron and Claire's.
"Hermione?" Claire's voice flowed into the living room.
"Yes."
Claire came in and hugged her friend, "Was Harry as vague as Ron?"
"Considering the look on your face, yes. I don't understand it."
"Where are we going?"
"I called my mum. We're going to stay there for a day and then I have made arrangements to use my mum's house to floo one time out and to our final destination."
"Which is?"
"A place in Hawaii where Harry and I stayed during our honeymoon. Well, on the same island. The hotel is more suitable for a family holiday."
"You are fantastic Hermione. Do you need your money yet?"
Hermione shook her head, "No. I figured you could do meals for a couple days. It will equal up to our time spent."
"Fine." Claire smiled.
Hermione smiled back and nodded, "Are you three almost ready?"
"In five minutes."
"Can I help?"
"No, I'm pretty much done. Thanks."
Hermione nodded and smiled. She watched as Cassie and Lily ran around the house giggling. Not a care in the world. She sighed as she thought about what her husband and best friend were going to be going through, without her help. She knew that they had been in danger before, but never had Harry came to her and asked her to leave the area. She nervously chewed on her lip as she tried to work out what was happening with two thirds of the trio. It was no use.
"Mummy, are we going now?" Lily asked.
"On holiday."
"Why isn't daddy going?"
"Because he needs to work."
"And Uncle Ron?"
"He also needs to work."
"They coming later?"
"No, this is just a holiday for the people here now." Hermione said, getting anxious. She glanced down at the playpen where Luke and Alexander happily babbled to one another. Teddy was sitting in the living room, glued to the television program, and finally, Claire arrived. They flooed to the Ministry and grabbed the portkey. Within seconds, they were all at her mum's house. Hermione released Lily's hand and situated Luke better on her hip. They walked up the manicured pathway and into the house, "Mum?!" Hermione called as she waited for everyone to come inside, before closing the door, "Mum, are you home?"
"NANA!" Lily called.
"PIPER!" Teddy smiled as the dog came bounding in.
"Hermione? Is that you?" They heard call from the second floor of the house.
"Yes!"
"Welcome. I'll be right down, I'm just putting the rest of the sheets on the bed."
"Alright. Come on." Hermione smiled as they dropped the bags in the expansive foyer. Cassie and Lily stayed close to their mum's at first, "Lily, let go of me please." Hermione said, "You're under my feet." She gently unwrapped her daughters hands from her leg. She took her hand as they walked. They heard footsteps coming down the stairs, "Hi mum." Hermione smiled, kissing her, "I've missed you."
"Oh I'm so glad to see you." Kate smiled, as she took Luke out of his mum's arms. Luke gave her a bright smile and Lily immediately attached herself to her Nana's legs, "Claire, It's wonderful to see you again."
"You too Ms. Granger." Claire grinned, "Cassie, do you remember Lily's Nana?"
Cassie smiled and nodded, "HI."
"Hello Cassie." Kate replied giving the redhead a kiss on the cheek, "Alexander has gotten so big as well."
"He has." She said, smiling.
"Well, let me give you the tour." Kate smiled as everyone took their bags and walked upstairs. The house was a large four bedroom house, "I figured the girls if they wanted to could share the room in between the two of your bedrooms."
"Oh they will. They are a bit inseparable… much like their fathers." Claire grinned, "Cassandra Rose, don't touch that." She scolded the child as she went for a picture frame.
"Oh it's no worries dear." Kate said, "Nothing breakable is within reach."
Claire smiled and nodded, "Thank you for putting us up for a couple days."
"You are definitely welcome."
The girls got their kids to bed by nine in the evening. It was extremely late in London, so they went down easily. Hermione sat down on the couch with a cup of tea, followed by Claire.
"You ok?" Claire asked her friend.
Hermione sighed and nodded, "Fine."
"I'm worried about them too."
"What I'm worried about is that Harry and Ron had us leave the area. It's a huge concern."
"They must be involved in something a bit dangerous."
"I wish I was with them." Hermione sighed.
Claire couldn't comprehend how Hermione was feeling at the moment. She knew how she felt having her husband and friend out in the field, but for Hermione, this was torture. She knew how close the three were, something that she would never have, but watching Hermione sit with her tea in hand, she got the first taste of how close the trio was. She nodded at her friend, because nothing she could say would help.
"I love my job Claire, but there are times where I wish I went the route of an Auror with the boys. I hate sitting around and waiting, which is what I have been doing for the past years that they chose their path. I never was sitting around. I was always with them, helping them. I should be out there doing the same."
"You are needed with your children. They can handle it."
Hermione sighed, "I know, but still…"
Claire gave her a nod again. They sat together until almost Midnight, eastern time, and then they went to bed. Hermione tossed and turned the whole night. She heard every little sound the kids made. She groaned and sat up, finally giving up completely with sleep. She walked out of the room and checked on all the kids, before heading downstairs. She walked out the door and sat on the white swing. Sighing, she looked at the strange place, gently pushing herself. She silently wished that she would see the patronus of Harry, telling her it was alright to come home, but it never came. She felt her eyelids grow heavy at around three in the morning. She walked back into the house and attempted to sleep again. It was a long night for her. It was nine before her son woke her up, "Morning Luke." She smiled at her son. He was clingy and crabby from the moment he woke up due to the time change. She sighed as he laid his head against her neck and fussed a bit, "You didn't sleep too well did you? This time change has you all messed up. Hopefully your brother, sister, and cousins won't be the same way."
The six month old clung to his mother like a second skin. She knew this was going to happen, and did everything she could to keep her son happy. Hermione sat down at the kitchen table with Luke in her arms as she drank coffee. She was exhausted.
"Hermione?"
"MMM." She said as she swallowed the hot liquid, "In the kitchen."
"Good to see you." Jake smiled, kissing his step daughter.
"You too." She smiled, as Luke looked up at his grandfather.
"He's gotten so big. And it's only been three months." Jake smiled.
"He's getting really big." Hermione nodded, "He's a bit grouchy today."
"That's alright. It's tough switching time zones. Come over here Luke and see me for a bit. We'll let your mum finish her coffee in piece, yes?"
Luke easily went to his pop-pop and Hermione was grateful. She yawned as she drank her coffee, "What time did you get to sleep last night?"
"Not till well after three in the morning. He slept pretty well though. Nine never happens for either Luke or Lily."
Jake nodded, "I'm sure. What time does Teddy normally wake up?"
"Seven on school days, anywhere between eight and nine on the weekend, but Harry and I let him stay up till almost nine thirty on the weekends. It makes him feel older because his brother and sister are in bed by no later than eight. It also gives us time with just him."
"He's what now, nine?"
Hermione nodded, "Yeah, I can't believe it. He'll be off to school in two years. It's scary. I remember when he was first born. He was tiny."
"Does he ask about his parents?"
"Not often, but Harry and I try and talk to him about them a bit, more when he asks about them."
"So the adoption went well then?"
"Better than I could have expected it to be."
"Good." Jake smiled, "So you're here for three days?"
"Yes, we leave for Hawaii on Wednesday. I have to get the port key by ten in the morning. Then we'll be there for a week and a half, providing Harry doesn't call us and tell us to come home. I'm looking forward to the trip."
"Wonderful. Is he ok?"
"Harry?"
"Yes."
Hermione nodded, "He usually is."
That was all that was said between the step daughter and step father about the events that were occurring in the Potter/Weasley world. The rest of the family woke up by ten, as well as the Weasley's.
"Mummy, I want breakfast." Lily whined as she came into the room.
"How about Good Morning Mummy."
"Good morning mummy, I want breakfast." She pouted.
"Me too Aunt Hermione." Cassie said. Both girls were whiny and miserable.
"You both are taking a nap in a few hours." Claire said, walking in with Alex on her hip.
"No we aren't." Cassie said frowning.
"Hawaii's going to be worse Hermione… another time change."
"Oh I know." She sighed as she gently pulled Lily's hair out of her face tying it back with a band that she had around her wrist.
"I want breakfast." Lily said again, as Cassie nodded along with her cousin.
Claire stood up and walked over to the cupboard, pulling out some different things that the girls could choose to eat, "So, does your step father know?"
"Know what?"
"That you are magical?"
"Yes."
"Does he know what kind of work Harry and Ron are involved in?"
"No. I only told him that I was a witch because he was marrying my mum. I mean, if Lily or Teddy showed their magical abilities in front of him and he didn't know, that could be a bit problematic."
"When do you think Teddy will wake up?"
Hermione shrugged, "Probably not too much longer. He won't be as bad as the girls."
Claire nodded, "I forget how hard it is to not use magic until I can't."
Hermione smiled, "I'm use to it."
"It's strange…" She smiled, "But I'll learn."
Hermione nodded at her friend, as she helped her get food for their children. Teddy walked in quietly and sat down at the table next to his sister and cousin, "Morning Teddy."
"Morning." He mumbled, still tired from the holiday and time change.
"Do you want breakfast?"
"Yes please." He said, as he watched Claire pull out another bowl. The kids ate quietly and then went off to play around the house. Claire and Hermione sat in the sitting room with a cup of tea. They had the whole morning alone while the two owners of the house went off to work. Through the week, several of Kate's neighbors came over to meet Hermione and the kids. They had dinner with several friends from the neighborhood and then it was time to go. It was a bittersweet moment for Hermione, when she had to leave her mum, but she was also excited to go to Hawaii for a week or so.
The flight to Hawaii was extremely long. They decided since they were going to be incognito and fly to their destination so they could not be traced by magic. The kids did excellent on their flight, but thrilled to be out of the air and in their hotel. Hermione and Claire had rented a suite, complete with two rooms and a balcony. Claire and Alex would take one room, Hermione and Luke the second, Cassie and Lily the third, and Teddy would camp out in the sitting room on the pull out sofa. The hotel was brilliant! Very large and right on the ocean. While the mum's unpacked, the kids played on the enclosed balcony, "Teddy!"
"Yeah mum?" He called as he stood up from his perch in front of the television.
"Can you do me a huge favor love?"
"What?"
"Can you take the girls out on the balcony for fifteen minutes just until we finish?"
He groaned but nodded, "Ok."
"Thanks." She said, kissing his cheek.
"Come on you lot, come out with me." He muttered. The girls squealed and ran out with their brother/cousin. Luke and Alex happily babbled to one another on the floor of the hotel.
Hermione smiled at them as she placed all their clothing in the bureau and organized the best she could. Finally, after what seemed like an hour, Claire and Hermione got the kids ready and they walked to the beach.
"Mummy! Look! Water!" Lily squealed, as Claire pulled on her mum's arm to move her faster.
"You girls best not go anywhere NEAR that water unless we are there with you, do you understand?"
"Yes." They both said as they found a spot in the sand. Hermione sat with Luke on her lap as they picked their spot in the sand. Lily and Claire were happy just digging in the sand for the time being, "Mum, can we go into the ocean?" Teddy asked her.
Hermione nodded, "Alright then, just not too far ok?"
They stood up and walked over to the water. Lily and Claire giggled as they ran away from the big waves that lapped at their heels. Teddy was able to go up to his waist, but he wanted to go further. He looked hopefully at Hermione who just shook her head at him and kept a close eye on the two who were not in her arms, "Hermione, give me Luke and you take Teddy deeper. I have the girls."
"Are you sure?"
She nodded and shifted Alex to her hip and took Luke. She sat the boys down in the sand at her feet, where they splashed in the small trickle of water that lapped at their toes. Hermione walked out towards Teddy who smiled brightly, "Can we go deeper?"
"Yes." She smiled.
"Good!" He said as he and Hermione walked into the ocean, which now reached Teddy's chest.
"That's good mum." He said as he dove under the water. Hermione smiled as he came up and wiped the water away from his eyes, "Look out mum." He said as a wave came crashing down at them.
"Ugh!" Hermione said, as she was soaked head to toe. Teddy laughed at her, "Oh you think this is funny do you?" She grinned.
"Yup." He smiled as she splashed him, "You got wet."
"I did indeed." She said, ruffling his now brown hair. He was getting very good at changing his hair color, and did it whenever he could. He had recently learned how to change it bubblegum pink, which made Lily giggle. Hermione and Teddy played in the waves while the others played in the shallow water. They stayed out there for a half hour, before they came back in. Luke smiled and raised his arms up for his mum to pick him up. She did and watched his face scrunch up at her wet form, "Don't like me soaking wet do you? Not sure how you feel about it?"
Hermione smiled at Claire, "Mummy, I want to go out." Lily smiled.
"Me too!" Cassie replied.
"This would be so much easier with their fathers here." Claire sighed.
"I'll watch them now, you go with Cassie." She smiled.
"Thanks."
"Can I come too Aunt Claire?"
"Are you a good swimmer?" She asked.
"Yup!"
"Well then, of course you can."
The two went out once again up to Teddy's chest. Hermione finally got a second with her two youngest alone, "Mummy look."
"What did you find?"
"I don't know!" She said, holding up a large shell.
"You found a whole seashell." Hermione said, as Luke squirmed to get down. Hermione sat down in the sand with both kids. Hermione smiled as Lily and Luke dug holes in the sand. Lily giggled every time the water came up and filled the hole, "Ew, Luke James Potter, don't you DARE eat that sand." She told him, as she pulled the sand away from his mouth. He frowned at her and went back to trying to eat the sand, "That's yucky."
Hermione wiped his hands in the water and picked him up, placing him on her lap. Lily stood up and ran in and out of the waves again, having her brother watching her very closely,
"You're sister is fearless… that scares the heck out of me. Lillian Kate, not too far in love."
"Mummy, I'm not." She said.
"I wonder what you're father is doing." She said out loud to Luke.
Luke looked around the beach searching for him, but fussing when he didn't find him. The five month old then turned his attention back to find ways he could get to the sand which was a new sensation for him.
The kids were successfully worn out by two in the afternoon and the adults decided it was time to go back. After having lunch on the beach they went back for a bit of a nap. The youngest four went right down. Teddy spent time watching television for the two hours of silence. Claire and Hermione sat on the balcony looking out over the crystal blue ocean, "We should go out for dinner tonight."
"I agree Claire. I don't feel like staying in right now either." Hermione said, standing up, "I'm going to go check on Teddy for a minute. I'll be right back." She walked through their suite, and checked on all the kids. Teddy was still watching TV as he gave her a smile, Lily and Cassie were sprawled out on their beds, sleeping much like their fathers, as the wind blew through the curtains, Luke was sound asleep on his back, and Alexander was wide awake looking out of his crib, "How long have you been awake?" She asked the strawberry blond as she picked him up, kissing his cheek, "You were so quiet." She smiled as he leaned his head against her neck, "You want to come with Aunt Hermione and see your mum?" Alex cooed against her and smiled, "Well come on then." She took the six month old out onto the balcony.
"What in the world are you doing up already?" Claire smiled at her son, reaching for him. He smiled at his mum and leaned harder against Hermione, "Oh I see, you don't want me do you? You want your Aunt Hermione. I feel loved."
Alex giggled and sat up against Hermione, playing with her long hair. Claire, Alex, and Hermione all stayed up waiting for their siblings and cousins to wake up so they could go get something to eat.
It was almost a week without word from Harry or Ron. It was beginning to wear on everyone. Hermione stayed up late, looking out over the ocean, hoping for a glimpse of a patronus. She would often think she saw a stag in the distance, but her mind was playing tricks on her. Lily came out late one night, rubbing her eyes, "Mummy."
"Lily, it's late, what are you doing up?" She asked as Lily came over to her.
"I miss Daddy." She said as she crawled up onto her mum's lap, leaning against her chest.
Hermione gently stroked her daughters curly black hair, "I miss him too, but he'll be back soon."
"He is gone long." She said, as she played with the buttons on her mum's housecoat.
"Well, you know Daddy has to work a lot sometimes. He needs to protect our world."
"I know, but I want him to come home and protect me too." She said innocently.
Hermione smiled, "He is, but I know he misses you."
"I miss him."
Hermione kissed her the top of her daughter's head, wrapping her arms securely around her, "He'll be home soon. I'm sure he'll be home within the next few days, and then maybe he'll take you flying."
"He will." Lily smiled, "He likes taking me flying."
Hermione smiled, "Yes he does."
"And then I get my broom when I'm six."
"Don't rush me love. You're already going to be three and I can't handle that yet."
"Mummy." Lily giggled. The girls sat in silence as they listened to the ocean and eventually Lily fell back asleep. Hermione decided to move inside and try sleep herself. She put Lily back into her bed and then got into her own bed, falling instantly asleep.
On the ninth day of their holiday, Hermione felt uneasy. She had the feeling they were being watched. Her wand was always on her during these days. She nervously looked around the area, especially at night. Claire curiously watched her, "What is it Hermione?"
Hermione shrugged, "I just feel… like we're being watched or something. It's just me being paranoid, I'm sure. We've been away for way too long." She shrugged, "It's nothing Claire. Really." She reassured her friend, "It's nothing."
It was late on the tenth day, and everyone was out in the pool. Hermione was sitting on the deck with the babies, while Claire played in the pool with the older three. Hermione was staring off in the distance when she caught a glint of gold and a long flowing cloak. She squinted her eyes and the glint was gone. She continued to stare at the spot she thought she saw something, "It couldn't be…" She thought to herself, "Could it? I mean… They wouldn't be able to find us. We didn't use magic to get here. We haven't used it since we left home. Everything we have done was muggle."
"What is it Hermione?"
"Nothing." She called back to Claire. She continued to stare and saw more dark figures on the ocean front. She listened closely and tried to make out the figures. She heard screams off in the distance and knew Claire heard it because she quickly turned around, "Claire, get out of the pool. Teddy, Lily, Cassie, you too."
"Why mummy?"
"Just do it!" She said, as she felt for her wand, "Take the kids and get out of here."
"Hermione what is it?" Claire said as she walked over to her, with the girls hands in hers.
"You need to take the kids and leave." She said as the screams got closer, "Apparate them out of here. Take the babies first."
"What is it?"
"They know where we are." She said, quietly.
"Are you sure?" She asked, looking in the direction of Hermione's gaze.
She nodded, "Yes." She said. There were flecks of red shooting over the beach, "Go." The pool had cleared out upon hearing the screams. Claire grabbed Luke and Alex, while Hermione took Lily and Claire by the hand, Teddy following. They went to a secluded area of the hotel and Claire apparated with the two youngest. A few moments later, she was back, "I took them to…"
"Don't tell me. Don't tell me where they are." Hermione said, "Just keep them safe."
"They will be." Cassie said, "Hermione, come on."
"No, I need to stay here." She said firmly.
"Hermione, don't be stupid! Grab Lily and let's go."
"Claire, they will come after us. You need to go! You need to get them out of here. If I leave, they will find us. You need to get them out of here."
"Come with us Mum." Teddy said, as he watched the dark figures come closer. They were coming in waves, black smoke poured as the figures apparated closer to their location.
"Teddy, go with Aunt Claire."
"MUM."
"DO AS I SAY!" She said, "Claire, get them out of here. I…" More figures appeared on the outskirts of the hotel, "Go! Take them and go! I won't tell you again."
"Come on, Lily, Cassie, Teddy, come with me."
"No!" Lily said, "Mummy, I want to stay."
"Do as I say Lily." She said, quickly kissing Lily and Teddy.
"Teddy old tight to my hand." She said as she wrapped her arms around her niece and daughter, "Hold tight." Teddy added extra force wrapping his free arm around his sister and cousin as they prepared to apparate.
"GO!" Hermione shouted as a green flash of light flew out towards them and shattered a piece of stone. She heard the kids and Claire scream as they disappeared, "Stupefy!" Hermione shouted as she saw the Death Eaters in range. She watched as one of the death eaters froze and dropped, stunned. She looked out fearful at all the figures closing in on her. There was at least fifteen death eaters with their wands pointed. She couldn't hold them all off herself, but she had to try. They would be after her family, unless she tried. With all the courage she had, she raised her wand, "Expelliarmus!" She shouted as she began the duel. She was hit several times, feeling the curse flow through her like water. Her blood began to flow as she was slashed. She was close to a death eater, and felt his breath as she pushed him away. She tried to rip the wand from his hand, but she felt a sharp blow to her temple. Stars flashed before her eyes and she felt blood drip down her cheek. She dodged several hexes as she fought. Suddenly, she was not alone. She saw the Auror's arrive and engage in the duel, until,
"Crucio!" Immediately, she fell down in pain. She had not felt this pain in many years. She writhed on the floor as the curses continued. She heard screaming far off in the distance, and realized it was her own scream. She tried her best to fight the spell, but the pain was too much. She was losing the battle. She saw flashes of her life, as she lay there, bloody and battered. She couldn't continue to hold on under the unforgivable curse and her vision went dark. She lied there, unmoving, bleeding, and unconscious.
"Expelliarmus!" Kingsley exclaimed as he directed his spell towards the death eater that was holding Hermione under the curse. Running over to her, he assessed her condition. After trying to enervate her, he shouted, "Get her out of here! Get her to the hospital!" He directed Kevin, the Auror to his left. Kevin disapparated with Hermione quickly, and left Kingsley and the rest of the Auror's to deal with the rest of the Death Eaters.
"Where is she?!" Kingsley hear a new voice shout to him, between spells aimed at the enemy. Kingsley didn't respond. Spells were shooting and destroying the hotel around them. It took them quite a bit of time, but they were able to get several death eaters to Azkaban while the others disapparated, "Where is she Kingsley."
"She was taken to St. Mungo's." Kingsley said.
"Is she alive?! What about my kids?" Harry yelled, not meaning to raise his voice, but at the moment, that was the only level he could handle.
"What about mine?" Ron asked.
"I do not know. They weren't here when we arrived. I can only assume they are safe. As for Hermione… she was cursed… and in bad shape."
That was all Harry needed to know. He barely heard Ron yell for him as he disapparated from the hotel and to St. Mungo's, "Is she ok? Hermione Potter, how is she?"
"Mr. Potter, your wife is with the Senior Healers. I don't know anything more than that." The receptionist said.
"You need to give me more information than that. Is she alive? What curses did they perform on her?"
"As soon as we have information on her, we'll let you know Mr. Potter."
"That is NOT acceptable! You need to get your bloody asses back there and find out what is going on with my wife! I will not take I don't know as an answer!!! Is she alive or not?!"
"Harry." Ron said, grabbing his left arm that hung down against his side.
"What?!" He shouted, pulling his arm out of Ron's grip.
"Come sit down and let them do their job. They can't give you information they don't have mate." He said softly.
Harry glared angrily at Ron. Ron didn't back down. He continued to look at Harry in a neutral state, causing Harry to eventually crack in his appearance. His features sagged and he followed his friend to the seats. Harry heavily sat down in the chair, placing his face in his hands, breathing deeply. Ron sat there with him, his hands crossed across his chest.
"The kids? Clarie?"
"They are fine." Ron said, "At mum's house. Hermione got them out before everything happened."
Harry nodded, 'This is all my fault.' He thought again and again, 'If I wasn't me, then she would be safe.' He sat there and felt like he would never get an update of her status. 'I suppose this is how she felt waiting on me.'
Harry and Ron sat around for almost an hour before the healer comes out, "Mr. Potter?"
Harry stood up and walked over to him, "How is she?"
"She'll live. The curses weakened her temporarily. She will be in quite a bit of pain once she awakens. The curse she was under had a huge impact on her body. She will be weak, but she will be ok."
"Can I see her?"
The healer nodded, "Come with me."
Harry looked at Ron, "I'll be right here Mate."
Harry nodded and walked back to his wife. She was lying there, dried blood on her cheek, lacerations surrounding her body, deathly pale. Harry sat down next to her and took her hand gently. She groaned a bit as he stroked his thumb against her hand. It was another three hours before she cracked an eye open at him, "Hey love." He said as he smiled down at her.
"Hey." She said softly, wincing as the muscles in her body spasm. She cried out a bit as she tried to sit up, and felt the gash on her stomach and back pull.
"Lie still." Harry said, looking down at her.
"Are you ok?" She asked, as her split lip bled in response to the words she formed.
"I'm fine." He said, as he used his thumb to wipe a tear away from her eye, "Are you?"
"I'm fine. The kids…"
"Are with Mum at the Burrow. They are safe, thanks to you." He smiled.
Hermione groaned softly as she shifted her head on the pillow to look better at Harry. Harry couldn't handle seeing her in this much pain, "I'm so sorry Hermione."
"It's not your fault."
"The hell it's not! I'm the reason they came after you! I'm the reason you are laying in this hospital, hurt, cursed. It's my fault."
"You did everything you could to keep us safe." She said. She felt nauseous as the pain coursed through her body. She could easily vomit if she wanted to, but she continued through the pain, "Harry, it's not your fault. Don't blame yourself for this."
"I'm going to quit."
Hermione groaned, "You can't quit."
"What do you mean?"
"You can't quit, because we need you. The magical world needs you."
"I can't risk you getting hurt."
"This was my fault. I stayed. I could have ran, but I didn't."
"It's NOT your fault Hermione!"
"You're not quitting Harry, because you don't know how to quit. People need you. You're good at what you do…"
"I'll quit as soon as all the death eaters are rounded up."
Hermione nodded, "That sounds a bit more like it."
Harry kissed her right temple, causing her to close her eyes, "I love you. I'm so sorry."
Hermione smiled, "I love you too."
"Can I get you anything?"
She let out a bit of a cry as she turned her neck, "I'm… fine." She said, feeling tears of pain well up in her eyes. She tried to will them away, not wanting Harry to feel worse than he already did, but she couldn't. The tears flowed down her cheeks, stinging her cuts, causing more pain. She knew that her forehead was bleeding. She could feel would weep from the bandage. She was in so much pain and couldn't do anything more than cry.
"No you're not. What can I get you?"
"Nothing…"
"Are you in a lot of pain?" He asked. She nodded slowly, "Let me see if I can get you a potion."
Hermione was given a potion which quickly put her to sleep. Harry sat next to her as she slept. He felt helpless. There was nothing more he could do for her, except for staying with her. She was alive, but Harry shuddered at the thought that he could have lost her from a fight that had nothing to do with her. She would heal… this time. He knew it would take a bit of time. She was crucioed once before, when they were in their seventh year of school. She bounced back, and would do so this time too. She woke up six hours later, her husband never leaving her side, not sleeping, just staring. It was five in the morning when the pain returned, "Are you ok?"
"What are you still doing here?" She questioned, not realizing how mental she sounded asking him that question.
"Making sure you're ok though the night. What do you need?"
"Nothing…"
"Hermione, what do you need?"
"Something for the pain." She said after several minutes of denial.
Harry nodded and walked out of the room. He grabbed the closest healer who came right over with her third pain potion. Hermione's entire body felt like it was being split in two. She was exhausted, yet the pain persisted and kept her up. It only took a matter of moments for relief to begin, but at the moment, that was fogged with the pain and nausea that came with it. Before she drifted off to sleep, she looked up at her husband, "Go check on the kids."
"Hermione… they are fine."
She shook her head, "Please. I'm just going to sleep. I need to know that they are alright."
"Ok." He said, not really wanting to leave them, but knowing how scared his eldest two are at the moment, he knew that he should be there when they wake up. He hadn't seen them in over two weeks and missed them.
"Now?" She mumbled, sleep beginning to overtake her.
"Yes, as soon as you are asleep, I'll go back for a bit."
"Then come back." She mumbled softly.
"I promise. I love you."
Hermione grunted her response and Harry kissed her cheek softly. He then left word with the Healers he would be leaving for a bit and apparated out.
Harry quietly arrived at the Burrow and saw Lily sleeping across her Grandmum's lap. Her hair was plastered over her cheeks, obviously she had cried herself to sleep. Mrs. Weasley had her head leaning against the back of the couch, her eyes closed. Harry walked over towards the pair and watched Lily's head shoot up, startling Mrs. Weasley.
"Daddy." Lily said, running to him, fresh tears flowing down her cheeks.
Harry scooped up his daughter, "I missed you."
"I miss you too." She said, wrapping her arms around his neck, burying her face against his neck.
"How is she dear?" Molly asked.
Harry sighed, "She's alive, but she's in a ton of pain. She can barely focus she's hurting so badly. She told me to come home and check on the kids. How have they been?"
"Alex has been divine. Teddy has been ok, but he's worried about Hermione. Lily… well, she's been a bit off color. Very clingy and crying a lot."
"Not being good for Grandmum?"
"I am." Lily cried, "I miss mummy."
"Well you'll see her in a few days." He assured her, "She needed to stay with the healers a few days."
"I want to see her now."
"She's is still… hurt."
"Why?"
"She was hurt in a duel."
"Why?"
"Because of me." Harry sighed, kissing Lily's head.
"She coming home?"
"Sometime soon." Harry said as his daughter clung to him. If he let go of her, she would have stuck right to him, her legs and arms tightly wrapped around his neck. He stayed with his kids until a bit after ten when he went back to his wife. The healers were in with her, checking her over, as he walked through the doors.
"Any relief from pain without the potion Mrs. Potter?"
"Not much." She said wincing.
"Well, that will subside in a few days."
Hermione nodded, "When can I go home?"
"Hopefully by the end of the week."
She nodded again and drank the potion she was given. Hermione smiled softly as she saw Harry standing in the doorway. She raised her hand to him and he walked over, sitting down in his chair, taking her hand, "How are the kids?"
"The boys are fine, but Lily was a bit… well she clung to me. They are all worried about you. Teddy wants to come in and see you soon, so does Lily."
Hermione shook her head, "Not until I am home. I don't want them to see me like this."
"Alright, well it's on
ly a few days then."
Hermione smiled, as he kissed her forehead softly, "Yeah, I can't wait."
"How's the pain?"
"Persistent, but the potions have helped." She said as she closed her eyes. Harry watched her sleep yet again, and waited for her to rouse again.
It was four days before Harry was allowed to bring her home. Still weak, he knew that she would be sleeping a lot. She came home noon on May 21st. She immediately walked upstairs, knowing that her kids were still sleeping. All she wanted to do was crawl into her own bed and sleep. She kissed Harry and told him she would be in bed. Slowly, she advanced the stairs, feeling a bit of pain still as she used her muscles. She was winded by the time she reached the top of the stairs, having to stop and catch her breath a few seconds, she walked into her bedroom. She gently curled up under the blankets and closed her eyes. The next thing she felt was her daughter crawl into bed with her. Hermione cracked an eye open and came face to face with emerald eyes, "Mummy, you're home?"
Hermione smiled at her question, "Yes love, I'm home."
"I missed you." She said, as she started to cry, "Don't leave me again."
Hermione smiled, "I hope I never have to."
Lily wrapped her arm around her mum's neck and got a kiss on the nose in return. Hermione winced as Lily accidently bumped against her stomach, the cut not quite healed yet. Hermione was exhausted and closed her eyes, while her daughter stared at her. Lily didn't understand why she was so tired, but she was happy she had returned home. It would be a long recovery…
A/N: So like it? Love it? Comments? Review please! Chapter 37 on its way! Recovery, new jobs perhaps, and a bit of life all mixed into one.
Forgive the small mistakes.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! You are all awesome! Please keep up the reviews!
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