Lily Potter's Biggest Secret

by StrongHermione

Following a moment of passion, Lily Potter finds herself in a difficult position. She does her best to hide it. What happens when seventeen years later, her biggest secret comes to light? A story chronicling the formation of a family. Rated M for swearing and suggestive themes. AU, EWE?, Post War, Mild OOC, Spoilers. Pairings: HG/DM HP/GW SS/OC - COMPLETE

37. Over So Quickly

Chapter 37 – Over so Quickly

POP!

POP!

POP!

POP!

POP!

Five Aurors appeared in a circle around Harry, having been alerted by his alarm. Head Auror Robards was first, followed by the others on alert duty that day. Harry quickly told his supervisor everything that he knew. Robards looked up toward the Manor where the wards were visibly repelling the Dementors. A silver doe and silver peacock could also be seen assisting.

"Malfoy," Robards addressed Draco. "Tell me quickly what the protections you activated do."

"They just provide a shield over each building to prevent spell damage," he replied.

"This one was already on fire?" Robards asked, gesturing to the pub where Hermione, Ginny and two of the Aurors were just putting out the last of the flames. Draco nodded.

"Are the spells all active now?" Robards asked.

"The buildings on this side of the square are, I have to get over to the post office to activate the other side," Draco said, indicating a building opposite.

"Right, Murphy, Rawlings, Potter—cover Malfoy getting across the square. Everyone else, help me get the citizens in a safe location." Ginny and Hermione were already holding onto a toddler each and trying to comfort some older children whose parents were lying unconscious nearby. They were also calling out between times to other adults to take shelter with them.

Harry and his colleagues cautiously poked their heads around the corner of the burnt out pub. In the middle of the square were three Death Eaters. They were standing in a tight group, their backs to one another and firing random spells out into the running crowd. Most had dispersed, but Harry could see a few valiantly trying to fight back.

"Disillusion yourself and make a run for the post office that way," Harry told Draco, pointing out a path for him to follow. "We'll distract them and cover your route." Draco nodded and tapped himself with his wand, disappearing from view. Harry could see wet footprints for a moment before they dissolved so he knew Draco had taken off.

The three Aurors began to fire stunners and binding spells at the Death Eaters, but their protective shields were at full force. Harry knew they had not seen Draco at least because no spells were being concentrated in the direction the blond was running in.

Draco weaved and dodged his way across the path Harry had told him to take. He kept a close eye out for spell-fire in case someone sent a lucky shot in his direction. He avoided a purple light, jumped over a red jet of fire and spun out of the way of a pulsing, nasty-looking orange beam before he reached the post office. Once there, he removed the disillusionment charm and quickly performed the spells and complex wand movements required to cast the protective spells. He looked back to where the three Death Eaters were still grouped. They were laughing maniacally, taunting the people who had come to the village, asking how safe was it that Death Eaters could come and attack and that allying themselves with the Blood Traitor Malfoys would be their downfall.

Draco was pissed off, no scratch that, he was angry, livid, outraged. Angry that all the hard work he and his parents were putting into forging a new life and a new name for themselves was being systematically destroyed. He did not recognise any of the three, thinking they must have been really low-level for them not to be of his acquaintance. He was also incensed that once again, Hermione had found herself in the firing line—first when doing something as simple as paying respects at her mother's grave and again when doing something as simple as looking at a new house with her brother and his fiancée.

Draco pointed his wand toward the Death Eaters to join the fight. He cast one stunner, and watching the path of his spell as it bounced off the shield, he had an idea when he saw the rooftops of the village. He cancelled the stasis charms he had placed on the snow covered rooftops during the week when he and his father had visited the village. One by one, he lifted the snow from the roofs, having the snow form a large drift in the air. He gathered the snow quickly from ten rooftops in his vicinity before lifting it higher and guiding it to the middle of the square to hover directly over the heads of the Death Eaters.

Harry was still firing spells from the edge of the square. He and his colleagues had given up trying to subdue the Death Eaters—their shields were simply too strong. They concentrated instead on protecting the people still trying to get away by erecting shields and deflecting spells where they could. He could see Robards and the other two Aurors on the scene doing the same thing. A movement from above his head caught his eye. He looked up and saw a large drift of snow hovering above him before it got bigger and drifted away again. Looking across the square at the post office, he saw Draco pointing his wand at the tops of the buildings and moving his lips.

As Harry put up another shield, he was laughing inwardly at the ingenuity of his friend. While he continued the fight, he watched carefully as the giant snow pile lifted even higher and glided over until it came to a stop over the heads of the Death Eaters.

As soon as it was in position, Draco cancelled the hover charm, dumping at least a tonne of snow on the heads of the three anarchists currently attacking innocent men, women and children. With startled cries, the three men collapsed under the immense pile which buried them completely. The six Aurors charged the pile, already melting it around them and immediately stunning the Death Eaters once they were revealed. Draco joined them and helped bind the three men together to prevent their escape.

A petrified scream alerted them to oncoming danger. A terrified shout of "DEMENTORS!" had them all turning back in the direction of the Manor. If nothing else, Lucius Malfoy was a proud man. When the village had been designed, one side of the square was left open as parkland and meadows which led to a view of the entire front of the imposing Manor on the hill. It now provided an uninterrupted picture of Dementors swarming down from the hill, finally giving up on trying to breach the wards, a doe and a peacock chasing after them, toward the village and the feast they would find there.

Draco had just opened his mouth to cast his Patronus, when an almost deafening yell of "EXPECTO PATRONUM!" was heard beside him. A pure white, nearly blinding light issued forth from Harry's wand, a giant stag forming from the light and charging the Dementors. What followed was something no one present had ever seen before and probably never would again.

The Dementors leading the charge turned from the oncoming Patronus and crashed into the ones right behind them. In the confusion of the swarm, the doe plunged into the middle of it, the stag and peacock circling them faster and faster. All at once, the three silver Patronus animals glowed intensely and appeared to reach out to one another. Their edges all met at the same time and immediately they melded together into a strange hybrid: clearly some member of the deer family, but with the plumage of a peacock. This 'animal' grew to surround the Dementors completely before rising high into the sky, the Dementors firmly within its hold, and pulsing once. The silver light then exploded into a million rays and stars, dissipating gently and leaving no trace of the Dementors it had been containing.

There was silence in the square, only broken by the sounds of two apparition pops which heralded the arrival of Severus and Lucius. Heedless of appearances, the two men immediately grabbed their sons in brief, relieved embraces. Hermione and Ginny came running from their position, both throwing themselves at Draco and Harry respectively. Harry tightly embraced Ginny before gently telling her he had work to do. She immediately let him go, and was grateful that Severus, still not caring what others could see, immediately offered his arms as a sanctuary for the still trembling young woman.

Hermione soon joined them, watching as the three Death Eaters were checked for any concealed weapons and portkeyed away for questioning. Robards spoke quietly with Harry for a few moments before he walked over to a contingent of journalists who had all been on the scene to report about the new village. Instead they had been witness to a never-before-seen phenomenon and they naturally had questions.

Harry joined his family. "Robards asked if you can all come to the Ministry to give your statements."

"What about you, Harry?" Ginny asked.

"I've been recalled to duty for the day," Harry replied. "I have to stay here to help with the investigation. I'll see you later," he said. Ginny simply nodded and gave him a tight smile. He gave Ginny a brief kiss, proud of her resilience. He knew a lot of girls would insist he stay by their side after an ordeal such as the one they had just endured, but not his Ginny. She knew what his responsibilities were and accepted them. They embraced each other once more before Harry nodded to the others and left toward the burnt out pub.

They were just about to head for the Ministry when Hermione let out a large exclamation. Severus immediately demanded to know what was bothering her, fearing she was on the verge of a breakdown.

"The Dementors! What if they had souls in them that might seek to rejoin their bodies? Aren't there prisoners at Azkaban that had their souls sucked out? They might not be guarded as heavily if they are soulless," Hermione said urgently.

Lucius quickly strode over to Robards to let him know about Hermione's theory. The two men conversed for several seconds before Robards nodded and disapparated, presumably to the prison.

.

Unspeakable Matthias Thorne looked down at the report in his hands. While he had not been present in the village when the attack occurred, he had now viewed five different pensieved memories of the event, and had the opportunity to talk to the casters of the Patronii which had merged and obliterated the Dementors. He re-read the record of interview he held, making further notes as he went along:

"Thank you, I must inform you your statement may be taken as evidence and it is probable you will be called to testify at the trial of the suspects. Unspeakable Matthias Thorne would like to ask you some questions now regarding the Patronus phenomenon. Are you agreeable?"

HP: "Sure."

LM: "Anything I can do to help."

SS: "If I must."

"Thank you, I appreciate your time. These questions will likely seem random, and they are not in a particular order. As you are aware, I have less than an hour to prepare and so my list rather resembles a brainstorming session right now. Please feel free to add any of your own theories. Minister Shacklebolt, Director Diggory and Head Auror Robards are here for observation, and I believe sheer curiosity."

HP: nods in a cooperative and friendly manner.

LM: nods imperiously.

SS: completely impassive.

Unspeakable Thorne snorted at this entry. He had had brief dealings with each of the men during his schooling and later career as an Unspeakable. The reactions had been exactly what he was expecting.

"Let's begin. How long have you been able to cast a Patronus?"

HP: "Five years."

LM: "Four weeks."

SS: "Eighteen years."

"What form does it take?"

HP: "A stag."

LM: "A peacock."

SS: "A doe."

"Has it always taken the same form?"

HP: "Yeah."

LM: "It has only been four weeks, I was unaware the animal would change rapidly."

SS: "Yes."

"Do you think your form means anything in particular?"

HP: "My Dad—my father, James Potter—was an Animagus and his form was a stag. I have been led to believe it was also his Patronus form. It has been suggested my magic manifested this form for those reasons."

LM: "I have not analysed it in depth. I have been around peacocks my entire life and find an affinity with them."

Thorne snorted again, remembering the sneer Malfoy produced when Minister Shacklebolt smirked at his answer. He continued reading Snape's answer to the question. He had been sure at one point that Snape would not answer the question. When it came, his response had been surprisingly candid:

SS: "I have been told the doe was the form of Patronus for Lily Potter. At the time I learned to cast it, I felt myself to be in love with Lily. Although I was unaware of it, we had formed a bond in the conception of our daughter. As I learned the Charm after the conception, I believe that may have influenced the form. This is all speculation, as I said I was not aware of my daughter until just over a year ago."

"Do you consciously put a level of power behind it?"

HP: "No."

LM: "As it is still new to me, I am consciously aware of it while I am casting it, but I feel no difference as to the level of power I use when casting that or any other complex charm."

SS: "No."

"Do you always use the same memory to cast it?"

HP: "No, I usually pick a random one. Sometimes I have to use two or three to get the Patronus going. I used a new memory today though."

LM: "There are three memories I usually use when calling on the Patronus. Today was the first time I have done so against a threat. My primary concern was protecting my family. I used a different memory."

SS: "Until last year, yes. Since last year I have used a newer memory. Today I used one I have not used before."

"Do you know the exact memory you used to cast it today?"

HP: "Lunch, two weeks ago."

LM: "Lunch, two weeks ago."

SS: "Lunch, two weeks ago."

"Was there anything special about that lunch?"

HP: "Not particularly. It was just lunch, but the whole family was there. It was nice."

LM: "No, it was Sunday lunch. The members of both families were present, and Ginevra Weasley. It was a pleasant meal."

SS: "It was merely lunch. Having the entire family at the table made it enjoyable."

"Your family?"

HP: "Ginny, Mum, Dad, Hermione, Emily, Lucius, Narcissa and Draco."

LM: "My wife and son, my daughter-in-law, my Goddaughter, my closest friend and his wife and son, his son's fiancée."

SS: "My wife, my children, the fiancés of the oldest two and my closest friends."

"I'm curious as to why you feel all the people involved are classed as your family. Are you comfortable telling me?"

HP: "Ginny is my fiancée, pretty obvious. Mum and Dad, also obvious. Hermione and Emily are my sisters. Draco is Hermione's fiancé, and my friend—my good friend. Lucius and Narcissa are his parents, so they'll be Hermione's parents-in-law, plus they're Emily's Godparents, and my parents close friends. Put us all together, and we're a family. There is nothing I would do for one of them I wouldn't do for the others. Well, except Ginny maybe but that's understandable."

LM: "My wife and son obviously are my life. Severus has done much to protect my family in the past and our shared experiences have drawn us to one another in friendship. Hermione is going to marry my son in just over a week. Emily is my Goddaughter. Mary is both Severus's wife, and my wife's closest confidante. Harry and his fiancée Ginevra are as my children as well."

SS: "No, suffice to say I see them all as my family, and in equal need of protection.

"I believe Emily was not present today, did that have any bearing on your feelings?"

HP: "No, she easily could've been. If it wasn't for the parties, she would definitely have been. She probably would have been with us in the village. If anything, I'm glad she stayed at school this weekend."

LM: "Absolutely not. Whether she was there, or not, we were protecting her by protecting her family."

SS: "No, everything I do, everything, is for the protection and well-being of my family."

"Did the protection of the citizens in the village have any bearing on your thoughts?"

HP: "No, not really." Thorne had been surprised at how guilty the young man looked when admitting this. Perhaps it was something to do with his position as an Auror and swearing to protect the citizens. "I mean, they should have, but my mind was just filled with my family—they were so close by, you know? If they weren't here, then I would've been thinking about the other people. I mean, I suppose I was, but all I can remember is my family."

LM: "Slightly, my goal, along with the Minister here, has been to build that village for our citizens. I am incensed that the safety of the citizens has been threatened in this way, in my family's name. At the time, I must admit, my thoughts were primarily on my son and his fiancée, and the son of my close friend along with Miss Weasley, as I knew they were all down in the village."

SS: "None. That is not to say that I would have refused to protect them. But my son and daughter were down there. When your son and daughter are Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, you learn very quickly that if there is trouble, they are likely to be in the thick of it. Knowing Draco and Ginevra were also in danger simply added to my motivation. My thoughts were purely on those four."

"Will you please cast your Patronus again, using the lunch as the memory?"

Thorne chuckled again. There were no answers to this question, but all three men had cast as requested. All three men produced the new hybrid animal.

"Will you please cast using another memory, one that has worked for you in the past?"

Again there were no answers to this question, but again the three men produced the hybrid Patronus. Thorne did not think the expletives that came out of the mouths of the wizards should be included in his report. The memory might assist in the casting of his own Patronus though – amusement at that level is certainly a positive emotion. Minister Shacklebolt had had to leave the room for this portion of the interview with Malfoy and Snape.

To say the three wizards were unimpressed was an understatement.

"Alright, I think I have all I need. May I contact you if I have further questions?"

HP: "Sure."

LM: "Anything I can do to help."

SS: "If you must."

It was short and sweet, but Unspeakable Thorne at least had the start of his research into the Patronus Charm to go ahead with. Even though he knew Harry Potter and, to a lesser extent, Lucius Malfoy, would be the most cooperative in regards to ongoing research, he believed Snape would have more insight into the Patronus Phenomenon as it was already being called. Thorne wandered into the depths of the library housed within the Department of Mysteries. He pulled down an ancient tome and prepared to begin his research. Magical theory fascinated him.

.

Hermione's statement had been dealt with very quickly. Robards caught up with her in the Ministry Atrium to thank her for her thought about the souls in the Dementors reuniting with their bodies. Luckily, it appeared this was not the case but as those prisoners were merely housed and not actively guarded, it could have been calamitous. Once she returned from the Ministry, she had promptly been given a dose of Calming Draught and ordered to her bed by her mother. Trilly sat in attendance until Draco came home. Severus, Mary and Ginny had gone back to Hogwarts, all feeling they should be there in their official capacities for when the news of the attack invariably reached the castle.

Mary had immediately brought Emily to their quarters to let her know what happened and how her brother (and to a lesser extent this time, her sister) had been in the thick of things again. Emily had naturally been terrified that something dreadful had befallen them again. Her near-hysterical laughter upon hearing the tale was more from relief than an actual feeling of humour. Mary had informed Hermione that all was in hand prior to dinner. Harry had yet to return from the Ministry where he had been detained in questioning and processing the new prisoners. He had mentioned he would probably return to Hogwarts for the night anyway.

Hermione and Draco were lying on their bed, dressed in pyjamas as per Draco's usual requirement—he in the bottoms, she in the top. They had eaten a late dinner when Draco returned from the Ministry. His statement had taken longer as he had had the direct hand in subduing the attackers. They had practically inhaled their dinner, Hermione stating she would prefer to wait until they were in bed to talk.

Hermione had turned around and was resting her feet on the bed head. She was teasing Draco with the view he now had underneath her shirt with her legs raised in the air. Draco was determinedly avoiding giving in to her teasing, concentrating his caresses and kisses no higher than her knees. The pair was simply enjoying the silence and each other's company. After the excitement of the day, this was very welcome. Draco placed another kiss on Hermione's calf and caressed behind one of her knees.

"So I believe I'll owl Kingsley in the morning and see if he's available," Draco said into the silence.

Hermione was staring at the canopy above them. Her brow wrinkled in confusion. "Why? Did you forget to tell him something about today?" she asked.

"No, I need to contact him to perform the wedding ceremony tomorrow. No more delays," Draco replied.

Hermione immediately lifted her torso, resting her elbows against the mattress to hold herself up. She looked at Draco in astonishment. He stared impassively back at her, his eyebrows raised slightly as if to say, 'What did you think?' Hermione's eyes widened as she realised he was serious. "But... what... no, I..." she sputtered.

The look of panic and the incomprehensible words issuing from his fiancée broke Draco's composure. He smirked triumphantly before tickling the back of her knee. In a flash, Hermione rolled and rose to her knees. "YOU!" she shouted. She began to pummel him wherever her fists landed. Draco laughed as he tried to capture her hands. They tussled for several minutes, finally coming to rest with Draco subduing Hermione underneath him, pinning her on her stomach while he lay on her back. They were both breathing heavily from their exertion.

"Wednesday next week, Sweet," he whispered in her ear. He pulled her long hair back, exposing her neck and beginning to kiss and lick it.

"And not a day earlier!" Hermione declared. For a second there she had feared she would have a real battle on her hands convincing Draco that there was no need to bring the date of their wedding forward, again! She wanted to marry him, certainly, but a lot of planning had gone into the event now and she was excited that their wedding anniversary would forever more be associated with a celebration of rebirth and light. It seemed particularly relevant to them.

Draco rose and gently turned Hermione over so they were face to face. He settled himself comfortably in the cradle of her body and kissed her passionately. "Not a day earlier," he agreed. "I couldn't resist though." He laughed again. Hermione thumped him on the back before gently caressing him.

"I'm glad things went so smoothly today," she said softly.

"As am I," Draco said. "It could have so easily been a disaster." Hermione began to giggle. "What is so amusing, Sweet?" he asked.

"I was just picturing the snow falling on them again. How did you ever think of that?" she asked through her giggles.

"I honestly couldn't tell you. I tried a stunner and when it was deflected, I followed the path of it and it brought the rooftops into my line of sight. It just seemed like a good idea. At the least, the snow would have fallen around their shield and blocked them enough for the Aurors to subdue them somehow, at best, well you saw what happened," Draco said, a very smug grin on his lips.

"Mum says they'll name the village 'Dracoville' if you keep it up," Hermione teased.

"Not after the whole Patronus thing," Draco said decidedly. "The Aurors were already giving Harry stick about 'Potterton' and Harryland'. They've got an actual pool going."

"Seriously? What did you do about it?" Hermione asked.

"I put five galleons on 'Potterville', what do you think?" Draco retorted.

"You know he doesn't like the attention," Hermione remonstrated. "You could have at least pretended to be offended for him." Draco's response was to stare at Hermione as though she had gone insane. Hermione rolled her eyes. She resumed the position she had been in earlier, her feet resting against the headboard, her eyes trained on the canopy overhead. She let out a large sigh. Draco moved to lie on his side next to her. He traced a finger over the exposed skin at her shoulder and neck.

"I haven't offended you, have I?" Draco asked worriedly.

Hermione turned her head sharply toward him. "No, of course not," she said decisively. She resumed her gaze on the canopy, missing Draco's slight slumping in relief. "Here we are, laughing about a Death Eater attack, making fun of my brother and frolicking when just hours ago, we were facing another life and death threat. We're never going to be free of it, are we?" she asked softly.

Draco moved closer to her, pressing his body against hers comfortingly. "No," he said honestly. "Danger is present every day. All we can do is live our lives and stay as safe as we can. We keep laughing." He was silent for a few minutes, still lazily tracing his fingers over Hermione's torso and arms. Hermione continued to stare at the brocade fabric forming the canopy overhead.

"Hey, you and Ginny spent the whole morning teasing him about the village name!" Draco realised.

Hermione grinned. "It's one thing to tease," she said. "It's a whole other thing to bet on an outcome."

.

Hermione slipped into the chair opposite her brother at Celestial Dollars in Hogsmeade on Thursday morning. "You look like hell," she greeted him.

"Thanks for the compliment," Harry retorted sarcastically. "Let's see how you look after being on a nightshift."

"I am going to be a Charms Mistress. We don't do nightshifts," Hermione said sweetly. Harry scowled at her mockingly.

"How long is this going to take? I am seriously thinking of passing Ginny over to marry my pillow," Harry said. He was nearly asleep.

Hermione could not stop the giggle at the humourous words from Harry. "Somehow I think your pillow won't prove to return your love quite as much as Ginny will. Perhaps the two of you should just have a quiet affair," she joked.

"Probably a good idea, I would want to change pillows after a couple of years. I'm happy to keep Ginny around for longer than that," he quipped.

Hermione shook her head, still smiling. "It won't take long. Julia just needs to make sure there are no adjustments to be made, and then you can go and profess your undying love to your pillow."

"I thought we established it was a passing fancy," Harry said.

Hermione laughed again. "What do you want?" she asked, indicating the counter.

"A hot chocolate and a muffin laced with Dreamless Sleep," he said, reaching for his wallet.

"Put that away, I'm marrying the heir to a multi-billion galleon fortune, I will be buying breakfast—or supper in your case. Qilloberry?" Hermione asked.

Harry nodded. Qilloberry was a magical fruit that not only tasted divine, but also had a mildly relaxing quality to it. In a muffin, it would be a perfect before bed snack. Harry placed his forehead on the table, fighting against falling asleep there and then. Hermione placing a cup, plate and newspaper in front of him roused him.

"We don't have to do this now," Hermione said. "If you're that tired, go home to bed."

"No, it won't be long and if I do this now, it's done. I'm on nightshift until Sunday morning, there's really no other time," Harry said, pulling the paper toward him. Reading would keep him awake for the fifteen minutes before Julia opened her shop. Although Harry was really regretting not taking her up on her offer to open early for him, or complete the measurements at the castle. He really had to temper that belief he had that he should not be treated differently to anyone else. He was sure Julia would offer the same convenience to any of her customers. He resolved next time to accept the concession.

He focussed on the front page of The Daily Prophet, groaning and placing his head back on the table when he read the headline. Hermione smirked as she sipped her latté. "Shut up!" Harry's muffled voice came from the direction of his lap.

"I never said a word," Hermione replied innocently.

"Potterville!" Harry spat.

Hermione picked up the discarded newspaper and read the article in question. "Apparently not only did Harry Potter save Wizarding Britain from the terror of Tom Riddle—twice!—he also single-handedly subdued three Death Eaters at the end of October, and has assisted in the capture of two more during November in the course of his Auror work, plus the three on Sunday last. Not only that, do you know he produced a Patronus in conjunction with his beloved adoptive father and cherished honourary uncle that completely destroyed fifteen Dementors?" Hermione asked in mock astonishment. "In defence of the very village that has now been named after him in honour," she finished dramatically.

"Beloved adoptive father and cherished honourary uncle?" Harry repeated. "Not that they aren't, but that's laying it on a bit thick, don't you think?" Harry knew The Daily Prophet wanted to keep on their good side, somehow printing something like that was a bit over the top. Even though Harry was happy to attribute the phrases to the two men, they were certainly nothing the three of them would ever utter.

"Lucius didn't know whether to be chuffed having his name linked to yours in such a positive manner or to sneer at the fact that you 'cherish' him," Hermione told him. Breakfast at the Manor had been rather fun. Lucius was on the committee that chose the final name. Since Sunday, popular public opinion had been overwhelming. Whereas before it was just a few voices and the paper pushing for the village to be named after Harry, since the Death Eater and Dementor attack it seemed as though the entire population was in favour. Despite their promises, Kingsley, Lucius, Minerva and Arthur had to bow to the pressure. Minerva had stated that no matter the official name, the village would probably be referred to by one of the 'Potter' derivatives so why not just formalise it in the first place?

Lucius was also relieved that the attack had had no adverse effect on prospective tenants and business owners. If anything, it had actually increased interest, the citizens of Wizarding Britain wanting a fresh start and no longer wishing to live governed by fear. There was now a waiting list for business opportunities and what looked to be a spirited bidding war for several of the houses. The village was due for its official dedication in March at the Equinox. Lucius thought by then the village should be mostly filled.

"You just know Draco, George and Neville will have something to say about this as well," Harry guessed.

"Draco won twenty five galleons for guessing the correct name," Hermione said slyly.

Harry's eyes narrowed but he did not comment. He would save that piece of information for another time. He picked up his hot chocolate and took a sip. He missed Hermione's thoughtful examination of him once he had placed his head back on the table and closed his eyes.

"Tell me about Dudley Dursley," she said suddenly.

Harry groaned. "No, I already told you everything," he replied.

"Are you going to call him?" Hermione persisted.

"Probably," Harry said, his head still resting on the table.

Hermione huffed. "I don't know why you would consider it; he made your life hell as a child. You told me he physically assaulted you, called you names, and stopped you from having friends. Because of him, his parents did everything they could to put him on a pedestal, and keep you as a slave at their feet—parties, presents, outings...food!" she ranted.

Harry had raised his head during her diatribe and now fixed his gaze on her. "[Cough]... Draco... [Cough]," he pointedly reminded her.

It gave Hermione pause. "Th-that's different," she argued awkwardly.

"No, no, Hermione, it's really not," Harry pointed out. "Draco was our nemesis; he was the thorn in our side, a pain in the arse! He belittled us, he tormented us, and he verbally abused us at every turn. 'Wait until my father hears about this!'" Harry mocked. "We used to make fun of that little saying all the time. He was not above hexing us if he thought he could get away with it. Now look, he is one of my closest friends, and you're marrying the guy in less than a week.

"You keep saying he's changed. I know he's changed. Why did we allow Draco the opportunity to demonstrate it and accept him completely in our lives, yet we would deny Dudley, our cousin, the same opportunity?"

Hermione visibly deflated her ire. "You're right, I'm sorry. You should call him and I'll go with you when you see him."

"Sorry, I didn't catch anything after you said I was right," Harry teased. Hermione scowled and threw a piece of her muffin at him. Harry smirked as he popped the piece of cake into his mouth, chewing and swallowing it with relish. "I'll call him in the new year. Maybe the four of us can meet somewhere with him when Ginny is home on one of the weekends," he suggested.

Hermione was thoughtful. "Maybe the first time it should just be the two of us. Four people at once could be intimidating, especially if he is still holding onto any prejudice regarding magical folk," she said.

Harry nodded. "You're probably right. If he's working nights at that club, I'll work something out with him for a time when I'm on nightshift as well. We can do an afternoon meet somewhere, the three of us."

"Okay," Hermione agreed. She looked out of the window. "Come on, it looks like Julia just opened." Hermione gathered their things and guided a yawning Harry out of the café toward the robe shop.

.

The rest of the week passed in a flurry of last-minute preparations, finalising the school term, packing, unpacking, shopping for Christmas and general activity. It was Sunday night before the entire family could sit together and enjoy a meal again. It was over soup that Draco casually mentioned going to Gringotts the next morning to collect some money to pay for the wedding robes.

"Draco, would you go to our vault and retrieve the charter for the village? The Wizengamot advocate just wants a quick look to see if it can be used in anyway against the Death Eaters they caught," Lucius explained.

"Of course, Father. Hermione, you don't mind a trip down there, do you?" he asked. He had been going to go to his vault which was in the upper echelons of the bank's underground chambers.

Hermione gave a resigned sigh. "It's fine," she said. "I'll make sure I'm not wearing anything that be damaged by the water."

"I have made some progress with the goblins, Hermione. Unfortunately they have not yet agreed with deactivating the waterfall. I am hopeful that once you are married and officially a Malfoy, we will be able to have this imposition dealt with," Lucius said apologetically.

"Thank you, Lucius," Hermione said. "I'm sure you will."

"Wait, what about the waterfall? What's the problem with it?" Harry asked.

"Well you go through the waterfall to all the deep vaults, where all the old families keep their valuables. Because I'm classed as a technical thief by the goblins, they took us through it to the Malfoy vault," Hermione explained.

"I get taken through it all the time, what's the problem?" Harry asked confusedly.

Everyone at the table, bar Emily, looked at him in astonishment. "Harry, one of the greatest insults the goblins can give you is that they do not trust you," Severus told him.

"Really? But it's like a really cool, free water ride! I love going on it!" Harry declared.

"Yeah!" Emily agreed. "I love going with Harry to the bank. It's just like Thorpe Park except the goblins dry you straight away; you don't even have to walk around in wet clothes!"

"And you never questioned this?" Severus asked.

"Why would I? I'd only been down there once before and we went through the fall then. I just thought everyone who had a vault there went through it as a security measure," Harry said. "Now that you mention it, the goblin in the cart was always a bit miffed when he would dry me. I thought it was because I was proved to be who I was, not because I was enjoying the experience." Harry would have to remember to tell George about this. The redhead always enjoyed hearing about a good prank, even an inadvertent one.

"Think about it for a moment," Severus instructed. "Only the oldest, richest families have vaults down there. Do you think witches and wizards of that calibre would consent to being rained on every time they visited the bank?"

"No, but that's why you have an upper level vault just with money in it for a quick withdrawal, right?" Harry asked.

"Your 'upper level' vault is your trust vault, probably on the same level as mine," Draco said. "Once you take on your Head of House duties, your trust vault is usually put aside for your heir and you only deal in the main vault."

"Bill arranged it for me after the war," Harry said. "He told me it would top up every month when I made a withdrawal so I just kept using it. I haven't dealt much with the goblins for my holdings; everything has been done through Dad and Westin. I just go there to get papers and stuff. Should I move everything? The goblins seem to trust me enough to keep all my valuables there and charge me for the privilege. Can't I move it somewhere else?"

"It would be rather inconvenient to have everything in another country," Lucius explained. "There are some issues with inheritance laws and taxation as well if you live and work here, yet bank elsewhere. The threat alone might be enough to convince them not to employ the waterfall for you. If I threaten to move my holdings as well, I believe we will be able to negotiate from a position of strength."

"Oh," Emily whined, "that means no more cool water ride."

"I'll take you to Thorpe Park, Button. You can have all the water rides you want," Harry promised. "I always wanted to go there anyway." That started a discussion about exactly what Thorpe Park was, which led to further attractions around England and which ones they should all visit. By the end of dinner, the next summer holidays were completely planned out.

.

"So the next time I see you, you will be standing next to me ready to pledge your life to mine," Draco teased.

"Right after you pledge yours to mine," Hermione bantered back, knowing the order of ceremony had the groom promising before the bride.

They were standing at the doorway to Draco's rooms. It was the night before their wedding. Draco would be spending the night alone. Hermione was joining Emily, Ginny and Luna in Emily's bedroom for the night. There had been discussion about staying at Hogwarts, but in the end the idea was discarded as being impractical and, despite all assurances to the contrary, Mary refused to let Hermione travel through the floo network while wearing her wedding gown.

The couple shared one last kiss before reluctantly parting. They had spent most of the day sequestered together, joking about having 'one last shag as an unmarried couple' (which turned into three), and just spending some quiet time together. Narcissa and Mary's impeccable planning had ensured that everything was long accounted for. Only the delivery of the fresh floral arrangements and food preparation would be required the following day.

Hermione made her way to the rooms her family stayed in at the Manor. As soon as she entered the corridor, Severus performed a complex warding charm on the archway leading in.

"Dad!" Hermione rebuked. "This isn't your house! You can't put wards up!"

"I have permission, Angel. It is a father's prerogative to protect his daughter's virtue up until her wedding," he said.

"Bit late," Harry said, leaning against his doorframe. He laughed when Hermione blushed.

"Be that as it may, we may all sleep assured," Severus smirked before bidding them a goodnight and returning to his room.

"Come on, Maid," Hermione said, grabbing Harry's arm and starting to pull him down the corridor. She opened the door to Emily's bedroom where Emily, Ginny and Luna were all waiting. "Slumber party!" she announced.

Harry's eyes widened and he pulled his arm from Hermione's grip. "Oh no! No, this is where I draw the line. I am fine with standing with you as your witness, I organised your Hen's Night and wore that ridiculous sash all night; I have even endured being referred to as a 'maid' for the last few weeks. I am not attending a girl's slumber party! Goodnight!" he said firmly.

"Oh come on, Harry," Hermione cajoled. "We're having junk food, and we're going to play games and tell embarrassing stories, it'll be fun," she tried to persuade him.

"We might even have a pillow fight," Ginny interjected slyly.

Harry's face brightened for one moment before it turned sour. "Great, now I have the image of a girls-in-pyjamas-pillow-fight with my sisters as participants. Way to ruin a fantasy! I'll see you all in the morning." He blew kisses to each of the girls and strode down the corridor. Ginny squealed and ran after him, returning several minutes later with a flushed face and messy hair.

Luna sat her down at the dressing table and began to brush her hair for her. "Did you help Harry get rid of his Tellungong infestation?" she asked.

"Yes, thoroughly," Ginny replied.

Emily screwed up her nose. "Is that weird adult talk for saying you had sex?" she asked.

Ginny turned red as Hermione and Luna both started to laugh.

.

"Good morning, Bride."

Hermione was roused from her sleep the next morning by Mary. She was sitting on the edge of Hermione's bed, smiling at her daughter and smoothing her sleep-tousled hair. This had been a long-held dream of hers. She had been woken by her own mother the same way on her wedding day to Michael.

Hermione stretched and groaned. She smiled at her mother. "I'm getting married today," she said happily.

"Yes you are," Mary agreed with a laugh. "Now as your mother, it is my duty to inform you about your wedding night. Do you have any questions? Are you nervous about anything?" she teased.

"Well now that you mention it, I have always wondered," Hermione shifted her eyes around the room. She noticed the other three girls were still asleep. She lowered her voice to a whisper anyway and asked seriously, "Is it true that some girls will put a man's penis in their mouth?"

Mary looked at her strangely. "Of course it is, you know—" Mary paused when she saw the mirth dancing in Hermione's eyes. She put her hands either side of Hermione's hips and jostled her playfully. "Oh, you," she scolded playfully. Hermione laughed with abandon, warming Mary's heart. Her laughter roused the other slumbering occupants of the room. Emily came over to lean against her mother comfortably.

"When do we have to start getting ready?" she asked, yawning halfway through her sentence.

"Not for a while. Come, we've had breakfast set up on our balcony. Severus and Harry are waiting for us," Mary said gesturing for everyone to rise.

"Shouldn't we get dressed first?" Ginny asked.

"Dressing gowns will be fine," Mary stated. She rose ready to leave. Emily grabbed her robe and scampered behind her mother, eager to get the day started. The older girls quickly followed suit, transfiguring their robes into something a bit more appropriate for breakfast with the Potions Professor.

Hermione rushed to the balcony in order to check the weather. As forecast, the day was fine but cold. Most of the snow that had been around had melted and Hermione could see some elves out on the lawn performing their magic to dry and prepare the area for later. She breathed a small sigh of relief.

Mary approached and put her arm around her. "It's a winter wedding, Darling. We have a contingency plan, remember?"

"I know, but I really want the ceremony outside. As long as it stays good until five o'clock, the weather can do anything it wants after that," Hermione replied. The ceremony was set to take place on the West Lawn in front of the gazebo. Chairs were in stacks ready to be placed at the last minute and charmed to ensure no moisture could penetrate the cushioned seats. The group ate quickly and retreated back to Emily's room to begin preparations.

Emily's bedroom had been turned into a veritable dressing room and beauty salon it seemed. Severus had Transfigured her bed into a large sofa and extra chairs had been brought in from other rooms to use in the preparations. Trilly had been drafted to do hair styles for the five ladies for the day. She had a particular skill in this area. Hermione had promised her elf that she could be as elaborate as she liked, as long as she stayed within the realm of good taste. Mary had bought a book in a second-hand shop in London several weeks prior that pictured old Hollywood hairstyles from the thirties and forties. Trilly had drawn her inspirations from these.

Ginny was ready first and headed over to the Malfoys' wing of the Manor to join them for lunch and to wait the hours until the ceremony. Narcissa was happy for the female company, although Ginny and Harry flitted back and forth throughout the day.

Trilly was just putting the final touches on Hermione's hair when Harry appeared. He wandered over and examined Hermione's hairstyle. "Good luck taking all that out," he quipped. Hermione's hair was a mass of braids, kiss curls, clips and delicate arrangement.

"Trilly has charmed it all," Hermione explained. "It will take her about five seconds to undo it all."

"Ah, the joys of magic," Harry said with a grin. "Is it too late to add something?" he asked.

"I guess that depends, what is it?" Hermione asked curiously.

"This," Harry said, drawing a velvet box from within his robe. He opened it to reveal a coronet. Hermione gasped as she took in the detail. It was an entire circlet, silver threads shaping the head piece as though it were an elaborate vine. Coming off the stems were delicate gold leaves. Scattered amongst them all were identically sized gems of diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald.

"Harry," she breathed. "It's beautiful! Wherever did you find it?"

"It was in my vault. There was an old portrait in there too which told me this has been in the Potter family for centuries. Not even goblin-made, so they can't try and claim it back," he said with a grin.

"I can't wear this if it's a Potter heirloom, Harry, it's not appropriate given what Lily did to James," Hermione said with a shake of her head.

Harry gently placed his fingers on her temples and stilled her head. "Yes, you can," he said softly, but firmly. "We've discussed this many times. The circumstances surrounding your conception weren't ideal, but they were not the fault of either of us. Three people contributed to that scenario—my father for no longer desiring our mother, our mother for not confronting the issue and for instigating an extra-marital liaison, and your father for giving into her without a fight.

"I am the head of the Potter family now, and if I say it is appropriate for you to wear this, then it is appropriate. You were the sister of my heart, long before we found out you were my sister by blood. Regardless of anything else, I would have given you this to wear today. As my little sister, you get to wear the Potter crown on your wedding day. Emily will too," Harry said.

"Big sister," Hermione corrected. Tears were shining in her eyes from Harry's words. He gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Not today," Harry said with a grin. He handed the coronet to Hermione, who in turn handed it to Trilly to place in her hair.

"'Extra-marital liaison,' Harry? Those are some pretty fancy words for you," Hermione commented as Trilly began to secure the headpiece.

Harry made a non-committal sound. "I heard Mum use the term once, I thought it fit exactly what our Mum did with Dad," he said. Harry gave Hermione's cheek another kiss before he rose and left the room.

Mary and Luna came back in the room then, both dressed and ready. Hermione's bridesmaids were in knee-length pale blue dresses. They were quite plain, but had a rich navy blue embroidery of roses on the front bodice and hem. Navy blue sashes adorned their waists and matched the navy pumps each girl was wearing. The pale pink roses they would be carrying provided a nice contrast as well. Mary and Luna admired the coronet now in Hermione's hair and commented how well it went with her necklace. Emily also arrived to help Hermione into her gown.

Hermione's dress was an ivory colour. It had been determined quite quickly that pure white against her pale skin and black hair was too stark. The shade of ivory she had selected complimented her perfectly. She had chosen a muggle-inspired gown, rather than wizarding robes. It had a sweeping neckline from shoulder to shoulder, leaving her décolletage free for a diamond, emerald, ruby and sapphire gold necklace. It was one of the pieces she had found in the box of jewels Narcissa had given her the week before.

The sleeves of the gown were long, in deference to the winter climate. They were fitted to her slender arms to the middle of her forearms before flaring out slightly to her wrists. Hermione left her hands and wrists unadorned save for her engagement ring which she had temporarily shifted to her right hand.

Her gown was fitted to her waist where it then fell in long panels to the ground. Charms held the gown out correctly, negating the need for Hermione to wear a heavy petticoat or hoop. The back of the gown had an identical sweep from shoulder to shoulder with many tiny buttons fastening the gown from the base of her spine up. A large bow sat at the end of the line of buttons, the tails hanging down over a panel of the dress that extended out into a four-foot train. Delicate silver and gold embroidery adorned the entire dress from the knees down. From a distance, it was impossible to discern a pattern but when one got closer, it was easy to see the delicate rose stems and lily flowers sewn into the gown. Depending on the angle, the thread colours changed from silver to gold.

Finally there was only half an hour to go before the ceremony. They had been hearing guests assemble below for the last fifteen minutes. The sounds of greetings and merriment filtered through the open doors of Mary and Severus's room where they were now gathered. Trilly had just served glasses of champagne to everyone (Emily was allowed to have a small measure mixed with orange juice for a toast). Ginny had rejoined them as well.

"To my Angel," Severus toasted. "I will say to you what I said to Draco the day he asked for your hand: If your marriage makes you half as happy as mine has made me, then you will have a rewarding one." They all drank before Mary gave Severus a kiss in gratitude for his words. They touched her just as they had done on that day.

"Dad took me to buy something for you and helped with some charms," Emily said. She handed a wrapped box to Hermione. Hermione took it with a smile. She carefully removed the paper and opened the box. Inside was an ivory coloured bag, beaded with gold, silver and pale blue beads. Hermione pulled it out and examined it. "It has all the same charms as your other bag," Emily explained excitedly. "This one is just a bit more formal so you can use it for going out places. It can be your 'something new'."

"Thank you, Button, it's beautiful," Hermione said giving her little sister a hug. Hermione was so used to carrying her beaded bag around now; she did not think she would be able to manage with a small bag again. Having this as an alternative was very welcome. She put her wand inside as well as a handkerchief (the first Draco had ever given her) and some other small necessities.

Ginny looked at her watch. "I'm going to go back to Draco. I am going to torment him with how beautiful you look," Ginny said with a grin. She carefully hugged Hermione. "Last chance," she said as she pulled back. "I think there's just enough time for us to make a clean getaway if you want." She winked as everyone laughed.

"I don't mind telling everyone you changed your mind," Luna offered. Hermione wrapped an arm each around both her best girlfriends.

"No," she said firmly. "I am going out there and marrying the man of my dreams."

Ginny squeezed her one more time before she let go. "I will reassure him then," she said before waving and departing.

"Something borrowed is the coronet," Emily said. Even though she was only thirteen and had absolutely no desire or prospects for a husband, she was very excited for her wedding day now knowing she would also have an opportunity to wear that beautiful headpiece. A piece of cake was definitely going under her pillow tonight! "Something old?" she asked.

"Here," Mary said, producing a blue ribbon. She picked up Hermione's bouquet and tied it around the stems. "I had two of them wrapped around my first wedding bouquet. I used them again when I married Severus. This one is for you, I am keeping the other for Button," she said. Hermione gave Mary a hug. "You are a beautiful bride, my darling. I know I'm speaking for Michael too. I am sure he is hovering around nearby today, as is your mother."

Hermione sniffed. A tear threatened to escape her eye. Mary quickly grabbed a tissue and dabbed it carefully to wipe away the moisture. "Tears later, not yet," Mary instructed with a smile.

Hermione nodded and composed herself. "Well there is certainly enough blue around to cover that part of the rhyme. Does anyone have a sixpence?" she asked. Severus reached into his pocket and produced a coin.

"My mother's," he said simply, handing the shiny silver sixpence to his daughter. Hermione smiled as she bent to place it in her shoe.

Trilly popped into the room at this time. "It be times for the wedding, Mistress," she squeaked. Hermione grinned at the flapping of Trilly's ears. The little elf was so happy for her Mistress, she could not control it. She was even being given the huge honour of being allowed to sit in the front row to watch the wedding! Trilly had never heard of anything the likes of it!

They all gathered their things and made their way down to the conservatory from where they would enter the garden. Hermione could see the hundred and twenty guests they had invited for the service sitting in chairs, most of them looking toward the house to catch a glimpse of the bridal party. Hermione could easily make out Hagrid at the back of the crowd, looking almost exactly as he had at Bill and Fleur's wedding. She saw Lucius and Narcissa in the front row, the dark head of Andromeda Tonks sitting beside her sister. She noticed Teddy Lupin climbing all over his grandmother and great-aunt and uncle. It made her smile to see it.

She could see the small crowd of redheads in the second row, and easily picked out her old dorm mates. She giggled when she noticed they were all wearing robes of a lavender colour. She made a mental note that they should do that for all their weddings. She identified several of their old classmates and professors, as well as various Order of the Phoenix members and associates of Draco's family she had met over the previous months.

Finally her eye caught the back of the head of the only person she cared was there. She bit her lip with a smile as she saw Ginny keep pulling on his sleeve to stop him turning around to catch a premature glimpse of her. Harry and Mary began the procession down the aisle, Harry escorting their mother to her seat. He took up his position and greeted Kingsley quietly, nodding to Draco and bestowing a loving smile on Ginny. A few people in the crowd now understood why Ginny appeared to be in the Best Man position; she was standing witness to Draco so Harry could for Hermione. It made some sense.

Luna followed next, then Emily, leaving Hermione and Severus alone in the conservatory. Hermione looked at her father. He was resplendent in his dress robes, the same ones he had worn for his wedding in May. This time he wore a black waistcoat though, with an amethyst coloured cravat to match his wife's robes. His long black hair had been pulled back and was tied neatly at the nape of his neck.

"You are indeed a beautiful bride, my Angel," he said softly. He offered Hermione his arm. She took it gracefully and looked out to the lawn. With a breath she took a step, ready to start the next adventure of her life...

.