AN: Y'all, I've made a crazy decision. I'm feeling really impatient. Idk but I've decided, starting today, I'll be posting new chapters every day until this fic is complete. There are only 13 chapters left (including this one) and I'm planning on posting the last two chapters on the same day. The fic is finished so, why not?

For those who want to binge read this last part of the story, the story should be marked complete on JUNE 12 (as long as I don't miss a day and there are no technical difficulties).

Ahhh, I can't wait to see what y'all think. Whether you continue to read it one chapter at a time or you binge read it at the end, I hope you enjoy it!

21 Weeks

Hermione finished her yogurt and set the empty bowl in the sink. She had spent the rest of her week fretting over Harry's work trip. Why? There was absolutely no reason why she should be worried. It's not like he was going on a mission like the one a few months ago. Now, she was wasting her Saturday, letting stray thoughts distract her.

She grabbed her purse off the counter. This called for a little trip.

"I'm heading out!" She called out to Crookshanks and slipped out the front door. She took a quick glance, left and right, before strolling down to her car.

It was spontaneous. No denying it. But after driving through usual London traffic and looking for a parking spot, Hermione already felt more relaxed as she strolled through the Victoria and Albert Museum.

This museum was always going to hold a special place in her heart. It was the first place she remembered her grandparents taking her when she was a child.

She stopped in front of a roman statue. It was also the last place she went with her grandfather before he passed away. She wasn't saddened by his passing anymore. She missed him, yes. His laughter and the camping trips they would take with her father.

She wondered what he would have thought of being a great-grandpa. Does anyone go through life wondering what that was like?

She moved onto the next statue. She turned her head to the side slightly, her eyes following the lines of the three women carved out of marble.

"Ms. Granger?"

Hermione jumped, turning sharply at the sound of her name. "Mr. Sterling?"

It was him! Mr. Sterling stood a few spaces away, looking more casual than she had ever seen him. His hair looked soft and not in it's usual slicked back appearance. He was wearing dark-colored jeans and a polo shirt. Never in a million years did she ever think she'd see her boss like this.

He rubbed the back of his neck. "This is a surprise," he said simply.

She licked her lips. "Yes. Um, have you been here long?"

He shook his head. "I was on my way to see Asian art," he cleared his throat, "would you like to join me or…?"

"Sure." She walked in step beside him as they headed toward the gallery.

Mr. Sterling stuck his hands in his pockets. "Do you like The Three Graces?"

She laughed lightly. "It is rather stunning. But, I'm more impressed by the fact that it's crafted from marble. From stone. I can't believe people can be so talented."

"I agree. Have you seen the rock crystal ewers?" He led them quietly around an elderly couple who were standing close together. "They're pitchers carved from rock crystal."

Her jaw dropped. "You're kidding me."

He smiled. Actually smiled! "You have to see it. They're this way."

Mr. Sterling guided her to the gallery holding the Asian art collection. He went straight for Islamic Art. They stood in front of a few pitchers and just as he said, they were carved exquisitely from rock crystal.

He told her a short history of the pieces and after looking at them for a few more minutes they moved on. He spent much of the time pointing out another piece, sharing the information he knew, and asking her questions.

She was having a good time. She never thought she could enjoy spending time outside of work with someone like her boss. She always saw Mr. Sterling as someone so serious and down to business - which was understandable. But they surprisingly had a lot of things in common.

Other than the fact that they liked to frequent museums, Mr. Sterling also liked to watch historical documentaries, read historical and speculative fiction (which she knew), and was almost sorted into Gryffindor. Instead, he sorted into Ravenclaw. The complete opposite of herself.

He was also a muggle-born. He grew up in a working-class family from Manchester. He was the only magical member of his family.

She wanted to continue their conversation, but she was growing tired. Her feet were hurting and her hips were beginning to ache.

"How about a spot of tea?" He offered. He held out his arm. "It'll give you a chance to rest before you head home."

She readily agreed. She took his arm and let him lead the way to the cafe. He guided her to a free table where he pulled out a chair and asked what she'd like.

"Peppermint, please."

He stalked away. While he was away, she took the time to look around the museum cafe and garden. She saw a couple walking hand in hand away from the museum and then a small family, the father chasing after two small children.

She smiled at that. She couldn't wait to bring her own baby here. They'd probably nap their whole way through the museum, but when they got older, they could play outside and probably drive her and Harry bonkers.

Harry?

Harry and her?

"Here you are," Mr. Sterling returned, setting her tea down before her, "I also brought some pastries. Eat whatever you'd like."

"Thank you." She grabbed her tea and took a sip, grateful for the distraction.

He grabbed a banana nut muffin. "I should be thanking you, for humoring me. I don't usually have company when I walk through the museum so I don't usually know when to rein it in."

"What, no." She clutched his hand. "I had a wonderful time. It was fun and informative. You know so much, Mr. Sterling. I'm impressed."

His gaze turned to her hand. She let go quickly.

He broke his muffin in half. "I had a good time too, Ms. Granger."

# # #

She walked up the steps of Grimmauld Place, a silly smile on her face. The stressful drive home didn't hinder her good mood. Did she actually spend such a good time with Mr. Sterling? Of all people?

"What's so funny?"

She screamed and braced herself against the door. She looked over her shoulder and glared. "Harry, you scared me half to death."

He jogged up the steps. "Sorry." He rested his hand on her lower back and pushed open the door.

His touch made her blush and she ducked inside before he could see her reaction. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. This could not be happening.

"Hermione?"

She looked around. When did she walk into the kitchen?

Harry held up a slim box. "Do you want pizza for dinner? You have a few frozen pizzas in the freezer."

"Oh, yeah. Pizza sounds good."

He nodded and stepped to the stove, setting it to preheat.

Hermione set her purse down on the counter and held her hands against her face, trying to cool down the heat that had pooled in her cheeks. Why was she suddenly so tense?

Harry poured two glasses of grape juice and placed one cup in front of her. "How was your day? What did you do?"

She wrapped her fingers around the glass and frowned. Should she tell him that she spent the afternoon with Mr. Sterling?

"I went to the museum," she voiced, sounding more like a question.

He leaned over the counter, chuckling under his breath. "Did you walk around a bit?"

"I did," she said curtly.

"Good. I hope you didn't get too tired."

She took a sip of her juice. "I did get tired, but I went to the cafe to rest."

Harry reached out and took her hand in his. He tugged softly urging her to him. She walked around the edge of the counter and stood before him, toe to toe. He set his hands on her waist and gave her a tight-lipped smile. "Is everything okay?"

"Of course," she pushed loose strands of hair behind her ear. "Everything's fine. I'm feeling fine."

He watched her curiously, but she couldn't meet his eyes, instead, she set her gaze on his shoulder. She relaxed as she felt him move his hands over her belly.

"Is it weird to say that you look bigger?" He said softly.

She scoffed. "No." She placed her hands over his. "I feel bigger."

"So, has our little one been good for mummy?"

She gasped. Harry pushed her slightly so he could kneel down in front of her. He rested his ear over her belly and cradled the sides with his hands.

"I'm feeling a little left out," he said, "when will I feel you move? Or are you disappointed that I have to go too?"

Merlin, he was leaving. How could she have forgotten? Hermione bit her lip. "Harry?"

He peered up at her. He got to his feet slowly and placed a chaste kiss on her cheek. "You know what we haven't done in a while?"

She shook her head, suddenly feeling light-headed.

He grinned. "Play Mario Kart. Do you want to?"

She blinked. It has been a long time. "I'd love to."

He moved to set the pizza in the oven and she went upstairs to ready the Nintendo.

She fell atop the sofa, wrapping her arms around her belly. What an odd day she's had. Her trip to the museum had tired her, but it also made her totally forget about Harry's trip.

That was the point, she reminded herself. So she could stop fretting. But now that she remembered, she couldn't help missing him already even though he was still here! Her mind was being irrational.

Harry had stayed late into the night. They ate the whole pizza, played numerous rounds of Mario Kart, and then Harry reluctantly said goodbye. He needed to make sure he was packed since he was leaving for Philadelphia the next day.

Hermione was reluctant to see him go, surprising herself. But promised to see him off at Dogwood Garden.

And so, with a firm hug and a kiss on his cheek, Hermione said goodnight to Harry.

# # #

Hermione didn't sleep well. She was sore from her walk the previous day but it was mostly her anxiety. Harry was going to be fine. There was literally nothing to worry about.

She dressed for the day, ate a light breakfast, and then went straight to Dogwood Garden.

She stepped out of the floo and was surprised by how quiet the house was. "Hello?"

"Hermione!" Sirius yelled from the kitchen. "I made porridge! It's disgusting. Is it always this disgusting?"

Hermione laughed and hurried to the kitchen where she found Sirius frowning into a plain bowl of porridge.

"You can put some honey or fruit in it," she offered.

He grumbled. "Will it help?"

She shrugged. "It should."

He began to whine but grabbed a banana from the center fruit bowl.

"Where's Harry?"

"In the shower." Sirius sliced the banana, making the pieces plop into his bowl. "Did something happen between you two?"

She grabbed an orange from the bowl. "Why do you ask?"

Sirius frowned slightly. "Don't know, it's just, Harry seemed a little weird last night."

"Oh?" Did she make him uncomfortable? Could he tell how confused she felt?

Heavy steps neared the kitchen and they dropped their conversation. Harry walked in, rubbing his eyes. Hermione giggled at the sight.

He dropped his hands, smiling widely. "Hermione," he walked straight to her and kissed her cheek. "I'll be gone for a week and a half. So, will you humor me and spend some time with Sirius? I don't want him to get lonely."

"Hey," Sirius pouted, "I'm right here."

Hermione squeezed his hand. "I will. I promise. And you," she rested her free hand on his chest, "you'll be careful?"

He scoffed. "I'm always careful."

She rolled her eyes. "And have fun and actually go out and see things. I hear a lot of good things about the magical community in Philadelphia. It has a lot of history."

"I'll try my best."

She wrapped her arms around his torso.

"I'll be back before you know it," he whispered into her hair.

She nodded, hiding her face in the folds of his shirt. "I know."

# # #

They said bye to Harry in the front garden, where he disapparated to meet his travel mates. She gave Sirius a quick hug and promised she'd see him later in the week. She returned to Grimmauld Place and made the drive to her parent's home.

The drive out of London was rather calming despite the hour drive. She pulled into the driveway and walked up to the open front door. Her dad was there waiting, having seen her pull up.

He wrapped her up in a tight hug. "Morning, pumpkin. How are you?"

"I'm perfect. How are you doing?"

"Better." He led her inside the house. "Much better. Where's Harry?"

She sat down at the kitchen table. "He's gone on a work trip."

"Oh?" He poured her a cup of tea and pushed a plate full of muffins toward her.

She grabbed the chocolate muffin and took a bite. She swallowed. "It's this training and networking opportunity with others in the field."

"Really?" Her dad took a drink of his coffee. "That's rather good for him, right?"

"It is actually. Not that many people from the ministry are invited to attend or even qualify to attend. Harry and just two others were selected to go."

Her dad's eyes widened. "You're kidding? Brilliant, your young man is."

"Dad," she mumbled.

He held his hands up. "He is yours in some way. Just as you are his. So, have you two settled on a name for my granddaughter?"

She chuckled. "No, not yet."

"We had a hard time naming you too. Your mother was practically in labor when we finally decided."

She scoffed. "Really?"

Her dad laughed under his breath. "Oh yes, we couldn't think or settle on anything. We knew we wanted Jane for your middle name, after my mother, but we were at loss for your first name and you know, at the time, your mother had recently lost her sister. Adele was an actress. One of her last roles was in The Winter's Tale. She was so proud to have played Hermione. A wonderful character, with a rather unique name, for a unique girl," he caressed her cheek.

Hermione smiled.

"You're very similar, you and your aunt. Both rather clever and equally clueless when it comes to love."

She knew it was too good to be true. "Dad," she began to whine.

He let out a hearty laugh. He reached out and took her hand in his, placing a kiss on the back of her hand. "I love you, pumpkin."

"I love you too, dad."

He patted her hand. "Good, now when are you going to tell your young man you love him?"

"Dad!"

He laughed aloud again but once he calmed down his expression turned serious. "Really, pumpkin, I won't push it anymore, just this one last time. I know you love him, but do you not want to be in a relationship with him? I understand it's a different world and generation and all that rot, but do you sincerely not want that kind of commitment with him?"

Hermione stared at the tea in her cup. Steam was no longer traveling upward. A committed relationship. With Harry? "Someone to come home too?" She said out loud without thinking.

"Someone to share life's burdens and happiness," her dad added. "You're a relationship type of girl. Is it Harry that's not the relationship type of boy?"

"His relationships don't last very long," she bit her lip, peering up to her dad. "I don't think he's the type of boy."

He nodded slowly. "Sometimes," he said softly, "it only takes one person to change that."

"And look," he continued, "one of his longest relationships has been with you."

"Friendship," she emphasized.

"Still, a type of relationship."

She poked the muffin. "What if I tell him - but he doesn't want the same?"

He rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb. "Then you move forward with your life, knowing that he doesn't return your feelings. Better knowing than hanging on to what-ifs."

22 Weeks

Monday proved to be busy for the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. The Wizengamot was in session debating over the passage of the Werewolf Legislation, which had finally been placed on the timetable, despite being sent to the Wizengamot a month prior. Not only that, but a nest of dragons was discovered in an islet off the northern coast of Scotland and a band of ghosts had been haunting an old chapel in northern Norfolk.

All in the day's work for the Department.

Hermione, Warwick, and Dawson were busy with house-elf placement and interviews and merely stayed out of their coworkers' way.

Madam Kane and Mr. Sterling were not on the Department floor. They were in the belly of the Wizengamot chambers listening and countering the arguments for the legislation they were attempting to pass.

Hermione was sure the tension she felt in her chest was for the anxiety she felt for the legislation she had been working on for over a year. When it passed (because it was a definite 'when', she wouldn't think otherwise), she would have accomplished the biggest goal she had set upon herself.

That's what she kept telling herself, especially on Tuesday morning as deliberations and debates continued.

And on Wednesday.

It was now Thursday and she was glaring out her faux window when Ron ran into her office.

"Hermione!"

She jumped but brightened at the sight of him. "Ron, good morning!"

He greeted her with an equally bright smile. "Come on, you need to come down to the Wizengamot."

Her stomach fell. "Why?"

His eyes widened. "Why? Why? Hermione, the legislation you've been working on for ages is about to be voted on and you need to be there."

She jumped to her feet. "Now?"

"Yes, now. Let's go!"

Ron took her hand and led her out of her office and down the hall to the lifts. "The werewolf legislation is going to be voted on, everyone! Come down to the Wizengamot if you can."

Ainsworth and Lauren hurried after them, joining them in the lift. Lauren bounced excitedly. "I can't believe it's finally the day." She clapped her hands together. "It'll pass. I just know it."

Ainsworth slipped his hands into his pockets. "It'll pass. I have no doubts."

Hermione clasped her hands together, her stomach fluttering incessantly. But what if it didn't? What could she do differently that could ensure the passage of the bill?

The lift opened to the Wizengamot chamber floor. They stepped out and hurried to the center chamber room. A guard stood beside an open door and motioned them forward.

"The gallery is open, please be quiet as you take your seats," he told them.

Hermione clutched Ron's arm and followed him inside and up the stairs to the gallery where they could sit and watched the gathered members of the Wizengamot.

She immediately saw Neville's grandmother and recognized Head Auror Robards, who was there on behalf of the Auror Department. The strangest sight was Rolf Scamander. He must be the person Madam Kane chose to vote in her stead since a vote by her would be seen as a conflict of interest.

She and Ron took their seats.

Milena Wood, acting chief warlock and head of the DMLE, slammed the gavel. "Closing remarks, Madam Kane."

Madam Kane nodded. "Honorable members of the Wizengamot, I implore you to take due consideration into the passage of this important piece of legislation. Under the jurisdiction and protection of the Ministry of Magic, we all deserve the protections we are due and deserve as members of this community. Being inflicted with lycanthropy changes nothing.

Members in our community who are afflicted should not and do not deserve the bias and prejudice inflicted on them by their government. It is an infringement on their rights as equal members of our community.

This legislation will ensure the protection of everyone and eliminate all undue stress that is placed on our citizens. I beseech you to make the right decision. I cede the floor."

Wood slammed the gavel again. "We will now vote. All those in favor, lift your hand."

Hermione took a deep breath and gazed around the chamber. Hands slowly went up. She held back tears as more and more hands went up.

Wood lifted their own hand and then slammed the gavel once more. "Legislation passes 36 to 14."

Ainsworth yelled in triumph and shared a high-five with Lauren. Hermione turned to Ron and launched her arms around his shoulders. "Oh my god, we did it."

Ron chucked into her ear and hugged her back. "You did it, Hermione!"

Hermione let her tears fall.

And in all the excitement, the hugs, the handshakes, and the eager high-fives, she found herself wishing Harry had been there to share this moment with her.

A glass of grape juice appeared in front of Hermione. She looked up and found Ginny grinning at her. Luna slowly walked up behind her carrying two plates filled with food. She handed her a plate.

The werewolf legislation had passed and Ron wanted to celebrate so he called and wrote to their friends and loved ones to congregate at the Burrow Friday afternoon.

Now, here they were. Hermione sat in a comfy lawn chair. Luna and Ginny in front of her in chairs of their own.

"Rolf was there," Hermione told Luna. "I didn't know he took part in Wizengamot proceedings."

Luna nodded. "He and Madam Kane are old friends and colleagues."

Hermione turned and found Ginny's firm gaze on her. "What is it?"

Ginny laughed under her breath. "Not me. What is it with you?"

"What do you mean?"

"You don't look as happy as I expected you to be," Ginny said with a shrug.

"Oh." She slouched and stared into her glass. "I am happy though. I worked so hard on this. A whole year of my life."

"And we're so proud of you," Luna spoke. She balanced her plate on her lap. She glanced at Ginny. "I think she's missing someone."

Ginny grinned. She tapped her fingers against her glass. "I think you're right, Luna."

Hermione felt herself blush. "What are you two talking about?"

Luna blinked rapidly. "I'm referring to Harry, of course."

Hermione took a long gulp of her juice. "Well, of course, I would have liked Harry to be here."

Ginny leaned forward, resting her elbow on her knee. "I'm sure you do, but I don't think that's the only reason you're missing him."

"I can miss my friends if I want too," she argued, more to herself.

"Oh, definitely." Ginny pointed at her with her glass. "But I bet you're not going to miss me the same way you miss Harry. Or will you?"

"It's like that muggle phrase," Luna cut into her shepherd's pie, "how does it go? Distance...absence makes the heart grow fonder." She stared blankly at the space over Hermione's shoulder. "I'm sure that's what happened with Rolf and I. Remember, we spent months apart late last year, but it didn't dissolve our relationship. I'm sure it made me realize how much I care and love him."

Ginny cooed. "Luna, that's lovely."

Luna smiled brightly. "He's very good to me." She set her gaze on Hermione. "We all know how much you care and love Harry and how much he cares and loves you, perhaps now you'll come to terms with it and see what we've all been seeing for ages."

Hermione sighed. "And what is that exactly?"

Luna and Ginny shared a look. Ginny nodded as if giving permission for Luna to continue.

Luna took a deep breath. "How you two are meant to be."