I am so sorry for what feels like a huge delay. My muse knows where she wants to go, she just didn't know how to get there. Also, time has been at a premium. But I have three weeks of vacation that I have to take over the next five weeks, so here's hoping I can get a backlog going.

Chapter 8- Questionnaires.

Hermione glared at her packet. She refused to seem eager. Harry, Ron, and herself agreed to hand theirs in together at the last possible second. Ron suggested being seen going out every night. "Make a point of enjoying the last of our brief freedom." She opened the folder, only to promptly close it again. She didn't want to see the extensive lengths some sympathetic bleeding heart went to in order to ensure the possibility of happy marriages, or at least peaceful arrangements.
Cassius told her most of his friends planned on marriage. A long history of arranged marriages meant most of them never envisioned love matches or even the hope of one. Her own friends reserved judgment until reviewing their lists and meeting their matches. She flung the folder back onto the desk. A low chuckle sounded from the doorway. She looked over to glare at Harry. "I see you share my hesitancy." He stated flatly. "I have Marauders on my shoulders." She raised an eyebrow. "On one side I hear Padfoot encouraging me to fill out with jokes and exaggerations. The other side is Moony demanding I take this seriously."
"I agree with Remus."
"I know, but Sirius is very tempting."
"Should I get the real Moony on the floo? Let both his voices drown out Padfoot?"
"No, at this hour you would wake Teddy. Tonks would slowly skin me alive."
"Still not seeing how this fails to entertain me?" He glared at her smirk.
"Joking aside, I know we're waiting to turn these in, but I don't think we should wait. I don't want something so important riding on hurried answers. Merlin, I hope there aren't any essays."
Sighing, she picked up her packet. "You're right, what's worse, you know you're right. Let's invite Ron over and get this over with."
Over finger foods and butterbeers, the trio of best friends slogged through pages of questions about their habits, hobbies, preferences, ambitions, and hopes for the future. When one started feeling the strain, the other two jumped in with jokes and suggestions to lighten the mood. When they finished Harry produced a block of wax and seal from a nearby table. "Now, as the legacies of the Marauders, our honour demands we use this."
Hermione eyed it suspiciously, "What is this exactly?"
"If the person who breaks these seals intends to gossip about the contents their hair will turn crazy colors. If they actually do it their mouths will turn bright red. I had the seal made to represent us." He showed them the mark: a stag, an otter, and a jack terrier chased on another.
Ron grinned, "Brilliant. We're doing it. No arguments, Mione. You're in." He took the seal from Harry, used it, and handed it to Hermione. When she hesitated, Ron spoke back up, "If the ministry workers remain professional and keep their mouths shut nothing happens. If they don't naughty, harmless, things happen to them."
"Fair enough." She sealed her packet. "Let's put them in Sirius's room for safekeeping."
Every night the trio invited numerous friends, coworkers, and teammates out with them. After a brief explanation of the reasons behind the hidden rebellion, most jumped in with both feet. A few rejected the offer, busy filling out the multiple forms proving their relationships had been committed and long term. When asked by reporters about the increase in partying from the previously rather conservative age group, all attendees quickly parroted Hermione's answer about sacrificing their childhoods and now being expected to burden themselves with more adult responsibilities because of adult mismanagement.
Viktor insisted on taking Hermione to lunch before the Golden Trio turned in their packets. They met at a muggle cafe a few blocks away from the Ministry. "Any regrets?" He asked as they took their seats.
"None, too great. I mean, I wish the entire thing wasn't happening," she shrugged. "You?"
"Nothing that can be changed now. Ti me karash da is kam da bada po-dar chovek." He smiled at her sadly. She nodded, looking away briefly. She pushed down the butterflies of hope that Viktor shared her deeper feelings. It couldn't matter now, they missed their chance to explore those feelings. As her grandmother used to say 'no use crying over spilled milk.' "Are you ready to turn in file?"
She patted her beaded bag. "I have all three right here. And Remus helped Harry ensure gossips will be punished." She explained the wax seals.
"Brilliant. Sneaky man, Remus Lupin."
"Yes, he can be. People often forget Remus was a Marauder."
"What is marauder? Like Viking?"
"No, they were a group of friends who are remembered amongst the greatest pranksters Hogwarts ever saw. Perhaps even greater than the Weasley twins."
"Somewhere they clutch chests, mortally wounded."
"Nope," she said, popping the p sound. "They would be pleased with the comparison. Padfoot, Moony, and Prongs remain their greatest heroes."
"Which one is Remus?"
"Moony. Sirius Black was Padfoot, and Prongs was James Potter, Harry's dad."
"Sad to be last friend standing."
"Sometimes, I'm sure, but a young wife and young son help fill the void."
"I remember twins from Tournament, how are Marauders better?"
"Well, one way is the map. They created a map that shows the entirety of Hogwarts, and everyone inside, most of it anyway. Either some of the rooms are unplottable, or they never found them."
"That would be very helpful for tricksters."
"Or other students up to no good." She giggled, "That's how you activated the map. Without the correct phrase, the blank parchment just insults you. I solemnly swear I am up to no good. To close it you simply declared mischief managed. Merlin," she sighed with a fond smile, "for every time I disapproved of that map, there is another time it saved us." She looked at him sharply, "Don't ever tell Harry or Ron I said that."
"Lips sealed." Viktor smiled.
"Enough about pranksters. Tell me, how's quidditch."
"Going well enough. If the Arrows lost next match we are in the playoffs. We play Tornadoes, the Harpies play Pride of Portree."
"Harry says the Falcons nearly made them."
"Perhaps if he had started at beginning of season, his skills drastically improved their standing. Not looking forward to playing against him next season."
She nodded, "Ron and Fred said something similar. They started spouting off figures and facts until my eyes crossed. Occasionally, I think they do it on purpose."
"Most probably. You are fun to tease like that." Noticing the dangerous glint in her eyes he changed the subject. "What are you planning after the handoff?"
"Handoff? Oh, hand in, Harry and I are abducting Teddy Lupin for a godparents day."
"Any plans in particular?"
"Following in his father's footsteps, Edward Remus Lupin, at the tender age of six, has discovered he can get Uncle Harry to do just about anything, including going to boring museums. He also knows from You still might have desperate fans out there trying to bag a famous spouse, or cross quidditch player off their bucket list."
"Why would you name a bucket after players and keep a list?"
"Muggle phrase, it is a list of things you want to do before you die."
"I see."
Despite neither wanting to part company, eventually, Hermione had to depart to meet Ron and Harry. "Owl me when you get your list, I might be able to warn you about any potential problems." Neither acknowledged their lingering hug of farewell held a hint of longing on both parts. Hermione watched Viktor walk to the apparation point before squaring her shoulders and making her way to the Ministry building.
Heels clicking on the marble floor, she strode across the atrium, ignoring numerous appreciative looks. Instead, she focused on her best friends standing in front of the fountain. They all smiled hello. Hermione handed them the sealed bundles. Harry glanced at his watch, "We have about fifteen minutes. We should head to the office." The three friends began walking, pretending to be oblivious to the curiosity surrounding them. "Ready for tomorrow, Hermione?"
"I have everything covered, including Teddy's muggle adventure hat." Noticing the collection of reporters outside the new Department of Marriage office, she began talking about their fifth-year encounter with Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Eyeing her shrewdly, Ron joined in her reminiscing. A glance at Harry showed having trouble holding the laughter in, causing him to remain silent.
Numerous reporters attempted to engage the trio. Hermione paused in the doorway to glare at them, "You declined to publish my last statement on the matter. My opinion has not changed. You want a statement? See my previous sentiments." Ron closed the office door behind them.
The young clerk nervously smiled at the celebrities standing in the office watching the clock. "Names and files, please." Her voice wavered slightly.
Harry held up a finger watching the clock, until five minutes before 6 o'clock. He lowered his hand and smiled kindly. "Harry James Potter, Ronald Bilius Weasley, and Hermione Jean Granger." They each placed the files on the counter.
"Thank you, ma'am, sirs. Department Head Duncan hopes to have the matches complied by the end of next week."
"Thank you," Hermione told her.
Ron turned to the other two, "Well, that's that, I suppose. Enjoy godparent's day. I'll be hiding a the Burrow, I think."
"Give your mother my love. I'll be by Thursday for our cooking lesson." Hermione hugged him when they separated at the floos. He and Harry clapped each other on the shoulder.
Teddy cheerfully swung his godparents' hands as they walked from the Tube station

for the museum entrance. Despite both of his parents being half bloods, they had both been raised primarily in the wizarding world. Meaning most of their forays into the muggle world was still done via wizarding transportation. Uncle Harry and Aunt Hermione meant muggle transportation, which Teddy regarded as a great adventure. He liked the swaying of the underground train, and the reckless way taxi drivers flung the car around corners. As far as he was concerned they could spend the day just riding around the city.
He smiled up at the adults. Uncle Harry tried to hide his grimace behind fake cheer. Aunt Hermione winked at him, making him skip in excitement. Uncle Harry thought this was going to be boring, but Aunt Hermione knew how to make learning things exciting. He released her hand when they reached the lobby. He and Harry watched as she paid for their admittance, returning with colored pass stickers that she stuck to his shirt before doing the same for Harry and herself. "This gets us into the special exhibit upstairs, Privateers of the Spanish Main." She laughed at their blank stares. "Pirates, boys, pirates."
Hermione's smug smiles stretched across her face most of the morning. She watched Harry read the detail cards to Teddy, both faces lit up excitedly. It only faltered for a moment when the thought that Harry would make an amazing father someday crossed her mind. That reminded her that someday was closer than it felt like it should be.
"Auntie Mione, Uncle Harry says that he knows a place that makes better food than Nana Molly."
"Lies." Hermione retorted hotly.
"That's what I said."
"Should we tell her?"
"No, that might hurt her feelings."
"We don't want that. But we should make him back up his statement." She turned to Harry, "We demand proof of your hypothesis. We reject it, but still insist you back up your claims."
Teddy laughed, he loved when Hermione used big words and a lofty tone with people. He knew she was playing. "Yeah, prove it." As they began leaving, Teddy looked at Hermione. "Can we visit the dinosaurs before we leave? We have to tell Rexy we were here."
"Rexy?" Harry questioned. "Why did you name the dinosaur?"
"Because he's my friend." Teddy smiled innocently.
Harry's eyes narrowed suspiciously, "How often do you come here that a dinosaur is your friend?"
"You know for a former auror you got duped rather easily," Hermione remarked lightly.
"How? No, why?" Harry sputtered.
Teddy burst out giggling, "Because it was funny. Now, let's go tell Rexy hello." He took Harry's hand and lead him to the Blue Zone to see his beloved dinosaur skeleton.
At the pub Harry selected, Teddy devoured his plate of fish and chips, declaring it to be AS good as Nana Molly's food, but very different.
Before returning him to his parents, they detoured into a muggle candy store. Harry followed Teddy around filling a basket for him, while Hermione created a peace offering for Remus and Dora. They grinned as they deposited a sugar charged child with his parents. Teddy excitedly chattered about his day, his hair rapidly changing colours as he talked.
For the next two weeks, Hermione allowed herself to be lulled into a false sense of normalcy like nothing vaguely ominous loomed on the horizon. Most of the Weasleys attended Ginny's playoff game with the Harpies with Harry and Hermione. The redhead demanded the other witch accompany her to the victory celebration afterward. The pounding hangover headache almost had the young witch swearing off parties with the female Weasley ever again, almost. The wild abandon of the night before might have been worth it. And mornings like this is what hangover potion was invented for.
On a whim, she popped in to see Josievena. "Good morning, child, what brings you by? Not that I am complaining."
"Mostly procrastination. Visiting you for a cuppa means putting off banging my head against the brick wall that is wizarding fertility rites."
The older witch nodded, putting the kettle on the stove. "I can remember Uncle Warwick raving about them to my father, usually when they thought I could not hear them."
"It does seem that every ritual master wrestles with the issue at some point before abandoning it for something more lucrative."
"Have you considered looking through his notes?" She asked pouring Hermione a cuppa.
"I hadn't. I never really thought about it. How foolish does that sound?"
Josievena chuckled, "Not too foolish. Vast libraries at your disposal, hundreds of years to dig through, easy to get tunnel vision on finished published works."
"That can be true, I suppose." She sipped her tea. "I shall have to rectify my oversight."
"You do that." The old woman, "Now, how is that handsome young man who came with you to see the house?"
"Viktor? He's doing well. His quidditch team made the playoffs, so he's busy with training."
"Will you be parted by this foolishness?"
"We weren't dating. Maybe, one day, we might have, but we ran out of time." Josievena nodded sadly and changed the subject to her recent harvesting of her garden before the rabbits could steal everything.
At the Haven, Hermione left Katie to sort the mail and told Cassius to keep reviewing the older texts that seemed promising. She made her way to Warwick's former study. "Accio fertility notes." She flicked her wand. Numerous scrolls and sheaves of paper flew towards her. She created a basket to store them and carried them to her study.
She began taking notes about the patterns to the severity of the side effects and requirements for different rituals. The longer a couple had been trying, or the more failures experienced, the more power needed to generate results. She noticed the closer the familial ties, the more energy needed. Again she thought about the link to recessive genes and inbreeding, sparking a desire to research genetics.
With barely a word to her employees, Hermione hurried out of the Haven. She apparated to Tenby, then held out her wand to summon the Knight Bus. "University of Oxford biology department, please."
"Hop on, miss." Ernie the driver grinned. She quickly took a seat and secured the chair to the floor with a sticking charm. She still emerged from the double-decker bus looking somewhat disheveled. She dashed into the bathroom, emerging much more put together.
Some quick transfiguration turned her jeans and pleasant blouse into a professional-looking shirt and silk blouse. She secured her hair in a bun atop her head. She glamoured her beaded back to look like an academic's satchel. A quick stop a reference map, and she was on her way to biology offices, more specifically, the offices of Dr. Milo Thaddeus, head of genetics.
A polite knocking on the door frame garnered the attention of a short, balding man, with a small graying mustache. "Excuse me, Dr. Thaddeus?"
"I am indeed Milo Thaddeus, madame. How can I assist you?"
"My name is Dr. Hermione Granger, I am a biological chemist. I am researching the connection between recessive characteristics and inbreeding. I was hoping you could recommend some sources to help me, please."
He rubbed his hand over his head, "There are so many different variables to that question, doctor. I am not even sure where to start."
She chuckled, "I am looking into ways to help the body boost its own fertility. I don't need things on a molecular level, sir. Just a good foundation to reference."
"Ah, well then, that is a horse of a different colour, isn't it. Let me give you my list of suggested readings for the first and second level courses I teach. And if I may, without coming off as conceited, suggest my own text."
"That one went without saying. Thank you, I deeply appreciate this."
"You are most welcome, we academics should work together more across disciplines."
Hermione took the list to the nearby bookstore associated with the school and purchased the books. She also grabbed a few easier books to help cover any holes in her or Cassius's understanding. For the first time in a while, she felt excitement about research.

(Viktor said You make me want to be a better man at dinner.)