A/N Here we go again! life continues, and so do my troubles getting Fifth year figures out... but i will get there, i promise you. Enjoy this newest chapter in the meantime.

40 Birthday Surprises

Harry's birthday was just as good this year as last. No, it was even better.

Knowing that Harry had had a rough childhood and last year was the first time that he ever had a chance to actually celebrate his birthday, Hermione decided to organize a party. Harry took a bit of convincing, but in exchange for some concessions concerning her own birthday and an understanding that this was her present, he acquiesced to the party and agreed not to pry for details. He would allow Hermione to do everything she wanted and not involve himself beyond answering specific questions. This didn't mean he had no clue about what was planned, just that he only had access to the clues Hermione wanted him to have.

Her expression when he figured out they weren't going to a water park as a family was rather smug, almost gloating. He'd woken up curled up behind her - his favorite place to be - especially since they'd worked up to wearing nothing but knickers and boxers to bed. Harry sighed and breathed deep as Hermione pressed back into his chest, inhaling the smell of her shampoo as he buried his nose into her hair. She purred, her tail flicking against his thighs and his hand rose to cup her breast lightly as he burrowed through her hair to kiss her neck.

"Happy Birthday Harry," Hermione purred, gyrating back against him.

"Mmm, Happy Birthday indeed," Harry groaned, teasing her with his hands.

"Hmm, I agree," she purred, turning to face him. She brought her hand up, fingers caressing his as he held her face, and then cupping his in return. He felt a tingle of magic as she wandlessly cast a simple breath freshening charm, one of the first they'd mastered. Breath fresh, she pulled him in for a birthday kiss that turned into a birthday snog. Hands were wandering and petting was getting heavy before Hermione broke their kiss and laid a restraining hand on Harry's chest.

"Hmm," she purred. "As enjoyable as this is, we really should get up and get ready."

"Hermione. The waterpark will wait, I will not," he growled lustily as he rolled them over so he was on top while she squealed under him.

"Harry! No," she giggled, pushing against him a little harder. He paused, head tilted to the side in confusion.

"But I'm the birthday boy," he said mischievously. "I should be able to do what I want on my birthday."

"So you don't want to see my surprise?" Hermione pouted, her eyes wide and lower lip stuck out so far Harry almost didn't stop himself from sucking it.

"A waterpark?" he asked her. "Not that big of a surprise dear. Besides, we don't have to be there just as it opens."

"Waterpark?" she asked, grinning smugly. "So you think we're going to a waterpark?"

"We're not?" he asked, sitting up and realizing he'd been duped.

"Nope," Hermione gloated, "and we are on a schedule, so up. UP! We can continue this later."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

Harry crawled out of bed, missing the flush and shy smile on Hermione's face as he got up. He also failed to hear her muttered "And much more" as he walked into the bathroom to prepare for the day.

"I really hate Portkeys," Harry groused from under a pile of bodies and limbs.

The family had a great breakfast, cooked by Anne, and everyone had wished Harry a happy birthday while grinning like a pack of fools. A little teasing from George over his mistaken belief about the waterpark distracted him while both ladies grabbed pre-packed bags from the entryway. Hermione also grabbed a torn and holey umbrella.

"No," Harry had muttered as she held it out. "Not a portkey."

"Yup, a Portkey," Hermione confirmed. "Only way to get where we're going."

"You know I hate those things right?" he sighed, giving in to the inevitable and grabbing the old umbrella. A few moments later, a hook behind his navel and what seemed like an eternity spinning about, Harry landed hard on his backside. He was immediately followed by the rest of the family who fell on top of him.

"That's about the worst Portkey landing I've ever seen," a rich, refined, and humor filled female voice called from the side. As Harry finally got up from under the pile, he saw an older witch, he guessed over a hundred since witches and wizards aged slower than muggles. She looked like a muggle of sixty or seventy, well aged and the air of upper class about her. Something in the back of Harry's mind screamed at him that he should know her, but couldn't place why. She had a matronly pose to her, like he imagined most governesses had, like she'd broke no rudeness or lack of manners from anyone.

"Dowager Lady Longbottom," Hermione said in a formal tone. "Thank you for having us in your home."

"Of course my dear," the lady, who had to be Neville's grandmother Harry realized, answered her. "It's a privilege to have you here. Too bad about the landing, I've said for years that they needed to have a class on magical travel for those not born into our world."

"I agree," Hermione took the dowager's preferred hand and curtsied in her sky blue sundress. "May I introduce my parents, Anne and George Granger?"

"A pleasure," George said, kissing the dowager's knuckles. "You have a lovely home."

"It's not much, but it is home," she agreed. "And I am Augusta, or Madam Longbottom if you must, none of this Dowager bull."

"Of course ma'am," Hermione agreed. "And this ruffian is my… This is Harry Potter."

"A pleasure ma'am," Harry said, following George's lead and kissing the back of Augusta's hand.

"You were saying Mr. Potter is your…" Augusta did not let the slip go unmentioned.

"If everyone is here, it'd be better to tell everyone at once, if that's alright with you." Hermione temporized.

"Very well, everyone is waiting to greet you outside." Madam Longbottom agreed with curiosity in her voice.

Harry held Hermione by his side as they walked through the Longbottom house. He was sure it was a magnificent house, but later he couldn't remember a thing about it. He was far too nervous about their announcement.

They had spent the last week organizing his defense, and developing every counter they could for the Ministry railroading they expected. One thing they had figured out would not survive intact was the secret of their marriage. There were just too many ways it could come out, and rather than hide it, they had decided to use it to off balance the Ministry. However, they wished to tell their friends first. Hermione had promised they could at his birthday party, which he assumed meant he'd see them at the waterpark, but now he saw it meant here and now.

It wasn't that he wasn't ready, he loved the woman walking by his side with everything he had. He'd never be embarrassed or ashamed of that. No, he wasn't looking forward to the media frenzy it was sure to generate. It was bad enough that the Prophet had been the Ministry's main weapon in the smear campaign he'd been dealing with this year, but now it would drag Hermione into it.

"Here we are dears," Madam Longbottom said as she opened a pair of glass doors leading to a jovially bedecked patio. Streamers and large banners declaring 'Happy Birthday Harry' spanned the perimeter, while little flying fairies trailed ribbons behind them as they flew around the celebrations. Before them, he could see a large food laden table with chairs to the side, and a crowd of their friends. Luna was standing next to Neville, playing with what appeared to be a necklace of corks. The twins were grinning, making Harry really nervous, then there was Professors McGonagall and Flitwick standing with Madam Pomfrey near Madam Longbottom, and beside them…

"Cedric! Fleur! Viktor!" Harry called his fellow champions, grinning as they enfolded both him and Hermione into a giant group hug. "What are you doing here?"

"What, don't want us crashing your party?" Cedric teased, ruffling Harry's hair.

"Ve vished to vish you happy birthday Harry," Viktor explained. "Hermione invited us."

"Oui," Fleur confirmed. "We were unable to speak before we left to return to school, and Cedric told us of your party, so we got invited to celebrate with you. It is a shame you could not visit us, perhaps next year?"

"Brilliant." Harry smiled, then moved over to greet the rest of the partygoers, starting with the twins. "Boys, how goes the pranking business?"

"Good, especially with your help Harry," the right one informed him.

"Yeah, giving us your winnings was bloody amazing, chap!" the other agreed, referring to Harry's decision on the Express to fund the twins' joke shop as a silent partner. Hermione had written a contract, agreeing that while she still thought some of the pranks the terrible twosome pulled were childish, they had a talent for it. She did make a few interjections as well, such as the percentage held in a separate Gringotts vault for defensive item development. She'd cornered the twins over that one and convinced them to look at more practical applications of some of their inventions. She pointed to their concept for headless hats, which would make one's head disappear, that could be expanded to cover one's entire person for those who can't cast a good disillusionment charm. She also took half the percentage the twins insisted that Harry received and earmarked it for donation to worthy causes, such as creature rights movements.

"Neville, Luna," Harry greeted, hugging the pair. "Thanks for letting us have this at your place Neville. This is much better than what they led me to believe was planned." He mock scowled back at Hermione, who was practicing her butter-won't-melt-in-my-mouth look to perfection.

"Oh, it gets better Harry," Neville grinned. "In an hour or two, some more friends of Victor and Fleur will show up, as will the rest of the Gryffindor team, and we're having a little scrimmage Quidditch match."

"Brilliant," Harry grinned, amazed at everything Hermione had arranged. Then realizing they should make their announcement first, he pulled her close. "Before all that though, there's something we need to tell you all." He paused as everyone gathered around them. He felt hands on his shoulders and looked behind him to see Anne and George lending their support.

"Everyone remembers the first task I believe?" he asked, noting everyone's nods and one shake. "Sorry Madam Longbottom, I wasn't aware you weren't at the task. The important part of the task is that after Hermione jumped in to help me, there was a point where we both tried to interpose ourselves between the other and a threat. At that point we were bathed in a golden aura."

"A bond?" The older witch asked, shocked at the implication.

"Yes, it was the formation, well, confirmation really, of a golden heart bond," Harry confirmed. Seeing the looks of confusion on the teens' faces while the adults were shocked, he continued. "Everyone, the details are scarce, but the most important one is this. I'd like to introduce my wife, Hermione Jean Potter."

Chaos ensued.

It took some time, but eventually answers were given. It was very rare, they didn't know much, and were very happy with it. They were telling everyone because it was likely to come out at next week's hearing and wanted them to hear about it from them. Everyone was rather supportive, though agreed to keep the couple's confidence about any details they may learn.

"Does this mean we can tell people now?" one of the twins had asked.

"Or will we still die a horrible death?" the other added.

"You both knew?" Neville asked incredulously.

"Sorry mate, overheard in the infirmary after McLaggen got himself cursed."

"Hermione scares us more than mum ever has."

"Swore us to secrecy she did."

"Even we're not brave enough to cross her."

"Well I understand that," Neville acquiesced. "Even in first year she was right scary, and now she knows even more spells."

Hermione blushed as Harry grinned and whispered in her ear, his mirth evident. "He's right you know. Bloody terrifying, with and without a wand. Malfoy's nose is still crooked."

"Harry?"

Harry looked up from getting ready for bed that night and whatever he was planning on saying vanished from his brain. Before him stood Hermione, but rather than her normal large shirt or tank top and shorts she normally wore before stripping down for bed, she had on a skimpy red lace top that tied between her barely covered breasts and matching panties. She stood by the bed, one hip thrust to the side and her hand atop it. It was obvious she was trying to be sexy, and while her outfit really was alluring, her posturing missed the mark a little. Although. the fact that she was trying more than made up for it.

"Hermione?" Harry finally managed to ask.

"I know that we haven't talked about this much," Hermione blushed from her forehead all the way to the swell of her breasts. "But I have one more gift I want to give you tonight."

"I… we…" Harry gulped at her implication. "Are you sure?"

The pair had continued from their starting point after the second task, when they had first explored each other. They had worked through showering together, which they both really enjoyed, and proceeded to go through Hermione's checklist. They had started wearing less and less to bed, their snogging sessions had grown to include roving hands and no longer limited to kisses to the mouth. They had taken a weekend together, hiding in their quarters, and led each other over every inch of their bodies, finding each and every way to please the other. Once they'd returned home for the summer, oral sex had been explored enthusiastically, both finding they enjoyed giving and receiving very much. The one thing they hadn't done yet, despite both of them being tempted, was sex. Hermione was trying to respect Harry's desire to take things slow and not rush things. Harry knew that a girl's first time hurt and was terrified that he'd hurt her so bad she'd leave him once they did have sex. Right now though, Harry wasn't sure why he was hesitant.

Hermione nodded in response and moved to meet him as he stepped to her, enfolding her in his arms as his lips met hers. It was a desperate kiss, full of need and desire for reassurance, and he gave her every loving emotion he had in that kiss. His right hand drifted down, causing her to moan as he grabbed her ass through her knickers.

"I don't want to hurt you," he gasped as they broke for air.

"I know," Hermione snuggled into him, easing him towards the bed. "But no matter when we do this it will hurt a little, and I don't want to be without my husband's love tonight."

Harry followed her, mind racing. His hands fell to her hips, pulling a little and closing the distance between them. Her lips met his again, and both groaned a little as their tongues started to duel, the kiss deepening. They broke for air, panting a little, before Harry pushed her back softly. As Hermione's knees hit the edge of the bed she started to fall back, but Harry held her upright.

"Before we do this," he panted, reaching for the nightstand drawer. "There's one thing that I have to do first."

Hermione looked puzzled, then her eyes shot wide as Harry pulled a small velvet box from the drawer. A million things raced through her head and a billion emotions battled in her heart as he slowly lowered himself to one knee.

"Hermione," he began, holding her hand. "We've known each other for four years now, and looking back sometimes I think we may have been together almost as long. We really found each other in the last year, and have been through what felt like years of trouble since. We've faced bigotry and prejudice, attacks and adversity, but you've never left my side, even when I wished you would for your own safety. I've thought long and hard about this, asked several men what it meant to them. Sirius had no experience in a meaningful relationship, but told me it was about time I realized what you meant to me. Remus said that I needed to just ask myself who I saw next to me when I was introduced to my grandchildren, then I'd know. And George... Your dad… He told me that when I was ready to ask that question, I was ready to ask another. Then he made me promise never to stop loving you.

"Hermione Jean Potter, I know magic has declared us married, but I ask you now; Will you marry me? Will you make me the happiest man in the world, be my wife, and allow me to spend the rest of my life showing you just how much I love you?"

"Yes, yes, yes, a thousand times yes." Hermione cried, nodding her head as tears slipped down her face. Harry slowly slipped the simple ruby and sapphire ring on her finger, before kissing it as it sat on her ring finger. "I love you,"

*LEMON START*

He stood and kissed his wife, a slow, sweet, love-filled kiss that curled both their toes. Slowly, the kiss deepened and their love strengthened. Harry lifted her slightly, just enough to move her back and ease her down onto the bed. Once she was splayed out upon the comforter, he broke the kiss and began to nuzzle down her jaw, planting feather light kisses up to her ear. He paused a moment to suckle at the sensitive point just behind her ear before continuing down her neck to her pulse point. His tongue flicked out to lick the sensitive spot, causing Hermione to moan and arch herself, pressing her lace clad chest into Harry. He moved on, kissing along her clavicle and downward to the swell of her breasts.

Harry slowly pulled the tail of the bow, the ribbon sliding smoothing out of the knot to release his wife's breasts to him. Leaning in, he kissed the valley between her perky tits, and his hands slid the lacy garment off her, leaving her bare except the matching knickers that were starting to dampen.

As Harry proceeded to worship her breasts, Hermione took the opportunity to divest Harry of his remaining clothes. Her skin felt like it was on fire everywhere his skin made contact with hers, sending pulse after pulse of pleasure into her core. Harry's hand drifted south, sliding into her panties and starting to explore her most intimate of places. Slowly, he worked one, then two fingers into her, her pussy clenching around them.

"Harry," Hermione moaned as his questing fingers found the sensitive spot inside her passage. "I want you, now. Please Harry, make me yours."

Harry slowly eased off his carnal assault, letting Hermione down slowly. He slowly peeled her knickers down her legs, kissing and nibbling her legs as he did so. Once they joined the rest of their clothes on the floor, he made his way up her body, kissing and licking every sensitive spot she had on the way up. As he settled to face her, his cock resting against her slick slit, his eyes filled with love to match hers.

"Are you sure?" he asked one last time.

"Yes." She pulled him down to kiss him as he slid into her.

Harry nearly lost it as he penetrated Hermione. He hesitated only for an instant when he met her barrier, but continued on until his cock filled her, stretched her. He paused inside her, letting the pain ebb as he kissed her tears away. Once she settled and gave her permission, he started to move. He groaned loudly, fighting with every thrust not to let the feeling of her hot moist sex cause him to release too soon.

"God Hermione," he moaned, almost as loud as she was. "I'm not going to last long, it feels too good."

"Don't hold back Harry," Hermione moaned as he slid particularly deep into her. "Love me, please."

Harry slid slowly in and out of her, savoring the feel of her grip on him. He felt power bleed from him and saw his magic reach out to hers, touching and twisting with each other. He could feel her magic, her love and desire, so full and so confident. Harry groaned a few moments later, reaching his limit and emptying himself into her. Hermione felt pulse after pulse as Harry came deep inside her, hot jets of his love filling her. She felt his magic surge, feeding hers and pushing her over the apex, sending a massive orgasm through her. She shuddered and groaned as every nerve set itself on fire with pleasure as her husband emptied himself into her. As his cock stopped twitching and he eased his face to hers, she felt every bit of love for him and from him, basking in the moment.

"I'm sorry I hurt..." he tried to apologize.

"Don't," she cupped his face. "It was beautiful, no one I'd rather be with, now or ever. This was for both of us, and I'm glad I could give it to you." Her hands pulled him close and she kissed him, rolling them on the side so they could bask in the moment a little longer.