Sirius was tugging on the young Lupin's shirt with a grin as they crowded around the fireplace. "I like your threads."

Teddy grinned and nodded. "Aunt Hermione bought me the shirt when she picked me up. She said you'd like it."

"I do, she has good tastes," Sirius snickered.

Remus shifted his pristine sweater and nodded. "She does."

"Does anyone else have second thoughts to this whole affair?" Severus asked as he walked into the room.

The lot of them were in newer clothing. Hermione had gone shopping with the twins yesterday and gathered plenty for the occupants of the house. Sirius insisted on paying her back, but she declined. They were gifts. Sirius, he was impressed and enjoyed the new clothing immensely. Teddy just as much so and liked the acceptance of his interest in muggle bands. Remus and Severus were not as thrilled. They shared the same mild disdain for someone buying them gifts.

Severus readjusted his jumper and huffed. "Possibly request a stay of this plan?"

"Don't be so bothersome, Snape. She wants us all to go," Sirius straightened his vest.

Remus glanced in the clouded mirror on the walk and breathed. "It's going to be rather loud," he shifted his hair with tugging and flattened fingers.

Sirius popped up behind him. "You look fine," he whispered.

Remus shifted and nodded. "Well, the best I could do."

"You look great, dad," Teddy piped up.

Severus turned and noted the woman standing quietly at the door. "This looks handsome, Severus. I'm glad you chose the olive sweater. I brought you this," Hermione offered his coat as she approached him.

Her hand touched his chest with her free hand. "Thank you," Snape mumbled as he took the cloak.

"Is that a blush, Snivellus?" Sirius snickered.

Snape sneered and turned away from them to hide his pink cheeks. "Be quiet, Black."

Hermione covered her smile and dug in her jacket pocket. "Remus, here."

The werewolf pivoted to see her holding up a chocolate bar. "Thank you, Hermione," Remus smiled as he took it.

"Oh, do I get a gift?" Sirius asked.

"Yeah, this," Hermione teased as she pulled him down and kissed his cheek.

"That will work," Sirius chuckled.

Teddy skipped by them and went to the doorway. "Time to go to my party!"

Hermione laughed as she walked over to him. "Let's go. I think it's time to go have a bit of fun."

"Hey, Teddy, meet us on the stoop?" Sirius questioned.

The boy nodded and left the room, which followed by the front door opening and snapping shut. Hermione exhaled before turning to the three men left inside. "Are you ready?" She asked.

"Well, we're here for you," Remus declared.

Severus slid on his coat and rocked his head. "Yes, we are all here for you," he responded.

Hermione swallowed and reached her hand out toward Sirius. "Come with me?"

"I always will, Hermione," Sirius announced as he paced forward.


The ground thudded below them as they landed. Hermione huffed and straightened as Teddy smiled up at her while holding her hand. She touched his cheek and nodded. "You're so handsome, my Teddy Bear."

"You're the prettiest, Aunt Hermione," Teddy voiced with a nod.

Hermione beamed and let go of his hand before unbuttoning her jacket. Teddy took the coat for her and bobbed his head. His approval wasn't the only one she needed. The witch turned around to see the three men a few feet behind her. Severus's eyebrows rose. Remus's eyes were wide, revealing the white around his dazzling green, and Sirius's jaw was dislodged.

The witch in question was in a burnt red short dress with lace sleeves. It was a beautiful dress that spoke of modern vintage. Conservative, but playful. Something that spoke volumes without running around in a tartish outfit. Hermione wasn't expecting their clear approval of her choice as she fiddled with her bag. "George and Fred insisted," she mumbled.

Sirius cleared his throat and sauntered toward her. "Well, it's great, love. I'm glad they have decent tastes. Was it to make your ex jealous?"

"A little," Hermione laughed.

Remus hemmed and closed the gap. "Shall we?" He asked, offering his arm.

"Yes, I think we shall, Mr. Lupin," Hermione voiced as she wrapped her hand around him.

They traversed up the pathway toward the Burrow. "You promise?" Hermione whispered.

"I do. If that means you need me to hold your hand the whole time, I will," Remus murmured.

The door opened, and chaos erupted out toward them. Hands were pulling them inside, voices from all directions rang. Hermione was yanked from Remus and stretched between Bill and Fleur.

"Hermione!" Bill exclaimed.

"O', 'ermione! We're zo glad to zee you!" Fleur cried as they held her.

She was queasy and overwhelmed. "I'm so glad to see you as well. How's France?" Hermione asked.

A hand landed on her shoulder. The smooth voice that came with it was a shock as the fluent french announced a new texture. Hermione glanced back to see Severus. Fleur's eyes lit up where Bill's narrowed at the former Potions Professor. The blond woman answered in french to Snape's question.

Severus smiled and patted Hermione's shoulder as he answered. "She's been very informative about the changes and history we don't remember," he responded in English.

"Fancy that. Snape, I never took you for a French speaker," Bill grumbled.

"I learned from my mother," Severus answered.

"Remus! Merlin, it's lovely to see you!" Arthur's voice was loud over the sea of redheads.

Hermione grew distracted as she glanced around. She knew Snape was speaking, and probably information on his childhood was being given, but her mind was filled to capacity on activity. George and Fred were talking to Charlie. Sirius was having a conversation with Harry, Ginny, and Angelina. It was something she hadn't been exposed to in over a year.

"Aunt Hermione," Teddy's voice drew her back to their small group.

He was standing there with a frown. "Yes, love?" Hermione questioned.

"Can I go find my cousins?" Teddy asked.

Hermione breathed and nodded. "Okay, but if you start feeling funny, you need to come see your father."

"Alright," Teddy grumbled.

"I mean it. This is all new, so you have to make sure you don't overdo it," Hermione warned.

"Victoire is outside in the yard," Bill said with a smile breaching his lips.

Teddy rocked his head before bolting off toward the kitchen. The witch exhaled before turning her attention back to the group. This was a fantastic idea, but she didn't realize just how out of sorts she'd feel.

"He's a good boy," Bill voiced.

Hermione agreed as her hair bounced. "Yes, he is. He's strong-willed and a bit of a handful. Always a hint of mischief."

"Do you think 'e is 'appy?" Fleur asked.

"Yes, he is thrilled his father is back. How has Victoire been taking living with her grandmother while this crisis has been around?" Hermione mumbled before pursing her lips.

"She's alright. It's been far more taxing for us. Dominique and Louis are a bit more understanding of the circumstance, but miss her quite a bit," Bill grimaced as he shuffled his feet.

"Are you any closer?" Fleur asked with wide eyes.

Severus squeezed Hermione's shoulder before nodding. "Nearly. We have a few more conflicts to amend before a true answer is given."

Hermione was just about to open her mouth for a retort when the front door opened. Here she thought she would have time to adjust to the madness before reality slapped her. Ronald Weasley stepped inside with a woman standing next to him. An evidently pregnant, redheaded woman. This stranger was gorgeous, and he was grinning like a man who found gold. It was a punch to the gut.

This whole time. Hermione thought he was gone running off his sadness and destitute. Hermione never fathomed that he would find something while he was away. Ron didn't even tell her he was seeing anyone in their last letter. Grant it, that was two months ago, but she thought he would at least tell her.

Hermione pulled away from the group and dodged the rest of the Weasley clan to reach the kitchen. Molly was at the stove and cooking, but Hermione just stood there, watching the scene unfold. Ron was making his way through his family, greeting and introducing the others to the stranger. It was challenging to connect the dots. He actually moved on.

"You never were one to hide from your problems," Molly hemmed.

Hermione sighed as she pivoted toward the woman. "Ron just got here with," she paused.

"Did he bring Blair? That's lovely. You both will finally get the chance to meet," Molly declared, but her lips and scowl contradicted her chipper tone.

"Mum, I didn't know," Hermione sighed.

Molly pulled the spoon from the pot and waved it dramatically. "Of course not, dear. He wanted it to be a secret. He felt awful for wanting to move on despite the crisis."

Hermione puffed as she approached the matriarch. "I know I should be happy."

Molly wiped her hands on her apron and caressed Hermione's cheek. "It's alright not to be. I know it's hard to see beyond the past. I don't believe he did this to hurt you."

Hermione closed her eyes. "I missed you."

"My lovely Hermione. I missed you too. It's been quite strange without you."

A voice cleared from behind them, drawing Hermione's attention. Remus and Sirius were standing there with mirrored expressions of anxiety written in their posture. "Are you alright?" Remus questioned.

Hermione turned with a nod. "I'll be fine. It just through me."

Sirius grinned and scooped up the witch in his arm to Molly's apparent dismay. "Don't you worry, love. I have just the ticket."

Hermione moved to argue with her index finger at the ready, but Sirius pulled her in for a forceful kiss. The witch squeaked in surprise as she gripped his shoulders. However, her conviction lessened as he deepened the kiss.

"Sirius Black! There will be no snogging in my kitchen! I don't care how long you've been gone," Molly shouted.

When Sirius pulled away, a wooden spoon barely missed his face as it whistled by. "Molly, I know you want one next," Sirius snickered.

Remus covered his face and groaned. "Pushing it, Pads."

Hermione grabbed onto Remus's arm as she tugged him from the kitchen as another assault of kitchen tools flung their way. The shrill cries of Molly were put at a distance as Sirius was left chuckling and bantering with the woman. The insanity that was the Weasleys were always high voltage. Sirius, unfortunately, was the distraction Hermione needed.

Arthur, Bill, and George had peeled off to the kitchen to check on the argument, leaving less of a crowd in the small sitting room. That left her no choice but to join Harry and Ginny, who were sitting around the coffee table. Remus had tugged her into the loveseat and curled his arm across her back.

"Well, it's definitely louder than I remember," Ginny laughed.

Harry handed Hermione a bottle of some spirit or ale, which she took with a nod. "Yes, quite a bit."

"You two look cozy," Ginny remarked with a smile.

Remus glanced over at the witch next to him with a nod. "A bit. We're decent enough friends," he smiled.

Hermione sipped the bottle before clearing her throat. "It has been interesting."

"Ron's new girlfriend looks nice," Harry murmured as he stared at Hermione.

"Yes," Hermione agreed.

"Where did Severus sneak off to?" Remus asked.

"Oh, he went to go check on the children. I think he needed a minute after we told him Albus's middle name," Harry grumbled as he rubbed the side of his neck.

"Oh," Hermione sighed.

She saw it coming before they even reached her. Ron was escorting Blair over to meet them. Hermione could feel her stomach twisting as he approached. There was no exiting stage left for this drama. The witch stood up after setting down her ale, and Remus followed suit just in time for them to all be faced to face.

"Hello, Hermione," Ron mumbled.

"Ronald, it's nice to see you," Hermione replied.

His ears were red as he bobbed his head. "You too. I was wondering if you were going to be here. Mum said you'd come, but I wasn't sure. You don't usually risk it if you can help it."

"She's not risking anything," Remus declared.

Ron nodded as his adam's apple quivered. "Remus, it's nice to see you. Harry told me you and Sirius were back, but I'm still shocked about it."

"Well, Hermione found us in the Death Chamber without our memories. She's been a blessing. Who's the charming woman with you?" Remus asked.

That only built the discomfort even more as Ron's cheeks not bloomed with color. "Oh, er, well, this is Blair Fife. She's a witch from Scottland."

Blair smiled and held out her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet one of Ron's best friends," her voice thick with a Scottish accent.

"Did you go to Hogwarts?" Hermione asked as she shook it.

Ron winced in the slightest, but Blair laughed with a nod. "I started a year after you left."

"We met after I got off a boat in Norway. I was lost, and she helped me get to Stavanger," Ron confessed with a roll of his shoulders.

"So, you both were married?" Blair inquired as she glanced at Ron.

Ron swallowed with a nod. "Yes, but Hermione didn't want children."

"I never said I didn't want them," Hermione retorted.

"Hermione," he huffed.

"She had her reasons," Remus clarified.

"Well, Blair did," Ron hummed.

Remus could smell the peppering of anger coming from the witch next to him. "Hermione chose her path as you chose yours," he settled on while rubbing the witch's back.

"Path," Ron scoffed.

Blair nudged him while shooting the redheaded man a glare. "Dontcha start something, Ronald. She's clearly over it. Look, they're happy. Leave it be."

The pair jostled slightly as a form squeezed next to Hermione. "We truly are. She already said we'd get married, right, love?" Sirius questioned with a grin as his hand skirted her behind.

"Married?" Ron blinked.

"Right after we start on some wee Blacks," Sirius snickered.

Blair pointed at the two wizards next to Hermione. "All three of you? I suppose that's not unheard of."

Hermione felt like she could drop dead. Tap out and be done with this incredibly awkward moment.

"Wait, you're with Remus and Sirius?" Ron asked.

Sirius chuckled and nudged a thumb toward the door. "Snivellus is around somewhere too. Not my cup of tea, but if she's happy, I won't complain."

Remus scrubbed his bearded face before sighing. "Tact isn't your strong suit, Padfoot."

"Hold on," Ron growled. "You're telling me that Hermione Granger is dating all three of you?" His voice had reached near shouting.

"Yes," Hermione exhaled. "As barmy as it sounds." She was already on the train headed for a collision; she might as well sit down and take the ride.

Blair clapped while laughing. "Oh, Merlin, I thought our life was wicked odd, Ron. We had been living on my da's old farm taking care of the sheep, but this takes the quaffle."

Remus bent toward Hermione and kissed her temple. "It's been an interesting adventure."

"It really has. I wouldn't change it for the world. Without them, I don't think I'd be any closer to solving this conflict," Hermione declared as she pulled the marauders closer.

"Yes, it's been quite illuminating," Remus laughed.

Sirius barked out a stream of laughter. "I didn't think ole Moony would have it in him, but apparently he does."

"This is real?" Ron asked as he narrowed his eyes at Hermione.

"Why wouldn't it be? She deserves happiness, too, right?" Sirius voiced with pinched brows.

"Well, of course," Ron puffed as he coiled his arm closer to Blair.

"Then I'm glad we can agree," Ginny interjected as she moved into view. "Hello, Blair. I'm sorry that we haven't met before today. I'm Ginny, Ron's stellar sister."

Blair laughed and reached for the Weasley witch. "Oh, it's something special to meet Ron's family. I couldn't wait."

Hermione glanced up at Remus, and he nodded. They were going to peel off for some air. Surviving dinner was going to be something, but at least the hardest part of moving on had happened. Sirius, Remus, and Hermione sneaked off to the front door just as the rest of the Weasleys from the kitchen returned. Only a single moment in time, she could see this being what they embellished on. Severus was reaching the front garden just as they exited.

Merlin, family gatherings were far more emotionally draining than Hermione ever thought.