A/N - Sorry it took so long to get this chapter out. Hope you enjoy it and thanks for reading and reviewing!

Chapter 22

Hermione woke slowly, the room much lighter than it had been during their early morning romp. Unlike the night before, they'd taken their time this morning and fallen back to sleep shortly afterward. She smiled as Adrian's arm tightened around her middle, although she could tell by his breathing that he was still asleep.

She was happier than she'd been in a long time. These weeks away from him had just solidified in her mind how much she didn't want to be away from him ever again. It was a bit mad, she knew. They'd only been together for a few months but she had no doubts about her feelings. She thought that Adrian might feel the same but also knew nothing would come of it while he was in hiding. Still, she was extremely glad she had decided to contact Tracey the day before.

Adrian made a noise behind her and a few moments later, he kissed her bare shoulder.

"Morning."

"Good morning," she replied, turning in his arms to face him. She couldn't help the smile that graced her face. He returned it and dipped his head to kiss her.

"Thank Merlin Tracey doesn't listen to anything I say," he said when they parted.

Hermione laughed. "In her defense, I tried to get her to bring me here when you first left Grimmauld. She did hold out for a couple of weeks."

"I'm glad you didn't give up."

"Never," Hermione said. He stared at her seriously for a few moments before he kissed her again. This kiss was different, full of something that she didn't dare name aloud. When they parted again, she raised a hand to his cheek and he leaned into it, then kissed her palm. Gods, she was going to hate leaving here in a few days to go back to Sweden.

"Anna probably has breakfast ready," he said. "If she ever stopped researching last night and actually went to bed that is."

"Oh," Hermione said sitting up quickly. "I nearly forgot." She jumped out of bed and began to pull on her clothes from the day before. She'd have to go back to her flat sometime today to get some things. But she was anxious to see if Anna had any new ideas.

Adrian chuckled as he sat up as well and she was momentarily distracted as the sheets pooled around his waist. His eyes darkened at her look and she quickly turned away, finishing getting dressed. As much as she would like to indulge once again, the thought of the rest of the inhabitants of the cottage cooled her ardor somewhat.

She tried to gather her hair into some semblance of order but without magic, a messy bun was all she could manage. She could secure it magically, at least, that being one of the wandless spells she was able to cast. She felt Adrian move behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing the back of her neck. She hadn't even realized he'd gotten out of bed.

"Adrian," she said although she wasn't sure if it was a warning or a plea.

He groaned. "All right, I know." He moved away from her and pulled on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. When he was dressed, he kissed her one more time and then they left the bedroom.

Adrian watched Hermione and Anna talk animatedly about the research into the potion as he finished washing the dishes. They'd discussed it all through breakfast, completely ignoring Adrian, much to his amusement. Tracey and Daphne had already finished eating by the time Adrian and Hermione made an appearance.

"This looks really promising," Hermione said and Adrian didn't think he'd seen her this excited, not even when Anna had first given her the book she'd found in Grimmauld Place's library.

Anna grinned back and Adrian knew that his sister was probably just as excited as Hermione. He wished that their parents could see the look on Anna's face when she discussed Potions with Hermione. Adrian didn't know how either of them, but his father especially, could deny Anna's wish to pursue the subject. She deserved so much more than to just be married off at seventeen.

"When do you think you'll be working on it again?" Anna asked.

"Anders is taking another week and then coming back part-time," Hermione said. "I don't want to bother him while he's at home with the new baby but I don't know. I might have to discuss it with him anyway. At the very least, I want to send him your notes."

"My notes? Don't you want to rewrite them or send your own or-" Anna trailed off looking nervous.

Hermione smiled and put her hand on Anna's arm. "Your notes are very detailed and easy to understand. I don't need to rewrite them."

"Yes, but, I'm only, well, I don't even have my Potions O.W.L. yet."

"Anna, I can say with absolute certainty that you could take your Potions N.E.W.T. today and pass it," Hermione said.

Anna blushed. "I don't know about that."

"I do," Hermione replied. "I've taken my N.E.W.T. in Potions and there was nothing on there that you wouldn't know. Even though you haven't brewed many N.E.W.T. level Potions, I have no doubt that you could do so easily."

Anna looked down at her lap for a few moments and when she looked up, her eyes were sparkling with tears. "Thank you, Hermione."

Hermione leaned forward and hugged his sister and Adrian couldn't help the lump in his throat. There was no question in his mind that he would do whatever it took to help Anna get her Mastery.

Anna excused herself a few minutes later and Adrian hung up the towel he'd been using to dry the dishes. He crossed the kitchen and held out his hand to Hermione, pulling her from her chair and embracing her tightly.

"Thank you," he said not caring one whit that his voice cracked a bit. She hugged him back.

"She deserves this, Adrian. I just, watching the way that she puts things together and figures it all out, it's amazing." She pulled back slightly and looked up at him. "If what she's found works, there is no way I'll be able to stop Anders from including her in the paper. He's going to want to meet her, likely even want her to come to Sweden."

As much as Anders might want it, Anna could not go to Sweden. Adrian would be arrested on sight if he went to the Ministry and Anna would be sent back to their parents. They couldn't even risk a glamour or Polyjuice as the Ministry had wards in place to detect such things in the Portkey Office. Couldn't have any criminal escaping the country that way. He shook his head. "That's impossible, Hermione."

"I know," she said with a sigh, moving back to rest her cheek against his chest. He tightened his arms around her again.

"When will you go back?" he asked softly. He didn't even want to think about her leaving but her research was too important.

"Not for a few days at least," she said. "I do want to send Anders Anna's notes, but not quite yet. I don't want to interrupt this family time." She looked up at him again. "And I'm not ready to leave."

"Good," he said, dipping his head down to kiss her. "Because I'm not ready to let you go."

Hermione, did, in fact, have to leave in order to return to her flat to get a few changes of clothes. Although she hadn't seen the outside of the cottage when she arrived, she did know what the inside looked like. As there were no anti-Apparition wards, she was able to Disapparate to her flat right from Adrian's bedroom. She returned the same way after sending Harry and Ginny an owl so they wouldn't wonder where she was.

The next two days were spent mostly with Adrian, and Hermione felt a bit like they were in Italy again, if not for the other three people that either lived in the cottage or visited daily. Still, they found time to be alone whether in Adrian's room or outside walking in the woods.

They spent plenty of time with the other inhabitants of the cottage as well. Hermione was amused to see that the Purebloods had very much taken to the board games. Monopoly was Adrian's favorite while Anna was partial to Cluedo. There was also plenty of chess, albeit the Muggle version, and a few games of Exploding Snap.

Hermione had brought a stack of books from her flat, both Muggle and magical. And Tracey kept Daphne supplied with the Wizarding romances she apparently enjoyed. Hermione even found herself immersed in one the afternoon that it rained, curled up on the couch, leaning into Adrian's side.

It was her third evening in the cottage and they had just finished eating supper. They had gathered in the living room once the dishes were done. Anna was sitting in one of the armchairs, her feet tucked into her, engrossed in Hermione's copy of Jane Eyre. Daphne was in the other chair, Tracey sitting on the floor in front of her. Hermione and Adrian were snuggled together on the couch.

"I can't believe I've never asked this," Hermione said looking at Tracey. "But what department do you work in at the Ministry?"

"Department for Magical Education," Tracey said, leaning back into Daphne's hand, which was playing with her hair.

"Really?" Hermione asked, sitting up a bit straighter on the couch.

Tracey nodded. "I'm Griselda Marchbanks' assistant."

"She's still working?" Adrian asked incredulously. "She was ancient when I took my N.E.W.T.S. six years ago."

Tracey grinned. "She refuses to retire until they get someone 'that's not a complete idiot' to replace her."

"What is she like a hundred and fifty?"

Tracey shrugged. "I don't ask but she did test Dumbledore so close to that I'd wager. Still sharp as someone a quarter of her age though."

"She's the Head of the department isn't she?" Hermione asked.

"Yes," Tracey replied.

"Do you think I could get an appointment with her?"

"I suppose. But why?"

"I, well," Hermione glanced at Anna, then looked at Adrian. He understood immediately.

"Tracey knows," he said.

Hermione breathed a mental sigh of relief. It's not that she would have had to share anything about Anna to explain to Tracey, but it made it easier that the other woman already knew.

"I have a proposal that I wanted to discuss with her."

"That seems to be going around," Tracey said.

Hermione's brow furrowed in confusion and Tracey continued. "Professor McGonagall came in a few weeks ago with a proposal as well. Ms. Marchbanks has had me working on it ever since."

"The school for those with lesser magical ability?" Hermione questioned.

"How'd you know?" Tracey asked in surprise.

Hermione laughed. "That's my proposal."

Tracey stared at her in shock for a moment before she nodded. "An offshoot of your other research?"

"Yes," Hermione replied. "What has Ms. Marchbanks had to say about it?"

"She thinks it's an amazing idea. In practice, though, it will be difficult to get passed."

Hermione sighed. "That's what Minerva told me."

"The concern is that it would be so sparsely attended that it wouldn't be worth the funding. Well, that and the fact that she doesn't think many Purebloods would vote for it regardless."

"This stigma people have is so ridiculous," Hermione huffed. "Just because someone doesn't have strong magic doesn't mean they can't be successful. Look at Anna."

Anna looked up at mention of her name. "I would have loved to go to Hermione's school. It was lonely all by myself with just my tutor."

"Until Purebloods stop thinking they're superior, that won't change," Daphne said. "If they acknowledge the fact that one of their children has lesser ability that doesn't support the whole superiority theory. So, they hide them away so no one knows." She glanced at Anna when she finished but the younger woman didn't seem to be bothered by it.

"What are you researching then?" Hermione asked Tracey.

"Old laws related to education mostly. If there's anything that says that it's the Ministry's responsibility to make sure every witch and wizard is educated, we might be able to use that."

"But even if there were, can't parents argue that they are giving their children an education, just at home?" Adrian asked.

"Yes," Tracey said. "We wouldn't be able to force participation but it would at least give us a base to pass the proposal through the Wizengamot to get the school opened. Some parents can't afford a tutor or don't want to homeschool past the basics. It's those children we're trying to focus on, as they deserve an education, even if they can't perform magic as well."

"Have you found anything?" Hermione asked hopefully.

"Not yet," Tracey replied. "But I haven't made it through even a quarter of the research materials."

Hermione nodded, biting her lip in thought. Maybe they needed to start smaller, not go with a full school immediately. "What about an enrichment program?"

"A what?" Adrian said in confusion. Daphne and Anna looked similarly perplexed but Tracey looked at her knowingly.

"When I was in primary school, before I came to Hogwarts, the school would sometimes have extra classes, either at the weekend or during the summer hols," Hermione explained. "It was sometimes something fun that you wouldn't normally get in school, like a cooking class or creative writing or something. But they offered regular classes too."

"How would that help?" Daphne asked.

"If it were framed as just an extra class and open to everyone, Hogwarts students or not, maybe for a couple of weeks during the summer," Hermione began, "and you made sure there was no magic involved, a history class, or Astronomy for instance- "

"You could get the children that actually needed it to attend," Adrian finished.

"Yes," Hermione replied. "And if they enjoyed it and we offered more, maybe this time during the school year so only homeschooled children would be eligible, that could get the program off the ground."

"If it's seen as extra education and not singling out children with lesser ability, more parents might allow their children to go," Tracey agreed. "I think you should definitely talk to Ms. Marchbanks about this."

Hermione grinned. This idea could actually work. They would have to start small, of course, but if the classes became popular, they might be able to do a full curriculum one day. "When can I talk to her?"

"I'll check her schedule tomorrow when I get to work," Tracey said. "But I'm sure she'll have time in the next couple of days."

Hermione settled back next to Adrian, smile still on her face. He wrapped and arm around her and kissed the top of her head. "I knew you'd figure out a way to get it done."

"It's not done yet," she said.

"No, but I have no doubt it will be."

Adrian stood at the window of his bedroom, staring out at the woods in the distance. Hermione had gone to the Ministry to meet with Ms. Marchbanks and planned to stop by her flat afterwards. She hadn't heard back from Anders yet about Anna's notes and wanted to be sure there wasn't an owl waiting for her. She also intended to check in with her department at St. Mungo's and had told Adrian she would likely be gone for the entire day.

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. These last few days had been even better than those they'd spent at Grimmauld Place. Namely because Hermione had been here the entire time instead of having to leave every morning for work. Not that Adrian would ever want her not to work, he knew that she loved her job. Still, he hadn't enjoyed himself as much since they'd been in Italy together. He knew she would have to return to Sweden soon and he was dreading it.

He had also been thinking a lot about Hermione's confrontation with his father at the Ministry. Every time he thought about it, his hands would curl into fists and he wanted nothing more than to go to the manor and put the man in his place. Adrian knew that he couldn't but it didn't stop him imagining it.

They had to do something though. They were fine here in the cottage for now, but this wasn't a permanent solution. Eventually, as they found no other leads, the Aurors would start questioning everyone who might even have a remote connection to Adrian or Daphne. Which meant they would get to Hermione and Tracey at some point.

Hermione, being in Sweden, would at least get advanced warning as the Aurors would try to find her at her flat or at St. Mungo's first. Even if Harry told them where she was, they would have to contact her to request she come in for questioning. He very much doubted they would just show up in Sweden, wasn't sure if they even could without getting the Swedish Ministry involved.

Tracey, though, was another thing altogether. She worked at the Ministry, it would be easy for the Aurors to question her at work. Adrian didn't really think that she had even come to the DMLE's attention but the longer he and Anna were gone, the closer they came to that point. Daphne's parents knew Tracey was a friend of Daphne's after all.

The problem was, of course, that Adrian had no idea where else to go. He wasn't sure if they could even hold out until Anna's seventeenth birthday, which was still over nine months away. His money would be gone soon and even though Tracey had assured him that it wasn't an issue, he didn't think she had the income to continue to support three other people who weren't contributing.

Sighing again, Adrian turned away from the window. What he'd really like to do was take Hermione and Anna and go back to the villa in Italy. Impossible, of course. His father would know the moment they arrived as the House Elves would tell him. But he and Hermione had been so happy in Italy and Anna loved it as well.

Truth be told, he didn't really care where they went if Hermione was with them. He'd tried to deny it over the last few days but he was having a hard time imagining his life without her in it. He couldn't say anything to her though, not yet. Not when things were so uncertain. Not to mention that they'd known one another for less than six months and been together for a fraction of that time. How could he possibly expect that she would be ready for something more permanent?

He was being ridiculous and jumping way too far ahead of himself. He just needed to enjoy the time he was able to spend with Hermione and forget about all the rest of it. Maybe someday but surely not now.

"Miss Granger," Ms. Marchbanks greeted as Hermione was shown into her office. The older woman didn't get up but Hermione didn't expect her to. Both her age and her personality explained why she didn't, although Hermione was quite sure it was more the latter than the former.

"Thank you for meeting with me, Ms. Marchbanks."

"Not only does Minerva speak highly of you but I remember your N.E.W.T. exams. Brightest witch of your age, I believe they call you."

Hermione felt her cheeks heat. "Yes, ma'am."

"I am intrigued by your proposal," Ms. Marchbanks said, getting right to the point of their meeting. "However, as I told Minerva, it would be extremely difficult to pass through the Wizengamot. Too many Pureblood bigots still have seats. Not to mention none of them would ever want to admit that there's something less than perfect about their offspring. Worthless, the lot of them."

Hermione bit her lip to keep the grin off her face. "Yes, Minerva and I discussed that. Which is why I had another idea I wanted to suggest."

Ms. Marchbanks waved a hand for Hermione to continue. She explained the enrichment program and how she thought if it were popular, it could naturally grow into something bigger. By the end of Hermione's speech, Ms. Marchbanks sat with her fingers steepled beneath her chin, clearly deep in thought.

"Who would administer the program?"

"Officially, the Ministry, your department specifically. But I think a collaboration with Hogwarts might help to draw those students in. Miss Davis told me that there is an office here that also deals with children that are homeschooled?"

"Yes, we don't have much oversight over what they actually teach but they do have to register their children if they plan to take their O.W.L.S. or N.E.W.T.S."

Hermione nodded. "Then perhaps a representative from that office should be involved as well." Hermione realized that she had been basically telling Ms. Marchbanks how to do her job. She felt her cheeks color again.

"Of course, I have no real idea how your department works so I'm sure you have a better idea of how to go about this."

"Don't fret, Miss Granger. I asked you a question and you answered. As it stands, I happen to agree with everything you've said."

Hermione internally breathed a sigh of relief.

"However, many parents of children who are not invited to Hogwarts because of lesser magical ability do not register their children with our department. As it is unlikely they would pass their O.W.L.S. And it is my understanding that it is these children you are most hoping to reach?"

"Yes, ma'am." Hermione wondered if Anna was registered.

"Well, then, that poses a problem does it not?"

"Yes, ma'am," Hermione said with a barely concealed sigh.

"As the Headmistress or Headmaster of Hogwarts has access to the Book of Magical Births, I think there may be something else we can do to reach these children. I must think on how to best go about it, however, but I am sure I will come up with something."

Hermione smiled. "Thank you, Ms. Marchbanks."

"No, Miss Granger, thank you. I have seen your article on premature births and I applaud that you are tackling something that has long been an issue in our world. These children should not be shamed and hidden away simply because of a happenstance of nature. Of course, I have long felt the same about Squibs. No one wanted to listen to me about that either."

Hermione couldn't help but laugh. Ms. Marchbanks smiled back at her and it reminded Hermione of the cat that ate the canary. She was happy to have Griselda Marchbanks on her side.

Hermione had stopped by her flat before heading to St. Mungo's. There hadn't been any owls waiting, although she hadn't really expected there to be. In her letter to Anders that she sent with Anna's notes she had told him that he should probably send any return correspondence to St. Mungo's as she wasn't sure where exactly she would be staying for the next week. She had told him she would check in with the hospital every couple of days.

Honestly, though, Hermione didn't expect that she would have a response from Anders yet. She had only sent the owl two days ago and with the travel time involved, he wouldn't have had much chance to look everything over. Given he had a three year-old at home, as well as the new baby, Hermione thought it would take him a few days to be able to read through the notes. She was surprised, therefore, to find he had already responded.

Dear Hermione,

The most recent notes from your friend have me extremely anxious to get back into the lab. While I do intend to continue with my initial plan of remaining home the rest of this week, I would very much like to discuss things with you as soon as possible. If this newest breakthrough is as promising as I hope it to be, I may be returning to work full-time sooner than expected.

I realize that you may already have plans for the rest of this week as you have returned home and I do not wish you to have to change your schedule. However, if you have some time available, perhaps you could Portkey back to Stockholm for a few hours.

I would also like very much to meet your friend whose has such insight into our current research. I know that you have said that would be impossible at this time, however, perhaps you can convince them to join you?

I hope to hear from you soon.

Anders

Hermione was torn after reading the letter. Her excitement over experimenting with the possibilities Anna had suggested warred with her desire just to stay in the cottage with Adrian. She was being ridiculous she knew. It wasn't as if she were going to give up her career for her relationship. Still, she had enjoyed these last few days with him just as much as she had their time in Italy. She wasn't sure she was ready to give that up. Especially as she knew she would have to return to Sweden at the end of the week regardless of whether Anders came back to the lab full-time or just part-time as he had initially planned.

But it was only for a few hours and she was just as eager to discuss things with Anders as he appeared to be. She could spend the afternoon and be back in time for supper.

After spending some time discussing things with Mr. Ashcroft and saying hello to her colleagues, Hermione left St. Mungo's. She could have Apparated back to the cottage but decided to walk for a bit. She knew that she had to figure out a way to get Anna involved with their discussion but she obviously couldn't bring the younger woman along as Anders had requested.

Hermione stepped out of the hospital onto the pavement and began to walk. Muggle transportation was, of course, out. Anna didn't have the proper identification and it would take too many Confundus charms to get her on without it. Not to mention that it would be illegal to do so. It was possible that Anders could travel here, if only for a few hours. But Hermione didn't think she could get Adrian to agree to let Anna leave the cottage and taking Anders there was out of the question.

Hermione sighed. She supposed they would have to stick to owls for now. They could send letters to Tracey's flat and she could mail Anna's responses back.

A few moments later, someone bumped into Hermione. She looked up to apologize, having been lost in her thoughts and not paying much attention to where she was going.

"I'm so sorry," a man said to her before Hermione could open her mouth. She was about to reply when she noticed the mobile phone he was holding to his ear. He gave her a sheepish smile. "These things are a menace I know."

"It's all right," she said absently eyes still on the phone. The man nodded to her and hurried off, once again talking on the mobile. Hermione watched him go for a few more seconds before she turned and hurried towards an alley up ahead to Disapparate.

Adrian looked dubiously at the small silver object Hermione held in her hand. He knew what telephones were, of course, and had seen this mobile version, as Hermione called it, while in Italy. But he still didn't really understand how they worked and had always been told that Muggle gadgets like these wouldn't work for wizards.

"Normally, these don't work around magic," she was explaining to Anna. "But since you're in a Muggle cottage and none of you are really using any magic, it should be fine. This way Anders and I can call you and discuss any developments with the potion."

"I don't understand," Anna said. "You can talk to me immediately? Like the Floo?"

"Same concept, yes," Hermione replied. "Here, let me show you." She flipped open the phone so it was now twice as long as it had been. "Each phone has a specific sequence of numbers attached to it. When you press the numerical buttons in the correct sequence, you can dial another phone."

She proceeded to press the buttons on the phone. A few seconds later, the second phone that lay on the table made a noise. Hermione smiled at Anna when she jumped slightly.

"That means you're getting a call," Hermione said as she picked up the second phone, flipping it open. "You press this button to answer."

After explaining a few more things, Hermione handed one phone to Anna and then went into the bedroom with the other and shut the door. Seconds later, Anna's phone made that ringing noise. Anna gingerly opened the phone and pressed the button Hermione had indicated. She held it up to her ear and waited.

"You should say hello," Tracey prompted.

"He-hello?" Anna said. She jumped and then she grinned. "Yes, I can hear you."

"It's as easy at that," Adrian heard Hermione say as she walked back into the room, her own mobile at her ear.

"And you'll really be able to call me all the way from Sweden?" Anna asked.

Hermione nodded.

Anna looked at the phone in her hand in awe. "Muggles have magic too."

Hermione smiled. "Yes, they do. Although they call it technology."

She sat back next to Adrian, as Anna continued reading the manual that had come with the phone and showing it to Daphne and Tracey. Daphne was just as fascinated and Tracey, while familiar with the device as some of her Muggle cousins owned them, didn't have one of her own and looked interested as well.

"I can't believe I didn't think of it before," Hermione said. "Although a mobile definitely wouldn't have worked at Grimmauld Place."

Adrian put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer to him. "So, can I talk to you on this mobile thing?"

"Of course," she replied with a smile. "I'm going to have to switch to a Muggle hotel when I get back to Stockholm, though. All the magic going on in the one I'm staying at now would short it out. And I'll likely have to leave it there. It's definitely not a good idea to have it with me in the lab."

"If you switch hotels, you won't be able to use magic either."

She shrugged. "The only thing I really use is a drying charm on my hair. And I can go without that. I usually plait it anyway when I'm brewing. Keeps it out of my face."

"And the mobiles, they're…safe?"

"What do you mean?"

"Would someone be able to tell you're using one?"

"Will they be able to track us through it, do you mean?"

Adrian nodded.

"Unless the Ministry has developed technology I'm unaware of, no."

His brow furrowed in question.

"Muggle law enforcement can trace telephone numbers, figure out where someone is calling from. But as most wizards don't really know how phones work, let alone that they even exist, I think we're fine."

She was right about that. His father wouldn't even know what a telephone was, not to mention that there was a mobile version. And Anna had looked so excited when Hermione explained they'd be able to discuss the potion instantaneously instead of having to wait for owls that he wasn't about to disappoint her by saying no. Given that Anna couldn't meet with Hermione and Anders in person, this seemed the best option.

Suddenly, Hermione's mobile rang where it sat on the table. She grinned at Anna before picking it up and answering. After a second, she handed it to Adrian who tentatively put it to his ear.

"Hi, Adrian," Anna said. He could hear her speaking, she was sitting just across the room from him, but he could hear her through the mobile.

"Amazing," he said. Hermione laughed and kissed his cheek as Anna ended the call. Adrian flipped the mobile shut and then leaned down and kissed Hermione.

"Thank you," he said. "For figuring out a way to include her and still keep her safe."

Hermione smiled up at him and put a hand to his cheek. "I wasn't thinking of the added bonus that I might get to talk to you more often. At all. I promise."

He laughed and kissed her again.

Hermione finished unpacking her things at her new hotel. She'd already met with Anders and his sweet little daughter, Hanna. They'd met at a park to give Hanna some time to run off her extra energy and Hermione and Anders had discussed Anna's newest idea while Hanna played in the sand box with another little girl. They had even called Anna, more because Anders wanted to see how the mobile worked than because they really needed to. He was much more familiar with Muggle things than most wizards and witches Hermione knew but had never actually used a mobile phone before.

After speaking with Anna briefly, Hermione and Anders had agreed to meet in the lab on Monday afternoon. Anders intended to work afternoons for the most part for the next couple of weeks. It would give his wife a break, as Hanna still napped in the afternoons. Hermione intended to get to the lab on Monday sometime in the morning to prepare all their ingredients. That way, they could spend their time brewing and Anders could finish a bit earlier than planned. He was so adorably smitten with his children that she wanted him to have as much time as possible with them.

Hermione looked around her new space. It was nearly identical to her old hotel room, except this one had a small kitchenette. It would be nice to have a place to cook for herself. With the new baby here, Hermione didn't want to impose on Anders and his family. And she would tire rather quickly of eating out every night.

When she finished with her clothes, she locked her new mobile in the provided safe and prepared to Disapparate to the Swedish Ministry. She had told the front desk that she would be travelling and they need not clean the room until she returned on Monday. Checking things over one last time, Hermione turned and disappeared.

When she Apparated into Adrian's bedroom after her trip from Stockholm to London, he was lounging on his bed, reading one of the novels she'd brought from her flat. His face lit up in a smile when she landed and he quickly stood and pulled her into his arms.

"Missed you," he said as he kissed her and guided her towards the bed. She grinned as he sat down and then pulled her onto his lap so she straddled his legs.

"I missed you too," she said even though she'd only been gone for about six hours.

Adrian proceeded to snog her to within an inch of her life. She was panting when they finally parted, his forehead resting against hers. He thrust up against her and she moaned in response. Adrian kissed her again, swallowing the noises she was making as Hermione ground into his lap, seeking friction just as he was.

"Fuck, I wish I could just cast a Divesto," Adrian said, tugging at the button on her trousers. She would have laughed had she not been so eager herself.

She had to admit, some of the shortcuts magic provided were rather convenient in circumstances such as these. She pulled off her own top and then made quick work of Adrian's shirt. She had to reluctantly get up off his lap to rid herself of her trousers and knickers. He shucked off his jeans and pants as she did so, then pulled her back into his lap and unclasped her bra. She threw it somewhere in the room as he busied himself with her breasts.

Not wanting to wait another second, Hermione shifted up on her knees and then was sinking down on him moments later. He groaned as he pushed up into her, then kissed her as she began to ride him, gripping her hips to aid in her movements.

"Fuck, Hermione," he said into her shoulder, sucking at her neck as his hands left her hips to palm her breasts. She mewled in response and continued moving.

"Adrian," she panted and his hands left her breasts to return to her hips, guiding her rhythm until she thought she would scream if he didn't touch her. And then he did and she did scream, cresting only a few seconds later. Adrian, gripped her hips tightly and continued to thrust up into her until he stilled, holding her to him as he spilled inside her.

Both spent, he rested his head between her breasts and she played with the hair at the nape of his neck until she felt him slip from her. He looked up and kissed her languidly, then gave her a satisfied smile. She laughed and kissed him again then shrieked as he stood, keeping hold of her and carrying her into the bathroom.