Author's Notes: Hugs to Daniel who gave me the ending.  All the other notes from previous chapters apply!

July 31, 2016

"You know something Katie?  I think you are the only little girl that has a grandmother that looks good in leather pants", commented Harry to little Katherine Elaine with a grin.

"Get bent, Potter", was the acerbic retort from the Elaine Lupin as she recaptured her granddaughter from Harry's arms. "Oh, and Happy Birthday darlin", her Savannah accent showing on the endearment, "We have to get going".

The only accurate description of Elaine was that of a female Sirius Black.  The toughest negotiator for the International Federation of Wizards combined with a complete irreverence for authority, a biting wit, and Rita Skeeter could confirm that she had a wicked right hook. But underneath it all, it only took a short while to realize three things about her. The tough exterior was just a façade, she was absolutely devoted to anyone that she cared about, and she was obscenely in love with Remus Lupin.

"Hey Uncle Harry, I am going to get Colleen and Katie back home" said Malcolm Lupin as he hugged his godfather goodbye. "I'll owl you later on in the week".

Twenty years old and already married with a new baby, thought Hermione, Seems like he was getting sorted just a week or two ago. You are getting old Granger.

"Don't forget Colleen – I think she is still crashing in the back bedroom", Harry said while waving Malcolm on his way.

"Well, the kitchen is clean and everything else looks in order.  The leftovers are packed up for you three" rattled off Ginny, "and Phillip Malfoy, if you think I don't see you teasing your brothers then you are sorely mistaken."  Promptly all three of Ginny's boys straightened up and looked more than a little worried.  Ginny has used "that tone of voice"; they knew better than to push their luck at this point.

"Come on boys, time to get home", drawled Draco as he walked up behind the boys with his three year old daughter Diana in his arms. Sleepily, she picked her head up and whispered, "bye Uncle Harry, bye Uncle Ron, bye Aunt Mione", before plopping her head back down on her father's shoulder.  "See you, Potter" Draco called to Harry while brushing Diana's curls out of his face then kissing her forehead.

Several hugs, kisses, many slaps on the back, and shouted goodbyes later; Harry, Ron, and Hermione were sitting around the living room getting quiet intoxicated.

"Bloody hell… I have a meeting for the semifinals tomorrow at eight" exclaimed Ron, wobbling slightly as he stood up. "Umm…maybe I should Floo home.  Not into getting spliched. I'll owl you two about tickets to the Cup once everything is finalized."

"Oh yes…go Mr. Big-Time Ministry Official Bloke. We lowly private citizens will stay here and await your command," quipped Harry after finishing another shot of Firewhisky.

"On that note…. see you two" and with a final wave he flooed home.

"Ugggh", Harry grunted, "Feeling like potion time for me" he said, walking to where his cloak was sitting.

What the hell am I thinking? Calm down – this is Harry. Are you insane, woman? thought Hermione.

CRASH

Hermione sprinted over to when Harry was lying on the floor.  His face was ashen and his scar was nearly purple. "Hold on, Harry – it is going to pass. Just hold on, honey."  Lifting Harry's head onto her lap, she continued "Shhhhh…. I am here." Hermione kept on murmuring; knowing that he couldn't understand a thing she was saying.

It seemed like an eternity before Harry opened his eyes and tried to focus on her face.

"Ow"

"What do you need Harry? Tell me," questioned Hermione as she studied his face intently.

"Just help me to the sofa" he breathed, "Just need a couple of minutes." With the help of a levitation charm – they made their way back to the sofa.  Harry stretched out, placing his head on Hermione's lap, "That is really starting to get annoying" he sighed.

"I still can't see how you can make jokes about that."

"Consider the alternative" responded Harry. "You still wear that, hmmm?" as he reached up to finger the pearl and gold pendant that he had given her on her thirtieth birthday.

"You know I always do", she said simply.

"Knew it would suit you when I saw it" Harry replied as he sat up. "Almost as pretty as my girl. Well…um… you know what I mean" he finished quickly.

Hermione's head was buzzing from Harry's statement. Did he just say my girl? Could he…. No…. Well…maybe. Stop it Granger, you just have had too much to drink. That is it.

"I'm sorry you had to see that…earlier" Harry began.

"Stop it Harry. You know better than to apologize for something that is completely out of your control," scolded Hermione.

"Just… I don't want to put you through all of…that", he finished as he reached over to touch her cheek with his hand – his green eyes meeting her own.

Hermione could feel her throat constricting, her mouth going slightly dry, her pulse accelerating.

"Umm…" Harry said while sliding to the other end of the sofa, "do you have to get back to London tonight? I mean…I was thinking about saying the night here… and if you wanted to…" his voice trailed off as he started to look a bit flushed. "I'll just be quiet now."

"Sure – sounds good to me," Hermione responded, trying to keep her breathing under control.  Did Ron say something to him? Stop it – you know he wouldn't do that. Am I dreaming? This can't be real.

"Well," she said out loud, "Let me see if I can…. What is it Harry?"

His expression was impossible to describe.  For a moment, Hermione was frightened that he was going to have another attack but the slight smile on his face eased that worry from her mind.

"Mione…" he began as he looked into her eyes, as she opened her mouth to respond; Harry whispered, "I'm sorry." With those final words, he pulled her face to his.  Soon the only reality in the world was the feeling of Harry's lips touching hers.

~*~