Herrmmm... rereading this... I really suck.
thanks for calling me on that BS, dmmason03
The two were laughing over something as they neared the house when Hermione remembered something Harry said. "Honeymoon?"
Harry grinned and continued on to the house. Hermione jumped when he opened the door and saw her parents, Ron and his wife, and Dumbledore were all waiting in the sitting room of the house while Dobby and the other house elf that had been brought along moved luggage to rooms.
Hermione hugged Ron and his wife then her parents. She shook the headmaster's hands and asked Harry quietly, "Why are they all here?"
Harry put on a hurt expression and said, "You don't remember? The day after tomorrow is Thursday."
"Thursday…? Ohmigod. You were serious?"
Harry grinned and nodded. She wrapped her arms around him and whispered, "You're so dead."
Harry grinned broadly as Dobby began passing around drinks and Amy pushed a CD into the stereo system. The gathering relaxed as they drank and talked of old times. The headmaster told Hermione's parents about a few of the events Hermione had helped Harry with and turned both her parent's faces pale as they learned about how close she had come to death along with Harry and Ron.
Both Harry and Hermione turned bright red as Ron teased them about how long it took for them to get back after Amy had gotten there.
Harry was talking to Hermione's father when she returned from the restroom. She heard Harry say, "She'd have been better off in a few situations if she hadn't blindly followed me as I did something stupid."
Hermione thumped him on the back of the shoulder and said, "If I hadn't you wouldn't be here for me to marry."
Her father and Harry bust into laughter as Harry nodded his acquiescence. "True."
Dobby appeared at Harry's side and said, "Car is safely returned master."
Harry nodded and the house elf disappeared.
Hermione's father asked, "Are those what Hermione was trying to get freedom for?"
Harry nodded and said, "She made me have Dobby offer all my house elves freedom. Dobby said they were all extremely offended. Had me worried the food would be sub par for awhile."
Daniel laughed as Hermione turned bright red and dug a finger into Harry's side. He smiled at her and the conversation turned to a less controversial topic.
~o~
The group had just set down for dinner when everyone saw a red snake tattoo on Harry's arm coalesce and begin to flash. Amy's face fell as Harry's phone began to ring a moment later. Harry scowled as he used his wand to lengthen the sleeves on his shirt and then pulled the phone out of his pocket and left the room.
Hermione's parents asked, "What was that about?"
Hermione said, "Work."
Harry was hissing as he returned to the room. The Grangers were amazed at the sounds coming from Harry's mouth. No human's mouth was configured to make sounds like that and they were even more amazed when his tongue seemed to fork slightly as he spoke. A moment later his tattoo lifted off of his arm and strained against the fabric of his shirt before slipping out from under the sleeve and disappearing with a wink.
"Harry?" Hermione asked.
Harry shook his head and sat down. "I have a minor meeting after the race tomorrow."
Hermione nodded and Ron changed the subject by asking about the race.
Harry launched into the details of the race last year and his mood changed as Amy said, "Daddy's going to win this year too."
Harry grinned and said, "I'm definitely going to try. I want that prize."
Ron's wife asked, "What's the prize?"
"300,000 Euros."
Hermione and her parents gasped as Ron and his wife asked, "Is that a lot?"
Harry nodded and Hermione said, "It's about 75,000 galleons."
Ron took on a surprised expression then asked, "What are you going to do with it?"
Harry grinned and said, "Now that's a surprise."
They continued dinner over some small talk and then went out to the beach to have drinks while Amy was reunited with Stalker. He had stayed with Hermione's parents while they went on vacation. They sat and laughed as Amy and Stalker romped on the beach.
~o~
Harry was tightening his gloves and making sure his wrists were adequately supported as Hermione and Amy walked over to the bleachers to join the rest of their company. Since the spectators would only see the beginning and end of the race huge monitors were placed everywhere so they could see the cars as the race continued. Harry kissed the picture of the three of them and then stuck it into his breast pocket. He waved to a few of the other racers he knew and got into his car. He sat and waited as the officials made their way over to inspect his vehicle for illegal modifications and held his helmet in his hands.
The official took a white bar of something and wrote 45 on his rear driver side window and on his rear window. The official leaned over and said, "You're good to go, Senor Potter. Good luck this year."
Harry grinned and said, "Thanks, Emilio. See you at the finish line."
The official laughed and patted the top of Harry's car as he pulled on his helmet and slid the visor into place. He turned the key and hit the starter button. His car purred to life and he flicked the switch from his primary fuel tank to his secondary tank. The mechanism flashed a green light and he flicked it to the tertiary tank. The mechanism flashed green again and he flicked it back to primary. He put his foot on the break and slipped it into first. The vehicle's transmission wouldn't catch until he hit three thousand rpm and let go of the brake. He listened to the announcers for ten minutes before they announced the start of the race. He looked over at the racer next to him who waved and he waved back. Harry looked forward and the red lights on the tree came on. He took a deep breath and watched as they cycled down to green. When they flashed to yellow the starter prepared to wave his flag and Harry put his foot on the gas until it revved to 3200. The flag came down as the lights turned green and Harry's foot came off the brake. He surged forward as the car next to him pulled half a length ahead. Harry pushed the paddle, shifting into second then pushed the pedal down further. His fingers came back to the shifter and pushed into the next gear as he took the lead with three other cars. The rest were a few lengths behind them.
~o~
Harry listened to the race chatter coming over the radio only subconsciously as he watched the road and down shifted to take the corner. He was in contention for second and the rest of the cars were nearly half a mile behind and strung out another ten miles. He shifted back to drive and as he accelerated, he felt the transmission transition smoothly into third and the whine of the engine grew louder. The transmission dropped into fourth and the engine deepened and then became louder and higher pitched as his speed increased to nearly 280 kilometers per hour.
He was on a straightaway for the next 30 kilometers and was only 200 kilometers from the end of the race. It was time to switch to his secondary tank. He flipped the switch and smiled as the engine automatically changed its fuel mixture ratio and took on a rougher and deeper tone as the power increased.
~o~
Harry and one other car were in contention for first as they entered the last fifty kilometer stretch. Harry stuck up his thumb and the other driver did the same. When Harry brought his hand down he flipped the switch to the tertiary tank and the engine became even louder as the computer changed the air-fuel mixture to compensate for the higher octane fuel.
His car surged with power and he pulled ahead of the other car. The last twenty kilometers were rolling curves and he looked at the display screen on his computer. He touched the screen and his finger poked through the hole in his glove to touch the screen and loosen his suspension slightly.
The screen slid back down and the radio chatter about the race came back on. He brought his hand back to the wheel and left the vehicle in drive. The transmission would be doing all his shifting now. He pushed down harder on the gas and pulled ahead. The other driver tried to pull ahead but was cut off by Harry and every time he tried to pass Harry cut him off.
Harry smiled slightly as he took the lead by two car lengths halfway through the curves. He could almost see the end of the race. He looked in the mirror and saw another car fighting with the one he had just taken over first place from contending for second place.
Harry concentrated on the road. He knew now was the worst time to lose concentration. If he lost his lead he wouldn't be able to regain it.
~o~
Harry grinned widely as he entered the last five kilometers of the race. He was in the lead by at least five car lengths and his car was more maneuverable than the others closest to him.
Harry realized he was less than a kilometer away when he saw the arch that signified the end of the race.
He looked in the rear view mirror and saw one car less than two lengths away. Harry looked at his speedometer and saw it was pegged. He sighed and pushed the pedal down to the floor. It wasn't much more but it brought him farther ahead and he smiled widely as the radio chatter became more excited that last year's winner was going to win again.
Harry pulled through the arch one car length ahead of last year's third place winner and hit the emergency brake while wrenching hard to the left. His front end stayed in place while his rear end spun in a circle and his tires smoked up the track as the three that had been closest to him drove past and towards the pits. The rest of the cars were a minute or more behind and Harry spun around six more times before stopping and burning his tires up some. He finally let off the brake and drove towards the pits.
He jumped out of his car after he had pulled in and was surrounded by well wishers. His friends fought their way through the crowds and Harry led them off towards a private area. Amy was jumping up and down in excitement and Hermione was holding onto him tightly. He smiled and realized her face was pale. "What's wrong?"
"I-I thought you had lost control at the end."
Harry grinned and shook his head, "Just a burn out to work the crowds some."
Harry hugged her tightly as the rest congratulated him. Dumbledore said, "Most interesting. Almost as exciting as a Quidditch match."
Harry grinned and the headmaster shook his hand. He spun when he felt a tap on his shoulder and came face to face with a muggle and a young witch. "Bonita, Dr. Bez, good to see you."
You did excellently Harry."
"Real awesome, professor."
Ron, Hermione and his wife snorted with laughter to hear Harry called professor.
He grinned at the girl and said, "How are classes going?"
"I did okay."
Dr. Bez snorted and said, "She's grounded for bad grades. The only reason she was able to come was because I was here."
Harry stifled a laugh as the girl turned red with embarrassment.
Amy and the girl walked off slightly while Harry and Ulrich Bez talked business. "I have our head crew here. They're going to take apart your engine and put it back together this evening if you wish. Just to make sure nothing got damaged racing."
Harry nodded and said, "Would you like to come to dinner this evening?"
"Of course. If you didn't already have a profession I'd hire you to race for us."
Harry grinned and took Hermione's hand. "I think my fiancé would kill me if I took you up on that."
Hermione nodded and the two men laughed. Harry introduced him to the rest and they waited as Harry and the muggle walked back towards his car where a group of people were waiting with a flatbed near by. Harry drove the car onto the back and watched as it was lifted up to a flat position and was strapped into place. The head mechanic and the driver got into the cab of the vehicle and drove to the nearest dealership.
Harry and the others all piled into Ulrich's limo and drank a toast to Harry's win as they went back to the house.
~o~
When they got to the house Harry escorted them all in and then walked out to the beach. Hermione followed him to the back door and saw a large amount of witches and wizards appear on the beach. They all bowed to Harry and stood in four ranks of six.
Harry inspected them as he walked up and down the ranks. He stopped at one and flicked a speck off of one's uniform blouse.
Hermione finally realized what had been bothering her. Instead of wearing robes the witches and wizards were wearing camouflage like muggle armies wore. She watched them from the door that led to the deck as it looked like Harry was yelling at one for having dirty boots.
Harry finished inspecting the people and accepted reports from four of them. he read them for a few minutes each then handed back the sheets. The group of people disappeared one by one and finally all that were left were the two who had been at Amy's party.
Hermione jumped when she felt a tug on her dress. Amy smiled at her and said, "That's Amber and Raven. They're both really nice. Raven's real name is Avery. He can touch his nose with his tongue."
Hermione giggled and said, "So can Harry."
She blushed slightly when she thought what he could do with that tongue and decided Amy definitely wasn't old enough to hear about that. She looked back out and saw Harry striding back to the house carrying a large box.
~o~
Harry smiled at Hermione and said, "My team gave this to us. Amber said it was a wedding gift."
Hermione blushed lightly and asked, "Who's performing the ceremony?"
Harry grinned and said, "Albus Dumbledore, of course."
Amy started giggling and they looked over at her. Stalker was licking her toes through her sandals and they both laughed.
Amy scooped up her puppy and followed the two out to the sitting room. As soon as they appeared Dobby's voice was heard saying, "Dinner is ready, master."
Harry smiled and led the way to the dining room. Dobby and the other house elf had gone all out with the decorations and the dinner.
As they sat the candles burst into light and the electric lights dimmed. To Harry's right Dr. Bez and his niece sat, while Hermione's parents and Dumbledore were to his left. Hermione sat at the end of the table with Ron on her right and his wife across from him. Amy sat next to Ron's wife and was whispering with Hermione's mum. Emma looked at Harry and whispered back to Amy. Harry sighed and said, "I'd like to propose a toast."
Everyone quieted and looked at Harry. He lifted his glass and looked at Hermione as he said, "To love."
Hermione blushed as everyone echoed the toast and took a drink. The first course appeared on the table and everyone dug into their soup.
~o~
Harry and Ron were sitting on the deck talking about the race. Harry was explaining how he had done the burnouts and said he'd take Ron for a drive when he and Hermione returned to the UK. Ron asked, "Where are you two going for the honeymoon?"
Harry shushed him and looked around. "Hermione doesn't know yet."
He leaned forward and said, "We're going to a small inn in the English countryside her mum told me about. She made the reservations for us last month."
Ron grinned and said, "Sounds like fun. A week of staying in bed."
Harry blushed and changed the subject. "How're Ginny and her husband?"
"Still trying. They're going to a muggle doctor to see if there's anything they can do."
Harry sighed and said, "It seems so weird a Weasley having trouble conceiving."
Ron grinned slightly and nodded. "We're hot blooded."
Harry snorted and said, "More like you can't keep your pants zipped."
Ron turned his nose up and said, "I'm not the one who got caught on the Quidditch pitch at night our seventh year."
Harry turned bright red and didn't say anything else.
~o~
Harry went to his bedroom and found the door locked. He was about to apparate in when it opened and Hermione's mum came out. "You're not sleeping here tonight."
"What? Why not?"
"You don't get to see her until tomorrow at the ceremony."
"That's a muggle superstition."
"And you both have muggle born parents."
Harry sighed and gave up. He knew he wouldn't win this one. "So where do I sleep?"
"Dumbledore set up a cot for you in Amy's room."
Harry grumbled and walked down to his daughter's room. He took off his shirt and shrunk his slacks down to cotton shorts. When he got to the room he found Amy asleep with Stalker in her bed and the cot ready for him.
He slipped into the cot and tried to fall asleep. After an hour he finally drifted off.
thanks for calling me on that BS, dmmason03
The two were laughing over something as they neared the house when Hermione remembered something Harry said. "Honeymoon?"
Harry grinned and continued on to the house. Hermione jumped when he opened the door and saw her parents, Ron and his wife, and Dumbledore were all waiting in the sitting room of the house while Dobby and the other house elf that had been brought along moved luggage to rooms.
Hermione hugged Ron and his wife then her parents. She shook the headmaster's hands and asked Harry quietly, "Why are they all here?"
Harry put on a hurt expression and said, "You don't remember? The day after tomorrow is Thursday."
"Thursday…? Ohmigod. You were serious?"
Harry grinned and nodded. She wrapped her arms around him and whispered, "You're so dead."
Harry grinned broadly as Dobby began passing around drinks and Amy pushed a CD into the stereo system. The gathering relaxed as they drank and talked of old times. The headmaster told Hermione's parents about a few of the events Hermione had helped Harry with and turned both her parent's faces pale as they learned about how close she had come to death along with Harry and Ron.
Both Harry and Hermione turned bright red as Ron teased them about how long it took for them to get back after Amy had gotten there.
Harry was talking to Hermione's father when she returned from the restroom. She heard Harry say, "She'd have been better off in a few situations if she hadn't blindly followed me as I did something stupid."
Hermione thumped him on the back of the shoulder and said, "If I hadn't you wouldn't be here for me to marry."
Her father and Harry bust into laughter as Harry nodded his acquiescence. "True."
Dobby appeared at Harry's side and said, "Car is safely returned master."
Harry nodded and the house elf disappeared.
Hermione's father asked, "Are those what Hermione was trying to get freedom for?"
Harry nodded and said, "She made me have Dobby offer all my house elves freedom. Dobby said they were all extremely offended. Had me worried the food would be sub par for awhile."
Daniel laughed as Hermione turned bright red and dug a finger into Harry's side. He smiled at her and the conversation turned to a less controversial topic.
~o~
The group had just set down for dinner when everyone saw a red snake tattoo on Harry's arm coalesce and begin to flash. Amy's face fell as Harry's phone began to ring a moment later. Harry scowled as he used his wand to lengthen the sleeves on his shirt and then pulled the phone out of his pocket and left the room.
Hermione's parents asked, "What was that about?"
Hermione said, "Work."
Harry was hissing as he returned to the room. The Grangers were amazed at the sounds coming from Harry's mouth. No human's mouth was configured to make sounds like that and they were even more amazed when his tongue seemed to fork slightly as he spoke. A moment later his tattoo lifted off of his arm and strained against the fabric of his shirt before slipping out from under the sleeve and disappearing with a wink.
"Harry?" Hermione asked.
Harry shook his head and sat down. "I have a minor meeting after the race tomorrow."
Hermione nodded and Ron changed the subject by asking about the race.
Harry launched into the details of the race last year and his mood changed as Amy said, "Daddy's going to win this year too."
Harry grinned and said, "I'm definitely going to try. I want that prize."
Ron's wife asked, "What's the prize?"
"300,000 Euros."
Hermione and her parents gasped as Ron and his wife asked, "Is that a lot?"
Harry nodded and Hermione said, "It's about 75,000 galleons."
Ron took on a surprised expression then asked, "What are you going to do with it?"
Harry grinned and said, "Now that's a surprise."
They continued dinner over some small talk and then went out to the beach to have drinks while Amy was reunited with Stalker. He had stayed with Hermione's parents while they went on vacation. They sat and laughed as Amy and Stalker romped on the beach.
~o~
Harry was tightening his gloves and making sure his wrists were adequately supported as Hermione and Amy walked over to the bleachers to join the rest of their company. Since the spectators would only see the beginning and end of the race huge monitors were placed everywhere so they could see the cars as the race continued. Harry kissed the picture of the three of them and then stuck it into his breast pocket. He waved to a few of the other racers he knew and got into his car. He sat and waited as the officials made their way over to inspect his vehicle for illegal modifications and held his helmet in his hands.
The official took a white bar of something and wrote 45 on his rear driver side window and on his rear window. The official leaned over and said, "You're good to go, Senor Potter. Good luck this year."
Harry grinned and said, "Thanks, Emilio. See you at the finish line."
The official laughed and patted the top of Harry's car as he pulled on his helmet and slid the visor into place. He turned the key and hit the starter button. His car purred to life and he flicked the switch from his primary fuel tank to his secondary tank. The mechanism flashed a green light and he flicked it to the tertiary tank. The mechanism flashed green again and he flicked it back to primary. He put his foot on the break and slipped it into first. The vehicle's transmission wouldn't catch until he hit three thousand rpm and let go of the brake. He listened to the announcers for ten minutes before they announced the start of the race. He looked over at the racer next to him who waved and he waved back. Harry looked forward and the red lights on the tree came on. He took a deep breath and watched as they cycled down to green. When they flashed to yellow the starter prepared to wave his flag and Harry put his foot on the gas until it revved to 3200. The flag came down as the lights turned green and Harry's foot came off the brake. He surged forward as the car next to him pulled half a length ahead. Harry pushed the paddle, shifting into second then pushed the pedal down further. His fingers came back to the shifter and pushed into the next gear as he took the lead with three other cars. The rest were a few lengths behind them.
~o~
Harry listened to the race chatter coming over the radio only subconsciously as he watched the road and down shifted to take the corner. He was in contention for second and the rest of the cars were nearly half a mile behind and strung out another ten miles. He shifted back to drive and as he accelerated, he felt the transmission transition smoothly into third and the whine of the engine grew louder. The transmission dropped into fourth and the engine deepened and then became louder and higher pitched as his speed increased to nearly 280 kilometers per hour.
He was on a straightaway for the next 30 kilometers and was only 200 kilometers from the end of the race. It was time to switch to his secondary tank. He flipped the switch and smiled as the engine automatically changed its fuel mixture ratio and took on a rougher and deeper tone as the power increased.
~o~
Harry and one other car were in contention for first as they entered the last fifty kilometer stretch. Harry stuck up his thumb and the other driver did the same. When Harry brought his hand down he flipped the switch to the tertiary tank and the engine became even louder as the computer changed the air-fuel mixture to compensate for the higher octane fuel.
His car surged with power and he pulled ahead of the other car. The last twenty kilometers were rolling curves and he looked at the display screen on his computer. He touched the screen and his finger poked through the hole in his glove to touch the screen and loosen his suspension slightly.
The screen slid back down and the radio chatter about the race came back on. He brought his hand back to the wheel and left the vehicle in drive. The transmission would be doing all his shifting now. He pushed down harder on the gas and pulled ahead. The other driver tried to pull ahead but was cut off by Harry and every time he tried to pass Harry cut him off.
Harry smiled slightly as he took the lead by two car lengths halfway through the curves. He could almost see the end of the race. He looked in the mirror and saw another car fighting with the one he had just taken over first place from contending for second place.
Harry concentrated on the road. He knew now was the worst time to lose concentration. If he lost his lead he wouldn't be able to regain it.
~o~
Harry grinned widely as he entered the last five kilometers of the race. He was in the lead by at least five car lengths and his car was more maneuverable than the others closest to him.
Harry realized he was less than a kilometer away when he saw the arch that signified the end of the race.
He looked in the rear view mirror and saw one car less than two lengths away. Harry looked at his speedometer and saw it was pegged. He sighed and pushed the pedal down to the floor. It wasn't much more but it brought him farther ahead and he smiled widely as the radio chatter became more excited that last year's winner was going to win again.
Harry pulled through the arch one car length ahead of last year's third place winner and hit the emergency brake while wrenching hard to the left. His front end stayed in place while his rear end spun in a circle and his tires smoked up the track as the three that had been closest to him drove past and towards the pits. The rest of the cars were a minute or more behind and Harry spun around six more times before stopping and burning his tires up some. He finally let off the brake and drove towards the pits.
He jumped out of his car after he had pulled in and was surrounded by well wishers. His friends fought their way through the crowds and Harry led them off towards a private area. Amy was jumping up and down in excitement and Hermione was holding onto him tightly. He smiled and realized her face was pale. "What's wrong?"
"I-I thought you had lost control at the end."
Harry grinned and shook his head, "Just a burn out to work the crowds some."
Harry hugged her tightly as the rest congratulated him. Dumbledore said, "Most interesting. Almost as exciting as a Quidditch match."
Harry grinned and the headmaster shook his hand. He spun when he felt a tap on his shoulder and came face to face with a muggle and a young witch. "Bonita, Dr. Bez, good to see you."
You did excellently Harry."
"Real awesome, professor."
Ron, Hermione and his wife snorted with laughter to hear Harry called professor.
He grinned at the girl and said, "How are classes going?"
"I did okay."
Dr. Bez snorted and said, "She's grounded for bad grades. The only reason she was able to come was because I was here."
Harry stifled a laugh as the girl turned red with embarrassment.
Amy and the girl walked off slightly while Harry and Ulrich Bez talked business. "I have our head crew here. They're going to take apart your engine and put it back together this evening if you wish. Just to make sure nothing got damaged racing."
Harry nodded and said, "Would you like to come to dinner this evening?"
"Of course. If you didn't already have a profession I'd hire you to race for us."
Harry grinned and took Hermione's hand. "I think my fiancé would kill me if I took you up on that."
Hermione nodded and the two men laughed. Harry introduced him to the rest and they waited as Harry and the muggle walked back towards his car where a group of people were waiting with a flatbed near by. Harry drove the car onto the back and watched as it was lifted up to a flat position and was strapped into place. The head mechanic and the driver got into the cab of the vehicle and drove to the nearest dealership.
Harry and the others all piled into Ulrich's limo and drank a toast to Harry's win as they went back to the house.
~o~
When they got to the house Harry escorted them all in and then walked out to the beach. Hermione followed him to the back door and saw a large amount of witches and wizards appear on the beach. They all bowed to Harry and stood in four ranks of six.
Harry inspected them as he walked up and down the ranks. He stopped at one and flicked a speck off of one's uniform blouse.
Hermione finally realized what had been bothering her. Instead of wearing robes the witches and wizards were wearing camouflage like muggle armies wore. She watched them from the door that led to the deck as it looked like Harry was yelling at one for having dirty boots.
Harry finished inspecting the people and accepted reports from four of them. he read them for a few minutes each then handed back the sheets. The group of people disappeared one by one and finally all that were left were the two who had been at Amy's party.
Hermione jumped when she felt a tug on her dress. Amy smiled at her and said, "That's Amber and Raven. They're both really nice. Raven's real name is Avery. He can touch his nose with his tongue."
Hermione giggled and said, "So can Harry."
She blushed slightly when she thought what he could do with that tongue and decided Amy definitely wasn't old enough to hear about that. She looked back out and saw Harry striding back to the house carrying a large box.
~o~
Harry smiled at Hermione and said, "My team gave this to us. Amber said it was a wedding gift."
Hermione blushed lightly and asked, "Who's performing the ceremony?"
Harry grinned and said, "Albus Dumbledore, of course."
Amy started giggling and they looked over at her. Stalker was licking her toes through her sandals and they both laughed.
Amy scooped up her puppy and followed the two out to the sitting room. As soon as they appeared Dobby's voice was heard saying, "Dinner is ready, master."
Harry smiled and led the way to the dining room. Dobby and the other house elf had gone all out with the decorations and the dinner.
As they sat the candles burst into light and the electric lights dimmed. To Harry's right Dr. Bez and his niece sat, while Hermione's parents and Dumbledore were to his left. Hermione sat at the end of the table with Ron on her right and his wife across from him. Amy sat next to Ron's wife and was whispering with Hermione's mum. Emma looked at Harry and whispered back to Amy. Harry sighed and said, "I'd like to propose a toast."
Everyone quieted and looked at Harry. He lifted his glass and looked at Hermione as he said, "To love."
Hermione blushed as everyone echoed the toast and took a drink. The first course appeared on the table and everyone dug into their soup.
~o~
Harry and Ron were sitting on the deck talking about the race. Harry was explaining how he had done the burnouts and said he'd take Ron for a drive when he and Hermione returned to the UK. Ron asked, "Where are you two going for the honeymoon?"
Harry shushed him and looked around. "Hermione doesn't know yet."
He leaned forward and said, "We're going to a small inn in the English countryside her mum told me about. She made the reservations for us last month."
Ron grinned and said, "Sounds like fun. A week of staying in bed."
Harry blushed and changed the subject. "How're Ginny and her husband?"
"Still trying. They're going to a muggle doctor to see if there's anything they can do."
Harry sighed and said, "It seems so weird a Weasley having trouble conceiving."
Ron grinned slightly and nodded. "We're hot blooded."
Harry snorted and said, "More like you can't keep your pants zipped."
Ron turned his nose up and said, "I'm not the one who got caught on the Quidditch pitch at night our seventh year."
Harry turned bright red and didn't say anything else.
~o~
Harry went to his bedroom and found the door locked. He was about to apparate in when it opened and Hermione's mum came out. "You're not sleeping here tonight."
"What? Why not?"
"You don't get to see her until tomorrow at the ceremony."
"That's a muggle superstition."
"And you both have muggle born parents."
Harry sighed and gave up. He knew he wouldn't win this one. "So where do I sleep?"
"Dumbledore set up a cot for you in Amy's room."
Harry grumbled and walked down to his daughter's room. He took off his shirt and shrunk his slacks down to cotton shorts. When he got to the room he found Amy asleep with Stalker in her bed and the cot ready for him.
He slipped into the cot and tried to fall asleep. After an hour he finally drifted off.
