"James," Lily called out, wondering aimlessly outside. The sun was shining brightly upon her face and body, giving her a warm feeling. The soothing breeze flowed through her hair and she smiled, breathing in deeply. She hadn't felt this good since almost 11 years ago, when she had a similar surprise for James.

She spotted Patrick a few feet away, working on something for his business. Smiling, she walked over to him.

"Hello, Patrick," she greeted softly.

Patrick looked up at her, beads of sweat planted on his face from the afternoon heat. When he saw who he was talking to, he smiled as well. "Oh, hello, Lily. How are you, this fine day?"

"Oh, I'm wonderful. What are you working on?" she asked with interest.

"A local maiden came into the shop this morning asking for a lock for her front door. I'm just putting the finishing touches on it." He explained. "So, what are you up to?"

"Well, I'm looking for James. You haven't seen him, have you?" she replied, biting her lip as she let her eyes wonder around.

"Er, yes, I believe I saw him walking towards the gardens not too long ago." Patrick supplied. He studied her a little and then asked, "Are you feeling alright, Lily, you look a little paler than usual."

"Oh, yes, I'm perfectly fine. Just a bit tired, that's all," Lily assured him. "Thank you." she finished as she started to walk towards the gardens.

She entered her favorite part, looking up into the infamous tree that still, after all this time, held the marauders old tree house. She smiled affectionately as she walked passed it. Rounding a corner, her smile widened when she spotted her loving husband bent over, smelling a blood red rose.

She crept up behind him, silently, and put her arms around his waist. "Picking flowers for your lovely wife, your Highness?" she teased.

James chuckled as he straightened up, playing along, "These plain and simple flowers could do her no justice, Madame."

"Aw," Lily nodded her head, "is she a lovely Lady, your Highness?"

James looked out into the garden and said, "The loveliest in all the land, Madame."

Lily giggled and James turned around, promptly kissing her softly and hugging her around the waist.

"And how is the loveliest Lady in all the land this fine afternoon?" James asked as soon as he pulled away. 

Lily took a deep breath and stared into his eyes. He narrowed his eyes in concern, "Lily, darling, what is it? Is anything the matter?"

Lily shook her head firmly and answered, "Oh, no, nothing is wrong; I just have some…news."

James guided her along the garden's path and said, "Well, I'm all ears."

Lily bit her lip and finally said softly, "I'm pregnant."

James froze.

Lily looked at him, worriedly, "James? James, say something."

After a long pause, James managed to ask, "You're pregnant?"

Lily nodded slowly, waiting anxiously to see his reaction.

 The next thing she knew, James' face broke out into a wide grin and he grabbed Lily by the waist and spun her around, shouting loudly, "I'M THE LUCKIEST MAN ALIVE!!!"

Lily just laughed and cried joyfully. As soon as James put her on the ground, he kissed her more passionately than before.

They spent a while in the garden, hugging, kissing, and talking about names for the new baby.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Dinner time!" they heard Molly's motherly voice call out from the castle doors.

"Oh, James, we better head in," Lily said, realizing how late it was. The sun was starting to set in the horizon.

James stood up and took her hand, pulling her gracefully to her feet.

They walked out the garden, heading towards the castle and immediately felt a gust of wind and saw flaming red hair running past them.

"Well, there's Ron. Hermione and Harry must not be too far behind him." James observed. At that precise moment, another gust of wind came and a bunch of brown curls blew in their faces, following closely by an apologetic, "Sorry James, Lily!"

"And there's Hermione" Lily chuckled.

"Hey mum, dad." A voice said behind them. James and Lily turned around and their grins widened as they set eyes on their beloved son.

"Hello Harry!" Lily exclaimed happily.

"Hi, mum." Harry replied. He and his parents set off for the castle doors.

"So, what have you been up to today," James asked.

"We were teaching Hermione to fly again," Harry explained.

Lily's concerned eyes darted to her son, "Again? Were Fred and George around?"

Harry laughed, "No, I sent them away on Hermione's request. They said they were going to look for dad and ask him about one of their projects."

"I'll talk to them at dinner," James said.

"So, how did Hermione do?" Lily asked.

Harry shrugged, "She did pretty well. Though, because she lacks magic blood…" he trailed off.

"Yes, the broom won't work as well for her." James nodded in understanding.

"I do wish she would get to come along with you lot. She'll be lonely without you and Ron." Lily said sympathetically.

"Yeah," Harry said quiet, looking sullen. This would be the first time he would be separated from one of his best friends. It will be hard to do.

"Cheer up, son," James said, noticing his child's change of mood. He put his arm around the younger Potter's shoulder and continued, "Your mother and I have an exciting announcement to tell you after dinner."

~*~*~*~*~August 1st*~*~*~*~*~

The day after Harry's birthday party was naturally just as exciting as the said one. It started approximately ten years ago on this day when Madison and Bill got their letters. The next year, Charlie got his. A couple years after that, Percy got his. Two years after that, the twins got theirs. Today, Harry, Ron, maybe Neville, and maybe Seamus would get theirs. 

Everyone was seated at the breakfast table. King Harold, Queen Veronica, James, Lily, and the rest of the adults, and all of the children.

"And this bookstore had everything," Hermione was saying to Harry and Ron, who were seated across from her.

"Of course it did Hermione; it was magical." Ron said exasperatedly.

"But it had stuff from the highest of Dark Arts, to the most common muggle subject like toothpicks. It was amazing! Anyway," she went on, pouring syrup onto her pancakes, "I looked up a book on…" she went on.

"So, was Harry happy when you both told him about the baby?" Elizabeth asked, looking down the table at the kid's.

James and Lily both nodded their heads. "Oh yes, he was thrilled! He started to ask if it was a boy or girl, what we would name it, and when it was to be born. He was just so excited." Lily said happily.

"I'm just hoping Sirius will get back soon so we can tell him and Moony." James mumbled a little dejectedly. Lily placed her hand upon his and squeezed it reassuringly.

"He will get back soon. He must. He's been gone for two years." Lily said supportively.

"I was thinking of having Remus over for a dinner soon. Just before school starts for the children." the Queen said.

"Maybe we should tell him," Lily said thoughtfully. She looked at James and explained a little sadly, "Even if Padfoot isn't here, I think we should. Everyone in the kingdom knows; Moony should as well."

James sighed and finally nodded, "You're right. We'll tell him when he comes here."

Lily would have said something more, but the arrival of owls cut her off. One bird, carrying four letters, swooped down to Percy. Another, carrying only one, dropped into Seamus' lap. Patrick and Cynthia's eyes both widened with delight.

"Congratulations, son!" Cynthia exclaimed.

Another owl swooped, not too much of a surprise to anyone, into Neville's lap. Neville beamed with pride.

"Well done, Neville!" Lily cried out happily.

Another owl dropped one letter into Harry's lap. Harry grinned and picked it up, glancing over at his parents to meet their prideful stares.

Hermione looked mildly disappointed, but smiled and congratulated them nonetheless.

All the parents rushed over to their new first years and hugged them excitingly.

It was when King Harold was clapping Harry on the back and Queen Veronica was attempting to kiss his cheek when the entire hall went completely silent with wonder.

Another owl flew into the room, a little more tired-looking than the rest, but nevertheless, carrying one more Hogwarts letter. Many pairs of eyes followed the owl's path and more than a few jaws dropped when they saw who the owl dropped the letter in front of. Heck, even the receiver paled in the face.

It took Hermione a full minute to realize that there was a Hogwarts owl waiting for her to take the letter of acceptance from it's claw.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A/N- alright, not a big chapter. I'm so sorry. But I hope you liked it anyways. Quite a few of you were a little wary on whether or not Hermione would be accepted into Hogwarts. Well, now ya know!

Well, now who am I to stand in the way of tradition. As usual, here is the next preview.

*"Who would have thought?"

*"Oh my gosh. OH MY GOSH!"

*"Minny-Mione is coming with!"

*"Drat, now who will I hang out with?" "The children you always hang out with, of course."

*"Uncle Remus!!!"

*"And Hermione was accepted? Congratulations, Hermione!"

*"You're really pregnant?"

*"Time for a trip to Diagon Alley, I suppose."

*"James, you're father isn't in the healthiest of conditions as you well know. He's getting old."

*"Goodbye, Harry. We love you. And please, stay out of trouble.-," "Oh, don't listen to her, Harry, have a blast!"

*"Remus, I know this sounds a bit odd, but, could you please keep an eye on Harry, especially when Malfoy's boy is around him. He's starting this year as well, you know."

*"Goodbye Ginny. Oh don't cry. We'll be back for Christmas."

*"Best be on your guards at Hogwarts, children. Of course, if you ask nice enough, we may show you some of our secret passageways." "No need, before we left, my father gave me this."

*"This is it." "We solemnly swear to stick together!"