A/N - This is the last regular chapter. The Epilogue should be up early next week. Enjoy.

Chapter 27

His mother looked around the cottage with a furrowed brow. Adrian knew this couldn't be easy for her. She had never stayed anywhere Muggle as far as he knew and even on their holidays to Italy had preferred to stay in the magical areas as much as possible.

Daphne had practically tackled them when they'd arrived back at the cottage. Adrian was a bit surprised that she'd stayed and apparently, Daphne had also sent Tracey back to the Ministry to wait in case Adrian or Hermione or both were arrested and brought in. Tracey had been upset that Daphne wouldn't leave but she'd eventually done as Daphne asked.

Daphne had insisted that his mother take the master bedroom and said she would share with Anna. The fact that Tracey had been staying with her every night wasn't mentioned. They hadn't specifically said that Daphne and Tracey were in a relationship, although Adrian was quite sure that his mother had figured that out.

But his mother had refused. She said she would take the smaller room and Daphne and Anna could share the larger one. It was just another in a long list of surprises where his mother was concerned that Adrian had experienced today.

Once everyone had been filled in on everything that happened, Anna went with his mother to help her unpack and to move Anna's things into Daphne's room. The two would share for the moment and Tracey would have to return to her flat. Adrian didn't expect that it would be very long before Daphne joined Tracey once the threat of his father was gone. And Adrian fully expected it to be.

Adrian took Hermione's hand and led her outside. Once there, he wrapped her in his arms. "I should be angry that you put yourself in danger showing up like that."

"I'm sorry but I couldn't let them arrest you," she said. "And I really didn't want Anna to come with me. I fully intended to leave her here."

"I know," he said. He pulled back a bit and tucked a curl behind her ear. "You should get back to work."

"I don't want to leave," she said. She stood on tiptoe and kissed him. He returned it fervently, so glad that she was safe and nothing had happened with his father.

"But you need to," he said once they parted. "I know you're going to start testing the potion on people soon. It's important."

"So are you."

He smiled and kissed her again.

"What do you think your father is going to do?" She bit her lip nervously.

He gently pulled it from between her teeth before he answered. "Oh, he'll sulk for a few days but he'll eventually give in. He's too concerned with appearances and his reputation to let his wife leave him. Not to mention have everyone know just who he betrothed Anna to."

"And do you really think he's going to let her get her Mastery?"

"Yes," Adrian said. "Mother will make sure he does, but even if she didn't, he would. Now that he knows what Anna's potential is, it can only reflect well on him."

"Your mother was quite the surprise."

"To me as well," Adrian said with a laugh. "I always thought my father would be easier to convince given how he indulged Anna all the time."

"Why do you think your mother changed?"

"I don't think she changed, exactly. I think she's always been this person but she let my father stifle it." He paused remembering some of their conversation in the study. "He blamed her. For Anna."

Hermione looked horrified.

"I never knew," Adrian said. "But I probably should have given how he operates. I think the guilt that she felt all those years is the reason she became the way she was. She figured out how to ignore it, shove it down so she didn't have to think about it and so she didn't really feel much of anything. Knowing now though, that even though Anna's magic isn't strong, she's very talented, well, I think that relieved a bit of that guilt. Along with your initial study, of course. She took that with her when we left. I'm sure she's going to read it thoroughly as soon as she has the chance."

"If she has any questions teach her how to use the mobile," Hermione said with a grin.

Adrian laughed imagining it.

"Is she really going to stay with your father if he agrees to what you want?"

"She can't divorce him," Adrian said regretfully. "They had a full bonding ceremony. Most Purebloods do."

"I know but she doesn't have to stay with him," Hermione said.

"I think that my mother is going to have some conditions of her own when my father finally capitulates. Did you know that she wanted to be a Charms Mistress?"

"Really?"

Adrian nodded. "I had no idea about that either. Her parents, of course, wouldn't allow it and when she asked my father about it, he laughed."

"That's horrible," Hermione said with a scowl.

"He did have the decency to look a bit guilty about that when she told me. Maybe there's hope for him yet," Adrian said with a rueful smile.

Hermione leaned against him again and he tightened his arms around her. He didn't want her to leave but knew she had to. He dipped his head down to kiss her again. When he pulled back she was smiling.

"On the off chance that your father doesn't agree, you can always come with me to Sweden. Anders would love to meet Anna and my hotel is rather nice. I'm sure we could get your mother and Anna a suite."

Adrian grinned. "Maybe I'll take you up on that even if he does agree."

"I hope you do," she said cheekily and kissed him once more.

"I love you," he said when they parted.

"I love you too."

Once Hermione had gone, Adrian decided he needed to visit Marcus. It had been far too long since he'd talked to his friend. While the kidnapping charges hadn't officially been dropped yet, the fact that Anna was home and his mother had sent the Aurors away without arresting Adrian, made that somewhat of a formality. He wasn't planning to stroll through the Ministry or Diagon Alley but he could Apparate to Tracey's flat and then Floo to Marcus'

Tracey had been a bit disgruntled when she returned home from the Ministry that night. Even more so when she realized she wouldn't be staying the night with Daphne. They'd had a row about it, even though no one could hear what was said as they'd gone into the bedroom. But Tracey's expression had been enough for Adrian to know what happened. When he'd asked her to take him side-along to her flat so he could see Marcus he knew she wanted to refuse. But a glance at his mother and Anna had her agreeing.

When they landed in the flat, Adrian immediately apologized. "I know this has been a terrible situation for you and I'm sorry. You don't know how grateful I am for everything you've done. It should only be a few more days."

Tracey sighed and rubbed at her forehead with her fingertips. "I just want to start our life."

"I know what you mean," Adrian said.

"Going to ask her then?" Tracey said with a smirk.

"What?"

"Hermione. You're going to ask her to marry you."

Adrian stared at Tracey. "I, that's, it's far too soon."

"Right," she scoffed. "That's why she chased after your arse today with the full knowledge that she could end up in a cell right beside you. Because it's far too soon." Tracey rolled her eyes.

"We've only been together a few months."

"So?"

"Are you going to ask Daph?"

"Already have," Tracey said with a shrug.

"You have?"

"She told me she couldn't give me an answer until everything with Anna was sorted."

Adrian felt like an arsehole. No wonder Tracey was so upset. "I'm sorry, Tracey."

"The stupid thing is, I can't even be angry with her for it," Tracey said with a laugh.

Adrian looked at her skeptically. She seemed pretty angry earlier.

"Not truly angry and not for long. Because if she weren't doing what she is, she wouldn't be her, you know?"

"Yeah," Adrian said with a small smile.

"Anyway, help yourself to the Floo. And I'll check in with Marcus after work before I come to the cottage from now on. Until we hear from your father."

"Thanks, Trace," Adrian said, surprising her by giving her a hug.

"Yeah, yeah, just go," Tracey said, pushing him away from her and gesturing towards the fireplace. Adrian grinned and her and picked up the Floo powder, stepping in after calling out for Marcus' flat.

"You arsehole!" Marcus said as soon as Adrian stepped out.

"Hello to you too," Adrian said dryly.

"No, fuck you, mate. Why the hell haven't you contacted me before now?"

"You know why," Adrian said.

"And it's all of a sudden safe to Floo in from Tracey's now?"

"I'm sorry, all right. I just didn't want to put anyone in danger. Or get caught."

"And you're not worried about that now because?"

Adrian sighed. "A lot of shite happened today."

Marcus summoned a bottle and glasses from the kitchen, pouring them both a glass of Firewhiskey. "I suppose you'd better tell me about it then."

And Adrian did. They'd gone through nearly the entire bottle by the time that Adrian was finished.

"You would have thought Adeline Pucey had it in her," Marcus said.

"Trust me, your mouth would have been hanging open as much as mine was if you'd been there." Adrian finished the drink in his glass. Marcus offered him another but Adrian shook his head.

"So, what's dear old dad going to do then?" Marcus asked.

"He'll give in eventually."

Marcus made a noise of disbelief. "You think he's going to let your mother order him around?"

Adrian shrugged. "She knows all his secrets. And she's got enough of her own money to leave him if she wants to. You know he'd never be able to handle that. He may not love her but he sure as hell doesn't want people to know that she left him and took Anna with her."

"Damn," Marcus said, throwing back the rest of his drink. "I wish I could have seen it."

"It was pretty great," Adrian said with a grin. "Too bad we don't have a Pensieve, I'd show you."

"I'll have to keep that in mind," Marcus said. "Might have to try to find someone that has one."

"Listen, if you don't want to be involved with this, I'll send an owl to my father and have him contact us another way."

"Shut it, you wanker. Of course, I'm going to be involved. I should have been from the start." He pointed at Adrian. "And don't give any of that pansy shite about trying to protect me."

Adrian laughed. Gods, he'd missed Marcus. "Yeah, all right."

"So, what about Granger?"

"She went back to Sweden. Had to get back to work."

Marcus rolled his eyes. "That's not what I meant, you tosser. You gonna ask her?"

"Why is everyone so worried about my love life all of a sudden?"

"Maybe because you finally have one," Marcus said with a smirk.

"Arsehole," Adrian said with a scowl.

"Seriously, mate."

Adrian sighed. "I don't know, I mean, it's only been a few months, yeah?"

"So what?"

"That's exactly what Tracey said."

"See? I'm sure Daph would agree with us. Anna too for that matter."

When Adrian said nothing, Marcus sighed. "Look, I only really talked to her the once but, mate, I could tell then. Ask her, I'm telling you."

Adrian just nodded, his thoughts swirling in his head. And not just from the Firewhiskey.

"I should go," he said standing from the couch. "Anna's probably worried."

"Just think about what I said," Marcus said standing as well.

"Yeah, I will. Thanks, mate."

"Don't stay away so long. And bring Granger with you next time."

Adrian smiled. "I'll try." Then he stepped into the Floo to go back to Tracey's to Apparate to the cottage.

Hermione waited in the Swedish Ministry Transportation office for Adrian's mother and Anna to arrive. The day after Hermione had returned to Stockholm, Adrian had called and said that his mother wanted to visit the lab and meet Anders. There was still no news from his father and as such, his mother hadn't felt it was completely safe for Adrian to accompany them given they would be traveling through the Portkey office in the Ministry. There was the concern that one of his contacts at the Ministry would inform Mr. Pucey of the trip but Mrs. Pucey considered it a small risk, especially as they had a return Portkey for the next day.

"Hermione!" Anna called as she and her mother exited the Portkey arrival station.

"Hello, Anna," Hermione said with a smile and then greeted Mrs. Pucey as well. "Would you like to go straight to the lab or drop your things at the hotel first?"

"The lab, I think," Mrs. Pucey said.

"All right, follow me," Hermione said. They left the Portkey office and headed for the Ministry's exit. Anders' lab was only a few streets away. "Do you mind walking? Or we could take a taxi."

Mrs. Pucey had a distasteful look on her face at the mention of the taxi. Anna gave Hermione a look that almost sent Hermione into a fit of giggles. She clamped down on it, not wanting to do anything to offend the woman.

"A walk would be fine," Mrs. Pucey said.

Hermione pointed out a few points of interest on their way to the lab. Anna chattered away to her but Mrs. Pucey said nothing, simply looking around her as they walked. Hermione wasn't sure exactly how the woman felt about her. She was perfectly polite but Hermione knew that most people did not change their minds about blood status overnight. As such, Hermione purposely didn't mention Adrian.

"Here we are," she said about fifteen minutes later. They walked into the building and towards the lifts to take them down to the lab.

"How long have you been working with Mr. Magnusson?" Mrs. Pucey asked once they were on the lift.

"Since the summer," Hermione said. "I wrote him for information on his initial study on the magical core when I was trying to determine if premature birth affected magic. Shortly after that study was published, we decided to collaborate on a treatment. It became apparent after a few weeks that it would be easier to work in the same lab instead of continuing to exchange owls. That's when I started working here."

The lift arrived and they stepped out into the corridor that led to Anders' lab. Hermione led the way, stopping at his secretary's desk to introduce Anna and her mother. When they stepped into the lab, Anna gasped in delight. Hermione realized she had never seen a lab of any kind, let alone one this large and elaborate.

"This is brilliant," Anna whispered and Hermione saw Mrs. Pucey give her daughter a rare smile.

"Ah, Hermione, you have arrived," Anders said as he approached them with a wide smile on his face.

"Anders, this is Anna Pucey and her mother, Adeline," Hermione said. "Anders Magunusson."

"It is so wonderful to finally meet you, Miss Pucey," Anders said, reaching out to shake her hand. Anna gave him a shy smile.

"And Mrs. Pucey, such a wonderfully talented daughter you have. Our work would not be at the stage it is without her help." He clasped the older woman's hand in both of his. "You must be incredibly proud."

Mrs. Pucey's face softened more than Hermione had ever seen it. "Extremely proud," she said.

Anna's cheeks reddened but she grinned at her mother.

"Come, come, let me give you the tour and explain what we are doing now," Anders said.

Hermione trailed behind, allowing Anders to do all the talking. She was content watching Anna's reaction to everything. It wasn't hard to see that the younger woman was enthralled with everything Anders pointed out and explained. At one point, she looked back and gave Hermione such a beaming smile that Hermione's breath caught in her throat. And she wasn't the only one. Mrs. Pucey looked suspiciously misty-eyed on more than one occasion.

"How long will the testing take?" Anna was asking.

"Three to four weeks for this stage," Anders said. "Then we will begin testing it on woman who are actually in danger of delivering early. Depending on how many candidates there are, that testing could take months."

"Once we get to that stage, we plan to use it at St. Mungo's as well, to expand our subject base," Hermione said.

"You will be overseeing that part of the testing, I assume?" Mrs. Pucey asked.

"I will," Hermione said.

"That means you will be back in England full-time?"

"Yes," Hermione replied. Mrs. Pucey just nodded and Hermione couldn't read the expression on her face. Did the other woman want her back in England full-time or not? Hermione had no idea.

"We will be sad to lose Hermione," Anders said. "She is a very talented researcher."

Hermione couldn't help her smile, although her face felt a bit warm.

"Thank you, Anders. I'll miss you too."

The tour of the lab continued, Anders even allowing Anna to help him brew the potion they had developed.

"She looks extremely comfortable behind a cauldron," Mrs. Pucey said.

Hermione, having seen Anna brew when they were still at Grimmauld Place, nodded. "Your daughter is a natural. It's like she was born to brew."

"Perhaps she was," Mrs. Pucey said softly. Hermione got that lump in her throat again. She couldn't imagine the guilt this woman had lived with for the last sixteen years, thinking that Anna's lack of magic was her fault.

"Adrian mentioned that you'd read our first study," Hermione said nodding towards Anders. "If you had any questions, I'd be happy to answer them."

"No," Mrs. Pucey said. "Everything was very clear."

"We hope that with this potion, other families won't have to go through what you have."

Mrs. Pucey finally looked at her then. She had a peculiar expression on her face. Hermione immediately backpedaled, thinking she had offended the woman. "I don't mean to say that there's anything wrong with Anna. On the contrary, she's a wonderful young woman and extremely intelligent, I just, well, there's-"

"Miss Granger," Mrs. Pucey interrupted. "I was not offended. I love my daughter. Even if she hadn't had this talent, I would love her all the same, despite her magic. It is the rest of our world that I worry about."

"Me too," Hermione agreed with a sigh.

Mrs. Pucey was still staring at her. "You are an unusual young woman, Miss Granger."

Hermione's brow furrowed. She was unsure if she should be offended or not.

"Most people would not want to involve themselves in a study such as this. It is a bit of a taboo subject in our society."

"It shouldn't be," Hermione said immediately. "Why should children be punished for something they have no control over? Why should the parents either? It was an accident of birth, no one did anything wrong. Just because their magic isn't as strong doesn't mean they're lesser. They can still contribute to society in a variety of ways. Even Squibs can if they wish to."

"Adrian and Miss Davis have mentioned your education proposal."

"Yes, I hope that eventually we can have a school for those like Anna. There are plenty of non-magical subjects that they can learn just as well as anyone with full magical ability. And there's no reason they can't learn the theory of everything else. I understand that is what Anna's tutor was teaching her?"

"Yes," Mrs. Pucey said. "It was at my insistence. Once we realized just how limited her magic was, I still wanted her to learn everything she could. Just because she couldn't actually perform the spells, didn't mean she shouldn't learn them."

Hermione nodded. They watched Anna brew in silence for a few moments.

"I wish I had known," Mrs. Pucey said quietly. "Just how talented she was."

"I'm not sure how you could have if her tutor was sticking to the standard curriculum," Hermione replied.

"I suppose it was a very fortuitous day when my son ran into you in Venice."

Mrs. Pucey said nothing else and while there were a million things Hermione wanted to read into that statement, she stayed silent. No one's blood prejudices changed in a day and she wasn't about to push her luck. It was enough that the woman had wanted to come here and that she hadn't told Adrian to break things off. Hermione doubted that he would, even if his mother insisted. Hermione did know that the woman had defended her to Adrian's father.

"For me as well," was all Hermione said. She glanced at Mrs. Pucey from the corner of her eye and there seemed to be a secret smile playing about the woman's lips but Hermione didn't know her well enough to be certain. Instead, the two of them fell silent once more, watching Anders and Anna brewing.

It took another three days but Adrian's father finally sent an owl to Marcus. He asked for a meeting with his wife which Adrian's mother agreed to. When she returned to the cottage, it was to tell Anna to pack her things. They were going home.

"The charges against you have officially been dropped," his mother said. "And none will be brought against anyone else."

"And Anna?"

"Will be allowed to pursue whatever career she desires," his mother said with a smile. "Mr. Magnusson has given us the names of some Masters that are looking to take on an apprentice. She, of course, must take her O.W.L. in Potions first. Mr. Magnusson thinks that she could likely pass her N.E.W.T. as well but we will start with the other first and see what happens."

"That's great news," Adrian said with a grin.

His mother studied him for a moment. "Your father has also agreed to reinstate you as the heir."

Adrian shook his head. "I'm not going to comply with his terms."

His mother sighed. "I figured as much. It was the one thing I could not get him to budge on."

"It's all right, Mother. Marcus set up an interview for me with the Falcons. They're looking for an assistant coach."

"Quidditch," his mother said her mouth curling in distaste.

Adrian laughed. "Yes, well, the head coach has indicated that he wants to retire in a few years so who knows. I might even take over."

"If you must," his mother said with another put-upon sigh.

Adrian smiled and reached for her hand. "Thank you, Mother. For standing up to Father."

"I should have done it long ago." She looked around the small cottage. Her eyes settled on Daphne and Tracey who were sitting at the kitchen table, heads together as they discussed something. Daphne had also packed her things and planned to return to Tracey's flat.

"I see now why a marriage to Daphne would have never worked," his mother said.

Adrian chuckled. "That wasn't the only reason."

"Yes, well, as to that. After I spoke to your father, I went to my vault in Gringotts." His mother pulled something from the pocket of her robes. "I saw this when I was there and thought you might like it." She handed him a small box.

Curiously, Adrian opened it. Inside, nestled in black velvet was a ring; an emerald-cut diamond surrounded by small sapphires. He stared at the ring and then looked up at his mother in surprise.

"It was my great-grandmother's. I always remember admiring it when I was a girl." She smiled at Adrian and patted his hand, then walked towards the bedroom to see how Anna was doing with her packing.

Adrian stared after her retreating back wondering just how many more times his mother was going to surprise him.

Hermione and Adrian walked into the box Harry had purchased for Ginny's last game. They were the first to arrive, save Harry, which Hermione might have planned. The entire Weasley family was going to be there and Hermione wanted to be settled before she had to deal with everyone. She was especially concerned about what Molly's reaction would be.

"Hey, Harry," Hermione said and Harry turned from where he had been watching Ginny warm-up with her team.

"Hermione," he said, giving her a hug. "Adrian." The two men shook hands. "No more kidnappings planned, I hope."

"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed but Adrian just chuckled.

"Not planning on it. Unless I can't get this one to take a couple of days off."

"I told you, we're starting real trials soon," Hermione said. "I'm going to be back at St. Mungo's though."

"Yes, there is that," Adrian said with a smile. He leaned in and kissed her. Hermione blushed but Harry was grinning.

"It's so strange to think this is her last game," Hermione said as she and Adrian moved toward the railing to watch the teams warm-up.

"Yeah," Harry said. He looked a bit wistful himself. Hermione knew he loved watching Ginny play.

"Do you think she'll come back? After the baby I mean."

"Dunno," Harry said. "We haven't really talked about it. I'm all for it if that's what she wants." He turned to Adrian. "I hear you're up for a coaching job. With the Falcons?"

Adrian nodded. "I had my first interview yesterday. We'll see if I make it through to the second round."

Hermione squeezed his hand. She knew how much he wanted this.

There was a commotion behind them and Hermione turned to see Molly and Arthur along with Bill and Percy coming into the box. Fleur had stayed home with Victoire and Dominique, both still a little young to sit through a match. Audrey had come with Percy though, her parents watching little Molly for the day.

Hermione pulled in a breath and Adrian squeezed her had in reassurance.

"Hermione, dear, how are you?" Molly asked as she hugged her. "We haven't seen much of you lately."

"I'm well, Molly, thanks. Just busy with work."

"Oh, yes, Ginny's told us about it." Molly's eyes kept darting towards Adrian and after Hermione had greeted Arthur, she turned to Adrian.

"Molly, Arthur, this is Adrian Pucey."

Arthur shook his hand and Molly nodded.

"It's nice to meet you both," Adrian said.

"And how do you know our Hermione?" Molly asked.

"Adrian and I have been seeing one another," Hermione said before Adrian could say anything. He smiled at her and she took his hand again.

"Oh," Molly said at a loss for words for once.

"Where did you meet?" Arthur asked with a smile. He'd put a hand on Molly's back.

"Well, we knew of each other from Hogwarts, of course, but we actually ran into one another while I was in Venice," Hermione said.

"My family has a home there and I was on holiday as well," Adrian explained.

"I see," Molly said but thankfully Arthur continued the conversation, asking about Venice. Hermione was sure that he knew who Adrian's father was, given the man sat on the Wizengamot. Hermione had never been more relieved that Arthur never judged a person based on their family.

The rest of the family soon arrived, along with Teddy and Andromeda. Even Charlie had come in from Romania. Once Hermione had introduced Adrian to everyone, George and Percy knew who he was from school, of course, the match had started. She breathed a sigh of relief for the reprieve from all the questions, although she could feel Molly's stare from time to time.

Hermione knew that the older woman would likely have a difficult time with the fact that Hermione was dating someone else. But there was nothing that she could do about that. Molly would have to come to accept it in her own time and if she couldn't, well, Hermione supposed that there would be no more Weasley family dinners in her future. She would miss them but as long as she had Harry and Ginny's support, she could live with it.

During the match, Hermione spent most of her time subtly reassuring Harry. Every time a Bludger came Ginny's way or she did a particularly daring move on her broom, Harry would grip the railing in front of him so tightly, his knuckles were white. Hermione would put a hand on his arm or his shoulder, trying to lend him some support without letting on to everyone else. She and Adrian kept him supplied with food and drinks, little of which he actually ate or drank. When the Harpies' Seeker finally caught the Snitch, Harry visibly slumped down into his seat.

Ginny flew past the box and reached in and grabbed Harry, pulling him to her for a rather intense kiss. Harry put a hand to her cheek when they parted and Hermione saw the glistening in Ginny's eyes. Then she waved at the rest of the family and rejoined her teammates on the Pitch. Hermione chanced a glance back at Molly who was studying Harry rather intently. Hermione was glad they intended to tell the family once Ginny joined them in the box. Molly was going to figure things out soon.

Which was also why Hermione and Adrian weren't going to stay for the announcement. Hermione didn't want Molly knowing that she already knew. Simply because she didn't want the older woman to be hurt that Hermione had been told first. Not knowing if she could fake the proper level of excitement, it was better if they made their excuses and left. They were having dinner with Harry and Ginny the following evening anyway and they would hear all about how it went.

They made their good-byes to everyone, Hermione using work as an excuse. Molly hugged her and nodded to Adrian which was as much as Hermione could hope for right now. As they made their way out of the box and towards the stairs to exit the stadium, Adrian took her hand in his.

"You survived," she teased.

He had been a bit apprehensive about meeting everyone, knowing that Hermione considered the Weasleys her family. Especially as her own parents were lost to her.

"Is it always so loud? Or was that just because it was Quidditch?"

Hermione laughed. "This was just the adults. Wait until the kids are in the mix too."

Adrian chuckled. "Imagine how many there are going to be."

"Two more in the next year," she said with a grin. "Sunday dinners are going to get very interesting in the next few years."

They walked in companionable silence for a bit, navigating their way through the crowds exiting the stadium. When they finally reached the exit and headed toward the Apparition point, Hermione turned to Adrian again.

"So, are you up for it?"

"For what, love?"

"All that noise and chaos at the Weasley family dinners?"

Adrian smiled as he wrapped his arms around her. "For you? Anything." And then he kissed her as he Apparated them away.

Adrian sighed happily as they reached the villa in Venice. Hermione had been so busy with the trials for the potion that they hadn't had much time together recently.

The potion had been a success so far. There had been one woman that it hadn't worked for and they were now trying to figure out why that might be. The rest, though, had responded well and their labor had stopped. The only time they couldn't administer the potion was when the witch's water had already broken. So far only one of the women that had taken the potion had actually given birth, just a few days before her due date. Both mother and baby were perfectly healthy with no ill effects observed. The rest they were still waiting on. The sample size was small, which was why they were planning to continue the testing process for at least another six months at both St. Mungo's and the hospital in Stockholm, before they wrote up their results.

Adrian had been busy as well having gotten the assistant coaching job with the Falcons. He'd been meeting with the team and the rest of the coaching staff consistently over the last few weeks. The new season didn't start for another two months, but practices would resume soon and Adrian wanted to be prepared.

He had finally convinced Hermione to take a couple of days off and they'd come to Venice for a long weekend. Hermione was excited to explore the magical section of Venice this time.

"Are you sure your father isn't going to protest us being here?" Hermione asked as they stepped into the villa in Venice.

"Can't," Adrian said. "It's my mother's, not his. It's another thing her parents left her that stayed in her name."

His mother and Anna had been back at the manor for over a month now. Anna had taken her O.W.L. in Potions and, unsurprisingly, had gotten an Outstanding. She was currently studying for her N.E.W.T. exam and hoped to take in sometime in the next couple of months. Then they would decide on a Master for her Apprenticeship.

"Is your father still trying to find Anna a husband?"

Adrian rolled his eyes. "According to my mother, yes. But Anna's rejected every one of his selections so far."

Hermione laughed and Adrian grinned, then pulled her towards him and kissed her. She relaxed into him, returning the kiss with fervor. When they parted, she smiled up at him.

"Thank you for convincing me to do this," she said. "I've missed you."

"I've seen you nearly every night," he said with a smirk.

She slapped his chest playfully. "You know what I mean."

"I do," he replied, giving her a soft smile. "That why we need to promise that we'll always take time off when we need it."

"Not sure how much time you're going to have once Quidditch season starts," she said, playing with the hair the nape of his neck and making him shiver. She grinned at him and he tickled her side.

"I'll always make time for you, love."

She smiled. "I promise too."

He kissed her again and then forced himself to take a step back. They had dinner reservations soon and he had plans.

After dinner, which they'd eaten at the first restaurant Adrian had taken her to when they had been here the first time, he suggested a walk. Hermione agreed, and looped her arm through his, snuggling up against him as they walked and talked.

Before long, Hermione realized they were in St. Mark's Square, where they had literally run into one another on her first trip. She smiled up at him as he led her to the same table she had been sitting at before she ran into him.

"Recreating history?" she asked and he chuckled.

"Maybe making new memories."

Hermione, who had been glancing around the square turned her attention back to him. His hand was extended and there was a small box sitting on his palm. She looked up at him, her mouth falling open in surprise.

"The last time I was here, I was preparing myself for a loveless marriage and a lifetime of Pureblood society. And then I ran into you and everything changed. Over these last few months, with all the chaos in my life, I wouldn't have blamed you if you had run away screaming. But you didn't. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me and if you let me, I'll spend the rest of our lives proving that to you."

Adrian paused and got down on one knee before her. He opened the box, a gorgeous diamond ring surrounded by sapphires nestled inside. "I love you, Hermione Granger. Will you marry me?"

Hermione brought a hand to her mouth, unable to quite believe that this was actually happening. She had thought about it, hoped for it even, but never expected it would be happening now. It was soon, yes but it was right. She knew it with everything she had.

"Yes," she whispered the tears that had gathered spilling down her cheeks.

Adrian pulled the ring from the box and slipped it on her finger. It shrunk to fit her finger perfectly. Then he rose up and kissed her.

"I love you," he said as they parted, wiping the tears from her cheeks with his thumbs.

"I love you too." She kissed him again in the middle of St. Mark's Square where she had definitely found what she'd been looking for.