A/N: I'm sorry I haven't updated in a while – my internet connection has been down. I have been writing and the story is quite advanced now – thanks to those that reviewed. P.S. I know the chapters are still fairly short, this one especially, but they do get longer and I'll be posting more than one chapter at a time anyway so I hope this is ok.

Chapter 15

The First Step

Think – you're kidding right – I never wanted to leave you – I want you – I want home, the Burrow, Hogwarts and friends, Diagon Alley and Fred and George's shop, I want fish and chips and visits to Hogsmeade...

"I'm not sure Harry..."

What are you saying you daft cow? She wanted to be strong for some reason and thoughts of returning home to England filled her with intensely mixed feelings; as happy as it made her she didn't know if she could face anyone knowing why she'd left.

"Please Hermione-think about it. It would be great. Besides... You can work anywhere and.... Please..." Harry begged. She couldn't bear it.

"Alright-Ok"

"Really? You mean it?"

She could see the relief sweep through him and seemed to realise for the first time what it meant for him to have a child. A family. NOT a family, Hermione she scolded herself, he just wants Jamie.

She wouldn't keep Jamie from him, that she'd decided when she told him. But now she realised it was up to her to make sure they had the best relationship possible – and that meant moving home-however painful that was sure to be.

"I need a bit of time – to pack, sort out some things, get Jamie ready you know..."

"How long do you think?" Harry asked, he hoped not too desperately.

"Maybe – a week? Get the house on the market and sort out schools and stuff – what do you think?"

"I can only say a few days before I have to be back in London-" He stopped in realisation- "...Maybe I could get a few more days....

"Look – why don't you stay for however long and then we'll follow on and see you there?"

The question stood before them both for a few minutes while Harry accepted the situation as inevitable; Kingsley just wouldn't let him have any more time off.

"Ok" Harry said, eventually. I'll find you both if you run away again.

"Right" Said Hermione. I don't need to run this time – don't worry.

A few moments passed before Harry said "Do you know a good hotel?"