Molly sighed, "After the war Arthur and I tried to make amends. We knew Percy would never come to us, so we went to him. Once we got there Percy refused to speak to his father. After a few choice words he kicked us out and banned us from his network."

Hermione's eyes grew wide, "If he hates the family so much then why did he marry me?" she questioned.

Molly gave her a sad smile, "You are the other daughter. Ron loves you. We all love you. Percy is trying to get back at us the only way he can. He took what was rightfully his younger brothers and is throwing it in his face."

"I don't understand," she snapped. "Why couldn't he just get the family banished or throw his father into Azkaban. Why involve me?"

Molly hugged the trembling girl, "Because you are the key to us. We have taken you in on countless occasions and Percy knows this. Deep down his heart is still there, but too much bitterness and time has enveloped it."

After some tea Hermione finally left to view the cottage she was to move into.

The cottage was small with 3 bedrooms and an expansive library. She sighed as she walked from room to room. She was supposed to build a life with this man. A man she knew nothing about. She walked out back and viewed the garden. The rambling lawns and arbors made her feel tranquil. It had potential. She could be happy in this place. The only problem was her husband. Could she ever learn to be happy with him?

Percy sifted through the mounds of paper work on his desk. He would have to be at the office for at least 2 more hours. He sent an owl to Hermione to let her know he was to be late and sent an order to his favorite fish and chips place to deliver. He knew she would be hungry and he HAD promised to pick something up. A knock on the door startled him from his thoughts.

"May I come in?" a voice asked.

Percy glared at the man in the doorway, "I thought I made it quite clear I was not speaking to you."

His father nodded, "I just wanted to give you and Hermione a wedding gift," he said as he handed his son a piece of parchment.

Percy looked startled, "How can you afford this?" he growled.

"Since you children were babies you mother and I have been saving for wedding gifts. We knew it could never be much, but we hope this will be alright," Arthur said.

Percy nodded, "Thank you. Now if you'll excuse me I have some work to do. Please giver my regard to your wife and the rest of the family."

Arthur smiled softly and left his son's office. He knew the trip would do his son and new bride some good. Deep down he knew he had been unfair to Percy. Percy was just trying to be independent. The years had taken a toll on the relationship. Not that there ever really was much of one. They both had made mistakes. Arthur was determined to make up for the wasted years. He would never admit this, but he felt Hermione and Percy were a bit better suited for each other than Hermione and Ron. Percy's maturity would inspire her and her youth would mellow Percy out. He smiled as he sat down and began to work on a report.

Percy watched his father walk out the door. No harsh words. Just a gift and nothing more. Percy sighed. At times like this he wished he really was married. Not a marriage for political purpose. He wished he had a wife he could go home to and discuss what he was feeling. A woman who would hold him as he cried and let him know that it would be alright. He sighed at the corniness of the whole idea. He decided to leave the office an hour early. Once he apperated home he walked in the flat and headed to the bathroom. He needed some cool water on his face a chance to be alone. What he found was quite an eyeful. Hermione was completely naked and climbing out of his bathtub!