A few months later

Stifling a yawn, Hermione cradles her hot chocolate in her hands, savouring the sweet scent. The cosy little café is easy to overlook, tucked away in a side street with a bland shopfront and unassuming name. If Fred didn't get lost in Muggle London once a few months ago, they would never have found the place. But inside lurks a treasure trove of delicious food, plush couches and interesting music that has made it one of their staples, and out the back is a sprawling playground that Teddy simply adores.

'You're right,' Harry says, taking his first bite of his bacon butty as he watches Teddy climb along the monkey bars. 'This tastes amazing.'

The third chair is noticeably empty. Ron's still in Argentina, thriving by all accounts. He's reported hearing rumblings that he may be in line for a promotion before long, and the name Violetakeeps showing up in his letters. While he has never outright stated it and dodges the question whenever it's asked, the way he writes about her implies more than just friendship. In his latest letter, he mentioned the idea of staying in Argentina for another year after his contract is up.

As happy as Hermione is for him, it feels odd. The more entrenched Ron becomes in his life there, the less likely he is to ever return to England. While she always knew the three of them wouldn't always be as close as they were in school, she never expected them to end up in different countries.

'How's your lycanthropy bill coming along?' Harry asks, and she blinks at him in surprise for a moment before remembering where they are.

'Exhausting,' she admits. After months spent tailoring it to be word-perfect, spurred on by the knowledge that the Wizengamot would jump on any minor excuse to vote against it, it was a relief when she submitted the final version. But now she's onto the less straightforward, infinitely more confusing process of drumming up support for it. Thankfully, Fred knows how to work a crowd and charm reluctant authority figures, so he's been helping her strategise. 'I don't think I've had a full night's sleep in weeks. I can't wait until next month when it's all over.'

He shoots her a teasing grin. 'It might help if you didn't have Fred over for dinner every second night.'

Hermione shakes her head with a huff, but she knows he's just poking fun. For the first time in her life, she's actually striking a good balance between work and life. She and Fred both work hard – him far more than she ever realised at school – but they don't let it consume them. After all, if she burns herself out, she won't be much use to anyone. 'You're one to talk. How's Luna going today?'

A hint of red darkens Harry's cheeks even as his grin softens into something sweeter and more real. Warmth rushes through her at the sight of him looking happier and more alive than he has in years. Although remodelling Grimmauld Place has had something to do with it, she knows the main reason is Luna. 'Alright, I won't tease you about your relationship if you don't tease me about mine.'

'That's probably safest,' she agrees, smiling down into her mug. 'So, how are Teddy's art lessons going?'

Can life get any better?