We pulled onto our lane, and finally backed into our driveway. The house looked identical to what it did before it was blown to smithereens.

"Holy, they did a good job." Robert said, eyes wide as he tugged out the car keys.

"They're wizards," I replied, eyebrow raised, and Robert looked away. I pushed open the door, swung my feet out, and dragged Mabel onto the pebbles.

"It is really our home?" Liam asked sceptically, clinging onto his toys and pillow.

"It's really our home," I smiled, "Just like it was before."

"I liked Al's house," Mabel said sadly, looking at our house in dismay, "More toys."

"You have millions of toys, Mabel," I said in exasperation, just as Harry's car pulled in behind us, and James hopped out.

"I'll help," he said eagerly, pulling Liam's pillow from his hand, and striding up to the door, where Robert was standing nervously with the key. Liam hurried after him, his feet dislodging the newly placed pebbles.

"Hold on," Harry said, his wand at his side, "Let me-"

He waved the wooden object, but nothing happened.

"I reckon they did a good job," Harry muttered, "Nothing's coming up as unusual. Should be just the same as how you left it."

But now, I was terrified again. I was like a wave. At one point I'm right up there with the thrill of returning to the place where my children grew up, and where the start of my new life began, but at other times, I only feel unease at living in the house where my whole family was almost murdered.

"You alright?" Harry asked, obviously noticing my dazed look, and pale face.

I swallowed, and nodded.

Robert looked from me to Harry, and narrowed his eyes.

"You sure, K?" he asked, and I nodded again, taking Mabel's free hand, and making my way to the front door.

Robert turned the key, and pushed it open..

I looked around.

"Some of your things they couldn't save," Harry said, "I made them write them down."

The house seemed eerily empty, and eerily clean. Not a speck of dust could be seen anywhere, and the curtains skimmed the edges of eachother against the soft breeze from the open window. Neither Liam nor Mabel moved further into the house. Both had wide eyes as they stared about, mouths slightly open.

"Welcome home." Robert said weakly, and I looked over at him, feeling my eyes glaze over. Harry had stayed outside with James, and so we were alone.

"I-" I started, but I launched myself into Robert's arms, burying my head in his shoulder, "I can't live here."

"Katie," Robert said, but he gave obvious indication that he understood, "It's our home. You love this house."

"I loved it," I whispered, "But I can't live in a place that holds history like this."

"We haven't anywhere else," Robert muttered, but I shook my head.

"Harry and Ginny can hold us until we find somewhere different," I pleaded, "This place could sell for a decent amount of money, now it's been done up, and we could move. We have to move."

"There's nowhere else to go!" Robert said gently, "I-"

"I need a fresh start," I told him, "Please, Robert."

Robert sighed, before pulling me closer.

"I was thinking the same thing."

We stayed in silence for what seemed much longer than it was, and finally pulled away when we heard our small children by our feet.

"Mummy, Daddy," Liam said, "Wass' happenin'?"

I glanced over at Robert, and then back at my son, bending down to his level.

"We're going back to James', Li," I told him gently, "We'll do one last bye bye to this house, yes?"

Liam nodded shakily, and took my hand. I led him up the polished stairs and into his bedroom. His toys were all laid neatly in a row on his shelf, and his desk lay dustless, shadows from the sun dancing on its surface.

Robert appeared behind us, holding a big blue IKEA bag.

"I've given Mabel one," he explained, putting it gently on Liam's bed, "And got her into pyjamas. Put in as much stuff as you can, Li, and we'll bring it to James'."

I nodded my appreciation, and helped my son fill the bag with his toys and clothes.

"Are we not livin' here anymore?" Liam asked me, his eyes wide.

"Not anymore," I confirmed, "But we'll find somewhere just as nice, I promise."

"Issit not safe?"

I sighed, and placed the last couple of books into Liam's bag.

"It doesn't feel safe," I told him, "It's not like how it was when we moved in."

Liam nodded solemnly, and I peered out the window, remembering that Harry and James had accompanied us to the house. I looked down to see Harry sitting in the driver's seat of his car, the door open, one leg swinging out. James was perched on his lap, looking up at his Dad adoringly. Harry was talking to him, and something he said must have made James smile, for a grin appeared on his perfect little features. He reached up and wrapped his arms around his Father, Harry pulling him in close, and kissing his head.

"Almost done?" I asked, turning back to my own child, who was trying to lift the extremely heavy bag.

"It's- too- heavy!" Liam heaved, his hand red from the force of his things.

"Wait for Dad," I advised, and Liam let out a loose breath.

"Okay," he replied, his eyes sweeping over his now empty room, "We're not comin' back, are we?"

My eyes shone again, remembering all the good times we had had in this house. Liam had met Mabel for the first time in the room next door; screw it – Mabel was conceived in the room next door; We had had such fun choosing the interior; all the Christmases we had. But as I had said, we needed a fresh start.

"No," I said finally, "Not coming back. Change into some Pj's now, so you don't have to change later, ok?"

Liam nodded, and I helped him into his favourite pyjamas; blue with little red monsters on them. He then scurried out, heading down the stairs, yawning hugely, although it was only 6:45.

I exited the room and into the master; Robert was sitting on the bed, flicking through a photo album that I knew had been stored in our cupboard.

"Distracted?" I said, and he looked up, nodding. I came up to him, and curled my legs under me, resting my head on his shoulder.

"I forgot about this," he said, turning his head slightly so his lips grazed the edge of my ear, "We should make more?"

"What, children? Or photo albums?"

He hummed, "Both?"

I laughed weakly.

"We're not having another child, Robert."

"I can't convince you?" he said, his fingers brushing over a picture of Mabel getting her first haircut.

"You want another one?" I asked, more than a little surprised. We had discussed this far too many times, and he had always agreed with me. 2 were enough.

He sighed, closing the front of the book, "Three can't be too hard?"

"I-" I said, too startled, "What?"

"I know," he said hastily, "Forget I said anything."

"What triggered the need for more?" I murmured, grabbing his hand, "If I had known…"

"It's a new thought," he admitted, maintaining eye contact, "Seeing-"

"Lily." I finished for him, "But you've heard Ginny – Lily's a demon."

"They can handle three, so why can't we?"

"We're ten years older than them, Robert," I replied, "I'll be forty soon, and I don't know how my body will cope with another one when I had it imbedded in my mind that I had finished."

"I just don't want us to look back in another 10 years and wished we had," he muttered, "I see Mabel as an older sister, I really do, and I don't want to regret not having a third."

"You can't regret what you haven't got," I told him gently.

"But I do," he said earnestly, "I'm just thinking of another child running over the place. We're moving, aren't we? We could look for a house big enough for 3 kids, with a big garden and big rooms!"

I looked at him sadly.

"I'm sorry, Rob," I whispered, "I can't."

He averted his eyes, and put the photo album away.

It took us another 15 minutes to pack up the rest of the upstairs, and when it was time to bring the 5 big bags down, it seemed like no one was strong enough.

"Harry?" I suggested, but Robert glared at me.

"He may be taller than me, but I assure you I'm built more like a body-"

"With magic, you idiot," I said, rolling my eyes.

Robert let out a rather impish 'oh' at that, and trundled down the stairs after me. Liam and Mabel were sat cosied up in front of the TV – they had both got bored of packing, and so Liam had switched on the tele for them.

I pushed open the front door, and was surprised to see that is was very nearly night time. Harry was still sat in his car, but both him and James had their eyes closed. I could hear a distant hum, and noted that Harry must not be asleep. James, however, had his face pressed up against his Dad's chest, one hand held limply under his chin.

Harry must have heard us approaching, his trained ears picking up the sound of stones under foot, and his eyes shot open. He smiled softly, running a hand over James' hair.

"Thank you," I said, "For staying. You didn't have to."

"I just wanted to check everything was alright," Harry said gently, sliding out the car. He placed James in the front seat, brushing a hand over the boy's locks, before silently closing the door. He pulled out his wand, and waved it a couple of times. Blue and white vapour seemed to fly out the end, dusting the car, before disappearing.

"He's had a busy week," Harry said, stretching. I didn't miss the muscles in his stomach and arms tense magnificently.

"We're not staying," I blurted out, and Harry stilled. He glanced over at Robert, who looked down.

"Is everything alright?" he asked, genuine concern etched on his handsome face, "I checked everything-"

"The house is fine," Robert muttered, "But the history of it was enough to make Katie and I feel uncomfortable living in it."

Harry switched his gaze to Robert, and contemplated him for a second.

"You're always welcome at ours," he said finally, and Robert's whole composure loosened.

"Thank you," he said, "We're going house hunting as soon as possible."

Harry nodded, averting his eyes to the house.

"We just want a fresh start," I explained, and Harry looked over at me, his green eyes swelling with understanding, "We'll look for somewhere with more space, inside and out."

Harry smiled a little, tucking his wand back into his waistband.

"You've packed, I take it?"

Both Robert and I nodded, and led him over to the house. The sound of the TV was still blaring quietly through the house, but when I poked my head into the living room, I saw both my children fast asleep, Mabel's head placed soundly on Liam's lap.

"Rob," I whispered, tugging my husband over to the doorway. Harry smiled softly at the sight of them, but quickly went to get the bags from the top of the stairs. Robert put a hand around my waist, and leant down to my ear.

"How'd we make such perfect children, hey?"

I smiled, resting my head on his shoulder.

I looked up when I heard a noise behind us, and Robert made a strangled sound of disbelief.

"Those are too heavy to lift," Robert said sceptically, eying Harry up and down, "There's no way you can carry one, let alone two."

"Here," Harry grinned, holding out a bag for Robert. He took it, bracing himself for the sharp pull down to earth, but instead he held the bag as if it were empty, and plastic.

"That's trippy," he said, lifting it up and down, "Weighs nothing."

"Magic helps, of course," Harry said, lifting his wand again, and waving it in the general direction of the car. The last 3 bags flew out into the open air, and landed neatly by the boot, looking almost eager to get inside.

Robert blinked, before following Harry out, and helping him load the car. That left me with the children.

I walked into the living room, and switched off the TV. Mabel was lying on top, so I gathered her into my arms first. She didn't even stir as I secured her in the back seat, pushing her head back against the head rest. Robert appeared with Liam, who moved slightly as he was placed in his own seat.

I took Robert's hand, and for the last time, I walked into the house. We had cleared out the whole house – minus the furniture – and it didn't feel right.

"Let's go." Robert said, slowly backing out the empty house, and locking the front door once and for all. Harry was transferring James into the back of the car, and then looked back over his shoulder. I caught his eye, and gave him a weak thumbs up.

I'll see you at the house, yes? He mouthed, and I nodded, watching as he ducked into the car, and reversed out onto the quiet road.

"C'mon," Robert muttered, glancing at the house, "There's no point in hanging around."

I nodded my agreement, and slid into the car, shutting the door, and closing out the sounds of outside.

The car made an unholy amount of noise along the country lanes, and throughout the whole journey, Robert kept a firm hand on my leg.

I cleared my throat.

"I think we need have some alone time soon, Rob." I said abruptly.

The corners of Robert's mouth twitched, and he pressed down harder on my thigh.

"Tonight." He said simply, and I frowned.

"You may have forgotten, Robert, but your two children also share that room, one of which is an incredibly light sleeper." I told him, and he clicked his tongue.

"Harry has enough rooms that Mabel and Liam can have two each. They can share a double." He said matter of factly.

I hummed my approval, and watched as we pulled into The Hollies, once again. Harry must have already entered the house, for there was no movement in the driveway. However, as I turned my head to look in the living room window, the silhouettes of two people shone brightly against the curtains, the yellow glow of a lamp illuminating their entwined bodies. I saw the smaller person's hand move up the taller's chest, before resting along his jawline. The other lay embedded in his hair, the lamp lighting up each individual movement.

"Maybe we won't the only ones doing the deed tonight," Robert snickered, stopping the car, and turning to look at me, "Harry must have only just got in a few minutes ago."

"Probably part of a normal night routine," I replied, "Or morning, based on what I heard."

"Ouch," Robert said, grimacing, "When?"

"This morning, actually," I said, turning away, "Active, aren't they?"

Robert groaned.

"We don't have nearly enough adult time, K," he said sadly, "I'm sorry."

I waved my hand dismissively, and grabbed his face, pulling him forwards. His lips met mine, and before I knew, we had got into a familiar rhythm. He attempted to drag me onto his lap, but I pulled away, pointing to the two sleeping children in the back.

"Hold the thought, Robert." I said, opening the car door. Harry and Ginny were still joined together, and it getting harder to tell which body part belonged to who. I hauled Mabel into my arms, and made my way to the front door. Robert was right behind me, shhing a disturbed Liam, and so I took courtesy of knocking on the door. I watched as the figures in the window broke apart, lingering longer than was necessary, but eventually, Harry left the room, appearing a moment later in front of me.

"Hey," he said quietly, grinning at the pair of us. His hair looked even messier than usual, and his shirt was a little rumpled by the collar, "Got two more sleepers, huh?"

Robert and I nodded, stepping into the house.

"I'll go get your stuff," Harry murmured, slipping past me, "It'll be up in your room."

"Wait," I said, fighting back the urge to grab his arm, "Is it alright if we camp somewhere else?"

Harry looked a little confused.

"Yes, of course, but that's the biggest spare room we have."

"No," I replied, "For the kids. We all need a bit of space, I think, as much as I love them."

Harry grinned, nodding, "To be honest, I'm astounded you didn't ask sooner. Sharing a room with kids is all fun and games until a point, if you get what I mean."

I hot flush worked its way up my neck, settling just under my ears.

Robert nodded appreciatively, kicking off his shoes. I tucked Mabel's head under my chin as I took my own off, and then prised hers off too. I made my way upstairs straight away, and turned into the room, placing Mabel gently onto the bed. She didn't move a muscle, and I decided that she could get off brushing her teeth just for tonight.

"Double in the morning," I whispered, kissing her on the temple, and pulling the duvet over her, "I love you, Mabel."

Robert entered soon after, holding Liam. Our son was awake, but his body was heavy with sleep.

"Night night, Mummy," he said quietly, reaching over to me, "See you in the mornin'. I love you."

"I love you more, Li," I replied, taking him from Robert, and tucking him in next to his sister, "Don't wake Mabel up in the morning, okay?"

"Mmhm," Liam said, letting Robert kiss him, "I love you, Daddy."

"I love you too," Robert smiled, "Try to sleep, alright?"

Liam nodded, pulling the duvet up to his chin, and closing his eyes.

Robert and I backed out the room, revelling in the fact that both our children had gone down without a hint of struggle. I smiled up at Robert, and wrapped my arms around his waist.

"That was easy," he grinned, "Mabel didn't even flinch."

I pulled away, and walked back down the stairs. The front door was still open, so I guessed that Harry was still bringing things in. I felt a stab of guilt that neither of us had even offered to help.

"Harry?" I said, hand on the door frame as I peered out. I didn't, however, see him. Anywhere. To my surprise, the front gates were open, and I glanced back at Robert.

Our things weren't anywhere to be seen, so they were either still in the car, or inside the house. I presumed the latter after I had peered into the car.

Robert guided me back into the house, and I looked at him in confusion.

"Where did he go?" I muttered, sidling past him, into the living room. Ginny was present, and she looked extremely comfortable, laying on her back on the sofa, her knees propped up; Lily staring wide eyed from her lap.

"Hi," she said, twisting her head around to smile at us, "Harry told me what happened."

"Speaking of Harry, where the hell is he?" I asked her, and she frowned.

"He answered the door for you, did he not?" she asked, and I nodded.

"He went to grab our stuff whilst we put the kids to sleep, but when we came back, he wasn't there. I thought maybe he was with you."

Ginny looked blankly back, before she gathered Lily into her arms and walked into the hallway. She stopped for a moment, before stepping outside.

"Harry? You out here?"

There was no reply.

"Harry-"

There was a sudden loud pop and we all jumped, Ginny's eyes widening.

"The fucking idiot went out," Ginny said through gritted teeth, "He heard something, felt something probably, and went fucking after it."

"What?" Robert asked, as blankly as I felt.

"Oh he'll be back," Ginny growled, "But-"

Harry appeared a moment later, in a swirl of dark clothes, looking pleased with himself. He stopped short when he saw Ginny standing in the doorway, looking desperate.

I always thought Harry had the authority in the relationship, but now, looking at her fiery expression, it was obvious that Ginny Potter was in charge.

"Ginny, I-" he said weakly, walking up to her, but she put her hand up, and he stilled.

"Not now," she hissed, grabbing the front of his cloak, and pressing a firm kiss to his lips. Robert coughed pointedly behind me, and they broke apart, Harry looking frazzled.

Once we were back in the house, Ginny rounded on her husband.

"I'd yell at you if I weren't afraid of awakening your sons," she said lowly, "What the hell were you thinking?! You can't just walk out the house, Harry! Or if you do, at least tell someone that you're gone!"

"I know," Harry said, rubbing the back of his head, "Auror instincts, you know?"

"I don't care," she growled, "Sod your Auror instincts, Potter, and stay with your loving wife and children."

Harry grinned, and leant down to her ear, whispering something inaudible in her ear. She scoffed, and poked him in the chest.

"In your dreams," she said, making Harry's grin fade considerably. Lily finally made a move, and she gurgled up at her parents, blowing a bubble through her pink lips.

"Cute, aren't you, Lily," Robert smiled, and Harry's grin returned. He took Lily from Ginny's arms, and propped her up against his chest, his hand cupping her cheek as her bottom sat comfortably in his elbow, "No denying you two make front cover of 'Vogue' kids."

"Not as well behaved as your two, though, are they?" Ginny grimaced, "Lily'll keep me up all night and not give two shits about it."

As if in reply, Lily smiled, her hand grabbing Harry's thumb.

"She knows it too," Ginny grinned, "Just look at her."

"I'm looking, and she's probably the cutest baby I've seen, apart from Liam and Mabel of course," Robert stated, and Harry laughed.

Tension gone, we all migrated into the living room, Ginny offering us drinks, in which it would have been hard to say no.

We chatted and laughed like adults until 10, and Lily woke up from her short sleep.

"That's my cue," Ginny sighed, reaching over to pull Lily from her cradle, "I'll see you tomorrow, Katie, Robert."

"Maybe we should head up too," Robert suggested, and I nodded absently.

"You can stay if you want," Ginny said, "Don't let Lily throw you off. I'd stay if I didn't want my baby to starve."

"No, it's ok," Robert smiled, "I don't want to over drink, or I'll be unbearable tomorrow."

Ginny coughed a word which sounded suspiciously like lightweight.

"I'm not a lightweight, thank you very much," Robert scowled, but Ginny tittered as she walked out the room, bouncing a mewling Lily.

"Just ignore her," grinned Harry, "Those Weasley's could go for days."

"I don't know how you handle her mate," Robert said, shaking his head, "It's been three days and my patience is wearing thin."

"I don't know either," Harry said, dragging an absent finger down his jaw, looking into his lap, "It's never been hard for me. She's always been able to understand me like no one else. Same goes for me, apparently."

"Sounds a bit cliché," Robert said dryly, and Harry lifted his eyes.

"As cliché as it can get." He confirmed, his face straight.

"Right," Robert said awkwardly, "Thank you, again, Harry. You've both been amazing."

"It's no problem," Harry smiled, standing up, "I never told James to be quiet in the morning, so if he wakes you, that's on me, sorry."

"He'll be after Liam," I grinned, "I just hope Li doesn't wake James up."

"James wouldn't mind," Harry laughed, "And it's Saturday, anyway, so no hard feelings if he does."

We left the living room, Harry using his wand to turn the lights off, and hauled ourselves up the stairs.

"I've put you opposite Liam and Mabel," Harry murmured, "All your stuffs in there already."

"Thank you," I whispered, and he nodded, "Sleep well."

"You too," Harry said, before adding, "Don't let the bed bugs bite, eh?"

Robert snickered, and I grinned.

"See you," Harry smiled, and walked down the corridor, quietly slipping into the master bedroom.

I pushed open the door to our new room. It was certainly smaller, but it seemed more spacious without the two blow ups on the floor. There were many bags piled on top of one another in the far-left corner, but before I could make a move towards them, Robert pulled me against him.

I was startled for a second, before I kissed back. Deeply.

It only got more and more intense, and by 11, we were both hot, and sweaty, and naked, held flush against the sheets.

"It's been way too long," Robert said, groping for my hand, "And that's on me."

"No it's not," I told him, shaking my head, "We're built for more than sex, you know."

Robert nodded, before grinning. However, it faltered.

"You won't regret it, will-"

"I won't, Robert," I tell him firmly, rolling onto my back, "I mean it when I say I'm done."

"I just feel like Liam's missing out on a little brother."

"And you don't want a sister for Mabel?" I countered, and he stopped.

"Of course I want Mabel to have a little sister," he grinned, "I just wouldn't want to have two nightmarish girls on our hands. Especially not when they're teenagers."

"Well I think Liam would love a little sister too," I said, "He loves Lily as much as Mabel does."

"Yes, but we both know that Lily could be a child model."

"You can't say that about our children, Robert."

"I never did," Robert said hastily, "Our children are undoubtedly the cutest, but all I'll say is, I think Harry's going to have a great time when Lily's a teenager. She'll be having boys over every other day."

"She's not even 2 months old!" I told him, and he shrugged, "And you think Harry will let boys over?! He's protective of her already. Imagine him then."

"I don't want Mabel to grow up," Robert deadpanned, "I say these things about Lily like they won't happen to Mabel."

"She's three," I reminded him, "At least another 10 years, darling."

"Hopefully 20," Robert said, and I grinned.

"I'm dead thirsty," I said finally, rolling out of bed, and throwing on a night dress and dressing gown, "Wanna come?"

Robert nodded, and slid his own dressing gown on. I gently pushed the door open, and slithered out, trying not to make any noise. Robert came out soon behind, and he grabbed my hand.

The house was pitch black, and the only light was that of the moon shining through the window at the top of the staircase. The soft carpet enabled us to walk along the corridor silently, very aware of the 4 – possibly 5 – sleeping children in very close proximity, and we made it the stairs, looking back just to be sure we didn't have a small shadow creeping after us.

I could see soft blue light creeping through the slight gap underneath the master bedroom, but I could also hear. Harry and Ginny were talking softly, too quiet for me to hear anything, but loud enough that I could fathom out which voice was which. A gentle laugh from Ginny floated under the door, and I looked down the stairs.

The moon lit enough of the steps that I wouldn't fall, but I held onto Robert's hand like a lifeline as we tiptoed down.

The carpet switched to tiles as we padded into the kitchen, still being incredibly quiet.

"D'you know where the glasses are kept?" I whispered, but Robert shrugged, opening a few cupboards.

We eventually found a cupboard containing glasses and plastic cups, and I filled one up with ice cold water. I gulped it down, and refilled it, making the most of the wonderful feeling of water at night, before I filled it up for the last time, intending to take it up with me.

"Let's go," I murmured, and Robert nodded glancing around. We were probably in one of the safest houses in the country, but it didn't stop me from jumping at every shadow, or flinching at every noise.

When we had made it to the top of stairs, I listened out for Harry and Ginny again, checking to see if we had disturbed them. Apparently, we hadn't, for the blue light under the door had been switched off, and the only sounds from within the room was the soft rustle of blankets as they slid over eachother.

Robert and I walked back into our own room, and collapsed onto the bed, in need of a good night sleep.

I only woke up to go to the toilet, and that was due to the excessive amounts of water I had drunk hours before.