Disclaimers: See chapter 1.
~x~
When they finally left the courtroom, Harry stopped and turned to glance at his wife with a frown. "Gin, I want a divorce too." He started to walk away, heading up the stairs towards the elevators that would take him to the Atrium where he'd be able to use the Floo Network or disapparate.
"But-but, you can't!" Ginny wailed at his back.
Minerva glanced at Harry and saw him falter. He angled his head to gaze at Ginny and she could sense he was unsure of what to say. "Oh, but I can." He stated, walking away and disappearing up the staircase quickly.
"You see, you're dealing with two of the brightest witches of their respective ages. So when we noticed some things about Harry that didn't quite add up, we brought it to his attention." Hermione offered with a slight shrug.
"Insufferable know-it-all." Ginny scowled and pushed past them, chasing after Harry. "Harry, please—" Her plea was cut off as she slipped into the stairwell after the wizard.
Minerva took Hermione's hand and led her down the corridor, ignoring Molly as they passed her and they walked up the stairs together and into the waiting elevator.
Stepping from the metal box seconds later, she heard Harry before she caught sight of him amid the people hurrying through the Atrium. "I know I've been under an Entrancing Enchantment for years and now it's been lifted, I can say, with clarity, I don't like you." He announced loudly, not caring about anyone overhearing.
"But you remember." Ginny looked bemused by that. "You're not supposed to be able to remember what happened."
"Oh, I remember alright. My memories may be somewhat hazy, but they're there, thanks to Hermione and Minerva." He glanced at them over her shoulder, before flicking his thumb towards them. "As Hermione said, they're the two brightest witches of their ages." Harry frowned. "After doing some reading, I'm surprised I was able to function normally."
"But I love you, Harry." Ginny sobbed, clutching at his arm desperately.
"No! If you loved me, you wouldn't have done that to me," Harry stated sadly tearing his arm away from her grip.
"The stupid cow doesn't even understand what she did is wrong." Hermione hissed into Minerva's ear.
"Maybe the idea of being the famous Harry Potter's girlfriend, followed by becoming his wife was too good an opportunity to miss. Then there was the added fame, and the vault full of gold, which would have been beneficial." Minerva pursed her lips. "It's a shame she had to resort to an illegal charm to get her hands on her prize."
"Now, where are the kids, Gin?" Harry asked gently.
"You'll never see them again." Molly threatened, having followed slowly and pulled Ginny into her arms to try and soothe her.
"That's where you are wrong." A familiar softly accented voice filled their ears and turning, they saw Bill standing holding the small hands of Harry's two sons, while Fleur cradled his daughter in her arms. Isobel stood slightly behind them, beside Victoire and Dominique, while Louis was in Arthur's arms. George and Angelina had hold of their children Fred and Roxanne.
"Dad!" James pulled away from Bill and charged forward, colliding with Harry and wrapping his arms around his waist.
"Daddy!" Albus followed his older brother's example and with Bill releasing his hand, he rushed forward too.
Harry fell to his knees to pull the boys into his arms, lifting them both easily and pressing kisses to their cheeks. Within three steps he was in front of his youngest, Lily, and gazing down at her. "Hello, my precious one." He shifted James until he was on his back and Fleur passed him the little girl so he was cradling her in one arm, his happiness at holding all three of his children clear to all. He pressed a light kiss to Lily's forehead while James and Albus smiled at him. It was also unmistakable that they were happy to see him.
"Daddy!" Lily clapped her hands together happily and beamed up at him.
"Harry James Potter, let go of those children, right now." Molly screeched. Harry turned towards her as if to argue but Bill and George stepped in front of him protectively.
"Mum, you need to take Ginny and leave," Bill warned, in a low growl.
"How dare you!" Molly was furious.
"We dare because we know there's only one person that could have shown Ginny how to cast an Entrancing Enchantment," George stated.
"Go home, mum." An unexpected voice rose from the ranks and Percy strode forward, the dark robes worn over a smart suit and tie, billowing behind him. "You're just going to make things worse by carrying on like this." He stated sadly. "If this gets out, Ginny could lose the kids, or even end up in Azkaban, like Ron." He shook his head.
"Hasn't Harry been through enough dung to last a lifetime, mum?" George asked disbelievingly.
"Hasn't he lost enough already?" Bill added. "Why would you even consider taking his kids?"
In the face of her children's disappointment and disgust, Molly couldn't respond, so pulling Ginny after her, she pushed her way between the people flowing in and out of the Atrium and used the nearest Floo to disappear.
Minerva looked around and realised their friends were dressed up in their best dress robes or fancy Muggle clothing. Harry's sons were wearing black jeans and white dress shirts with emerald green bow-ties while Lily wore a frilly white and gold dress with red ballet pumps. "What's going on?" She mused.
"I'd like to know that too." Hermione gazed at everyone in surprise but her eyes narrowed when she realised that Isobel was sporting her new green dress robes and had her auburn hair tamed into loose curls. "It's not that it isn't wonderful to see everyone here, but why are you all dressed up?" She asked, noticing there was a mix of red, gold, white, green and black in each person's outfit.
Isobel stepped forward and grinned up at her parents cheekily. "To celebrate your betrothal, mam." She took Hermione and Minerva's hands and tugged them. "Come on, you've waited 12 years to be together, and now this is over, I reckon it's about time you just got on with it and lived happily ever after."
"We'll just—" Harry faltered, gesturing towards the Floo.
"Yeah, come on." George urged, gazing at the three of them. "We'll have a drink at the Three Broomsticks."
Closing her eyes, Minerva sighed in frustration. "Mo nighean, not only are we not adequately attired for such a thing, but your mum and I haven't even talked about this."
"Trust me, màthair, You will be suitably dressed." Isobel let go of their hands, and walking backwards, grinned up at them. "And mam's wearing your seanmhair's ring, so I know she's agreed to be yours."
"Your pronunciation is improving, mo nighean." Minerva shook her head in wonder.
"Mamó has been trying to teach me an' she told me what mam's ring meant before we left for Shell Cottage this mornin'," Isobel stated. Glancing at Hermione, she noticed her deep frown and began to look discouraged. "I planned it all and thought you'd be happy." She whispered.
Shaking herself, Hermione stepped close and pulled Isobel into her arms, holding her tightly against her chest. "You've surprised me, that's all. This is all so unexpected, little love." She said, burying her face in the girl's hair. "Thank you." A soft kiss was placed on the crown of Isobel's head before she lifted her face and bit her lip as she gazed at her thoughtfully. "How about it, love? Do you want to celebrate?"
Minerva rolled her eyes and her lips twitched as she fought a smile. "Aye, why not? It's not like I had anything else planned for the afternoon."
Letting out a loud whoop, Isobel grabbed their hands again and tugged them towards the Floo. "Come on, you're gonna love what we've done."
~x~
Minerva was surprised when Isobel told her they needed to go to Hogwarts but decided that whatever happened, she'd simply go along with it without questioning it too much.
Flooing into her office, she cast a quick Scourgify over herself and glanced around, quickly noticing that Dumbledore's portrait was empty. With a smirk and a quick flick of her wand, she reversed the spell she'd cast to flip Snape's portrait.
"Thank you, Minerva." Snape sniffed, looking relieved. "I take it he's still watching the coming at goings at the Ministry?"
"After a fashion. As a favour to me, Kingsley moved his other portrait out of the Atrium and into the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office." Her lips twitched. "He'll be back, once he gets bored."
"I don't know, Minerva. He's aware you can hold a grudge better than most." Snape drawled as Isobel tumbled out of the fireplace. "What he did to Potter was a disgrace."
Hermione quickly followed Isobel and glanced around, giving some of the portraits a small smile and a nod in greeting before casting a cleaning charm over herself and Isobel.
"To what do we owe the pleasure of your presence today, Headmistress?" Phineas Nigellus Black asked snidely.
"I haven't the foggiest." She admitted. "But it seems my daughter has organised a celebration of sorts for our betrothal." Minerva placed her hand on her daughter's shoulder and couldn't stop her small smile when the portraits offered up their loud congratulations, calling out above one another in their hope to be heard.
"Mam, you'll need to go up to Gryffindor Tower to get ready," Isobel explained lightly. "Màthair, you can get ready in your bedroom."
"I wondered why the elf was sneaking around up here." Dilys Derwent muttered.
Minerva grinned, knowing if her house-elf had helped her child then the afternoon was something she approved of. Bending, she placed a light kiss on Isobel's head and inhaled, taking in the scent of ginger and apple on her beautiful daughter. "Thank you, mo nighean." Turning to her mate, her smile widened. "I'll see you soon, mo chridhe."
Hermione looked a little perturbed by the way the day was developing but headed out without a word.
Minerva glanced at Isobel and saw her biting her lip. "What is it?" She queried.
"Can you send Harry a message an' tell him it's happenin'?" Isobel asked nervously.
"Aye, alright." Her wand slipped into her hand and closing her eyes, she focussed on her happiest memory, the moment she'd seen when she'd heard their daughter's heartbeat for the first time. Opening her eyes, a silver streak shot from her wand and shifted into the shape of a sleek cat with familiar markings around its eyes and she watched it run ahead before it receded from view.
"What was that?" Isobel queried breathlessly.
"That was my Patronus," Minerva told her. "It's a positive force, or for want of a better description, a magical guardian, that can carry messages for you."
"Whoa! I can't believe your magical guardian is a tabby cat like your Animagus. That's like saying only you can protect yourself." Isobel commented. "I wonder what mine will be. Will you teach me how to cast one?"
"When you're older, mo nighean." Minerva chuckled. "And once we've trained you up a bit." She winked at her daughter. "Now, do you have anything further to do while we get ready?"
"Yep. Loads." Isobel grinned up at her and launched herself into her arms. She pressed her face against her stomach. "I'm glad you found us, màthair." Pulling away, she gazed up at her. "I love you."
Overcome with happiness, Minerva spoke from the heart despite the fact they weren't truly alone. "I love you too, mo nighean."
~x~
Attired in black silk dress robes, with a sash made from the ancient hunting green tartan of the Ross clan, Minerva stepped from her office and made her way to the entrance hall where Isobel waited, almost hopping in excitement. "Come on, màthair. Mam's already waiting for us."
"Calm yourself, child." Minerva chided gently, taking her hand and letting her lead her out of the large oak doors. They made their way down the path towards the black lake and Minerva was surprised to see a circle of chairs filled with her closest friends and colleagues. The family she'd chosen, all smiling and laughing together. She watched as Hagrid was elbowed by George and he stood to move his chair aside and allow them into the circle where Hermione stood in a smaller circle of wildflowers.
Her jaw dropped at the sight of the brunette, her hair arranged in loose waves, held back from her face with a garland of juniper. Her robes were white but shimmered in the sunlight and she had a sash made from the ancient red tartan of her family cinched around her waist. Minerva couldn't tear her eyes off the witch. "You look beautiful, lass." She whispered hoarsely.
"So do you, love," Hermione responded with a wide smile.
To her surprise, Luna Lovegood stepped forward in yellow robes, three coils of material in her hands, all made from Ross tartan. They included the ancient red and hunting green she and Hermione sported, but even rarer still, a coil of the wedding tartan, that not many knew existed. She easily recognised the varying patterns in red green and blue and finally understood how they were going to celebrate their betrothal, with the old Celtic custom of handfasting.
Looking back at Isobel, who was now sitting curled up beside Harry, one hand playing with Lily's little hands while the other held the small portrait of her mother's that usually sat in her chambers, she counted her blessings at having such a beautiful and thoughtful child. After the events at the Ministry that morning, this would be the perfect end to their day.
"Shall we begin?" Luna asked, her voice light and airy. The circle of people grew silent and she started to speak. "Today we embark on an ancient ritual where these two wonderful witches declare a binding union to each other for exactly one year and one day." She explained. "Once that time has passed, they can decide to recognise this moment as their wedding ceremony or, however unlikely, seek to separate." She smiled serenely. "By linking hands to form an infinite circle, and securing their hands together, they will symbolise the binding together of their two lives into one." She explained. "This ritual is a beautiful and magical rite of passage, and a worthy celebration of Minerva and Hermione's betrothal."
They stood face-to-face, still smiling softly at each other. "Minerva, please take Hermione's right hand in your left." Luna requested dreamily. They clasped each other's hands, although Minerva adjusted her grip so she could feel Hermione's pulse against her fingertips.
"It is time to make your promises to one another," Luna explained. "Minerva, will you be Hermione's faithful partner and love her without reservation?"
"I will." Minerva closed her eyes and squeezed the hands in hers.
And Hermione, will you be Minerva's faithful partner and love her without reservation?" Luna asked.
"I will," Hermione stated.
With a dreamy smile, Luna draped the ancient red cord of tartan over their hands so it flowed on either side of them. "Hermione, will you stand with Minerva in your times of joy and sorrow and always be open and honest with her?"
"I will." Hermione agreed.
And Minerva, will you stand together with Hermione in your times of joy and sorrow and always be open and honest with her?" Luna gazed at her, waiting for her reply.
"I will," Minerva announced.
She draped the second ancient green cord over their hands. "Will you be each other's constant friends and one true love?" Luna asked, but without waiting for a response, she continued. "Will you stand by one another in sickness and in health, in plenty and in want? Will you share the burdens of each so that your spirits may grow in this union? And will you dream together to create new realities and hopes for the future?"
Eyes blazing open, Minerva searched the light brown eyes and saw the deep resolution and happiness held within them. "We will." They announced together.
Luna draped the final cord, the wedding tartan, over their joined hands. "Ladies, the hands you're holding belong to your soulmate, they're strong and full of hope as you promise to love one another today and each of your tomorrows. These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as you build your future together. They will passionately love and cherish you, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. They are the hand that will wipe the tears from your eyes. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your child, knowing just how precious she is. They will help you to hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. They will always reach for yours, giving you the same unspoken tenderness." She looked beyond them. "Isobel, would you please come forward to complete the tying of hands?"
Isobel stood and placed the photo on the seat of her chair before stepping forward and taking Luna's place as she stepped back. She took the cords closest to her, holding them securely. "In the joining of hands and once this knot is tied, your lives will be bound." She stated softly. "Woven into these cords, infused into their very fibres, are all the hopes of your friends and family, and yourselves, for your life together." She grabbed the cords furthest away and brought them up before crossing them over each other and then underneath. She then lifted it and tucked it into the top of the cord, before letting the end drape back over the other side of them. The knot sat against the top of their hands. "With the fastening of this knot, I tie all the desires, dreams, love, and happiness wished here in this place, to your lives."
Luna stepped forward again. "As your hands are bound together, your lives are also bound to one another. Your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust. Hold tight to one another through good and bad times and watch as your strength grows." Luna advised. "May these cords draw your hands together in love, never to be used in anger. May the promises you have made to one another never grow bitter on your tongues. May this knot remain tied for as long as love shall last." She declared.
"Forever then," Hermione stated, grabbing one end of the cords.
"Aye, lass. Forever." Minerva replied, clutching at the other end of the cords.
They slipped free of the coils and pulled the ends, forming a tight infinity knot into the tartan before leaning towards each other and sharing a gentle kiss.
"The binding is complete," Isobel yelled happily at which point all those present stood, raised their wands in the air, pointing them at the sky in honour of the witches.
~x~
Tables quickly appeared, laden with plates of food and drinks and chairs were moved so people could sit comfortably and enjoy the festivities.
Minerva turned to those present, holding her mate's hand in hers, and offered up a wide smile. The first to approach was Isobel, who hugged them both tightly and took the tartan knot from their joined hands before rushing off to help Effie and make sure everyone had a drink of choice.
The next person to come forward was Luna, who pressed her hand into Minerva's free one, offering up her congratulations before turning to Hermione and smiling at her as she grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her tightly into a hug. "Merlin. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I received Fleur's owl this morning. I rushed right over and was amazed to hear the plans." She pulled back. "Your little girl's just lovely, Hermione."
"I think so." Hermione agreed with a chuckle.
"I've missed you," Luna admitted. "You'll all have to come for dinner before I head off to Bolivia next month. I've heard reports of Acalica there." Her eyes grew wide with excitement. "Can you imagine? If the Acalica truly exist, they could stop so many natural disasters with their ability to control the weather."
Minerva glanced at the petite blonde and only just stopped herself from telling that the tales of weather fairies were simply a myth. "I hope you have a successful trip." She stated instead. "Excuse me." She gave Hermione's hand a light squeeze before reluctantly letting it go. Stalking forward, she was greeted by Rolanda Hooch.
"Min, you sly old thing!" Rolanda yelled. "Look at you, managing to sink your claws into that gorgeous creature."
Taking a firm hold of Rolanda's bicep, Minerva pulled her away from the guests and frowned down upon the grey, spiky-haired witch. "You know it's more than that, Roly. She's my mate."
Rolanda bowed her head in acknowledgement. "I know." Her lips twitched up in the hint of a smile. "I recognised the little one immediately, she looks like your mum and has one or two of your mannerisms too. She slouches, just like you did before you joined the Ministry and shoved that stick up your tush."
"Roly—" Minerva sighed in exasperation.
"What?" Rolanda asked. "Are you honestly telling me you didn't change after leaving school? That you didn't become stern and serious?" She held her hand up to stop Minerva from interrupting. "I understand, after Dougal you settled and then you also lost those closest to you, but I was still here and I missed my friend, the one who could've given those damn Weasley twins a run for their money and whose smile lit up a room." Her head tilted to the side, yellow eyes peering at her. "Like it has today." She pulled Minerva in for a hug. "Be happy, old friend."
"I shall," Minerva whispered. "Thank you." Pulling away, she let her gaze roam and noticed her diminutive Deputy Head gesturing her over. "I must greet the others." She waved her hand in their direction.
Music started to blast out of a large jukebox that had been summoned from somewhere.
"Oh, wonderful! While you do that, I'm going to ask your other half for a dance or two." Rolanda replied, laughing when Minerva glared at her with pursed lips. "Come on, Minnie, loosen up a little. Your witch hasn't taken her eyes off you since you walked away." She continued to laugh heartily. "She looks as if I've just taken her favourite toy away." She wiggled her eyebrows comically. "I'm just waiting for her to stamp her foot and throw a fit."
Minerva couldn't help but chuckle at the image her old friend had produced from her words, and glancing over her shoulder, she winked at the brunette, watching her shoulders relax slightly.
Effie popped up beside her, a glass of pale liquid in hand. "Mistress, I've got you a drink."
Minerva took the glass and raised it to her lips, taking a sip of the finest Elf-made wine she'd ever tasted. "Thank you, Effie, this is wonderful."
"I'm glad you like it. 'Twas made 'specially for such an occasion." Effie told her happily, her ears flapping. "The elves are happy for you and the young Mistress." She disapparated, only to pop up beside Hermione with another glass.
Minerva watched as Hermione knelt beside the small house-elf and spoke gently to her before wrapping her up in a hug and placing a small kiss on her cheek. If it was possible, she could easily claim that she had fallen even deeper in love with the witch at that moment. Shaking her head, she turned back to her old friend. "I'll speak to you again later, Roly." Sipping her drink as she walked, she greeted Poppy, Filius and Pomona merrily and thanked them for coming at such short notice and taking time out of their vacation.
"We wouldn't have missed this for the world." Filius squeaked.
"It was good to hear of Ms Granger's return and now to see you so happy, dear. It's all we could ever hope for," Pomona stated.
"I assume she'll be joining us in the new school year?" Poppy queried.
"We haven't discussed the logistics of all this since it's such a recent development, however, there was talk of her perhaps settling into my cottage in Hogsmeade, and I believe that may be for the best." She smiled softly. "It wouldn't be the first time I've split my time between the cottage and the school."
"True, but I assumed she'd be taking up her Mastery once again." Filius squeaked in surprise. "She was so close to gaining her second level and Animagus status, and she often spoke of taking up a Potions mastery too.
"I know Horace was hoping that she'd take his place so he can finally retire," Poppy told them. "He'll be along shortly, no doubt with Aurora, Septima, Concordia and Bathsheba in tow. They headed down to the village."
"I did float the idea of the various masteries, and also one of her taking over the management of the library. She's had another offer made though." Minerva shrugged. "We'll have to wait and see."
Hagrid and Sybill Trelawney sank into chairs at the table. "Congratulations Headmistress." Hagrid boomed, swigging from a large bottle of mead, his arm waving and almost knocking Filius from his seat.
"Yes, Minerva. How nice it is to see Ms Granger in the physical world once again." Sybill spoke in her usual misty voice.
"Surely you knew of her return before it happened, Sybill?" Minerva said, her eyebrow raised. "And perhaps you foresaw the birth of my daughter?"
Sybill gave Minerva a startled look. "Certainly, but as I've explained before, one does not parade the fact one is all-knowing."
"Quite," Minerva responded dryly causing Poppy to snort into her Gillywater. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Rolanda approaching Hermione and bowing slightly, only for Hermione to shake her head and gesture toward her.
She read her lips. "My first dance is taken."
Minerva lifted her glass once more and drained the contents before placing it on the table her friends had seated themselves at. "Excuse me, I believe my mate is waiting to dance."
"Go and enjoy yourself, Minerva." Pomona urged.
"Yes, we can catch up later." Poppy flicked her wrist as if to shoo her away.
Her journey to her mate was not at all smooth as George, Angelina, Bill, Fleur, Arthur and Harry all took the time to approach her and wish her the best for the future. The smaller children ran between them, excited to have free reign while their parents were busy talking and drinking with the Hogwarts elves keeping an eye on them. Eventually landing behind her mate, she stood close and wrapped her arms around her waist, simply enjoying her warmth. Pressing her lips against her temple, she saw Hermione's face was flushed. "Would you care to dance, mo chridhe?"
"What does mo chridhe mean?" Hermione asked softly.
Minerva sighed. "Mo chridhe means my heart."
Hermione leaned back into her. "Oh, that's lovely."
Minerva found herself practically pleading, "Dance with me?"
"I would love to dance." Hermione spun around easily to face her before taking a step closer.
Minerva gulped, trying to swallow the sudden nervousness she felt, and calm herself. Inhaling, her senses were flooded by the scent of spiced apple and cinnamon, old books and the earthy smell of rain. She placed her hand on Hermione's lower back as she put her hand on her shoulder, her other hand entwined their fingers and she started to glide them smoothly across the grass. With each second they danced to the music, she grew more comfortable, their feet moving in near-perfect sync with the beat of the song. Having Hermione in her arms, she felt like she'd finally come home and a small smile formed. Gazing down at the woman in her arms, she knew she'd only ever seen her look as beautiful once before, on the night she'd claimed her. She frowned at the thought.
"What are you thinking," Hermione asked.
The question wasn't expected and her step faltered before she corrected it. Minerva's cheeks grew warm and she laughed. "I was just thinking—" She took a deep breath when the words got stuck in her throat.
"Please, love—" Hermione's hand squeezed hers, reassuringly "—you can tell me anything," she said, her smile sincere and eyes compassionate. "Just take a deep breath and tell me whatever it is that's on your mind."
Minerva groaned in frustration, knowing that somehow the witch had jumped to the wrong conclusion. "IwasthinkingofthenightImadeyoumine." She managed to grind out between her teeth, a blush rising furiously up her neck and face.
Hermione blinked owlishly, before comprehension rose in her eyes, a pretty blush spreading across her cheeks. "Really?" She whispered.
"Aye, you looked beautiful that night," Minerva stated before backtracking quickly. "I mean, you always look beautiful, but that night—mmmm." She hummed, a rumbling sound at the back of her throat.
"Minerva, do you think Bill and Fleur would take Isobel for the night?" Hermione asked.
"I can't see why not." Minerva was confused once again by the turn of Hermione's mind. "Why?"
Hermione stopped them and lifted herself onto her tiptoes to whisper in her ear. "You, me, our very large bed and no interruptions."
Exhilarated, Minerva impulsively twirled Hermione, not caring about the slow music. Blissfully, she brought her mate closer to her, and seeing her smile and hearing her soft giggle, she was happy. She grabbed her by her hips and lifted her, spinning around on the balls of her feet as she threw her head back and let out a loud peal of delighted laughter. In all honesty, she knew she'd never be able to describe the feelings she had for the little witch in her arms, the way she made her heart beat powerfully within her chest, and brought tears of joy to her eyes.
"Minerva!" Hermione called out to her sweetly, her smile as radiant as the sun. "Put me down, love." After a few more spins, she stopped and gently put her back onto her feet, only for her mate to hug her. "I love you, so much."
"I love you too, lass," Minerva whispered, resting her forehead against Hermione's until a loud whoop rose through the gathering.
Pulling back, she cast her eyes around to see a crowd of robed wizards and witches moving towards them. Neville Longbottom was in the lead, dragging his grandmother and girlfriend, Hannah Abbott, behind him. She recognised Draco, Astoria and Narcissa Malfoy with little Scorpius, Andromeda Tonks and Teddy Lupin, various Ministry of Magic officials, including Kingsley, and the rest of her Hogwarts colleagues. Bringing up the rear were Charley Weasley, Rosmerta and Ollivander. "I believe this party's about to truly start, lass. Give it an hour or so, and I believe we can make our escape." Her smile grew. "I doubt we'll be missed."
"Okay," Hermione agreed breathlessly.
~x~