Christmas morning came all too soon for Harry. He should have gone to bed earlier the night before. He stretched and yawned, sitting on the edge of the bed. Hermione was still asleep. He watched her breath for a moment. It had become a habit of his lately. Part of him was afraid that the gentle rise and fall of her chest would stop. Harry rubbed his hand over his eyes. A short time later Harry was showered, dressed, and eating breakfast. He had talked to Biddy and Colby and made sure everything was in order for the party. The guests were scheduled to arrive in the afternoon and stay for dinner. Harry fiddled around the rest of the morning. He wanted Hermione to get as much rest as possible before the party.

Two hours before the party was to start Harry sat beside Hermione and gently shook her. "Sweetheart, it's time to wake up." He watched her stir slightly and pushed back her hair, kissing her forehead. "Time to wake up my love." Harry was slightly concerned that she had slept for so long. He was pleased however to find her forehead cool. He watched Hermione yawn and saw her golden eyes open and settle on him. Her mouth turned up into a soft smile. "Good afternoon, my dear. I am sorry to wake you but I thought you would appreciate time to get ready before our guests arrive."

Hermione let Harry's words penetrate her sleepy mind. Suddenly they made sense and she sat up quickly. "The party! What time is it?"

"Whoa, take it easy. It's 2 o'clock in the afternoon. You have two hours," Harry assured her.

Hermione moved to get out of bed in something of a fuss. "Harry, two hours? There is so much to do! You shouldn't have let me sleep so long."

Harry could tell she was flustered and helped her stand. He took her by the shoulders and calmly said, "Hermione breath. Everything is done. It's all ready. Biddy and Colby have it all planned out. Don't worry."

Hermione surveyed his calm face and took a deep breath. "Well, if you say so."

Harry could tell she wasn't completely convinced. He took her in his arms and kissed her slowly. "I do say so. Merry Christmas, by the way."

Hermione smiled at him, "Oh! I'm so sorry Harry. I've slept the day away. It's Christmas!" She sighed and looking down whispered, "This is not how I pictured our first Christmas."

Harry pulled her in close once more and kissing the top of her head whispered, "It's perfectly alright. I am pleased you got so much rest. Hopefully that means tonight will not be too exhausting for you."

"I hope so too," Hermione whispered.

Harry saw the half smile Hermione gave him and saw her eyes cloud over. He gently raised her chin trying to determine what was wrong. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, yeah, I just…part of me feels like I've wasted the day I could have had with you. Part of me just wants lay in bed with you the rest of the day and keep you all to myself."

Harry chuckled at that. "Well, I would not object ." He smiled more when Hermione playfully hit him on the arm and scoffed. "However, I am sure that you would regret not seeing our friends. And you do play Lady of the Manor very well, my love. The house looks amazing and I know you want to share it with everyone. "

"That is true. Biddy and Colby have worked hard too." Hermione lost herself in Harry's emerald gaze. "I love you Harry Potter." She kissed him soundly, the feel of his lips heating her body. "Merry Christmas."

"That was by far my favorite Christmas gift. Well, yesterday morning might have been better but…" Harry laughed as Hermione blushed wildly and hugged him fiercely. "Now, how can I help you get ready?"

A couple hours later the Manor was filled with bubbling laughter and the voices of friends and family. Warm smells of various holiday treats filled the air and jolly music played in the back ground. Hermione was enjoying the house being full and though she tired of the looks of concern that everyone kept giving her, she found great pleasure in the many conversations. A rousing gift exchange game had just taken place and dinner was soon to follow. Hermione watched people giggle and talk about the various crazy gifts they had ended up with. She had a good look about the room from her place on the settee. Neville headed toward her and sat down next to her. "This is quite the party Mrs. Potter."

Hermione smiled at him and bumped his elbow. "Well, I do hope so. It does seem as if everyone is having a good time though. I'm glad. It's nice to hear such cheerful voices and see so many smiles."

"Yes it is! So, how is married life suiting you?" Neville asked with a grin.

"Very well. I highly recommend it. Though, if my intuition is correct you may already be heading that direction. Am I right?" Hermione asked with a sly smile.

"Still the brightest witch of our age," Neville replied.

Hermione beamed at him. "I am so happy for you! When do you plan on making it official? Is that too nosey of me?"

Neville shrugged with good humor. "Not at all. I think I can trust you with a secret. I already asked the big question in fact. Luna agreed and I had hoped you would allow me to announce it at dinner."

"Oh, Neville! That is wonderful! Of course you must announce it to everyone. I will be sure to give you the proper introduction for it."

"Thank you. I knew I could count on you," Neville replied.

They sat in comfortable silence for a time and simply observed the room. Neville's news had Hermione thinking on her own happy marriage. But a familiar sadness pricked her heart and she quietly said, "Can I ask you to do something for me Neville?"

Hearing the sadness in her voice Neville turned toward her. He found her face serious and her gaze on something across the room. Turning to find what she was looking at he saw Harry. He was smiling broadly, and tossing Teddy lightly up in the air making the little boy squeal with delight. Neville replied, "Of course, what is it?" Neville waited patiently for Hermione to respond and when she did. He noticed her voice was a bit tight.

"Take care of him. Will you?" Hermione bit her lip and took a breath to try to steady her shaking hands.

Neville was a bit taken back by her words. Before he could respond she continued, "I mean, I know he has lots of people that love him. He just doesn't always seem to remember it himself sometimes. I just…I don't want him to be alone…in this big house. Will you make sure he…" She couldn't continue. She dropped her gaze.

Neville covered her shaking hands with his own, and squeezed them gently. "Hermione, it's going to be alright. There is still time."

Hermione shook her head, "Maybe. But…Please Neville. I just…I need to know …if…will you?"

Neville frowned at her clear distress and tried to ease it with his response. "I will. Always. I love you both." He pulled her into his side and hugged her tightly.

"Thank you Neville." After a moment Hermione breathed deeply and pulling away said shyly, "I am sorry. This is a party and here I am being morose. I apologize."

"No need," Neville smiled gently. "Are you doing alright?"

Hermione smiled at him and gave a little laugh. "I am as well as I can be, thank you." She rose and said, "Besides, at the moment I don't have a headache and I think I may actually be hungry. So, I think I shall just go see if Biddy is ready to start dinner. You have a big surprise for everyone after all."

Neville returned her a grin with one of his own as he watched her slowly move off. He knew she had simply tried to avoid his question and was smart enough to take the hint. His worry for her had increased though after the request she had just made of him. He could tell she was struggling. If the shaking hands weren't a giveaway, the pale complexion and slow movements were. He made a mental note to ask Harry if there had been any progress towards the capture of Atticus.

A short time later Hermione tapped her fork against her glass and slowly stood. She used one hand to steady herself as she gripped the table and raised her glass in the other hand. "I would like to thank you all for coming to celebrate with us. This is truly a time for family and friends and I am so pleased to have you all here with us. I would like to turn the time over to Neville who has something to share." The group began murmuring their curiosity at her pronouncement as all eyes turned toward Neville. Hermione sat down slowly, her hand shaking as she set down her glass.

Harry was surprised by Hermione's announcement but his eyes didn't travel to Neville. Instead they never left his wife. He had noticed she had only eaten a couple of bites off her plate. He saw her hands shake and saw the way she had gripped the table to keep from swaying. When she sat down he leaned in towards her and taking her hand asked softly, "Alright my love?"

Hermione gave him a smile and small nod of her head, "Listen, you don't want to miss this." She gestured toward Neville and Harry's eyes finally focused on his friend who was now standing with his glass in his hand.

Neville was a brilliant shade of red as he said a bit nervously, "Well, I just wanted to tell you all that I'm going to follow in Harry's footsteps. That is to say, that I asked the love of my life, Luna Lovegood to marry me, and she has graciously said yes!"

The room erupted into gasps, cheers of approval, and clinking glasses. The chatter turned to questions about the engagement, the wedding plans and the like. Luna beamed but remained her cool and collected self. The rest of dinner and into dessert the joy of the news bubbled into every conversation. When everyone had retired to the study Harry pulled Neville aside and offered to let the couple marry at the Manor. Neville said he would have to ask Luna about it and let him know. Harry teased him about already being whipped and Hermione elbowed him for the comment even as she smiled at him.

"I will be in good company then," Neville replied with a smirk.

"Well, if this is what being whipped is like then I wouldn't have it any other way," Harry responded as he wrapped his arms around Hermione and kissed her on the temple. Harry was displeased to find her skin a bit warm. He also took note that Hermione continued to lean against him and he kept his arm around her.

Ron's voice traveled across the room. "Neville, we need to plan your bachelor party!"

Neville scoffed and turning back to Harry and Hermione said, "I better go talk to Ron and Fred before they start getting too many crazy ideas."

As Neville made his way across the room, Harry led Hermione to a couch. "Are you alright?" he asked with concern.

"I think if anyone else asks me that I may scream," Hermione confessed. Sighing she said, "I'm sorry. I'm just tired," Hermione replied.

"Should I kick everyone out?" Harry suggested.

Hermione smiled at him. "Not just yet. I'll be alright. Why don't you go join the boys? I'd hate for you to miss out on anything."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," Hermione said kissing him on the cheek. It was clear Harry was hesitant to leave her and she nudged him off the couch. "I'll be right here."

Harry moved off towards the other young men. While he enjoyed the banter and fun conversation his eyes continually traveled back to Hermione. He could tell she was tiring. Allison was currently sitting next to her talking about something which had Hermione's mouth set in a more serious line. Before he could think more on it he was pulled back into the current conversation as Fred slapped his back laughing. A short time later, Harry found himself alone with Ron.

Ron's eyes followed Harry's and settled on Hermione. "So, how is she mate?"

"She's trying to hold it together."

Ron say the clear uncertainty in his friends eyes and proded,"But?"

Harry shook his head and sighed, "She's hurting Ron. A lot. More than she'll admit."

"I can see it too," Ron confessed. "It's like her smile doesn't reach her eyes."

"That's pretty observant coming from you," Harry teased.

Ron scoffed and smiled but grew serious once more. "It's true though. She's different."

"I know," Harry agreed. "I'm worried Ron. I don't think she can take much more."

"We'll catch him Harry," Ron assured him.

Harry gave him a nod, "We better."

Ron squeezed his shoulder, "Three days. Three days and we'll have him in custody."

"If all goes as planned," Harry said wearily.

"It will."

Harry simply nodded. After a moment Ron's voice reached him again, "You aren't planning to do anything stupid are you?"

Harry had the decency to look offended, "Come on Ron. If I am not invited then I am not invited. Nothing I can do. They don't want to see me there. I get it."

"Look Harry I know you well enough to know how hard it is for you to let others handle things like this. Especially when it is so important and personal. I'm not under any delusion that you plan to just sit at home." Harry didn't respond to his statement so Ron took it as affirmation that Harry planned to be there the night of the raid. "I don't want to know anything. I am just warning you, Harry. If anyone sees you …just be careful. You're bigger now than you were in school."

Ron's reference to his invisibility cloak was not lost on Harry. He gave his friend a smirk and nodded his understanding.

Half an hour later Harry and Hermione were saying goodbye to guests at the door. The party had been a huge success. As the last guest left and the door closed Harry immediately lifted Hermione into his arms. He could feel the tremors running through her body and was surprised she had not collapsed while saying goodbye to their friends. He felt her body sag in his arms and heard her breath deeply. "You throw a marvelous party my love. I had no idea you were such a party animal. You have completely worn yourself out. Look at you, can't even walk yourself to bed." Harry was pleased that his teasing comment brought a small giggle from her lips.

"Well, what are husbands for if not to carry their wives to bed after a long day?" Hermione replied with a tired grin.

"Quite right," Harry conceded.

"At least I made it through without an attack. That is a small blessing," Hermione commented.

"It is. I trust you enjoyed yourself?" Harry asked as he entered their bedroom.

"Very much. It was good to see everyone and be surrounded by so much joy."

Harry kissed her lightly and set her on the bed gently. He watched her stifle a yawn as he began to take his shirt off. "Before you sleep, let me get you a couple potions."

"Will you help me out of this dress first?" Hermione sat up and turned her back toward him to give him access to the zipper.

"Hmm, helping my wife undress? There's a request I'll never turn down," Harry said as he slowly unzipped her dress and placed kisses along her neck and shoulders as he pushed the dress down to her hips. "You probably don't want this on anymore either," Harry said as he undid her bra and discarded it on the floor. He felt her sigh at his touch. After a few more kisses and caresses Harry had Hermione settled into bed. "I'll be right back with your potions."

Hermione hummed her response even as her eyes refused to stay open. She heard Harry ask her if she was still awake and she again hummed at him and lifted her eye lids ever so slightly. She felt his hands support her and hold the vials to her lips and she obediently drank down the contents. The last thing she remembered was Harry's lips on hers.

Harry kissed her knowing she may have already fallen asleep. She had worn herself out. But he had enjoyed watching her during the party. She had smiled more than he had seen her smile in weeks. It had taken its toll on her physically, but emotionally Harry thought it probably had done her good. He prayed the night would be a peaceful one as he climbed into bed beside her. He hoped it would be over soon. Three days. In three days they would either be closer to the answers they needed or be no better off than they were now.

Sorry, it's so short! But I thought it would be better than nothing. Hopefully we have some action chapters coming up. I am as anxious as anyone to see if Atticus is caught and if there is hope for Hermione. PLEASE comment! I am pleased to have some new followers but I would love to hear from you in the comments!