Books in Series:

Book 1: A Girl Can Be More Important Than a Firebolt

Book 2: Light of the Heart

-o-

A/N: Harry Potter and his world belong to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights.

A/N: Thank you to my beta brummettjames007.

-oOo-

A/N: So, I am one of those shameless authors now that have a few large stories going at once. I have the rest of year 6 planned out, with a happy event over the summer. Not sure yet if it will extend into a book 3 or just continue here.

A/N2: Next Project: There is a Poll up on my profile to help decide my next project. (you need a regular browser to access) A Different Type of Bond is in the last chapter or so of writing (should be about 27 chapters) and By the Moonlight is within a few chapters as well. Light of the Heart is third on my priority list, but I need a distraction at times. I would like to know what people may be interested in.

-oOo-

Chapter 15

-oOo-

December 25, 1996

Great Packington, England

Harry spat some hair out of his mouth. He was spooned up to Hermione's back. His arm and hand were over her stomach, under the Quidditch shirt she was wearing. He liked the feel of her smooth skin.

Yawning, he remembered the toast or three Mr. Weasley had led after Percy arrived. It was late, but the Weasley's were happy to have everyone under one roof for the night. Percy's welcome hadn't been as warm, but there was some celebration to find out he was betrothed with Audrey Piling. Unlike with Fleur, Mrs. Weasley warmed up almost instantly to Audrey. Harry didn't understand that, until Charlie had told him their mum didn't think any girl was good enough for Bill.

Mrs. Weasley had also warmed up to Hermione, which brought on another toast.

Now, he felt like he had a slight headache. The smell of Hermione's hair was lessening it some.

Hermione's shifted and moved her hand to cover his.

"Finally up?" she asked, sounding tired herself. It had been after one in the morning when they had snuck in.

"Yeah. Happy Christmas," he told her, moving her hair aside so he could kiss her neck.

Hermione sighed. "What time is it? My parents should be here by eleven and I don't know when Remus and Dora will show."

Harry yawned again. "Until you, I was always up by five when out of school," he told her.

Hermione wiggled to press against him as much as possible. "You saying you don't want to wake up with me for now on?"

"I would never say that," he told her, this time kissing her ear.

She sighed. "What time is it?"

Harry shifted, Hermione would not let his hand go, and he craned his neck to look at the old mechanical clock on his bedside stand. "Eight-thirty," he told her.

She pulled him back in. "I need to take a shower. You smell like firework smoke," she informed him.

"We have a little time," he said to her, propping himself up on one arm. She twisted enough to meet his lips.

When he pulled away, her nose crinkled. "You need to brush your teeth."

"You have a wand," he told her, moving to kiss her neck as his hand slid to the top of her knickers. Hermione had not let go of his hand yet. "Don't you know a breath freshening charm?"

The contented sigh she gave him had him smiling in her ear. "Lavender needs to teach me all these little spells I didn't think worth using, but I do know that one."

He chuckled as his hand slipped into her knickers. "I hear there are other spells we can learn," he whispered.

Her hand guided him to where she wanted his to go today. He lazily played with her. Today Harry had slightly other plans than normal, and once she gave out a rather loud moan he slipped a finger into her. She bucked into his hand and groaned, reaching to find his mouth. Her hand left his and she wrapped it around the back of his head, making sure he couldn't pull back this time.

She ground against his hand as it moved and let out another groan when a knock came at their door. "You two up yet?" Dora yelled through the door.

Hermione bit her lip, trying to stifle her moans, as he continued teasing her at a slower pace. "Harry," she whispered.

"We'll be down shortly," he yelled back.

Dora laughed. "You have another hour or so. Have fun. Happy Christmas."

"I love your cousin," Hermione said as they heard Dora walk away before it suddenly went quiet. Hermione pulled him back in for another kiss. It wasn't long before she was struggling to hold in little cute sounds as she shuddered around his finger. Her thighs clenched, not allowing him to move or pull away.

"I want to get married in August," she told him after a few moments, still sounding a little breathless.

"I do too," he told her.

They snogged for a few minutes before she rolled out of his arms. "I need to take a shower. You should too." Harry grinned at her and she raised an eyebrow. "Get that thought out of your head for now."

"What thought?" he asked innocently.

She snorted. "You can see me naked later."

"I haven't seen you naked with water running over you," he replied.

"I know your Aunt doesn't mind us sharing a room, but I don't know if she would be accepting of us sharing the bathroom," Hermione told him. "Give me fifteen minutes and then it's yours."

Harry lay back down as she left the room. With her out, it finally hit him, it was Christmas Day. The nerves he had been fighting down for the better part of a week now came back. It was stupid. Hermione had already said yes. She wants to get married in August. Why would asking her in the Muggle way be so much more nerve wracking? It wasn't like they were going to the Seer pool again. He had tempted fate enough and had come out with the better deal.

It was about ten when he finally made it downstairs. Dora and Hermione were laughing about something as Uncle Ted shook his head. "Happy Christmas," he said, greeting his Uncle Remus. They shook hands and Harry let himself be pulled into a one-armed hug.

"Happy Christmas, Harry," his uncle replied. "How was the Fall semester?"

"Great. Until I busted my first experiment," he told his uncle.

"We all fail and learn from it. Did you finally beat your girl?"

Hermione smirked his way. Harry groused, "I don't know. Not all the grades were posted before we left."

"We tied," Hermione told him.

He looked to her. "When were you going to tell me?"

"Today. I only got the letter from Professor Babbling yesterday."

His uncle chuckled. "Sometimes it's better to let them win."

"Merlin-be-right," Dora agreed from across the table.

Harry piled food onto his plate. He knew Christmas dinner wouldn't be for a few hours and Aunt Andi had left eggs, rashers and bangers on the table. The small vial his aunt placed next to him was going to be his best present of the day. "Hermione had a little headache as well," she told him. "Happy Christmas."

"Happy Christmas, Aunt Andi," Harry replied before downing the pain relief potion.

"You all set for New Year's Day," he asked Dora, who was really showing. Hermione had a hand on her belly and smiled every time she felt the baby move or give a little kick.

"You mean ready to get this thing out of me?" Dora jibed back.

"That too," Harry retorted.

"A little over four months, Nymphadora. You can't rush these things," Aunt Andi told her daughter.

Dora's hair changed from the nice black she had earlier to her usual, more fiery, pink. "Can you stop calling me Nymphadora!"

"It is your name," Aunt Andi countered.

"I am calling this kid something simple," she grumbled.

"How about Ed? That's only two letters," Harry offered.

"That is too simple," Hermione replied.

"It has some merit," Dora said with enthusiasm.

Remus chuckled. "Should I add that to our list?"

"Yes."

Aunt Andi huffed. "I agree with Hermione, that is too simple. I would like my first grandchild to have a better name than Ed. If you want to call him Edward or Edmund, I would approve of that."

"This isn't your kid, mum," Dora told her.

"She or he will still be my grandchild."

Uncle Ted hid his face in a mug of something. Harry wisely kept his mouth shut. Dora and Aunt Andi always seemed to find something to argue about.

The Grangers must have been excited to join them because they showed about a half hour early. Aunt Bel was just behind them, with Neville. It was a flurry of greetings and large boxes full of presents that made it into the house.

"Have a good time last night?" he asked his cousin.

"It was really nice. The Greengrasses had a few of their other relatives over. It was rather small for a Christmas eve get together. Gran sent me an owl about six in the evening, demanding I go back," Neville told him.

"I'm glad you had a good time. Sorry about Great Aunt Augusta. Do you want me to go with you tomorrow?"

Neville shook his head. "Aunt Bel said I can stay with you until we go back to Hogwarts. I really don't want to see Gran right now."

"Are you sure, Neville? I know Harry and I are not keen on her right now, but she is your Gran," Hermione pushed.

His cousin shook his head. "Nah. Besides, I think it's starting to become a family tradition. I hear Sirius Black did the same when he was our age."

"That's what Aunt Bel and Aunt Andi say. Why break tradition, huh?" Harry said with a smirk and Neville laughed.

"What are you three conspiring about?" Jane came over and Hermione gave her another sideways hug.

"Neville is running away from home," Harry told her.

Hermione hit his arm. "He isn't running away."

"No, that sounds about right. I'll go back over Easter as long as Gran doesn't do anything else," Neville told her.

Jane quirked an eye at them. "And your Gran hasn't called the police?"

"She knows I'm with Harry and Aunt Bel and that we are very upset with her right now. This is a family thing, and I don't think she will want the Aurors involved. The Daily Prophet would have a field day at the scandal," Neville told her.

"The Prophet will probably have a field day with us missing last night," Harry added.

"Oh, it did," Aunt Andi said coming up to them. "Ted didn't want to show you; he figured you wanted to have a good day."

He and Neville let out long breaths while Hermione huffed. "What business is it of everyone else what we do?" Hermione grumbled.

"You are a part of Society now, as Belvina and I have told you. Every action has some form of reaction when you want to play in the Wizengamot," Aunt Andi told her.

"I understand, but I didn't think last night was a Society event," Hermione told them.

"Gran always invites a few reporters. It is generally good publicity and to let people know who supports or is in talks with Gran. I really don't want to be a Lord when I get older," Neville sighed.

"I am stepping back. Hermione is the one that really wants the seat," Harry spoke up.

Hermione nodded. "Uncle Ted is right, we need to capitalize on the scandals and what happened at the solstice. Neville, will you take up your seat next year?"

Neville rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, but only because you two want me to. I am not doing it for Gran, and I am not leading her alliance."

"What about Astoria?" Harry asked.

Neville flushed a little. "She says she doesn't care, but I really think she wants me to take up my seat and titles."

"I don't remember being this aware of things at seventeen," Jane told them.

"Harry and Neville have been trained since they were young to take up these responsibilities, even if Harry didn't realize it," Aunt Andi told them. "Our world expects all those seventeen or older to be mature enough to be contributing members of our world. It is a bit old-fashioned, but I do not see that changing. Hermione is just as brilliant as Harry and has adapted well to the expectations that will be placed upon her. Harry and Neville will be ready when they come into their majority in July, and I expect well prepared when they can take up their Lordships the year after." Aunt Andi had some pride in her voice.

"Are we opening presents?" Dora yelled at them from the sitting room.

Aunt Andi shook her head in exasperation, while Harry chuckled. "I'm not telling her no," he told them.

Aunt Andi kept shaking her head while Jane laughed. "Don't look at me. Ask Dan what I did to him when I was pregnant with Hermione and he told me no once."

His aunt rose an eyebrow. "That sounds like a story I want to hear."

Dan winced. "I am never going to live that down, am I?"

"I want to hear this, you and mum have never told me this story," Hermione added.

"Later. Let's enjoy our Christmas."

They all settled into the sitting room. Surrounded by family, Harry waited until all the presents were open before nervously knocking her knee. She was already buried in a book Uncle Ted gave her on magical law. When she looked up at him, he saw the way her mind was processing what she had been reading. He cleared his throat, feeling a little nervous. Everyone looked towards him as he took a deep breath. It felt stupid he was so nervous. She was already his betrothed. He knew her parents would appreciate this though. He felt he wanted to do it this way; Hermione deserved this.

The whole room went quiet as Harry took another deep breath and then got down on one knee before her. Hermione put her book down, her eyes going wide. "Harry, what are you doing?"

He let out a breath and took the black velvet box out of his pocket. "What I should have done from the beginning. I know you have already promised yourself to me. I want you to know that I really want this because you are beautiful, intelligent, and best of all, you put up with me," he said, and Hermione laughed, covering her mouth with her hands. He hadn't quiet seen her act that way before. "Hermione, I love you and want you to be my wife. Would you be?"

Hermione sat there at a total loss for words. She had already said yes to him once. She had signed the contract. Her magic and his were already melding. He shifted after a moment.

"Don't leave the boy hanging," Dora suddenly blurted out.

Hermione blinked. "Yes! You prat, I've already said yes," she said excitedly as he slipped the ring on her finger. It was a heart cut blue diamond with a few sapphires in the band. It went on the same finger as her Black Heiress ring. "Oh, Harry, it's beautiful."

A second later, Hermione threw herself at him and snogged him heavily. Dora whistled when they pulled back. Hermione didn't look repentant, instead her brown eyes were intent, deep and enticing.

"I want to see! Bring it over here," Dora demanded as the room broke out in congratulations and Hermione went around the room showing it off. Dan nodded his approval.

When Hermione made it back to him again, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

-oOo-

December 26, 1996

Little Sark, Bailiwick of Guernsey

"Aunt Millie," Hermione said with joy as she hugged Mrs. Baker shortly after stepping out of the Floo. They had decided to spend one more night at Aunt Andi's as they played cards and had a few toasts with Uncle Remus and Dora. Well, they heard Dora complain as she had water or juice while they sputtered on some fire whiskey.

"You look lovely, dear," Mrs. Baker said to Hermione looking her up and down. "And what is this on your hand?"

"Harry finally asked me," Hermione told her.

Mrs. Baker looked at him. "It is quite striking. Come here," she turned to Harry and hugged him. "Welcome to the family, not that you weren't already. What are you two doing today?"

"Nothing."

Hermione bumped his hip. "You told me you would take me to the Saucy Serpent tonight."

"Oh, yeah, that," Harry said innocently.

"You had better take me," she told him.

Mrs. Baker chuckled. "It is better not to upset your betrothed. I have already invited you two, Neville and Bel tomorrow night."

"We will be there. The next three days will be the only quiet time we are going to get before going back. We'll see you tomorrow night?" Harry confirmed.

"Seven o'clock. Now, you two go run off and relax," Mrs. Baker told them.

"Thanks, Aunt Millie." Hermione hugged her again.

They held hands as they walked across the street. "We're home," he called out to the house. Prim came out from the storeroom off the kitchen.

"Master Harry and Mistress Hermione, Prim is so glad to see you back. Mistress Bel is in her workshop for a while and asked not to be disturbed. Prim has gotten the old Master's rooms ready. Mistress Bel said you would be sharing." Prim smiled broadly at them both.

"Thank you, Prim," Harry replied. "Prim, we will be eating out tonight and at the Bakers tomorrow."

Prim nodded. "Prim knows."

"How is Tiffany?"

"Getting bigger. The others don't shun her anymore."

"Good."

"Prim, can you wake us no later than seven tomorrow? I would like to go for a run," Hermione asked.

"Yes, Mistress Hermione."

Hermione frowned. "Thank you."

"Where is Neville?" Harry asked.

"He was working with Cork on the greenhouse."

"Thank you, Prim. If you need any help, we'll be out in a few."

"Oh, no, Master Harry. Prim is fine. Prim is salting and curing some lamb meat. Mr. Cutbert offered Mistress Bel half the other day."

"Are you sure, Prim?" Hermione pushed.

The elf nodded her head. "Prim has everything under control. Master and Mistress should go find Mister Neville and go to Guernsey later."

"If you change your mind, let us know. We aren't going until later," Harry informed her. They quickly found themselves being shooed out of the kitchen.

"I really wish they wouldn't be so servile," Hermione groused.

"Prim is just doing what needs to be done around a house and farm, Luv. Let her do this. It makes her happy."

She sighed. "I know, I just don't like it. Where are the Master's rooms?" Hermione asked.

"They are the rooms I had planned to use for my lab," he told her. "I guess being my betrothed, that plan is out the window."

She laughed. "I really don't want to find pins in my bed."

He laughed with her. "That would hurt."

He walked her down to the end of the hall, two doors down from his room. Opening the door, he was surprised. Last time the room had been empty, the walls had some cracks in the plaster, and it had a slightly musty smell. Aunt Bell and he didn't need all the rooms in this house. At one time he could have imagined two or three generations of people living here. On the first floor were three bedrooms, a sitting room, a formal tearoom Aunt Bel maintained for her clients and a spare room besides the Master's rooms, which only meant it had a separate bathroom. Aunt Bell slept upstairs, where there had been four other bedrooms, one of them as large as the Master's rooms. And then there were the two rooms on the other side of the kitchen that had once been utilized as workshops and were now used by Aunt Bel.

Stepping into the room, it was much different. There was a large sleigh style queen bed with matching furniture. Two armoires, a six-drawer dresser, nightstands, a vanity, a nice chair and love seat. Angular bookcases filled three corners. It was a large room and didn't feel crowded. "Merlin," he said looking around.

Hermione walked over to the bed, painted pale blue. All the furniture matched the bed. It had a fatigued look to the paint that Harry really liked. It was rustic but modern at the same time. "Is this what was in here before? You never showed me this room."

"No. It was empty. This is all new," Harry told her running a hand over the love seat.

"I really like the colours. Who did all this?"

Someone cleared their throat and they both turned to see Aunt Bel. She was leaning against the frame, her arms crossed over her chest looking quite relaxed. "I know you aren't married yet, but I figured I wouldn't be able to keep you out of each other's rooms. If you don't like it, I can have it all replaced; Jane thought you might like it."

"You asked my mum?" Hermione asked with raised eyebrows.

"She is a little more accepting of this than others. She is supposed to talk with your father to make sure you have no issues when you go there in a few days. Do you like it?"

Hermione smiled and spun slowly around the room. "I love it."

"Harry?"

He shrugged. "It'll do."

Hermione gave him a look. "He loves it too, Aunt Bel."

His Aunt shook her head. "At least she won't let you get away with being a cheeky bint."

Harry shrugged again. "Hasn't really stopped me yet," he replied cheekily.

"We'll see about that," Hermione retorted.

Aunt Bel laughed. "Good luck, Hermione. Do you two need anything else? I figure this will be where you live starting next summer?"

"If you will let me," Hermione said a little hesitantly, moving to his side.

"Hermione, you are family now. I never would throw out family. Though I have been tempted at times," she eyed Harry.

He chuckled. "Explains why you shipped me off to Aunt Andi's and Uncle Ted's or to Neville's so much."

"Figured you'd get it someday," she replied dryly.

"Does that mean I can kick him out, too?" Hermione eyed him.

"Oi!"

Hermione and Aunt Bel laughed. "He's all yours now, Hermione, so you decide what to do with him."

"And what if I'm not the one making issues?"

"You still get to spend the night at Neville's," Hermione teased.

He grumbled, "Just as long as Great Aunt Augusta isn't there. That would just be cruel and unusual; downright inhumane."

"Perhaps. Are you going to stay upset with her forever?" Aunt Bel asked.

Harry let out a breath. "I have no idea, Aunt Bel. What she did is not something family should do to each other."

Hermione wrapped her arms around his midsection.

"No, but she is family. I may be royally buggered with her right now, but I don't think she had bad intentions for you. Neville is going to go tomorrow to talk with her. If he wants, I don't think it would be a bad thing for you to go as well." Aunt Bel didn't look pleased, but she hardly ever steered him wrong.

"Maybe," he responded.

Hermione squeezed his midsection. "I think we should talk with Neville before you say no."

Harry sighed. "Fine."

Aunt Bel pushed off the doorway and came up to him, patting his cheek affectionately. "I wish James and Lily could see the fine man you are growing into. I'm sure they would be as proud of you as I am. Part of being an adult is swallowing your pride at times and doing what is right."

"I know," he told her, wrapping an arm around Hermione. Aunt Bel hugged him before hugging Hermione.

"It's nice to have you back, my new daughter."

Hermione let go of him and hugged Aunt Bel. "Thank you," she said to the older woman.

"Now, if you need anything else, let me know. I will make sure you have whatever you want by Easter," she told him.

Hermione looked uncertain for a moment. "There is something that you and mum could help with. Harry and I were going to ask you to have a lunch with my parents on Saturday."

Aunt Bel looked quizzically at them. "Is this anything to do with you being Heiress Shirley?"

"No. Harry and I want to set a date for our wedding, and I could really use your help. I have no clue what to do and we will be in Hogwarts, so I don't know how I'll have time. And I really don't know what to do. I've only been to two weddings before for friends of my parents," Hermione rambled.

"Hermione," Aunt Bel said softly. Hermione stopped. "Have you decided on a date yet?"

"August second is a Saturday," Hermione said, looking to him. They hadn't talked about a date yet, but that was only two days after his birthday. He nodded to her.

"August second it is. Do you know where you want to have it?"

"Uhm, I prefer here," Harry told her.

"I would, too," Hermione agreed. "I was going to ask Aunt Millie if we could have it in her gardens, since they are big enough."

"We can talk with her tomorrow night and see if they are already reserved or not. How many people?"

"Only our friends and family," Hermione told her. Harry agreed.

Aunt Bel looked like she was deep in thought for a moment. "So, about thirty people?"

"That is what I was thinking. I don't want anything big. Are you alright with that?" Hermione asked him.

"You have no arguments here. Though, I was thinking of doing our vows out back under the trellis," he told her.

Hermione smiled, probably remembering the vision at the Seer pool. "That would be better," she agreed.

"We have the south field that can be left half fallow so we can set up a tent and stuff there, then we wouldn't have to worry if Millie had the gardens booked or not," Aunt Bel offered.

"That sounds really nice," Hermione agreed before she bit her lip.

"What else is on your mind?" Aunt Bel asked; clearly seeing she wanted to say something else.

She wrapped her arms around Harry's midsection again. "I am going to the Spring Equinox session and claiming my House. Would you help me prepare for that?"

Aunt Bel smiled. "You never have to ask, Hermione. Harry, why don't you go check on Neville and I can talk with Hermione for a bit about all this."

"Sure. You'll be alright?" he asked Hermione.

"Why wouldn't I be?"

He shrugged. "I'm about to leave you alone with our Aunt."

Aunt Bel laughed. "Cheeky bint. Get out of here."

Hermione huffed, squeezed him once more and then let go.

When Harry stepped out back, he was surprised to see a second greenhouse going up on the edge of the South field. That had not been there a few days ago. It was a balmy four-point-three today with a stiff wind coming up the channel. He pulled up the edges of the long peacoat he was wearing.

Neville was blowing on his hands with his gloves under his arm as Cork moved around the new building. Stone walls supported the iron-work frame.

"This wasn't here three days ago," Harry told Neville.

"Aunt Bel gave me permission to set up a new one. I think I am going to be spending more time out here, and Hermione mentioned she wanted another," Neville replied.

"I thought you are going to go talk with Great Aunt Augusta tomorrow?" he enquired.

"I am. Uncle Ted is preparing a petition for the Summer Solstice meeting to allow me to claim the Longbottom seat as a Colonial seat. I thought moving out here might be nice. Astoria is coming over later to see Sark," Neville replied.

He raised his brow at Neville. "You want to be released from having to spend nine months on British soil?"

"Yeah. Gran sent me two letters yesterday and one today. She is really pissed at both of us right now."

"She's just being a bloody twat," Harry groused.

Neville nodded. "That about sums it up."

Harry blew out a breath. He took his gloves off. "Take these. They have warming, imperturbable and indestructible runes. If you want the ones you have back, I'll add the same thing."

Neville took his gloves and handed the ones he had to Harry. "Thanks."

"Any time. I need to talk with Great Aunt Augusta; do you mind if I go with you tomorrow, or do you want to go by yourself?"

"If you want to talk with her, you had better come." Neville put the new gloves on and stretch and curled his fingers. "You and Aunt Bel should make these by the dozens and sell them."

"I doubt most will want to spend almost fifty galleons on those," Harry told him.

Neville grinned. "You might be surprised. How long should they last?"

Harry shrugged. "I'm not as good as Aunt Bel yet. Maybe six or seven years. No more than a decade. The ones Aunt Bel makes will probably last a good twenty years or more."

"I would pay fifty galleons for that. You think about those stockings yet? Daphne and Astoria were telling their relatives about them and showing off the ones they were wearing from the Yule Ball," Neville informed him.

"I didn't think they were really anything special," he told Neville.

"Well, they are and if you want orders, there are half a dozen cousins or aunts that wanted some."

Harry looked a little shocked. "I'll have to think about it."

"Well, if you want to sell to high-end clients, you could have a good following in short order," Neville encouraged. "You want to help for a bit? Astoria and Lady Greengrass are due about two."

"Sure."

Harry took Neville's gloves and worked alongside him and Cork in the raw day.

After lunch, they got ready to have Astoria and Lady Greengrass over. Hermione had invited them over to join them for dinner tonight, telling Harry they could go by themselves to the Saucy Serpent on Saturday.

Aunt Bel insisted they not get all done up, but Neville had shucked his jeans and put on a nice pair of slacks and shirt with a vest. Harry thought he should do the same, which earned him a nice snog from Hermione, whispering in his ear how handsome he looked. She put on a nice long dress that was a vibrant forest green. Harry liked how pretty she was but was playfully slapped away when he tried to snog her.

"It took me forty-five minutes to get this ready," Hermione chastised him.

"It will take me four to five minutes to get you out of it," he teased.

Her eyes went that molten brown he liked when she was aroused. "Maybe if you are good tonight."

He smirked as he led her out of the room.

Neville was pacing nervously in the kitchen. If there was one thing this house lacked, it was a proper front entrance. Well, they could use the back entrance to the gardens and greenhouses, that had a proper entry Hall, but this side of the house was right against the road, so there was no room.

Harry leaned against the table as Hermione made sure her dress was wrinkle and lint free. Prim entered with tray in hand, piled with fresh biscuits, scones and some small finger sandwiches.

"I can get that, Prim," Hermione offered as the diminutive house elf walked by.

"Mistress must not get her nice dress dirty," Prim chastised Hermione.

"Just let her do this," Harry told Hermione.

"They're here," Neville said suddenly, looking out a window by the door. Harry looked out, spotting Astoria tightly wrapped in a light blue travelling cloak, her dark hair blowing in the wind. Lady Greengrass was walking next to her in a similarly cut, deep green travel cloak.

Neville was waiting by the door and opened it as soon as they knocked. Hermione had moved next to Harry and took his arm, holding it tightly to indicate he shouldn't tease Neville. As custom demanded, Neville bowed, and Lady Greengrass returned the gesture with a nod. Astoria smiled at Neville while Lady Greengrass turned to Harry and Hermione.

Harry bowed as Hermione curtsied. " Lady Greengrass, welcome to Flint Farmhouse."

"It is a pleasure, Scion Black; Heiress Black."

Neville took Astoria's hand and guided her in behind her mother while Harry closed the door.

"If you want, Scion and Heiress Black have prepared a tea for us," Neville offered.

Lady Greengrass smiled, dropping all pretentions. "I had hoped just for a nice visit and to see what it is like around the island if I am to let Astoria come here unescorted."

Neville looked shocked for a moment before spluttering, "Really?"

Harry did laugh this time. "It would be our pleasure. I know Aunt Bel can show you around her workshop, and I can give you a tour. If you would like, Hermione and I would extend an invitation for you to join us on Guernsey tonight for dinner at Hermione's favorite place."

"Is that the one with the sea serpent you told us about?" Astoria enquired.

"Yes, though if you need someone to avenge you, you'll have to ask Neville," Harry replied cheekily.

Hermione's face flushed a little. "Harry James," she admonished under her breath. Neville and Astoria laughed as Lady Greengrass looked curiously at them.

"I feel there is some inside joke here," Lady Greengrass said to the teens.

"Hermione was just a little nervous the first time we went."

Hermione moved her other hand to put it over his arm. Astoria's eyes widened immediately. "When did you get that?" Astoria quickly left Neville and moved to Hermione, grabbing her hand.

"Manners, young lady," Lady Greengrass admonished her daughter.

"Is that a blue diamond?" Astoria asked excitedly.

"Yes."

"When?"

"Yesterday after we got done opening presents," Hermione replied, a broad smile on her face.

Astoria touched the ring. "Wow. That is gorgeous," Astoria gushed.

Lady Greengrass stepped in. "Is this a new betrothal ring?"

"Engagement ring. Muggles don't have betrothals," Hermione informed her. "It is rather fetching, isn't it?"

"Oh, I want one," Astoria told her.

Neville made a choking sound before coughing. Lady Greengrass looked at her daughter when Harry laughed at his cousin's face. "Is there something your father and I should know?" Lady Greengrass asked her daughter before looking pointedly at a very red-faced Neville.

"I... you know... we..." Neville tried to get out.

Astoria seemed to understand what she said and straightened, her face a little red as she turned to face her mother. Her voice was a little higher pitch than normal. "Neville has not asked me any such thing. I just really like the ring."

"Uh huh," her mother said. "Perhaps this is a discussion for later. Scion Black, would you give us a tour?"

"Could you just call me Harry outside of school, Lady Greengrass?" he put to her.

"Of course, Harry. Would you prefer Hermione?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Prim came just inside the door. "If Master and Mistress want, the water is hot for tea or I can reheat it later."

"In a little bit, please, Prim?" Hermione requested.

The house elf bowed and made herself scarce. Harry would rather she stayed, but it was what house elves did.

Lady Greengrass seemed to be extremely impressed with the farm and Aunt Bel's workshop, asking to make an appointment at a later date to talk about some cloaks and other haberdashery. When she asked about the stockings, Aunt Bel sent her to Harry.

He was amazed to have two dozen orders as soon as he could figure out how to make it work, and she had agreed upon a price of eighteen galleons each, assuming they would last the five to ten years he expected them too. He was beside himself.

When they finally made their way towards Guernsey, Aunt Bel decided to join them. It was close to dusk and the wind had picked up. "I can't wait to get my apparition license," Hermione told them as they walked inside the warm building. It was a relatively quiet night and only a handful of tables were full.

"I love this place," Astoria said in wonder as she watched the sea serpent swim overhead. "Neville, can we come back over Easter?"

Aunt Bel chuckled while Lady Greengrass looked around approvingly. Neville was watching Astoria, "As long as your parents don't mind you coming out this way."

"I think we can give permission for this," Lady Greengrass told them.

Astoria was still watching the sea serpent when Ms. Blake came over. "Belvina," the woman greeted his Aunt with a hug.

"How are you, Dawn?"

"Very well. I see some new faces tonight," Ms. Blake replied.

"Dawn Blake, this is Lady Iliana Greengrass and her youngest daughter Astoria."

"It is a pleasure, Lady Greengrass," Ms. Blake inclined her head.

"Iliana, please. It is actually nice to be some place that doesn't seem to care about the pomp of my title," Lady Greengrass replied.

Ms. Blake laughed. "You won't really get that around here unless you pay for it. Your usual table, Bel?"

"If you don't mind, Dawn; I know it's Harry's favorite, and tonight is one for family and friends."

Ms. Blake laughed. "Yes, I remember when he used to try to feed my star attraction. We kept having to clean the glass after you left. And how are you, Harry?"

"I'm well, Ms. Blake," Harry said hugging her.

"Good. It is nice to see you again Neville and I see you are still with Hermione, who looks lovely tonight," the woman said taking some menus.

"You can say that," Harry replied.

"It is a little bit of a celebration too, Dawn," Aunt Bel added.

"How so?"

"Neville and Astoria are going to enter into a formal courtship," Lady Greengrass stated. Astoria beamed while Neville straightened up.

"Congratulations. I hope it works out for you."

"Thank you, Ms. Blake," Neville replied.

"Oh, and Hermione will be a Potter this summer," his Aunt said with a mischievous smirk.

Ms. Blake acted as if it was old news. "So, I have heard they are betrothed, Scion and Heiress Black."

"Don't you start too, Ms. Blake," Harry complained as they walked up the stairs.

"It was big news when Bel told us about it, young man. This is the girl you complained about for five years."

Hermione smirked at him as they made it to a table. "Do you have to remind me of that?"

"What do you mean 'complained'?" Lady Greengrass enquired. Harry pulled out a chair for Aunt Bel while Neville held Lady Greengrasses before they pulled chairs for their respective dates.

"I would like to know too," Hermione teased.

"You already know the story," Harry griped.

"Oh yes, but I still like holding it over you."

Ms. Blake laughed. "I like seeing someone that can keep Harry on his toes."

"Dawn, would you join us tonight? I am sure Iliana would love to hear this."

"Really?" Harry complained again.

"I would love to, but Margaret is on Holiday back in Wales this week. How about I get you drinks, and I come back to tell you about it in a few?"

"You really don't have to," Harry told her.

Hermione leaned over and kissed his cheek. "But it makes you so flustered— it's cute."

He huffed and many around the table laughed at him. "I'll just leave the specials here and the menus. What would you like?"

After their drink order had been taken, Lady Greengrass commented, "This is a really nice establishment. Do you come here often?"

"A few times a year," Aunt Bel answered.

"What are you two getting?" Neville asked, perusing at the menu.

"The mussel linguine," Harry told them without even looking at the menu.

"I got that last time, it was delicious. I think I will try the lobster bisque and some calamari tonight," Hermione replied.

"That sounds good," Astoria said. "I think I might do the same."

"You didn't tell me that you and Astoria were entering into a courtship," Harry whispered.

Neville flushed. "I only asked Lord Greengrass on Christmas eve," Neville replied.

"He didn't tell me either," Astoria added. She gave Neville a look making him blush.

"I wanted to ask you properly," he told her.

"You can ask me now," Astoria prodded.

Everyone at the table was looking at Neville and Astoria. Hermione took Harry's hand under the table. Neville looked to Lady Greengrass who subtly nodded. After a deep breath, Neville turned to Astoria. "I would like to do this properly and I am not ready at this moment. Tomorrow I will be talking with my Gran and if you would return to Sark on Saturday, I would ask Harry and Hermione to escort us to a special place before I ask."

Harry shook his head and Aunt Bel's eyes widened. "What special place," Astoria questioned.

"Should Anders and I be available, Neville?"

Neville met Lady Greengrass' gaze. "Would it be too much to put myself forward and ask for a dinner at Greengrass Manor Saturday night?"

"That can certainly be arranged."

Neville nodded. "Thank you."

"You sure you want to do this, Nev?" Harry asked, knowing Neville's intentions.

"Yeah," Neville replied.

"What are we doing?" Astoria asked curiously.

"You are taking her to the Seer Pool?" Aunt Bel enquired.

Lady Greengrass nodded as though this wasn't a surprise while Astoria gasped.

Neville regarded the older women at the table. "Yes, Aunt Bel, Lady Greengrass. I really like Astoria. I know she doesn't turn sixteen until next month, but if you are to accept me into a Courtship, I would like it officially recognized, as the old pure blood rites dictate."

Astoria was looking at him with big eyes.

Lady Greengrass nodded her approval. "If you are found acceptable for our daughter, I would like you to make it back to Greengrass Manor soon after."

"Yes, ma'am."

"You approve?" Astoria asked, sounding like she couldn't believe this.

"Do you approve of Scion Longbottom?"

A slow smile spread across Astoria's face. "Yes! Of course! Oh, Merlin, you really want to do this, Neville? What if it doesn't say we are a good match? I couldn't take it if we weren't a good match."

"Tori, take a breath," Neville told her. "Do you think I would want to do it this way if I didn't think we were a good match?"

She looked at him, her eyes big and watery. "But what if we aren't?"

"Do you think we aren't? It was you the other day saying you never wanted to leave me."

After a moment, she shook her head before taking a deep breath and letting it out. "Did you tell Father this is what you intended?"

Neville nodded. "You can blame my cousin for putting the idea in my head."

"Keep me out of this, this is between you and Astoria," Harry told them.

"Your father and I have talked, little Aster. If the Seer Pool finds you a good match, we would see how you two progress and consider a betrothal by Easter, or sooner, if you both feel like you would like to commit yourselves to each other," Lady Greengrass informed her.

Astoria looked a little apprehensive, but her smile was wide. "Why wouldn't I?" She leaned into Neville, hugging him before giving him a deep kiss.

"Should I bring out something stronger than just coke?" Ms. Blake asked with a chuckle when Astoria pulled back.