A/N: Harry Potter and his world belong to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights. I am grateful she gives us the privilege of playing in her world.

Edited and proofed 7 July 2022

-oOo-

Chapter 12

-oOo-

August 11, 1996

Great Pakington, England

Harry came out of the fire first and turned to help Hermione. It was nice enough out she was wearing a new sun dress with red flowers on it. Her curly hair was pulled back. He did find her beautiful.

She took his hand and he turned to face his aunt. Aunt Andi was a tall woman, just shy of his height. Her brown hair was pulled up into a bun and brown eyes looked at him and then Hermione.

"Hey, Aunt Andi," he said. Why would he be afraid of this woman? She had always been nice, but at times if she was upset, you knew she was upset.

Today she looked between upset and delighted. "Is that all you have to say?" she asked.

Aunt Bel was hugging Uncle Ted and Dora. He saw Uncle Remus in the background.

"Ssssooooo, you know this girl I've kind of complained about the last five years," he said. She raised an eyebrow at him. "Well," he paused, "you were right."

She nodded. "Maybe next time you will listen to me? Now, I assume you are Ms. Granger," his aunt said, her face taking on a smile. She moved in and took Hermione's hand out of his, holding both of her hands at arm's length before looking Hermione up and down. "I can see why Harry likes you so much. You are beautiful and I hear sharper than this bookworm. Welcome to the family."

Aunt Andi took her into a hug, and she gave Harry a look. He tried not to laugh. "You aren't out of trouble yet," his aunt said letting Hermione go. She still held Hermione's hands. "You make sure he treats you well."

"Oi! I treat her well," he complained.

Hermione smiled. "Yes, ma'am. He's been a gentleman so far."

Dora laughed. "It was actually sickeningly cute on his birthday, mum," Dora said.

He was about to make a retort, but Aunt Andi turned to him and let Hermione's hands go. "How long have you been going out?" she asked.

"Fourteen days," he said without thinking.

"And when did she come to Sark?"

"Beginning of July," he said, doing his best to meet her hard stare.

"So, in over a month, in three separate letters, you never thought to include that Hermione was staying across the street, and Dora saw you twelve days ago? You couldn't send another letter with this information? Or call?"

He swallowed. "It's not like I've been trying to hide my girlfriend."

"You just didn't want to admit you were wrong," she informed him.

He felt his face blush. "I didn't want to hear you say, 'I told you so'," he admitted. He didn't mind admitting he was wrong, he just knew his aunt would gloat over it. She had been the only one to call him on it since first year.

His Aunt laughed. "Fine. I want an invitation to the wedding," she said, affectionately patting his cheek.

He saw Hermione give him a look and they both had some colour come to their face. "Can we just see how this goes for now?" he asked his aunt, reaching a hand for Hermione.

His Aunt looked into his eyes. He tried to make sure all his Occlumency skills were in place. He knew Aunt Andi would never invade his mind without permission, but he didn't want any odd fragment from the other day coming up. "Don't wait too long," she said.

Uncle Ted came up to them. "Ms. Granger, it is a pleasure to finally meet you." He took her other hand and kissed the back of it.

"Thank you. It's Hermione, please." She sounded a little flustered.

"Then call me Ted or Uncle Ted or whatever you want," he said.

"Go with berk," Dora egged her on.

The man just rolled his eyes. When he took Harry's hand, he took him into a hug like his Uncle Remus usually did. "I'm going to need a step stool if you get any taller," his shorter Uncle said. He was a head shorter than him or his aunt.

"I'll try not to step on you way down there," he answered, and his uncle laughed while his aunts just rolled their eyes.

"If you want to run, now is your chance," Aunt Andi said to Hermione.

"I think I lost that the day I went to Sark," she said.

His Aunt laughed and Dora moved in. Harry liked the way Hermione was looking at him. "So now the fun really starts?" Dora asked Harry.

He gave her a look. "She hasn't run yet, and I would like to keep it that way," he told her.

The mischievous grin on the young woman's face had Harry on guard.

"I accept your challenge, Nymphadora," Hermione stated.

"Don't call me Nymphadora," she exclaimed.

"Why not? Nymphadora sound like a nymph and you look as colourful as one," Hermione said with a raised eyebrow.

Dora's hair went from the blue she had decided on today to the pinker she preferred. Before Dora opened her mouth, Hermione continued. "About as pretty as one too. I would see why Remus likes you," she finished sweetly.

Dora opened her mouth, looking at Hermione. Remus chuckled. "She fits right in," the man said.

"Here I thought it was just Dora's grating personality," Harry said.

"Berk," she said to him. "As for you missy, it is on."

"Sure, Nymphadora," Hermione responded.

"Merlin! I already put up with three of them," Aunt Andi said throwing her hands up.

"Yeah, she fits right in on Sark too," Aunt Bel assured his other Aunt.

Harry leaned into her as his cousin huffed. "I would like to go home with you in one piece," he told her.

"You mean you won't protect me?" she asked innocently.

He chuckled. "Not when you start it."

"Why don't you come out to the porch? I don't need to start dinner for another hour or so," Aunt Andi said.

"So, is this all your family?" she asked.

"Except for Neville and Great Aunt Augusta, yeah. You going to introduce me to your family?"

She gave a sad smile. "You've met them all."

Harry suddenly felt guilty. He had meant it as a joke. "Well, if it makes you feel any better, I think your cousins already look at me as family."

She smiled. "I think Aunt Millie and Uncle Tim look at you as their favourite nephew."

"If it makes you feel good, Aunt Andi really seems to like you."

"How can you tell?"

"That was the first time she welcomed someone to the family. My Aunt Andi was raised in a Pureblood House stricter than Aunt Bel's. She doesn't say something unless she means it or she is acting like the society woman she was raised to be."

"How do you tell the difference?"

"She hugged you and gave you a real compliment."

Hermione looked pensive.

"You two coming or are you trying to find a place to snog," Dora called out walking into the sitting room.

"I wouldn't say no," he said.

"Harry," she hit him on the arm. She didn't say no.

Dora laughed. "Come on. I'll cover for you later. Mum is still upset you didn't tell her."

"I know. I didn't mean to upset her," he said. "Do I need to cover for you and Uncle Remus to?"

"We have our own flat. I can wait a few hours," she told him.

He felt his face flush a little at her wink. Hermione squeezed his hand.

They went out back to sit around a table. "Are you into all this quidditch madness?" his aunt asked Hermione after they sat.

"I like watching Harry."

His Aunt laughed. "He has talent."

"Yes, Mrs. Tonks. He has only lost twice in the twelve house matches he had been in, and only twice in the pickup games our fourth year," she said. "Now, if he could only not get hurt."

Aunt Bel and Andi laughed while Dora shook her head and his uncle's chuckled.

"I fear that is part of the game," his Uncle Ted said. "I did not make it to his last game, I'm afraid."

"You didn't miss much, Uncle Ted."

"So, I hear. You still on Portree this year?" he asked.

"Harpies. Though I will miss seeing the Pride beat the Tornadoes this week," Harry said.

"The Tornadoes are still two matches up."

"There are still eight left," Harry countered.

"And they face the Harpies in three weeks. Face it, Harry, you will lose this year," he said.

"Those ten galleons are still mine."

Harry wasn't paying attention to the other conversation as Uncle Remus just sat back. Harry reached for a pot of tea and held it up for Hermione, pouring her some before he poured himself some.

"Thank you," she said with a smile.

"At least you taught him some manners," his Aunt Andi said to Aunt Bel.

"I try," she responded, sounding like it was a chore.

He sighed. "I will let you know when something big happens again before Dora tells you," he told Aunt Andi.

"I will make sure he does, Mrs. Tonks," Hermione said, giving him a look.

His Uncle Remus chuckled.

"You're only laughing because it's not you," he groused.

"Speaking of which, are you going to tell us you are engaged," Aunt Andi said to his uncle.

He spluttered on the beer he was drinking, and Dora's eyes went wide.

"About bloody time," Uncle Ted said.

"Mum, you we aren't engaged!"

She eyed her daughter. "I assumed Remus was gentleman enough if he got you knocked up that he would at least marry you," she said.

Dora paled and her hair went back to the pink she preferred again, and her eyes turned the more brown of his aunt's. "You checked on me when I was at St. Mungo's," she accused.

"Why were you in St. Mungo's?" Aunt Bel asked.

"Got hurt in a fight the other day. Mum, I didn't tell you to test me!"

"It is standard, just in case we need to change your treatment. How long have you known?"

"About two weeks," she said.

"And what do you have to say for yourself," she said to Uncle Remus.

Harry was looking at Dora, then his uncle.

The man had a fleeting look like he wanted to run before sitting straight. "Andromeda, we were not meaning to keep this a secret. I was actually going to talk with Ted today."

"You have my blessing. About time Dora settled," his other Uncle said.

"And what about mine?"

"Mum, I am twenty-three. I think I can make this choice on my own," his cousin told her mum.

"I am not saying you can't, but if Remus is asking Ted, I think he can ask me too," she said.

"Andi, you know you approve," Uncle Ted said.

"Andi," Uncle Remus said. "To answer your first question, we are not engaged yet. I was hoping to do that today," he said taking out a box from his pocket. He went around his Uncle Ted to Dora, who was looking at him wide eyed.

"Remus, you don't have too," Dora said.

His Uncle looked at Dora in a way he had never seen. Hermione took his hand. As he watched the scene unfold, he realized he would be doing that with Hermione someday.

He already accepted that fate. It was stupid. It was rash. His Aunt would probably tell him it was his hormones at only sixteen, but he couldn't get the picture of her and their four children out of his head.

His Aunt's cool demeanour changed. She hugged Remus and her daughter. Uncle Ted offered him another beer and his aunt congratulated her asking when she was due. "I wish I had a big family like this at time," Hermione whispered to him.

A shiver went through him. "You have your cousins and your parents," he said, never knowing someone could be envious of him. He loved his aunts and uncles, but he would be lying if he didn't wish his parents were around at times.

"It's not like this though. I only got to know Aunt Millie and Uncle Tim this summer. Dad had talked with her on and off but hasn't seen then since before I was born. All my grandparents are dead now. I think that was why he wanted to see her this summer. I don't have any other relatives and none close like this," she said.

"You are always welcome, Hermione. The only one missing is Neville and my Great Aunt Augusta."

"Do you think we can visit him before the end of summer?"

"I don't have any plans next weekend except to spend time with you," he said with a smile.

She smiled back. "I'll talk with my mum," she said.

"What are you two whispering about over there?" Aunt Bel asked. "Aren't you going to congratulate Dora and Remus?"

Harry looked up and gave his cousin a mischievous smile. "You realize you're marrying a mutt?"

"Yeah, kind of figured when he started scratching behind his ears and I had to give him a flea bath," Dora said.

"I don't have fleas," Remus responded. Uncle Ted laughed.

"At least he doesn't lick himself," Harry joked.

Hermione hit his arm. "Harry James!"

Most of them laughed at Hermione's expression. Aunt Andi just shook her head.

Dora tossed a napkin at him. "Tosser!"

He laughed before getting up. He took his Uncle Remus' arm and they embraced. "Congratulations."

"Thank you, Harry."

When he pulled away, Dora had sat up and he leaned down to hug her. "So, you going to let me watch the little one."

"Only when I want him broken," she said.

He laughed. "Won't be any different than when you used to watch me."

She laughed.

"Congratulations."

"Thanks. Hopefully I'll be saying the same in a few years," she told him.

He knew his face had reddened as she pulled away. "Hopefully," he whispered. Dora just winked.

When he sat back down, Aunt Andi was eyeing them. "What did she say?"

"Nothing," he told her.

Hermione raised an eyebrow before kissing his cheek. "It was cute seeing you that red."

-oOo-

August 14, 1996

Stockholm, Sweden

They had come the night before. Uncle Remus and Dora had shared a room in the wizard's tent. He had insisted on Hermione taking the other bedroom and he slept on a cot in the sitting area.

It was just barely light out when he woke. By the time Hermione and Uncle Remus came out, he already had a pot on the stove, rashers and some fried eggs ready. He was grilling up some tomatoes when a tired looking Hermione sat at the table in the tent.

"I smell something good," she said.

He took a pot of coffee he had made and poured her a big cup. He put it on the table. She wrapped both hands around it, not even touching the milk or sugar on the table before taking it to her lips. After taking a few sips, she asked, "Have I told you how much I like you?"

He took a plate over for her and his uncle and she pecked him on the lips. "You could mention it more," he responded cheekily.

She muttered something and took another sip. His Uncle laughed. "Thank you, Harry," he said. Harry nodded and poured himself his own cup of coffee. He figured he could try it, doubting Hermione could drink that much.

When he joined them, Hermione hadn't eaten anything yet, instead just leaned against him.

"Up a little late?" Uncle Remus asked.

"The berks in the site behind us were up after one," she said.

"You should eat something. The game starts at noon, and I want to go see the vendors," he said.

"We walked through them last night," she grumbled.

Remus shook his head. "You have extra I can take into Dora?" he asked.

"Plenty in the heater box."

She sighed. "You're warm," she said, moving closer to him. It was a little cool in the tent.

He kissed her on the head. He liked Hermione that close.

His Uncle ate his breakfast quickly and got up. "You two mind if I take the rest of this coffee in."

Hermione's cup was already half-gone. "You mind?" he asked, and she started.

"What? No. That's fine," she said before starting to pick at her food.

"You should be able to sleep in your own bed tonight," he said.

She was still leaning against him. "Can I just sleep on you?" she asked.

His heart quickened a bit. He had to admit he had not thought about that yet...

"Sure," he said.

She yawned and slowly picked at her breakfast.

It was mid-morning by the time they made it to the now busy concourse to the stadium. England and Sweden fans were everywhere, with many wearing the colours of their team. Harry was in the white and blue of England, with a Jersey with the Seekers number on it.

Dora was dressed much the same, while Hermione and Remus just shook their heads.

"You know I'm training my cousin to be a Seeker," Harry said to Dora.

"Over my dead body. If this kid is anything like me, their going into a bubble," she warned him.

Harry laughed. "I doubt that will even save them from you."

She screwed her face, and he ducked her swat. Hermione got up as he straightened. "Be polite to her. She's pregnant." Dora stuck her tongue out at him. Hermione raised her eyebrow. "If you goad him, I won't stop him again."

His Uncle laughed and Harry stuck out his tongue. "Children," Hermione huffed.

"She sounds so much like mum," Dora said moving to take Hermione's arm from him. "If you excuse me, I need to steal her for a few."

"Is that safe or do I need to put a bubble around me?" Hermione asked and they chuckled.

"Oi! I'm not that bad," Dora said, almost tripping as she took Hermione away.

"Am I going to see her again?" he asked his uncle.

"Eventually."

Hermione's bottom was cute to follow. "I really like her, Uncle Remus."

"I can tell. While Dora steals your girl, I have a question."

Harry turned to him. "This sounds serious."

They started walking towards the stand he had seen some quidditch books and a pair of gloves he wanted now that he slept on it.

"It is."

He eyed his uncle. "You aren't thinking of running?" he asked.

"Merlin, no. Why would you think that?" Uncle Remus asked.

"I just know you never wanted kids."

"Not really, but nothing for it now. I wanted to ask if you would stand in for the best man?" he inquired.

Harry smiled. "When?"

"Just after Christmas. Dora wants a New Year's wedding."

"Can I throw the flower pedals?" he asked with a smirk.

His Uncle laughed. "I'm sure we can find you a cute dress and everything."

Harry laughed. "You sure you want me too?"

"Can't think of a better man," he said.

"I would be honoured too. Does that mean I get to throw you a bachelors party?"

"Yeah, think I'm all set," he told him.

Harry found the stand and took a pair of the gloves and started to look them over.

"I wanted to ask you something else too," his uncle said.

Harry looked up at him. "I'm going to have to start charging for all these favours."

His Uncle looked serious. "This one is a little more serious."

He stood. "What can I do?"

"Dora and I wanted to ask you to be the godfather?" he asked.

Harry just stood there, dumbfounded. "You know I'm only sixteen? Is that wise?"

His Uncle smiled. "I can't think of anyone else I would ask. Hell, your more responsible than my future wife most of the time."

"Can't argue with you there," he said with a smirk before growing serious. "If you and Dora really want me to be, I won't say no. I am training them to be a Seeker."

"Dora's more on the Chasers," he said.

"That's only because she dated a few of them before you," Harry said. "Thank you, Uncle Remus."

His Uncle took his arm and they embraced.

"I should get these gloves and that book before the girls get back," he said. He was flabbergasted they would trust him like that.

Uncle Remus nodded.

When Dora and Hermione came back, she came up to him smiling and gave him a kiss on the cheeks. "What are you all chipper about?"

"I'll tell you later. You ready to head into the stadium?" she asked.

"Yeah," he told his girlfriend.

By the time they made it back to the campsite, it was close to dinner and his voice was hoarse from cheering and screaming. England had won 420 to 290 after catching the snitch.

"You two want to spend the night or head home?" Dora asked.

"I want to eat first," Harry said.

"My mum wanted to head over to Alderney tomorrow with us," Hermione answered.

Harry shrugged. "We can go see what is available for portkeys."

"Why don't you grab your bags and I'll get you a sandwich or something on the walk over," Uncle Remus said.

"Sounds good."

Inside the tent, they went to get their bags. "Thanks for coming. I know you aren't a fan of quidditch."

"I never said that. I just don't get as excited as many of you. Besides, it's not the same when you don't fly."

Harry smirked. "You saying you're a fan girl?"

"I am not one of those brainless bimbo's that want to throw themselves at you just because you can catch a snitch," she scoffed.

"But you enjoy watching me," he stated.

She flushed a little. "I don't like watching you get hurt, but yes. I enjoy watching you."

"I know you aren't brainless, but you are pretty. I could stand to have a fangirl like you," he joked.

"Harry," she scolded with no heat.

"Don't fangirls kiss the star?" he asked.

She didn't look impressed. "Watch it, Potter, or you're going to float away with that big head of yours."

He shrugged. "I'll take my chances."

Harry took Hermione around the waist and pulled her into a kiss. They broke up as Dora came in. "You can snog her better than that," his cousin said as she walked through and into her room.

Hermione gave him an intense look. "Well," she challenged.

Harry smiled and pulled her in closer. They were quite breathless when they pulled apart to Uncle Remus clearing his throat. "You staying to snog or are you going back?" he asked with a laugh on his voice before walking into his room in the tent.

"Going back," he told his uncle.

"I am not a fangirl," she informed him.

"Good. I don't like fangirls," he said.

"Then why kiss me if you thought I was."

"Thought I'd try it once. Though none of the others are as cute as you."

She shook her head. "There better be no others."

"Never," he reassured her. "I think I've been a fanboy of yours for a long time."

She eyed him before pulling him into a snog that started to get a little more heated and he moved so she was against one of the posts in the tent.

"Time to go if you're going," Uncle Remus said walking by.

"Let's go," she told him pushing him away.

"You're shirts a little rumpled."

She just raised an eyebrow and pulled her shirt at her waist. He closed his eyes for a second. He liked how it pulled tight but didn't want to be lewd. She smirked when he opened them.

"Let's get back. Maybe I'll take a ride after dinner," she said. "Maybe I'll play a fangirl for the evening."

His smile was ear to ear. She had not wanted to fly yet, but he was thinking more of what most quidditch players were thinking. He had never snogged anyone while flying yet...