Love me like you do

On the edge of paradise,

Every inch of your skin is a holy grail I've gotta find

Only you can set my heart on fire, on fire

It was two days before Christmas when Hermione burst into the drawing room. Thorfinn, who was reclining on the sofa, looked up rather amused at the excitement very evident on her face.

"And?" he asked.

Hermione beamed at him as she joined him on the sofa. Her smile was so brilliant and infectious Thorfinn couldn't help but reciprocate it. She threw a leg over his waist, seating herself in his lap. His hand settled on her waist instinctively. Evie made a little noise just to remind them that they weren't alone.

"I know what I want for Christmas," Hermione told him. Evie chuckled at Hermione's insistence on the matter.

Thorfinn sighed. "And what do you want?" he asked gently.

"I want you to let me do something for you," she said, "And well me I guess." She added.

Thorfinn frowned, "I'm confused. You want your gift from me to let you do something for me?"

"And me," she added.

"And you," he repeated sceptically.

"Yes," she answered grinning. Her smile dimmed just a little when he still looked at her a little confused. "Think of it as a present for the both of us, from me," she explained.

"Eww, is it – " Evie mocked.

"No Evie!" Hermione laughed, "It's not at all like what you're thinking."

"That's too bad," Thorfinn said grinning at her.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Say yes," she pleaded.

"Before I say yes, are you at least going to tell me what it is?" he asked.

"No, it's a surprise."

He raised a brow at her and he knew there really was no saying no when she pouted a little. "Okay," he agreed.

Hermione looked completely thrilled and leaned down to press a quick kiss to his lips.

"You won't tell me what it is," he murmured not letting her up just yet. She nodded. "Will you tell me when it is … whatever it is?"

"Now," she answered. He raised his brows again at her in surprise.

"Well is it here?" he asked. She bit her lip nervously, and Thorfinn eyed her intently. "Where is it?" he asked.

"Diagon Alley," she answered.

"Hermione," he groaned. It was not that he was afraid of being out in public. He had been completely outraged when they had mentioned the little encounter with the two men in the alley previously. It had only served to confirm what he knew would happen. But Hermione and Evie had been so headstrong and stubborn about it that he had no choice but to let it go. Well he had let it go as best he could.

"Hey," Hermione said softly. "It's okay. Trust me," she said.

Again he sighed. It was not that he wanted to hide away. In fact he hated it more than anything. Thorfinn had never been one to shy away from what people thought of him. But that had been one war and several near death encounters ago. He was a smart man. It was how he had survived not just the war but the Dark Lord himself. It was this smartness that made him hesitant to venture out so soon, knowing exactly what it would be like out there not just for him but for Hermione too. It felt almost like unnecessarily tempting fate.

"Please do this for me," she pleaded. She placed a hand on his cheek, focusing him again. "No more hiding," she said firmly.

"You sure?" he questioned. "There's no going back after this."

"Good," Hermione replied.

Evie chuckled quietly to herself, watching her brother cave to the will of his mate.

"Fine," he agreed, "When do we leave?"

"Ten minutes," Hermione told him grinning.

That was how Thorfinn found himself walking down the bustling Alley two days before Christmas. Hermione stubbornly ignored the cold stares, glares and harsh whispers as they walked.

"Duchess, where are we going?" he asked her.

"Just down there," she answered pointing to the new additions to the alley. Thorfinn nodded and they picked up the pace, making it to the end without any hiccups. All the shops had been festively decorated, and most still covered with a little bit of snow. They walked, passing all the shops until Hermione steered him to the one that was their destination. He looked rather surprised when he realised what it was. But she didn't say anything, simply leading him into the parlour.

Thorfinn looked around and then turned to Hermione with something akin to sadness in his eyes, but before he could say anything, a man walked out of the back. He was in his fifties, his salt and pepper hair tied neatly back. His beard was greying too and showed his age more than anything else, but beneath it was a surprisingly welcoming smile. He was big, not quite as big as Thorfinn but just as intimidating. His sleeves were rolled up, showing his armful of detailed ink.

"Morning, lass," he greeted.

"Hello Mister O'Brady," Hermione greeted. "Remember me?"

"Aye, I remember you," He laughed. "I'd 'ave to be mad to forget your pretty face." He teased winking at her.

Thorfinn scowled and wrapped his arm around her waist more firmly; an act that only made O'Brady smile a little more.

"This must be your fella," he said looking to Thorfinn with great interest.

"Yes, it is," Hermione said smiling at Thorfinn proudly. "Thorfinn, this is Mister O'Brady."

"Oh love do call me Liam," he said and then turned to Thorfinn, eyeing him closely.

Thorfinn didn't shrink under the perceptive gaze of Liam. When it seemed that Thorfinn had passed some sort of silent test, Liam held his hand out to the other wizard, "Good day to yeh, Mister Rowle."

Thorfinn was rather surprised at this but not wanting to appear rude, pulled his senses together and shook Liam's hand rather firmly. This time when Liam looked between the two of them, there was a little less formality and reservation in his eyes.

"Well whenever yeh are ready to start," Liam said gesturing to the door behind him.

Thorfinn squeezed Hermione's hip gently and when she looked up at him, he asked, "What are we doing here?"

"It's a tattoo parlour love." She merely answered.

"I don't understand," Thorfinn replied. "I can't even get one done. The rules," he said this looking pained at the remembrance of it, "won't let me."

"Do you trust me?" she asked instead.

"Yes."

"Then trust that I have this worked out." Hermione told him. But when he didn't look too convinced she decided to tell him. She glanced at Liam and Merlin bless his intelligence for understanding what she did not want to say.

"I'm going to check on yeh things back there," he said pointing to the door behind him. "Lemme know when yeh ready lass." Hermione nodded, watching as he turned and left the room.

"You really want me to get a tattoo?" Thorfinn clarified the moment they were alone.

"Not quite. I want you to add to what you've already got," she answered. Immediately Thorfinn looked down at his left forearm. Hermione shook her head. "No, not that one," she said.

He was rather surprised at her answer. He had thought that she would want to see it gone.

"I know that you don't care what people think when they see that." Hermione said pointing to his arm. "And if you have learned to make peace and to live with it, then the rest of the world is just going to have to do the same."

"So we're not here for the mark?" he clarified. She shook her head. "Then?" he asked.

Hermione smiled, "Do you know that wolves mate for life?" she asked completely baffling him. Thorfinn shook his head slowly, his face a perfect picture of confusion. "Well they do," she continued, "and that got me thinking about your wolf. Evie told me that it was your mother's idea to have the runes added." He nodded, "I think it was simply ingenious of her." Thorfinn smiled despite not fully understanding. "So you'd have everything you'd need to survive. And you did."

"Hermione, where are you going with this?" he asked cautiously.

Hermione sighed. "But the war is over," she continued, "And now you have to live your life. To do so, you're going to need one more thing." She sucked in a nervous breath, "With your permission I would like you to add one more rune to your wolf."

Thorfinn was genuinely surprised at her request. He stared at her for a moment before asking, "What rune would you like to add?"

"Love."

He didn't know what to say at first, "W-wha…" this was not what he had been expecting when he walked into the tattoo parlour not fifteen minutes ago.

"I know it's not romantic at all, what with it being just a tattoo shop in the middle of a busy Alley full of people who currently hate us. But I don't care. You have to know and I have to say it. I love you." Hermione said nervously. Her fingers fidgeted with the buttons on her coat as she spoke.

He was floored. But his reaction was almost instantaneous; reaching for her, his arms wrapping around her and tipping her head back so he could kiss her.

"Say it again," he demanded against her lips.

She grinned, "I love you."

"Merlin woman, have I been waiting to hear you say those words," he admitted. He looked into her eyes, his gaze unwavering and his words firm, "But more than that I have been waiting for the moment when I'd get to say it to you."

"Well what are you waiting for now?" she teased grinning at him.

His hand brushed a curl behind her ear and he held her face firmly in his hands as he spoke, "I love you."

Hermione was completely thrilled and reached up on her toes, kissing him once more. "S-so will you do it?" she asked when they pulled apart.

He looked a little uneasy at this question. "Yes, I would, but according to the rules of my … parole I can't have any work by wand done until my four years are up."

Surprisingly she smiled, "I know. But luckily I also happen to know someone who could help with that."

Thorfinn smirked, "Breaking the rules for me are you?" he teased.

She laughed, "More like bending the rules," she corrected. "It's a little complicated, honestly and really I didn't do much. It was the rune actually." Hermione admitted.

"I didn't even know there was a rune for love," Thorfinn added.

"Well it wasn't the easiest to find but it does exist. The basic rune was a little too general but I thought about tweaking it and well," she sighed almost still not believing it herself, "something rather amazing happened."

"What?"

"The rune sort of created itself." She explained. Thorfinn frowned a little confused.

"Is that even possible?" he asked.

"I didn't think so but Liam is somewhat of an expert on runes and the power of their markings," she continued explaining.

Thorfinn was not surprised by this, given that the wizard's job was permanently inking magical symbols onto people. He would be foolish not to understand the power those symbols carried.

"There's something more to this isn't there?" he asked sensing she had found something very important.

"Yes," she said excitedly, "When our rune appeared I did some research on it and found that soul –bonded pairs such as ourselves are usually given a rune which serves to protect us. We carry it almost like a talisman I guess. Each rune is unique to each soul-bonded pair. It serves only them and both the bonded pair and the actual bond can be harmed if they go long enough without it." She explained. "So I merely approached the Minister and told him that neither of us were given a rune at the time of our bonding because we hadn't even known we were bonded. It really didn't seem fair that we should be deprived of something so important in our bonding and given your current deal with the ministry," she said looking at the silver bracelet on his left hand, "it really does not seem wise to let you be without some kind of protection."

"And the Minister believed that?" Thorfinn asked sceptical.

"I did also mention that apart from the rune being great to help the connection between the bonded pair it's also a form of protection for them both," Hermione explained. "And given what happened to you the last time you were here and the less than warm reception we've been given, the Minister did agree it was a good idea to have some kind of magical protection for us."

"And there's nothing better or more powerful than the magic between a soul-bonded pair," Thorfinn said smiling at her. That much he did know about their unique pairing.

"Exactly," she beamed.

'How long have you been planning this?' he asked sounding very curious.

'A few days,' Hermione replied. It had been nearly impossible but she had tirelessly worked with Liam while dogging down the Minister to agree.

'You managed to find all this out in a few days? Plus, get permission from the Minister himself?' Thorfinn asked disbelievingly.

'What can I say?' she teased. 'I am very determined.'

He chuckled, 'Aye Duchess. That you are.'

"So does this mean you'll do it?" she asked again.

"You sure this is what you want for Christmas?" he asked in reply.

'Yes, but if you're not sure or don't want to…." She trailed off hesitantly. Hermione didn't want him to feel like he had to do it. "You don't have to do it, nothing as permanent as this I mean. We could get it engraved on something you can wear, I guess" She rambled, "But I just thought it would be a nice way to commemorate you moving forward and well it seems like the runes protected you well enough during the war and now I just wanted you to have a part of me that would protect you. I guess it does sound a little - mmmph!" he kissed her stopping her ramblings all at once.

She wound her arms around his neck, letting him deepen the kiss. She sighed in pure bliss. He pulled away just barely putting space between them.

"It's a wonderful idea, Duchess. So yes I'll do it," Thorfinn answered. "But –" he paused a little unsure. "It feels a little unfair that I should have something of you to protect me and you have nothing."

"Well that's the other thing about this rune," she said almost shyly. "See it only really takes and works if both parties of the pair accept it." Thorfinn looked a little unsure of what she was trying to say. "If we want this to work at its best, for it to be at its strongest, I would have to get one too." She explained, "It's a symbolic connection between us."

"So it only makes sense that you should have one too," Thorfinn said nodding in understanding. "But love… are you sure you want to do it? It's very permanent." Hermione smiled, her fingers running over his beard lightly. "There's no undoing it Hermione," he said very seriously.

"I would never want that," she said almost near heartbroken at the mere thought. "There's no going back or undoing us, Thorfinn Rowle." Hermione told him.

He was momentarily stunned by her ease of accepting what they were about to do. Knowing her as well as he did, Thorfinn knew Hermione would not have suggested this lightly. More so, he was admittedly a selfish man and he wanted nothing more than to have Hermione be his in all the ways that mattered. So he cleared his throat as his fingers danced across her cheek, "As you wish Duchess," he replied.

"Come on then," Hermione said, "Liam's waiting for us."

They walked into the backroom, where Liam was relaxing in his chair, a pair of glasses perched on the tip of his nose as he read the paper.

He looked up as they entered. "Ready to go, lass?" he asked.

"Just about, we're just waiting on the Minister," Hermione answered, "He's got to be here to oversee that we aren't inking anything other than the rune on you," she said looking at Thorfinn. "But I was hoping we'd get to see the rune once more before we begin… and well talk about mine."

"Yours?" Liam asked raising a brow.

"Yes, I thought about what you said and I've decided to get my rune done as well," Hermione told him. She had naturally been very hesitant to get the rune done, not for fear of commitment to her relationship with Thorfinn but for the actual wand work involved. There were still instances when she'd wake in cold sweat, with the feel of Bellatrix's blade pressing into her skin. But when the idea had come to her and she'd found out about their special rune, Hermione knew she would never let someone like Bellatrix Lestrange come between the bond she shared with Thorfinn. Bellatrix was long gone and the more days she spent with Thorfinn helped to put her slowly but surely more securely in the past.

"Hm," Liam said and he pulled out a thick envelope. He waved his wand over the seal and it broke before he pulled out a single piece of parchment. "Here you go," he said handing the parchment to Hermione.

She took it, smiling graciously at Liam as she did so. She simply loved their rune, and she had felt a tingle and pull every time she saw it. It was a little complex yet elegant, with deep strokes and bold lines. It would mould perfectly into the Maori design of his wolf. She handed it to him, anxiously watching his reaction.

"What do you think?" she asked Thorfinn.

He traced his finger over the rune, thoughtful about each upward curve and drop. Hermione grew more anxious with each passing moment that he said nothing. He gasped a little when he felt the tingle of the rune against his fingers.

"Do you like it?" she asked nervously.

Thorfinn smiled. "It's beautiful," he said softly. "This is just for us?" he questioned.

"Yes, just for us," she answered with a smile.

"I like that," he admitted looking back at the rune, "I really like that."

"Me too." Hermione agreed. She gripped his forearms, forcing him to look at her again. When he did, she pressed her lips to his, kissing him until only the clearing of a throat reminded them they were not alone. Hermione blushed as they pulled apart but Thorfinn only chuckled, tucking a curl behind her ear.

"Now then Mister Rowle, shall we talk about where this rune is will be?" Liam asked his amused smile barely concealed. "The lass mentioned you already have an existing tattoo we're adding too?" Thorfinn nodded. "Let's see it then," Liam instructed pointing to the chair.

Hermione bit her lip holding back her excitement as she let him go. Thorfinn pulled his Henley off in one swift motion and turned so that Liam could inspect his wolf tattoo. Hermione's eyes flashed hungrily at the sight of his bare chest and she was aware she was now openly staring at him, if the little chuckle she heard escape him was anything to go by. She raised her eyes to meet his steely greys and he winked at her. Hermione smirked as she watched him pull his hair into a bun so that it would be out of Liam's way. Thorfinn straddled the chair, bracing his arms on the back rest.

Liam whistled in surprise, drawing their attention back to him. "This is quite an impressive piece yeh got here Mister Rowle." He took a small step back, considering the wolf in all its delicate beauty from a distance. "Clever thing, embedding such powerful runes in plain sight." Thorfinn nodded as Liam stepped around to face him. "As I'm sure yeh know, tattoos have incredible power," he continued his eyes briefly flickering down to Thorfinn's left forearm. And then much to their surprise, Liam clapped him on the shoulder, "I hope these runes served yeh well son," he said solemnly.

Thorfinn stared at him unsure what to say at this stranger's unexpected kindness. Hermione nudged him gently prompting his reply. "Thank you. They served as best they could," he replied equally solemn.

"Well this will take some time. We 'ave to make sure it bonds well with the other runes," Liam informed them.

"Do you think that will be a problem?" Hermione asked.

"Nah, yeh don't worry lass," Liam assured her. "It's all about weaving the magic correctly."

The tinkling of the bell above the shop door alerted them to the arrival of someone else. "Right then, let's hope that's the Minister," Liam said rubbing his hands together as he went of back to the front of the parlour.

Hermione walked over to where Thorfinn was seated, his arms braced against the back of the chair. He smiled at her, "You sure about this, love?" he asked for his conscience sake. "We don't have to get it inked. We can have it engraved or something," he offered.

"No, I want this," she told him. "I know how much that wolf and those runes mean to you… and I would like to add to that," she told him sounding oddly nervous.

He pulled her gently toward him and when she saw the look in his eyes she knew they would never come to regret this.

"I love you," she whispered against his lips.

He grinned. Merlin he loved hearing her say those words. "I love you too," he replied and then he kissed her. She grinned, enjoying the feel of his fingers weaving through her hair.

"Merlin yeh two are like a couple of teenagers," Liam teased walking back into the room, the Minister following close behind. "Remind me of myself and the wife actually."

Hermione blushed and Thorfinn chuckled. "Hello Kingsley," she greeted with a smile.

"Hermione," He replied with an equally warm smile, "Mister Rowle," he said looking at the seated wizard.

"Minister," Thorfinn said in greeting.

"You look… happy," Kingsley said.

Hermione wasn't sure if it was directed at them both or just her so she simply replied, "We are."

"Right then, let's get started," Liam said.

They spent the next few minutes filling Kingsley in on the details as well as informing him Hermione would be taking the rune and then it was decided Thorfinn would go first. Hermione had never seen a wizardry tattoo being done before and so she watched with keen eyes. She was buzzing with questions as she watched Liam expertly draw the rune into wolf design with a black pen. 'Magic ink,' he told her. And then came the series of intricate wand waving and its corresponding quiet hum. She watched transfixed as the rune became one with the others. She watched Thorfinn too. Though it was a small rune, it involved a lot of work, especially to get it to bond with the other runes he had, not that he seemed to mind. He sat still and unflinching as Liam worked. Hermione knew he was used to it. But as she watched him she realised that receiving the mark would not have been as pleasant or as peaceful as this. In many ways this was cathartic for him. She slipped her hand through his and if the gentle squeeze and soothing almost lazy circles he drew were anything to go by Hermione knew she was right. She looked down at him, though him seated meant there wasn't much difference between their height now. He turned her hand over, his fingers gently caressing her palm as he brought it to her lips, kissing her pulse point. She gasped at the tingle that shot through her. Their bond positively hummed and she knew then that it was the forging of something deeper between them. Hermione looked up to see Liam giving her a knowing smile.

"Yeh feel it don't yeh lass?" Liam asked.

Hermione nodded because it was so strong she could never deny it. The rune opened a deeper connection between Thorfinn and Hermione and though the inking was not yet done, the pull was undeniable. She wondered what it would feel like when she had her rune completed too.

"Yeh two have an uncommonly strong connection," Liam noted. They didn't say anything merely waited for him to continue, "I can feel it, the pull of yeh magic against his."

Thorfinn cast his eyes down to the silver bracelet around his wrist. He had felt it tingle the moment Liam had started the rune but chose not to say anything.

"You can feel his magic?" Hermione asked in disbelief.

"Not just his magic," Liam said looking up from his wand work. "I can feel yours too."

"Really?" Hermione asked surprised. Liam nodded.

"It's not uh – common to feel the other's magic so strongly while the rune is still being bonded," Liam explained.

"But how can you feel my magic?" Thorfinn asked confused. "I don't –" he stopped clearing throat, hating sounding weak. "I don't have my magic."

Liam snorted, "Yeh still 'ave yeh magic," he stated, "Yeh just can't use it."

At this Hermione chuckled at looked at Thorfinn with a smirk.

"You sound like her," Thorfinn teased bringing her hand to his lips again.

"She's a clever witch," Liam said winking at her.

"Aye, that she is," Thorfinn agreed looking at her affectionately.

Kingsley was seated in a chair watching them with interest. She looked back at Thorfinn and he nodded ever so slightly letting her know he was okay. With an almost reluctant smile she walked over and took a seat beside her friend.

"You have adjusted rather well," Kingsley said quietly after a moment.

"You sound oddly surprised by that," Hermione commented.

"If memory serves correct you were rather against this," Kingsley reminded her.

"I didn't know him then. I misjudged him," she admitted. "I have learned a lot since then, Kingsley."

"And you are confident in your knowledge of him now?" he asked.

"Yes," she answered without hesitation.

"So things have worked out well then," Kingsley said cheerily.

"Yes I suppose they have," Hermione grinned but then it faltered a moment later, "Well almost."

"Ron?" Kingsley guessed and then judging by the contemplative look on her face he amended, "Harry?". Hermione nodded. "This is a very big thing to understand let alone accept my dear," Kingsley said. "He will come around."

She bit her lip nervously, "I don't know Kingsley. I always knew Ron had a temper and would take this badly but Harry… I just never – oh Kingsley! He said such awful things. They just… ugh! They wouldn't understand! He makes me happy. So very happy," she rushed out, only somewhat embarrassed by how much she was relieving. "For the first time I actually feel like I belong, here with him," she emphasised. "Is that so wrong?" Hermione asked, her voice edged with all the vulnerability she felt.

Kingsley looked at her sadly, "No my dear, it's no wrong at all." He answered.

"After everything we've been through, he doesn't trust me with something this important," Hermione whispered in disbelief. "I could handle all the nasty things he said to me. I understand he was angry but it's this lack of trust that I don't know if I can forgive."

"Don't be too hasty Hermione," Kingsley advised. She scowled but he held up a hand and continued, "I'm not saying don't be angry. You have every right to be. All I am saying is do not make any decisions in anger that you might later come to regret."

Hermione begrudgingly admitted that Kingsley did have a point. She nodded and quickly wiped away at the tears that had fallen despite her best efforts. She gave Kingsley a reassuring smile and then looked back to Thorfinn, only to find he was already looking at her. There was no doubt he'd been watching her carefully during her exchange with Kingsley.

"Thank you for doing this Kingsley," Hermione said turning to her friend once more. "I know you must have better things to do that sit here with us two days before Christmas."

Kingsley chuckled, "It's my pleasure Hermione," he said. "In any case you might consider it as part of an apology I guess."

'An apology for what?' Hermione asked confused.

'I'm afraid some of our Ministry workers have not been so professional in their handling of your wizard's attacks.' He answered and Hermione frowned remembering their confrontation with the aurors after Thorfinn had been attacked. 'I had hoped Harry and Hodges would be professional to carry out their jobs without letting their prejudice getting in the way but I see I was wrong.'

'It's not your fault Kingsley,' Hermione sighed. 'I too had hoped Harry would be more understanding but that is not something I can force on him.'

Kingsley nodded in agreement and then added, 'Besides from what I understand, this is what's owed to you and your bonded hhm?'

Hermione ducked her head, blushing. Yes, she had been rather zealous in her campaign for the Wizengamot to approve of her plans on such short notice. She looked back at Thorfinn and this time he winked at her.

"Go on then," Kingsley encouraged.

Hermione laughed and not needing to be told twice, stood and re-joined her wizard. His hand easily slipped around her waist pulling her close as he rested his head against her stomach. Hermione ran her fingers through his hair and Thorfinn gently squeezed her hip in response.

A short while later Liam announced that it was completed. A few more muttering and wand waving and then he placed a protective seal over the new ink. Thorfinn stood, stretching his muscles after being still for so long. Hermione handed him his Henley, which much to her disappointment he slipped on.

"Alright lass, your turn," Liam said.

Hermione nodded excitedly. They had decided hers would be placed in the exact same spot on her back as it was on Thorfinn's. She reached to pull of her sweater when Thorfinn coughed reminding her of something.

"Oh," she said turning a little red.

"Aye, don't yeh worry lass," Liam chuckled as both he and Kingsley respectfully turned away.

Thorfinn stood in front of Hermione regardless and she hastily pulled the sweater over her head and pulling her hair into a bun that sat atop her head. She took up the same stance as Thorfinn, straddling the chair and bracing her arms on the back rest. With her dignity preserved, she settled in and waited for Liam to start. In much the same way as he prepped Thorfinn, Liam did the same for Hermione. It was only when he raised his wand, the movement catching her eye that she tensed. They all seemed to notice.

"Wait," Thorfinn ordered. He pulled up a chair, swivelling it around so he once again straddle it as he looked at his witch. "You don't have to do this love," he whispered to her. He could see that she was a little afraid but more than that he could feel the panic through their bond.

"No," she insisted, "I want to."

"Hermio-" he started.

"No, Thorfinn, she doesn't get to take this away from me," she told him fervently.

Thorfinn looked unsure for a moment. Despite how much he wanted this, he wouldn't have her suffering to get it. She placed her hand on his cheek, her thumb soothing over his beard.

"I'll be okay, Viking," she said smiling at him, "Just don't leave me."

"I'm not going anywhere," he promised. She nodded at him and then watched as she steeled her resolve. When he was sure, Thorfinn looked up and nodded at Liam. The older man set to work then, going at a much slower pace than Thorfinn.

Hermione did her best not to think about it, instead she looked at Thorfinn; who was looking at her with sure unfiltered love and adoration she thought her heart might burst. He reached for her hand once more, tracing soothing circles on her skin and over her pulse point. It was easier not to panic at the wand movements happening behind her. He touched her constantly then, a hand on her cheek, his fingers tracing patterns on her arms and his lips against her palm. It was the most affectionate he'd ever been in public but he also seemed to understand she needed it. The more he touched her, the less he felt of her panic. He sat patiently before her just offering his support. Hermione had learned that while Thorfinn teased and flirted with her, he was not an openly conversational person to others.

"You okay, love?" he asked quietly.

"Yeah," she replied a little breathless.

She could feel the scratch of Liam's magic against her skin as he traced the rune. Her panic flared briefly at a particularly sore point but Thorfinn simply grazed his knuckles across her cheeks and then wrapped a loose curl around his finger. The action was simple but it eased her so magnificently. She could see the concern and worry in his eyes so she smiled, pulling him a little closer as she pressed a quick and chaste kiss to his lips to reassure him.

Eventually she got somewhat accustomed to the tingle of Liam's wand but she couldn't say she'd be sorry when it was over. Hermione knew that Thorfinn felt it when the symbolic connection was made through the rune between them. They both felt it as Liam traced that particular curve. What she had felt earlier when he had been in the chair was the start of that link and now it was complete. As Hermione did not have any other runes on her person, it meant there wasn't anything preventing it from bonding well with her.

"All done, lass," Liam finally said.

Hermione turned and smiled at him before shifting in her chair so she could stand. Thorfinn too stood once again blocking her from view as she slipped on her sweater. They walked to the front of the shop where Hermione absolutely insisted on paying.

"It's my gift to you Thorfinn!" she scolded, "I can't let you pay!"

He merely rolled his eyes and sighed in defeat recognizing that stubborn tone her voice took on when she was absolutely set to do something.

"Yeh two staying together?" Liam asked just before they could leave.

Shocked and uncertain about his question, Hermione merely nodded.

"Good," he said smirking. "Proximity helps the healing. Well that and other things," he teased. "You're going to want to get your witch home my boy."

"Why is that?" Hermione asked amused.

Liam chuckled heartily, "I've just spent a great deal of time completing a very integral part of yeh bond. There's a reason the consummation of the bond is followed by such an act."

Hermione blushed a brilliant red at his insinuation as Thorfinn laughed.

"Emotions run high and the link between yeh is still raw. It needs … a balm of sorts to ease it," Liam further explained. And perhaps because he had mentioned it, Hermione was suddenly acutely aware of a deep longing and pull that thrummed through their bond.

"And you believe sex is that balm?" Hermione asked somehow managing to keep a straight face. Beside her Thorfinn was beyond amused and Kingsley looked downright uncomfortable.

"Oh love, I don't make the rules," he told her. "I doubt yeh'll have any problems ensuring the link is forged good and proper," Liam went on winking at Thorfinn.

"We'll keep that in mind," Thorfinn said, a faint pink tinge on his cheeks. "Thank you," he said extending his hand to the other man.

Liam was rather serious then as he grasped Thorfinn's hand in his own. "Yeh take good care of each other now." He said looking between them, "And hopefully I'll be seeing yeh again in here sometime in the future."

"Yes, or course," Thorfinn replied and Hermione had no doubt he was serious about coming back.

"Thank you, Liam," Hermione said sincerely stepping up and hugging him. He was a little surprised but quickly returned the gesture.

With that the rest of the goodbyes were doled out and then Thorfinn and Hermione were stepping out towards the Leaky. The connection of their rune was just itching to be validated. Hermione had never been more aware of the wizard beside her. Thorfinn still looked a little shocked at what had just happened but Hermione merely smiled at him.

"Let's go home Viking," she said and he grinned in response.

This time it was Thorfinn who took her hand and they walked together, back up the alley, heading home.

AN: Hello!

Firstly, I hope that you're all keeping safe and staying at home during this difficult times! I want to extend a very big and sincere thank you to all my wonderful readers. I am very sorry I was unable to update last week but as I had previously warned my schedule has become increasingly busy. I promise you will see this story end but the updates from here on might be a little delayed.

With that being said please know that I appreciate, read and love every single review that has been left to this story. Please continue to do so as its the best kind of motivation a writer could get! Don't underestimate the power your words have on us writers!

Song: Love me like you do - Ellie Goulding

Cheers!