Take me home - Part II

Anger, love, confusion

Roads that go nowhere

I know there's somewhere better

'Cause you always take me there

When Hermione woke next, she was adamant that she wanted to go home.

"I want to sleep in my own bed!" She argued. "I'm fine! We know who wanted us dead and now that the Aurors have them, there is really no need for me to be stuck here."

But her healer had been adamant that she stay for at least one more day to ensure she was healing properly.

"Miss Granger," Healer Warren started.

"Mrs. Rowle," Hermione corrected with great pleasure. She saw Thorfinn looking incredibly smug and Evie quite amused. "I'm not sure if you've noticed but I recently completed the bonding and with the help of my soul – bonded, my healing has sped along quite nicely."

"Ah- yes, I have noticed. And may I add a congratulations." Healer Warren said with a smile. "But I would still prefer if you stayed here until we're certain you're okay. Like I told Mister Rowle yesterday, you have a slow recovery ahead of you."

"Healer Warren, thank you very much for your concern, but I am quite certain that I am okay. I just want to go home. I think we can both agree that my recovery is better served at home." She said and then turned to Thorfinn, not even the slightest bit ashamed of the dramatically sad eyes she gave him. "Can we please go home, Viking?" she all but begged of him.

It didn't take long for Thorfinn to cave, especially when she moaned about missing the comforts of their bed.

With a begrudging release from Healer Warren and very strict instructions on how to care for Hermione's injuries, the Rowles were stepping into the fireplace, and heading back home.

As much as she missed their bed, Hermione had enough of laying about in bed so she made herself comfortable in the sun room, with the warm rays filtering in around her. Evie had rushed into the kitchen, gathering some of Hermione's favourites as Thorfinn joined Hermione in the sun room.

"Have you heard from the Ministry?" Hermione asked nervously as she laid her head on his chest.

He wrapped an arm around her tiny frame, pulling her closer. "No," he said quietly. "Evie and Draco spoke to the Minister but all he was able to tell them was that it was still under review."

Hermione reached for his hand, threading her fingers with his. She noticed his wrist bare from where the magical restraint usually was. With the restraint proving to be ineffective the Ministry decided they would keep Thorfinn's wand as a safeguard. Hermione squeezed his hand and he smiled at her in return.

"It's okay duchess," he assured her, leaning down to place a quick kiss to her lips. "Don't worry about it. Just rest."

She sighed but didn't bother to argue with him on that. He had been very adamant in his decision on using his magic for her sake. And if she were honest, she would have done the same for him, so how could she continue to be angry at him when all he wanted was for her to be safe?

Hermione snuggled against Thorfinn as he lazily drew circles on her back. "Where's Draco?" she asked.

"At the Manor," he answered. "He'll be here soon though. Said he had a few things to see to."

"Good," Hermione said. "I never got to say thank you." Then she turned a little to look at Thorfinn. "I never did thank you, did I?"

He smiled. "It better not be for coming to you when I thought you needed help. You know I always will."

"Yes I know." Hermione replied. She placed her head on his chest, over his heart. "Thank you." She said softly anyway.

"I told you love, I'd do anything to save you." He murmured into her hair.

"I know," she said. "But I don't just mean for saving me." Hermione told him.

"Oh?"

"Thank you for loving me," she said slowly. "For showing me how to be me without reservations and -" she stopped.

"And?" Thorfinn prompted curiously.

"For the peace that has come. I've never quite felt anything like it." Hermione told him.

Thorfinn chuckled. "I'm not entirely sure this has been peaceful for you darlin'," He mused. And then his hand ran over the bandage on her arm to prove his point.

"Oh this?' Hermione said cheekily. "This is nothing. I have survived far worse."

"I know." Thorfinn said sadly.

But Hermione didn't let him linger in his remorse for much longer. She reached up, her hand clutching his chin and pulling him a little down so his lips eagerly met hers. He shifted them so she was laying almost completely beneath him, but still mindful of her injuries. He balanced his weight as he felt her legs shift, moving between his and he couldn't help but groan as her knee brushed against his arousal. Her hand dug into his thick hair, anchoring him to her. His other hand danced along her body and then deftly slipped under her shirt, skimming her skin and drawing a sweet moan from her. Her moan was like a trigger than had them kissing more urgently. She nipped at his lips as his fingers dug into her curls, pulling her closer to him. Hermione shifted again and felt the heat of his skin against her own. Her shirt rod up further as his fingers gripped her waist.

"Oh Merlin!" Evie swore as she entered the room. "I can't bloody leave you two alone for a minute!" she scolded.

Thorfinn and Hermione slowly disentangled, with Hermione sporting a bright blush. Thorfinn gave her a roguish grin before looking at his sister.

"You witch, have the worst timing ever!" Thorfinn complained.

"It's not my fault you two go at it like randy teenagers!" Evie argued. "All. The. Bloody. Time."

Despite her embarrassment, Hermione laughed. That seemed to brighten both Thorfinn and Evie as they watched her.

"Feeling any better Hermione?" Evie asked. She had a few vials in her hand that Hermione eyed curiously.

"Much better," she answered smiling lightly.

"So my brother is taking good care of you?" Evie teased. "If he's being a nuisance I can always send him away." She turned to Thorfinn, nonetheless. "She is supposed to be resting!"

"I'd like to see you try," Thorfinn dared her.

"Oh you underestimate me, dear brother," Evie replied with a smirk.

"No Evie, don't send him away. I don't think I could bare to be away from him. From either of you actually," she said sincerely.

Evie smiled and then handed her one of the vials. "Good. Now take these." She held out a vial with a bright orange colour.

Hermione sat up a little. "Isn't it a little early for potions?" She questioned, taking the vile liquid from Evie.

"Nope. I was given very precise instructions from Healer Warren. Now quit stalling and take it." Evie ordered.

Hermione scrunched up her face as she tossed back the potion. The potion was just as she predicted, quite vile and seeing the others in Evie's hands only had her groaning in displeasure.

"Oh don't make that face. It's good for you and you know it." Evie scolded.

"Ugh," Hermione moaned but dutifully held her hand out for the next one. Thorfinn pulled her hair back and soothingly rubbed her back as she took the rest of the potions.

"Merlin, you're almost as bad as Thorfinn is," Evie grumbled but she was smiling at them. Once Hermione was done Evie placed the empty vials on the table and took up a couch for herself. She turned to Hermione with the biggest smile Hermione had ever seen on her.

"it's good to have you home, Hermione," she said.

"It's good to be home, Evie," Hermione replied equally thrilled.

They fell into a peaceful silence as Hermione settled back against Thorfinn. Her eyes grew heavy and she knew the potions were kicking in as sleep took her. She was briefly aware of Thorfinn pulling a blanket over them before it all became one.

It was sometime later, when she heard the mumbling of those around her and felt the gentle rumble of Thorfinn's chest as he spoke. She didn't quite have the energy to open her eyes so she settled for just listening.

"You didn't have to do that Draco," Thorfinn said though he didn't sound upset.

"Of course I did." Draco responded firmly. "I can't sit and do nothing especially when I might be able to help."

"But going before the Wizengamot on my behalf … are you sure that was wise?" Thorfinn asked hesitantly.

"Of course. It was the only way to ensure you don't get screwed over." Hermione heard Draco say.

"So, you just went up there and pleaded my brother's case?" Evie asked.

"Pretty much," Draco said. "I simply told them what happened and why Thorfinn had broken his restraints twice. I mentioned the strength your runes had and how that helped us locate the girls. They were actually rather interested in that." Draco added thinking it over.

"What does this mean for me?" Thorfinn asked and Hermione tensed. He seemed to sense her change but didn't say anything.

"They've agreed that you breaching your parole was necessary and they can't fault the pull of your magick to each other. It took some explaining because apparently they hasn't been a pairing as strong as yours for centuries now." Draco continued.

"Centuries?" Evie questioned in disbelief.

"Yeah, you two are quite rare" Draco said.

"What does this mean for me?" Thorfinn asked trying not to sound too anxious. He was aware that Hermione was now listening as she lay in his arms.

"You'll have to continue with your parole. A new bracelet is being created with some modifications to accommodate your bond. You acted in self – defence and thankfully this time they won't be punishing you."

"Draco, I could just about kiss you right now!" Evie gushed.

"I save your brother's magic and all I get is a kiss?" Draco teased.

"Well what did you have in mind, then?" Evie retorted.

"Oh, a fair few ideas."

"Would you be willing to share these ideas?" Evie cheekily asked.

Draco chuckled. "I might be tempted too, if you have the time."

Evie laughed and then replied. "For you? Of course. But for now I guess you'll just have to settle for a kiss."

"You'll hear no complaints from me there," Draco responded.

"You will from me," Thorfinn grouched and Hermione was glad he couldn't see her face as she could barely hide her smile.

"You, brother are the last to talk. Getting all handsy with Hermione in every possible corner at every possible minute," Evie huffed.

"That's different." Thorfinn weakly argued.

"How?" Evie questioned laughing. "And if you say the words soul-bonded, I will hex you."

Thorfinn's grumbles were not heard by Evie or Draco but felt by Hermione. He squeezed her hip, letting her know he was well aware she was awake.

"And what of you?" Thorfinn asked changing the subject. "What have the ministry sods decided about your fate, Draco?" He asked.

Draco sighed and Hermione imagined him running his fingers through his hair. "They were rather eager to punish me too but eventually their sense won out as they realised much like yourself I was just trying to help." Draco said. "Shacklebolt helped a lot there in fact." He added as an afterthought.

"And you did help." Hermione finally said opening her eyes to see her friend seated opposite them. "Thank you Draco."

He smiled, " You're welcome Hermione. Just try and stay out of trouble yeah?"

Hermione chuckled. "I'll do my best."

"See I told you that you had nothing to worry about," Thorfinn whispered into her ear.

Hermione chuckled and sleepily stretched a little. As she settled again, they felt their wards shift, indicating someone was trying to enter the Manor.

"Are we expecting anybody else?" Hermione asked.

Evie shrugged. "Let me go see." She said getting up and heading out the sunroom.

"So what now for you two then?" Draco asked. "You're already married. You know what comes after marriage right?"

Hermione flushed. "We're in no hurry for that Draco." She told him primly.

"Are you sure?" he teased.

"Yes," Hermione chuckled. "So much has happened these past few months – hell these past few years. I think I'd just like a little time for myself. To live in this moment and enjoy it." She said turning to Thorfinn.

He smiled. "I do like the sound of that, love."

Evie interrupted whatever Draco was going to say and the scowl on her face quickly dampened their moods.

"Who is it?" Hermione asked quickly. "Oh. Ginny." She whispered a second later as she saw the red head following Evie into the room. Behind her was Ron looking quite embarrassed already.

"I'm sorry Hermione," Ron said immediately. "I tried to tell her to wait but she was rather adamant she speak to you now."

Hermione nodded feeling a little defensive as she turned back to Ginny.

"Hermione," Ginny greeted a little stiffly.

"What are you doing here?" Hermione asked.

"I-uh- well I guess I've come to apologise." Ginny announced a little uncertainly.

The other occupants in the room didn't bother hiding their surprise at her words. Ginny took a step closer but stopped when she noticed Thorfinn frowning at her.

Ginny said. "I … Merlin, I'm really sorry Hermione. For everything."

Hermione looked at her rather shocked. It wasn't the worst apology but it felt a little underwhelming really. Though, she supposed she could consider herself lucky. Two apologies from two Weasley's in more or less the same number of days. Though there was something in the way that Ginny had delivered this apology that had Hermione a little hesitant to quickly accept.

"You're sorry?" Hermione questioned.

"Yeah," Ginny replied. She fidgeted for a moment before continuing. "Ron told me what happened. At Hogsmeade and how they –" she said this looking between Draco and Thorfinn, "saved you."

"You think we'd just let her die?" Draco asked harshly.

"Well once upon a time you did wish her dead Malfoy, so forgive me if I don't quite believe your supposedly good intentions now." Ginny spat.

"Ginny!" Ron hissed from behind her but she ignored him.

Hermione raised a brow. "I thought this was supposed to be an apology? Insulting my friends is really not the way to go if you want my forgiveness."

Ginny exhaled loudly. "You're right." She said through gritted teeth. "Hermione I am sorry that we weren't there when you needed us. It was wrong to push you away."

"Why did you?" Hermione asked softly. Hermione knew that they had been rather close at one stage and she had hoped to count on that friendship when she found out about the bonding but she was mistaken. It hurt terribly seeing how quickly Ginny had cast her aside and called her a traitor among other things.

"I was angry," Ginny said with a little shrug. "Jealous too I think." She admitted quietly. "But we're okay now," this had Hermione raising her brow in disbelief. "I understand better now and if we have to put up with these lot for you then I guess we will. I know you told Ron that things can't go back to the way they were and I guess in some parts that's true. But we'll always be friends Mione."

Draco let out a chortled laugh that was quickly smothered by Evie's hand. Ginny threw them both a nasty glare.

"You say you understand, but you don't. You really don't Ginny," Hermione told her. "I did tell Ron that things can't go back to the way they were and while we might always be friends that doesn't mean that everything is automatically forgiven… or forgotten."

"See Ginny?" Ron said. "Come on, let's go. We can have this discussion later." He said trying to lead his sister out. But she shook him off.

Ginny scowled. "Really Hermione?" she asked exasperatedly. "How long do you plan on lording this over us? We made a mistake, we understand that. It's not like you've never made any mistakes before. Please don't make this any bigger of a deal."

Hermione mirthlessly laughed. "If that's what you think, then you really don't understand the severity of what has happened between us Ginny."

"But I do! I've been telling you that I understand. I get it, okay? You're with Rowle and there's nothing that can undo that. And I get that we were shite friends," Ginny said rolling her eyes a little.

"Oh? You get that, do you?' Hermione snapped sarcastically a she leaned forward in her seat. "Which part was an indicator to just how fucking unfair I've been treated by you lot?" she didn't give Ginny a chance to respond. "Was it when you refused to listen to how I ended up soul bonded to Thorfinn because he saved my life? Or was it when people started attacking us in the streets, throwing fucking magical wild fire on us? Or was it when Harry was demoted?" she saw Ginny quickly cast her eyes to the floor and Hermione felt gutted. She stood quickly, the movement causing her some dizziness. But Thorfinn's hand came to settle on her waist as he steadied her from where he still sat behind her. "This isn't a real apology is it?" she murmured. "You're here because of Harry."

Ginny flushed. "He was just doing his job! He doesn't deserve to be punished like this!" She cried angrily.

"But he's not being punished," Evie spoke up. "He's getting help."

"He doesn't need help! He's not crazy! He's fine!" Ginny rushed out. "You've gone and made a big fuss over nothing and have now completely ruined his career!"

"Ginny!" Ron interrupted. "You know that's not true!"

"Be quiet Ron!' Ginny scolded and he sighed in exasperation and then finally took a step back. If Ginny was hell bent on picking a fight he wasn't going to stop her. He only hoped she could handle it when she lost.

"You can't blame this on me, Ginny," Hermione argued. "I had nothing to do with Kingsley's decisions on this. Besides, even Ron agrees it's for the best."

Ginny scoffed. "Ron's emotional. He's feeling guilty over what happened to you. Once the guilt passes he'll realise what a big mistake this is. He'll see how unfair Harry's being treated."

"I can speak for myself thank you very much!" Ron snapped.

"But you really shouldn't," Draco quipped.

"He should feel guilty," Thorfinn said looking between the Weasley siblings. Ginny looked up, rather surprised to hear him speaking. "He almost got his friend killed because he didn't take the threat on her life seriously. This could have all been avoided if he wasn't so prejudice and let that cloud his judgement."

Ron didn't bother arguing that point. He had already admitted that much to them yesterday. He knew Rowle was right.

"Threat on her life?' Ginny sneered. "Her life was only ever in danger because of you! You did this!"

"Yes that is all very well and true and I accept that my past had a big part to play in all of this. But that doesn't excuse Potter, your brother or even you from the responsibility you had towards your friend." Thorfinn looked at Ginny from where he still remained seated. He gently squeezed Hermione's hand but didn't look away from the angry red – haired.

"Thorfinn's right, Ginny," Hermione said. "None of us deny that Thorfinn and Draco were Death Eater's. But they're not those people anymore. I've been trying to tell you this for months now! When I needed my friends – my family – the most, they were there for me."

"So what we're neither friends nor family now, Hermione?" Ginny asked hotly.

"I- I don't know." Hermione said truthfully. "Can we be either if you don't respect or trust my choices?"

"Oh come on Hermione," Ginny huffed, rolling her eyes. "Of course I respect your choices. It's just them I don't respect … or trust."

Ron winced and wisely took a step back. Ginny was digging a bigger hole with each word she threw at Hermione.

"Do you hear yourself?" Hermione asked disbelievingly. "They literally risked their lives for me. Thorfinn has done it twice now and he risked losing his magic to protect me."

"He shouldn't have it to begin with," Ginny mumbled under her breath but Hermione heard her.

"Enough Ginny!" Hermione cried angrily.

"No Hermione!" Ginny argued back. "I don't understand how you can sit there with these people while Harry loses everything he's worked for! Doesn't he deserve his happy ending?"

"Of course he does Ginny," Hermione said vehemently. "But what sort of happy ending will he have if he doesn't heal first?"

"Oh enough with the philosophical bullshit Hermione," Ginny scorned. "You're just making excuses not to help Harry." She accused with desperation.

"You know that is not true. I have only ever wanted both Harry and Ron to be safe and happy." Hermione said looking at her other friend as she spoke. He nodded mutely. "I had faith in Harry when no else – not even your brother did. I was there for him. Always. And all I ever wanted was for him to have that same faith and trust in me."

"Faith?" Ginny spat the word like poison. "By Merlin Hermione if this is the kind of people that you put your faith in, I think I'm better off without it."

"How dare you?" Hermione asked completely offended. "You no longer have the right to question whom I chose to trust. You certainly have no right to question the characters of my friends – no my family!"

"You keep using that word family like you know what it means, but do you really?" Ginny asked raising a brow.

"Do you?' Hermione retorted harshly.

"I do actually! We've been there, through everything for you Hermione. We made one mistake and you're acting like … like – " Ginny stopped, struggling to find the right words.

"Like you betrayed me?" Hermione offered.

Ginny huffed angrily. "I said I was sorry Hermione!"

"You say that but you don't actually mean it." Hermione replied. "Your apology is for you and whatever selfish reasons you think justified."

Hermione's response sparked a deeper sense of anger in Ginny. "You shouldn't be so quick to throw me aside, Hermione." She all but taunted. "We're all the family you have. You can't exactly afford to lose what little family you have left." Hermione gasped in shock taking a step back as Ginny viciously continued. "You keep going on about trust and faith but I feel I should warn you Hermione. One day you might find yourself all alone because you put your faith in the wrong people and spurned away the only ones who ever cared for you. And then what will you do? You'll have no one to turn to."

That had been the wrong thing to say. It had in fact been a collection of all the wrong things to say. Hermione could feel Thorfinn's anger simpering through their bond and she heard him rise from the seat. He towered over her and Ginny – who visibly swallowed as she looked up at the bulking wizard before her.

"Let me make something abundantly clear Weasley," Thorfinn growled. "You do not get to come into our home, throw your childish tantrums and insult my family. And you really don't get to threaten my wife. Take your pathetic apology and your petty excuses and Get. Out."

Ginny and Ron gaped at him as they reeled from what he had revealed. "W-wife?" Ginny stuttered.

Thorfinn grinned. He reached forward gently tugging Hermione to him, burying his fingers in her hair.

"What? When?" Ginny finally managed to ask.

"Thorfinn and I completed the bond shortly before Christmas." Hermione answered. "By all accounts that matter, he is my husband." She explained look at him with an infectious grin. Hermione sighed in relief as she felt Thorfinn's magic brush against hers.

"Oh Hermione, what have you done?" she whispered.

Hermione frowned. "I followed my heart, Ginny."

"How exactly did you think their bonding was going to end Weaselette?" Draco asked perplexed.

"Well I – I thought Hermione would eventually see sense and find a way to break the bond." Ginny answered honestly.

Nobody bothered hiding their surprise at her answer.

"Really?' Draco asked sceptically. "Surely you didn't doubt your friend's relationship that much."

Ginny didn't bother answering him instead she looked at Hermione again. "Mione, what will Harry say when he finds out you married him?" Ginny pressed. "Why didn't you say anything?" she asked crossly turning to her brother.

Ron opened his mouth to reply but Hermione cut him off.

"Stop! Ginny, you make it sound like some terribly disgusting thing," Hermione scolded. "Please try to understand. I would never try to undo my bond. Thorfinn is my husband, my soul-bonded."

The absolute finality in which Hermione had proclaimed those facts had Ginny shaking her head a little. She battled against treacherous tears as some part of her quickly realised this was not at all how she planned for things to come together. What did it mean for them all? What would happen to Harry and her?

Ginny shook her head, still in the throes of denial. "Mione, how could you do this to us?"

"Ginny, this isn't about you!" Hermione insisted. "No Ginny, shut up and listen. I have put up with a lot from the three of you over the years. And I did it because you were my friends and I loved you and supported you in all your choices. I get that this is a difficult thing to understand or accept but I expected more from my friends. I can't just forgive you and knowing that this supposed apology is only done in hopes that I'll what … speak up on behalf of Harry? No I won't. Ron's right," she said, " He needs help. Professional help and I'm starting to think that maybe it's time you spoke to someone too. We suffered the worst sort of tragedies and to think we could just walk away unscathed was foolish."

Ginny looked at Hermione with something akin to desperate anger. Ron stood quietly beside her and Hermione was pleasantly surprised to see that he wasn't angry but more surprised. He gave her a small sympathetic smile. Hermione turned back to Ginny to see her silently fighting furiously to hold back her tears but Hermione didn't back down. If this was the only opportunity she would have to talk some sense to her once friend then she wasn't going to waste it.

"I'm sorry Ginny, but you don't respect my choices and having you openly admit that you neither trust nor respect Thorfinn or Draco is all the confirmation I need. I know now that I am making the right choice here. You are right, we will always be friends, family even but until you can learn to respect and accept the people in my life … I can't – I just can't." she finished tearily.

"What are you saying Hermione?" Ginny asked confused.

"I can't make excuses for why you were a bad friend, Ginny. At some point I have to make decisions that are healthy for me too." Hermione told her.

"So- wh-what that's it? We're done? We just -what go our separate ways?" Ginny asked and Hermione thought she sounded genuinely heartbroken. "Ron…" she said turning to look at her brother but he quietly shook his head.

He did try to warn her. He had to respect Hermione's decision on this. He too had caused his friend too much pain. He didn't have the right to demand any more of her than she was willing to give.

"For now," Hermione said sadly. "Perhaps one day we can learn to be the friends each other deserves but for now I think this is best. We all need time to heal. Please try to understand. My bond with Thorfinn is for me. No one else. And I wouldn't give it up for all the world. If I ever meant as much of a friend to you as you did to mean then you would try to understand that. I'm tired of fighting." Hermione exhaled and stepped forward but Ginny instinctively took a step back. "Ginny," Hermione whispered.

Ginny glanced down at her feet so that they wouldn't see the tears pooling in her eyes. She didn't mean for it to escalate this far. She certainly didn't mean for it to end this way. "We'll never be the same again. This is it. This is the end."

"It doesn't have to be, Ginny." Hermione said. "But that would be entirely dependent on how you treat my family going forward."

Ginny shook her head. "I'm sorry Hermione," she said in what was her first genuine apology of the afternoon. "I just don't think I'm ready."

"Then you should leave," Thorfinn said.

Ginny knew he was right. There was no point in her staying now. They would only fight more. She looked at Hermione one last time, knowing that when she left this time, things would be irrevocably different. Without another word, she turned and left.

Ron lingered for a moment, "I'm sorry Hermione." He finally said. "When she found out about Harry she went completely mental, looking for someone to blame and well –" he trailed off.

"I was the easiest target," Hermione guessed.

"I did try to stop her but Ginny's just as stubborn as me if not more." Ron said.

"It's okay Ron," Hermione assured him.

There wasn't much she could add to that. They had said everything that needed to be said. So, he looked at Hermione and Thorfinn, promptly nodded and then turned to leave. He stopped on the threshold, turning to look back at them. "Hermione?" he called. When she looked at him, he smiled at her, "Congratulations. You deserve to be happy." He said sincerely.

"Thank you Ron," she murmured.

Ron gave them all one last look before turning and leaving the room, the door closing shut behind him. Hermione let out a breath as she fell against Thorfinn. He wrapped his arms around her securely. Thorfinn threaded is fingers through Hermione's hair. Gently pulling her face towards his but before he could ask her anything, she pressed her lips to his urgently. It was quick but he understood. She pulled away, placing her head on his chest as he held her tightly.

"She's wrong you know," Evie said a moment later.

"What about?" Hermione asked, her question muffled through Thorfinn's shirt.

"Oh a great many things but mainly that you won't ever be alone, Hermione." Evie promised. "We're always going to be here. We're family."

Hermione smiled. "I know Evie." She sighed. "Despite her doubts, I know I put my faith and trust in the right people."

"Do you think it will ever get better between you and your friends?" Thorfinn asked her.

She bit her lip, thinking it over. "I think Ron was sincere in his apology. I know he understands better than Ginny or Harry right now. But like I told him, it will never be the same. I can't say much for Ginny or Harry. They need time to heal and deal with everything that's happened during the war. My life and the choices I made are obviously are a matter of great confliction for them so until they're able to handle it better I don't think things will get any better."

"Well it can't possibly get any worse," Draco mused. "Ow!" he groaned when Evie swatted him upside the head.

Hermione did her best to hold back her laughter. "He's right. It probably can't get any worse. But I suppose time will tell."

She looked up at Thorfinn as saw there was a little sadness lingering in his eyes. "Don't," she whispered. "It's not your fault."

"It's a lot to give up duchess." He warned.

"It's a lot to gain in return," she countered and then stood in her toes so she could whisper in his ear, "husband."

He grinned wolfishly at her, before burying one hand into her hair again, pulling her close and kissing her with everything he had. In the distance, he heard his sister and Draco groan. He almost pulled back to tell them to fuck off, acting like it wasn't his house and this wasn't his wife – but then Hermione whimpered against his lips and all thoughts but of her were gone. He pulled back just a little, his lips coming to her forehead before he looked over her at their audience. Thorfinn smirked at them before he held Hermione, mindful of her injuries and apparated them to their bedroom.

In the wake of their absence, Evie turned to Draco grinning broadly. "Well so much for an afternoon with the family. I guess its just you and me, babe," she teased.

Draco laughed and then shot out of his seat to grab her. Evie shrieked in delight as Draco caught her. "For how long?" he asked breathily.

She smiled mischievously. "What did you have in mind?" she asked in turn.

"Forever."

She was silent for a beat. "Okay," she said softly.

He quired a brow at her. "I'm serious witch." He warned, his lips hovering over hers.

"As am I, Draco." Evie replied.

Draco grinned and as he leaned in, Evie thought that while some things were still unresolved and left uncertain, they would be okay. They had survived this far. And as Draco pressed her body unbelievably close to his, capturing her lips with his in a demanding fortifying kiss, Evie realised that it would all sort itself out eventually because the only thing that mattered was that they had all found what they were looking for in each other. The only thing that had ever felt so good and pure and true.

They found home.

AN: Hello dear readers!

I hope that you are all safe and keeping happy! The year is almost over as is with this story. I must thank every single reader who had followed, favourited and reviewed this story. You have made it successful beyond my imagination!

I was rather two minds about this chapter but then ultimately decided it needed to be in the story to complete Hermione's character arc. She got the appropriate resolutions with both Harry and Ron and i felt it would not be right to leave Ginny out. For those who thought she (Hermione) would just forgive and forget... I'm sorry this is not that kind of story! I always intended for there to be some distance between Hermione and her friends at the end. It happens. Friendships end. Sometimes they don't always withstand everything that is thrown at them. Given the somewhat somber affair that this chapter has ended on, my friend has talked me into writing one more chapter for this story before the epilogue. It's intended to bring you lots of fluffy goodness! As I had not initially planned for this, I thought it would be a great idea to ask you, my dear readers what it is you would like to see up next. Basically, any snippet ideas/ scenes you would love to see or even song suggestions before i bring you the epilogue! I only have one particular scene in mind but I am always open to hearing what you think! So please leave your thoughts/ ideas in the reviews (or PM me if you want) and be sure to leave your name so i can credit you!

As always it goes without saying, we writers adore your reviews so please take a moment to leave one behind! It's much appreciated.

Until the next chapter!

Cover image for this chapter can be found on my instagram account: immortal_dragon_empress

Song: Take me home - Jess Glynne

Stay safe!