Things between Sam and Hermione had been perfect for the last couple of months. Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Draco stayed for another week after the bonfire before going back to England. It was now the middle of December and Hermione was nervous as she sat waiting for Sam to arrive so they could floo to the Burrow for a few days for Harry and Ginny's wedding. A short knock sounded on her door and Sam walked in.
"Hey babe." He smiled at her and she stood up and kissed him sweetly on the lips.
"Ok, are you sure Jared and Paul will be okay? We'll be gone almost a week. They have Hades and my mobile number. I just hope-"
Sam cut her off before she could really start to babble. "Hermione, they'll be okay, they're big boys, besides, like you said, we can be back here in a flash." She smiled at him and he bent and kissed her on the nose.
"Alright, this is a very difficult experience. Whatever you do, don't breathe in and don't let go of my hand." Sam nodded and they stepped into the grate and Hermione threw down the powder, shouting their destination. Hermione squeezed her eyes shut as the thousands of fireplace flew by them, until they arrived at the Burrow and Hermione gracefully stepped out and hid a giggle behind her hand as Sam was sent sprawling on the floor.
"Oh, goodness! Up you go dear. You must be Sam! Oh its so good to finally meet you." Sam was pulled down into a hug by a plump red headed woman. "My name is Molly dear." She tsked. "Yes, yes, don't worry about that, Harry still has problems when he floos too. Hermione, sweet heart." Hermione was soon pulled into a hug by Molly.
"It's so good to see you Mrs. Weasley."
"Now how many times have I told you to call me Molly dear, or mum, you know Arthur and I see you as one of the family." The two women smiled at each other. "Now, lunch will be ready in about an hour, everyone's outside playing Quidditch. Off you go, I'll give a shout when foods ready."
Hermione laced her fingers with Sam's and weaved them through the house and out to the field. Sam gaped as he watched the kitchen dance while the dishes cleaned themselves and pots were stirred by an invisible hand. When they walked out into the blinding sunshine, all the Weasley's were present along with their wives and children.
"My!" Hermione smiled widely and bent to pick up a small, tottering blonde beauty.
"Victoire! Auntie Mione missed you princess!" Hermione blew raspberries on the girl's chubby cheeks. "Victoire, this is Sam, can you say hi to Sam?" The little girl burrowed her face into Hermione's neck and looked at the large man shyly before giving a meek wave.
"Auntie Mione!" Hermione set Victoire on the ground and barely caught a two year old Teddy as he launched himself at her. She ended up on her bum in the grass with a blue haired boy peppering her face with kisses as his hair changed from blue to red, and finally matching hers with honey colored curls. Victoire shrieked in laughter and joined in and the two toddlers managed to knock Hermione on her back as they attacked her face with kisses.
Sam watched his imprint with the children and couldn't help the smile that brightened his face when he thought about her round with his child and playing with their children like that.
"Victoire Molly Weasley! What iz eet you think you are doing? You'll ruin your preety dress zat way!" Fleur Weasley bent over and scooped up her daughter. Once everyone realized what was going on, the game stopped and everyone ran to see Hermione. She was pulled off the ground by the twin's and pulled into a hug.
"Hello everyone! I've missed you all. I'd like you all to meet my boyfriend Sam." Several faces were now looking at him and Sam felt Hermione sidle up to him and lace their fingers together. "Sam this is Bill, Charlie, Fred, George, Arthur, Fleur, Victoire, and Percy Weasley, you already know Ron, Harry, Ginny and Draco. And that's Andromeda Tonks, Teddy, Angelina, and Katie." Sam smiled at them and nodded his head.
"Wish you could play with us mate, you'd make a damn good beater. Would you like a bit of candy?" George smiled innocently at Sam.
"I swear George Fabian Weasley, if you don't put that canary cream away!" George stuck his tongue out at Hermione.
"No fun Mione!" He and George took off on their brooms as everyone laughed.
"Sam, don't take anything the twins offer you, it's likely to turn you into something or mess with your appearance in some way. They once turned me blue with pink hair for a day." Pulling a face, she tugged on their joined hands and sat down to watch the game.
Fred, George, Harry, Ginny, Ron, Draco, Katie, Angelina, Charlie, and Bill took to the sky again and they played Quidditch until Molly let them know lunch was ready. The large group piled around the outside table while Molly, Hermione, Ginny, and Fleur brought out all the food. "Dig in!"
Lunch started off innocently enough for a Weasley meal. Everyone seemed to like Sam and got along with him and he was currently in an in depth conversation with Arthur and Bill about shape shifting when Hermione let out a howl of rage. Every head snapped towards her as she stood up. Fred and George tried to look innocent as she tried talking and all that came out were barks and howls. Her nose elongated and turned into a snout and her ears transformed into wolf ears. Hermione snarled at the twins and they took off running with Hermione hot on their heels.
Sam didn't know whether to laugh or defend his mate. His choice was made when one of the twins tripped up and was transfigured into a weasel. Hermione conjured a cage around him and left him while she chased after the other one. Several 'pops' were heard as they apparated around the yard and in the house. A crash sounded from the house, a howl, and several curse words. A few minutes later, a triumphant Hermione emerged, completely cured and sat down and finished eating as if nothing happened.
George walked out with a scowl on his face as tentacles writhed on top of his head where his hair should be and his face was covered in boils, he also walked with a slight limp and it looked like he was beginning to show a black eye. Sam looked from his imprint to the animal twin to the gross one who stood off to the side eating as his mother wouldn't let him anywhere near the table and chortled. Yes, his girl could surely take care of herself.
The next few days passed in a blur as the Burrow was transformed for Harry and Ginny's wedding. Hermione had been tasked with picking up some more decorations and was dreading going to Diagon Alley. She sought out Sam who was in an enthusiastic discussion with Harry and Draco about formations for the next Quidditch game.
"Sam? Would you want to visit Diagon Alley with me?" The discussion stopped.
"Hermione are you sure? You know this will be all over the front page of the Prophet." Harry looked concerned.
"I know, but Molly needs me to go and I really think Sam will like it."
"What do you mean?" Sam looked confused.
"Mate, didn't she tell you why she moved to La Push? Hermione can't go anywhere in public in the Wizarding world without making the front page of the newspaper for a week afterwards. You're dating your own celebrity. Haven't you wondered why she never took up a job? She's the third richest witch or wizard in Europe after myself and Harry." Sam looked gob smacked at the sheepish Hermione.
"I know you said you were a war hero, but I didn't think..." Sam tapered off as he thought back to their time together. "Well damn, I don't know why I never thought of that before!"
"She's also made Witch Weekly's most eligible Bachelorette for the past six months. You'd go on a rampage if you'd see the sheer number of proposals she's burned before she moved. Ooof!" Draco rubbed his sore ribs where Hermione elbowed him.
"That's enough Draco!"
"Jeeze! I'll tell mother how you keep abusing me."
"Oh yes, go running to mummy, I'm sure she'll take your side for once." Hermione smirked. She turned to Sam. "Well, I'd understand if you don't want to go, but I think you'll really like it."
"Yeah, of course I'll go. Can't throw you to the wolves can I?" Hermione snickered.
"Come on you, hold on now." She apparated them to the Leaky Cauldron. She waited for his stomach to settle before they walked through the dingy bar and Hermione waved at Tom.
"Good to have you back Miss Granger! Sure missed that pretty face around these parts." Hermione smiled and pulled Sam to the back where he watched in fascination as the bricks re-arranged themselves into an arch way after Hermione tapped them with her wand. She pulled her cloak around her and pulled her hood up.
"Okay, first, I've got to go to Gringott's Bank for a withdrawal." Sam nodded and they walked to the imposing building. "Now, its run by goblins so don't be alarmed, and well, you seen why, but they don't really like me too much." Sam snorted.
"You broke into a supposedly unbreak in-able place, stole their dragon, and tore up the building, I wouldn't exactly expect them to be singing your praises." He laughed as she swatted him on the chest.
When they arrived in the bank, Hermione lowered her hood and walked up to a station. "I wish to enter my vault."
"Ah, Miss Granger. Always a pleasure." He shot a pointy toothed smile at her as he somehow also sneered. "Yes well I of course need the proper identification." She handed him her key and her wand so everything could be checked over. "Very well, follow me."
They loaded themselves into a cart and Hermione gripped Sam's hand as they plummeted through the caverns to her vault, which was now lower as she gained more wealth. Sam whooped and laughed during the ride while Hermione clenched her jaw in order to keep from throwing up. When they passed under the Thief's Down Fall, Hermione growled under her breath when the goblin smirked at her over his shoulder.
"Bloody goblins, holding a damn grudge, already paid for the damage." Hermione kept muttering as she waved her wand over herself and Sam to dry them off. They finally came to a stop and Sam helped Hermione out of the cart.
"That was awesome! It was like a rollercoaster ride." Hermione gave him a tight smile as her stomach settled itself.
The goblin undid the necessary enchantment and Hermione opened the door and walked in. Sam stood still, stunned at the mountain of gold, heirlooms, and precious artifacts in her vault. He let out a low whistle.
"Jesus Hermione!" She shot Sam a sheepish smile. "You're filthy stinkin' rich!"
"We're filthy stinking rich, Sam. You're it for me. This is all yours too. You don't have to take on any more odd and end jobs if you don't want to."
"I-" She walked over to him and placed her finger over his lips.
"Sam, you do so much for me, let me take care of you now. You're my life and you have bigger things to worry about than how to scrape together money for this or that. I was actually going to wait to ask this, and I know it's rather fast, but Sam, would you like to move in with me? You practically live there anyway."
Sam picked Hermione up and spun her around before kissing her. "Hell yeah I'll move in!" He set Hermione down so she could fill her bag with gold.
Twenty minutes later, Hermione made sure her hood was up and grabbed Sam's hand as they walked quickly through Diagon Alley, making a couple of stops here and there. They were down to the last thing on Molly's list when a gust of wind blew Hermione's hood off.
"Bugger!" Hermione couldn't get it back up fast enough and soon, a crowd gathered around her and Sam. The crowd attracted photographers and journalist alike and Sam had to hide his eyes against the bright flashes.
"Miss Granger where do you keep disappearing to?"
"Are the rumors true Miss Granger? Are you living with vampires now?"
"Miss Granger, who is the lovely young man whose arm you're on?"
"Miss Granger!"
"Miss Granger!"
"Miss Granger!" Hermione had finally had enough and pushed through the crowd with Sam right behind her. She kept telling herself Kingsley would be disappointed if he saw her in a ministry holding cell for hexing people in Diagon Alley. She purposely strode down the street, ignoring the people shouting at her, until she walked around a corner and right into a solid, black chest.
"My, my, Hermione, you should watch where you're walking." The slow, careful drawl of Severus made Hermione's head snap up and a grin lit her face.
"Severus!" She threw her arms around him in a hug and he gently patted her back before extracting himself. "Are you running form the press also?"
"Those dimwitted dunderheads know better than to pester me with such inane things. And you know I don't run form anything except the women throwing themselves at me and propositioning me." Hermione laughed at the expression on his face. He turned his attention to Sam who was standing right behind Hermione. Sam was pleased to note he had at least two inches on whoever this was and stood at his full height. Severus' obsidian eyes seemed to see into his very soul as he gazed intently at him.
"Severus Snape! You better leave him alone and get out of his mind."
"I'm just making sure the pup is good enough for you." Hermione glared at him and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Severus, play nice, I happen to kinda like him."
"Like indeed. I'm sure Lucius and Cissa will be thrilled to hear how you're in the country and haven't been to visit them yet." A look of horror dawned on Hermione's face.
"Bloody hell, Cissa will string me up by my toes. Sam, we have to go to Malfoy Manor, are you okay with that?" He nodded and she vanished their pull from the day back to the Burrow. "Will you be joining us Severus?" He nodded and they disapparated with two small 'pops'.
They arrived outside the biggest house Sam had even seen. Hermione took a couple of calming breaths and squared her shoulders, and raised her chin in the air. As the trio walked up the grand steps, the doors opened on their own and admitted them into the manor. Sam watched as two pale, platinum blondes, who he guessed were Draco's parents regally walked down the stairs.
"Hermione Jean!" Hermione was pulled into a tight hug by the blonde woman and then the her husband.
"I'd like you to meet my boyfriend Sam, Sam these are Draco' parents Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy." Sam gave them a small smile that Narcissa returned and Lucius merely raised an eyebrow at. Severus smirked and walked over to his friend and whispered in his ear.
"Indeed. So, because of this wolf thing, you think you have some sort of claim on our Hermione? Well, we'll just see about that." Hermione groaned, this was going to be a long visit.
Lucius and Severus grilled Sam for about an hour about his relationship with Hermione and his role as Alpha. They had him phase and were vaguely impressed by his size. As they were ready to leave, Hermione hugged each of them and promised to write more often. Sam shook hands with Severus and Lucius and kissed the back of Narcissa's hand.
Hermione collapsed into a chair back at the Burrow and let out a sigh of relief. "Hermione, you have some intimidating friends." Hermione threw her head back and laughed.
The day of the wedding finally was here and Hermione was putting the finishing touches in Ginny's hair. She curled it and pinned it to one side and her hair cascaded over one shoulder. Her flaming red hair was littered with pearl pins and a blue hair comb that had been in the Weasley family for generations. Her dress was simple yet elegant and beautiful. It was strapless corseted with a satin and lace skirt made of the purest, white material. After Hermione secured the veil, she bid Ginny good luck and let Arthur in. Hermione smoothed her gold spaghetti strapped dress and made sure her hair was in place. She left it curly and pinned half of it up to keep it out of her face. She squared her shoulders and smiled at Ron as her appeared to escort her down the isle.
The Weasley's yard was filled with even more people than Bill and Fleur's wedding. Hermione and Ron smiled as the walked towards Kingsley and Harry. Hermione spied Sam sitting next to Charlie and Andromeda and waved. Hermione and Ron were followed by Neville and Luna and Fleur and Draco. Victoire and Teddy toddled down the isle toward Hermione and Fleur as the ring bearer and flower girl.
Everyone stood as Ginny and Arthur walked down the isle. Hermione looked at Harry he beamed at his future wife and had eyes only for her. The ceremony was over a short while later and the reception was in full swing. Sam and Hermione twirled around the dance floor to a couple of songs until Sam received a tap on his shoulder. Severus stood behind them.
"May I?" From there Hermione was passed off to Lucius, Harry, Ron, Arthur, Charlie, Fred, George, Seamus, Neville, and Draco.
"Draco, lead me to Sam, I can't dance one more second, these shoes," she pointed to the strappy heels on her feet, "are killing me." Draco laughed and twirled her to Sam who was fighting off the advances of several former Gryffindors who hadn't seen Sam and Hermione together.
"Hermione! How are you? Do you know who this lovely specimen of a man is?" Hermione smirked at Alicia Spinnett.
"Girls, I'd like you to meet my boyfriend Sam." Sam smiled gratefully at Hermione and pulled her into his lap. The five former Gryffindors went slack jawed at the sight.
"Hot damn Hermione! Who knew you had it in you?" The girls laughed and walked away. Sam buried his face in her hair and inhaled her calming aroma. Hermione giggled and took off her strappy heels and massaged her sore feet. The reception lasted about an hour longer before Harry whisked Ginny off for their honeymoon and the guest retired for the night.