A/N: the next chapter. It is a conclusion from the last one and a bit of a filler chapter before we move into the final stages. But none the less a few things happen that are important for the next chapters to come. Hope you all are still enjoying the story!

CHAPTER 21 THE PORTRAIT

Still at Maria's House

Hewlett Bay Harbour, New York

Tom POV

"Sweetheart breathe. Take a deep breath and let it out slowly otherwise you are going to make yourself pass out". I crouched down next to her crumpled form, maybe I shouldn't have gone for the full surprise. To be completely honest I didn't think she would react like this. I mean I wasn't delusional to the fact that it would be a little shocking but not to the point she almost passes out.

I kept rubbing my hand up and down along the length of her back in what I hoped was a soothing manner. I am not accustomed to offering comfort. Causing discomfort was more my style.

I could feel her breathing slowly coming back to normal. I ran my hand back up her spine along her shoulder, up the side of her neck and under her chin. I tilted her head up so I could look into those bright intelligent eyes. I wanted to know what she was thinking, what made her react like this. I didn't understand. Cocking my head to the side I asked, "Are you ok now, love?". Her eyes where watery but none had broken the surface tension to fall down her face.

"Is this a joke? Some cruel twisted joke?", her face while ruddy was contorted in a mixture of hurt, anger and confusion. She looked at me lost like a little lamb asking for assistance from a predator. I frowned and grit my teeth in befuddlement and anger. Anger that was swelling in my chest like a balloon that will soon burst from too much air.

"Why do you think it is a joke?" I stood up swiftly moving back, the pretence of caring now dropped like a lead weight. This woman, the woman I adore now looks at me like I am some cruel inexplicable creature far removed from humanity. It stabs me in the chest like a hot knife slicing butter. What pains me the most is that she is seeing Voldemort not Christian. Her eyes are a violent maelstrom of emotions that almost mirror my current feelings perfectly.

"How is this a joke Hermione? What the fuck are you thinking?", I tried my hardest not too raise my voice, but ultimately failed. The balloon had now popped, and I struggled to hold that anger back. She flinched at my harsh tone, but I was past caring. I did this unbelievably not for myself…well not for immediate recompense. But, in the long term nobody would question my motives, if I in a way gave the Harry Potter his parents back. Hell, I didn't even know if this plan would work anyway. It galls me that she instantly jumped to I am the bad guy again, does she even trust me?

"Because you killed Harry's parents", she stood up albeit wobbly while thrusting an index finger in my direction, punctuating that 'fact'. "And now you've gone and done this, have you no respect?", her voice raising shrilly on the question.

"No respect? Hermione, I did this to try to make amends I thought that I was doing something that would be appreciated! But now you're throwing it back in my face! How do you think that makes me feel?"

"No no no no no. There has to be something you are not telling me. You wouldn't do this just because, there has to be an ulterior motive, something you're getting out of it", while she was this worked up there was no changing her mind and I didn't want to completely lose her. I threw my hands up in frustration, not knowing what to say either way. I would love the therapeutic release of a good crucio right now, however that seems unlikely to happen right now.

At my lack of response, she turned towards the door looking to leave. But before she exited, she turned her head towards me "I need some space right now Christian to process all of this. I'll talk to you when I'm ready" and then promptly left without waiting for me to answer her.

I picked up the glass closest to me and threw it against the wall, this was going to be a long night.

Hermione POV

I stormed home furious even taking the international floo home didn't shimmer down my anger. However, as I made my way back to my apartment the reality of how I reacted started to set in. In full Gryffindor brashness I jumped ahead flinging accusations around before I even heard his side of things. Shame slowly built inside me brick by brick but my bruised pride would not let me reach out just yet. I'm a horrible person, here he is trying to change albeit slightly and I'm right along there beating him back down again. I groaned loudly and flung myself on top of my bed and promptly screamed into the pillow. This whole situation was confusing as hell, why in Merlin's beard does he need to have a portrait commissioned of Harry's dead parents? I should have just waited and listened. Hopefully tomorrow I will wake up more focused and clearer headed then I'll be able to speak with him rationally and sort this whole thing out. Until then I'll just going to take a hot shower and go to bed.

Hours later….

I heard banging on the front door, at first my body didn't want to cooperate, it was happy to remain in its relaxed state. But It continued and I have to force myself to blink and shake away the chains of sleep. I looked at the clock and in bright red glowing numbers confirmed how early in the morning this was. I groaned and rolled out of bed. This better be bloody important for this time of the morning I thought as I stepped into my slippers and pulled on my dressing gown. I signed as I picked up my wand just in case, slipping into the pocket of my gown.

The banging continued still, the neighbours are going to so annoyed by this, I'm sure I'll get angry notes being slipped under my door or left in my letterbox. I wandlessly re lit the fire and the kettle, I have a feeling this isn't going to be good and thus a long morning. As I reached for the door handle, I felt a sense of deja-vu come over me, reminding me of when Christian turned up covered in blood. Before I opened it, I checked the peep hole and it was Christian waiting outside, was I ready to have this conversation? Admit I was hasty and reverted back to believing he was Voldemort however briefly? Man, up Hermione my subconscious screamed at me. It was right I needed to make this right. I felt sick to my stomach at how I treated him and shudder at the memory of yelling at him shrilly.

I opened the door slowly, I wanted to open the door and yet part of me just wanted to slam it in his face and hide away a little longer licking my self-inflicted wounds. But I didn't.

When we made eye contact, he looked surprised? Like he wasn't expecting me to actually open the door. We stared at each other, not moving while the kettle was whistling in the background providing a sort of annoying soundtrack, but also a time limit.

"Hermione…I-", Christian was the one to break first. But I stopped him, it should be me going first, he shouldn't have to apologize at all.

"No Christian, it's me that needs to apologize I shouldn't have lost it like that. Do you want to come in?", he reluctantly stepped inside, like he was expecting me to tell him to leave. He was guarded, cautious and I made him like that.

"Do you want a tea? as you heard I put the kettle on then we can talk about the portrait", he nodded and went to sit down on the lounge, enjoying the warmth of the fire like Crooks was in his pet bed. No one spoke while I made the tea, both of us lost in our thoughts about the upcoming topic of conversation.

"Why?", I blurted out, no finesse Hermione no finesse. I looked down into my tea, cheeks burning. He laughed lightly, but it felt forced.

"I initially asked Maria to do it before I even came to England. Well before I even met you and had anything to do with the tablet. It was going to be my insurance policy, when and if I ever came back here. I didn't want people looking too closely at me and making a connection to Voldemort. So… I thought about things and thought the portrait would be the way to go, I researched, and Potter never commissioned one. I had recently met Maria and asked her if it was possible to do a magical portrait on a couple that have been dead a while. She said she would give it a go and if not then it would still be a nice painting. If Potter was on board with me then everyone else would follow. He's like the fucking Pied Piper, ask and he shall follow. That's it Hermione, no sinister agenda's just wanting people to leave me alone", while he got a bit snarky towards the end, which he is entitled too, I see now how wrong I was to jump on the wrong assumption.

"It was just such a shock to see them like that and remembering that you- he killed them. It made me so confused and naturally defensive. I'm so sorry Christian, I yet again seem to be messing everything up. I have a habit of getting in the way of myself. Gryffindor traits aren't always the best at handling sensitive situations. Not that I should be using house traits as a defence. It was because of those things we ended up having a bloody war…." I looked back up and he was watching me a look of amusement passed over his face. "I'm spewing verbiage, again aren't I?"

"A little bit, but I find myself enjoying listening to you ramble on" I took a sip of my tea and found myself savouring the small comfort of the hot tea warming my chest.

"Is this how it is going to be with every situation we find ourselves in? Do you even trust me? I may not be a good man as such, but I do adore you. I want to change wizarding society for the better, not the way my maniac alter ego wanted. I don't want you doubting me every step of the way, Hermione, thinking I'm about to snap and resume the wicked chicanery my alter ego started"

"I don't know what you want me to say Christian. I'm trying I really am and like I said I am sorry for doubting you. I mean… really getting Maria to paint the portrait and imbue it…is actually a really sweet thing to do for Harry. I know that is not your reasoning for creating it but sweet none the less. I think Harry will be ecstatic. I'm just as surprised he hasn't gone done something like this before and pissed at myself for not thinking of it earlier" , I looked away furrowing my brow, frustrated and annoyed at myself. I felt him lean forward and capture my lips in a chaste kiss, careful not to splash our tea. It was a kiss that said so much and I knew things were going to be fine.

"Thank you" , I whispered. "I do trust you, it's just scary" I finished my tea and placed it down on the coffee table. "So, come back to bed?", I laced my fingers through his, he smiled, and it was a genuine smile, one rarely seen.

"Thought you'd never ask. We can finish this conversation at a more civilised hour", he stood up pulling me up with him and headed towards the bedroom me trailing behind him.

The next morning

Tom Pov

I rolled over in bed to see Hermione still blissfully asleep. She looked so peaceful lying there with her legs twisted with mine. I never thought in my life time that I would enjoy human contact so much. But there is something about this woman that changes that and I am painfully aware of how close I was to losing her. All over that bloody portrait of Potter's parents.

Now that the portrait is in play, I needed to think about my next move. Getting the tablet situation cleared up will go a long way in ensuring my place here at the ministry. Once that is done, then making a play for the Minister's Department should be relatively free of obstacles.

"Hey, what are you thinking about?", I shift my eyes back to meet Hermione's, and she was smiling lazily at me. I couldn't help but smile back.

"Just about the portrait and what or how I'm going to give it to Harry. It would look sort of weird just all of a sudden turning up with it and giving it to him". I hadn't exactly thought about how I was going to give it to him because it was never strictly for this purpose.

"Yeah, I agree, but I was thinking since we didn't get to spend Christmas together, we could invite them over for dinner tonight and give it to him as a late Christmas present. We could say that we discussed it jointly so it wouldn't look too unusual", I eyed her for any tells of deceit. I don't actually mind Harry as a person, but I also don't want to be all 'buddy buddy' with him either.

"Sure, if you think that is a wise course of action, then I will support you", I had to follow her lead on this as I cannot always pick up people's social ques. I may be a charming person and can generally 'get' things when the need arises, but there are still situations I find myself in where nuances are required and I'm like a squirrel trapped in a peddle bin. Calm on the outside, but utter chaos on the inside.

"Good, now time to get up lazy bones we have a dinner to organise!", she bounced out of bed while I scowled at being called lazy, that is one thing I am not. She gave me a cheeky wink and a crook of her finger as she backed out of the room slowly. I am assuming she means for me to follow her…? Oh… to the shower to join her.

Wow I am really slow on the uptake this morning.

Hours later after two 'joint' sessions in the shower

Tom POV

The Burrow

Ottery St Catchpole

Needless to say our private soiree never nor will be happening. It was unceremoniously high jacked by Ginny Weasley. The women got talking and things took a turn for the worst, as I have heard other men at the office complain about their wives, they often said 'don't argue just go with it'. So here I am, just 'going with it'. I internally cringe as I gaze upon their rather geometrically challenged house, that seems to defy the muggle laws of physics. Lord Voldemort was not generally scared of anything always knowing that he was the top predator in any situation. This is an entirely different matter, I'm sure he never had to endure an entire evening with the Weasley's. Ugh this is like that rite of passage for male suitors, having to meet the parents and seek approval. Another cringe worthy position I find myself in.

Hermione spent the day reassuring me that everything will be fine. I'm an important part of her life and she wants to share me with them. That this will make a good impression especially with the painting, I will be seen in such a good light it would make it rather difficult for me to be thrown from the pedestal. The Weasley's while an odd pure blood family are fiercely loyal and will do just about anything for family. I guess there is one advantage out of this whole thing. I feel like I'm about to go on parade, like a freak show from the turn of the century.

"Don't worry they will love you. Just be prepared for the typical male posturing and general threats of bodily harm. Other than that once you have made it past this evening everything will go a lot smoother", I will have to tamp down my normally cool demeanour and put on the charm then. Although they shouldn't begrudge me a little crankiness as I have to be in the same room as Ronald. I doubt a few death stares will go astray and will likely be noticed.

I braced myself as we entered the front door, Hermione gripping my hand so tightly I swear she was cutting off circulation. But I didn't stop her I knew she thought this evening was more important than she was letting on. I knew she was afraid of being rejected by her surrogate family by being with me. Personally, If they were going to do that then they weren't worth knowing and they may find themselves having a few more accidents than usual. I smiled internally, I may be restricted by not being able to commit murder but I certainly could fantasize about it.

"Oh Hermione dear, there you are...and your friend.. ?", there was a pause of silence and Hermione had yet to answer. I turned to look at her and she looked stunned. I guess it was my turn to step in and save her from herself.

I stuck my other hand out, the one she didn't have in a death grip and offered it to Mrs Weasley.

"Mrs Weasley it's a pleasure to meet you, Hermione has told me all about you and your family", I gave her my best smile, I tried not to overdo it and seem fake. She grabbed my hand and tugged me forward abruptly. I was caught so off guard that I didn't even have time to correct my centre of gravity as I stumbled forward and found myself in a rather tight embrace. It was awkward because I was a lot taller than her and Hermione still had a hold of my left hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you dear, Ginny has told me a little about you, but come meet the rest of the family", she thrust be back and I wobbled momentarily until I righted myself. I was a 35-year-old man and here I was being treated like a teenage boy again.

Hermione giggled beside me and I just glared at her, letting her know I was displeased with this situation. She gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and yanked me along, on my way to the gallows.

We arrived at the boundary to the kitchen and stopped in the doorway. I assumed Hermione was looking for somewhere for us both to sit, unfortunately we were going to have to sit separately. How convenient. Ron looked smug with a space next to him and there was a space next to a burly looking fellow who I assumed to be Charlie the dragon tamer. Wonderful. I guess this is the part where I have to listen to a myriad of threats.

At least it was directly across from Hermione. She gave my hand a quick reassuring squeeze, as the chatter died down as the rest of the occupants noticed us standing there.

An older gentleman stood up, obviously this is Mr Weasley. As I approached the empty seat next to Charlie I offered my hand out for Mr Weasley to take. He had a firm but unassuming grip.

"Nice to meet you…?"

"Christian O'Toole, Mr Weasley nice to meet you", he smile happily, he seemed to be a rather laid back individual.

"Please Christian have a seat there next to Charlie and I'm sure the grilling will commence shortly", he chuckled at his odd joke and I tried to smile although I don't know if I succeeded. I looked around the table at and I knew this wasn't all the Weasley's, I think the older one Bill was not present with his wife Fleur. If I remember what Hermione told me correctly. Harry and Ginny where seated next to Ron, so Hermione was in part segregated from the rest of the table. I looked back at Mr Weasley who was discussing something with Charlie but gesturing to the object he had in his hands. He clearly didn't know what it was, it was an egg poacher- I only knew because of those late night infomercials that I sometimes put on to bore myself to sleep. But I won't say anything unless he asks, why spoil the fun? Yes Hermione did mention Mr Weasley enjoyed tinkering with muggle inventions.

The food was brought out not long after and I knew once we started eating the questions would start flying.

"So Christian Hermione hasn't mentioned much about you only small details here or there, what is it you do exactly?" Mr Weasley asked. I knew Harry looked into my history so I was surprised he hadn't mentioned anything. I knew Hermione wouldn't because at the time we were unsure exactly where we were going in our relationship.

I paused my spoonful of mashed potato to answer the question. "I did work in the Dark Arts and Cursed Objects Department at the American Ministry and now I am consulting with Hermione on the tablet fiasco. Kingsley brought me on this week actually and it already is rather stimulating compared to just dealing with cursed objects, this at least is a challenge" and I continued eating.

"My eldest son Bill is a curse breaker at Gringotts, too bad he isn't here you could have discussed the latest goings on!", I smiled, yes I'm sure I could have dragged him into an academic conversation then at least I don't feel so out of place. I scooted my chair back, I was still wearing my peacoat and was getting rather hot. I stood up and shrugged of my coat to drape it across the back of the chair. I was dressed simply in a red and blue checked button down with a charcoal grey sweater over the top, dark blue jeans and sneakers. Nothing fancy, but the price tag of what I was wearing probably would have kept this family fed for a year or two possibly more. I suddenly felt self-conscious, it was an alien feeling one I didn't like. The kitchen lighting glinted off the black metal of my wrist watch, catching Ginny's attention as I sat back down and picked up my cutlery.

"Hey that's a nice watch Christian, Hermione said you have good taste. I'll have to get you to give Harry some pointer's when it comes to picking out clothing anything to get out of wearing flannel", she faked shuddered and gave me a wink. I wasn't sure what to do with that.

"Ginny, it's practical. Besides I'm an auror, I'd rather not destroy nice clothes like Christian wears every time I have to go out in the field. No offence, you do wear nice clothes though". Harry grinned at me so I tried to go along with it.

"Ginny I have to side with Harry, while I personally wouldn't wear flannel", I nodded at Harry, "It is a robust fabric perfect for field work. Though I am happy to offer him fashion advice for weekend clothing", I flicked my eyes over to Hermione and she was watching me, she looked proud I was making an effort, so far this night had gone well.

"Fashion advice, Harry doesn't need fashion advice- he's not gay", well I thought jinxed myself. I dropped my hands on the top, the metal of my watch clunking loudly against the wood. Glaring daggers at Ron. The twins stopped their close quarters whispering to turn to look at me. I didn't care.

"Say that again Ron", I dipped my voice low and threatening.

"Harry doesn't need fashion advice, I don't want him looking like you"

"Like me? Like what?'"

"I don't want him turning into you- sitting here all fancy with your clothes and outrageous watch. You're like Malfoy and don't think that we aren't all thinking what a guy like you is doing around our Hermione. Everyone is just too polite to say something because mum threatened us with dish duty for 6 months!", I stood up to lean on the table, it was all psychological, to loom over your opponent. Make yourself higher than them, shift the power to you.

"If you must know Ronald, my intentions with Hermione is between her and I. I adore Hermione, sure we have had our problems, but that is our personal business. I am older than her yes, but she is my equal. I am not going anywhere and you Ron are just jealous; your envy is showing. Yes, I wear nice clothes and fancy watches that cost a fortune, but you Ron have something I don't have- family. I only have myself and my surrogate mother Maria. Which brings me to the present Hermione has mentioned. I would have rather done this more privately but what Hermione wants Hermione gets"

"Ronald, sit down and stop making a fool out of yourself in front of guests! Christian, I apologise for his behaviour…I don't know what has come over him of late"

"That's fine Mrs Weasley, Ron is still having trouble letting go of Hermione", the twins snort in unison and said "Don't we know it! So, Hermione any more embarrassing walk ins?", the poor girl blushed from head to foot, opening and closing her mouth trying to form words, but shock and embarrassment hindering her attempt. I rolled my eyes, does everyone know about me between Hermione's legs? Not that I care too much, it was a nice place to be.

I dug my hand into the pocket inside my jacket and pull out the shrunken portrait. Hermione insisted on it being wrapped for extra dramatic effect. Although judging by her reaction, I would hedge on at least one myocardial infarction, a pissing of the pants and general shock of at least two hours.

"Oh Harry I am so excited about it, you are going to be absolutely overjoyed with this. It was all Christian's idea…and well I'm just blabbing now", I raised an eyebrow at her, I thought this was going to be a joint thing. She looked contrite as she mouthed sorry. What am I going to do with her?

I enlarged the painting back to its normal size and saw the faces of the Weasley's who looked surprised. Ron was clearly bitter mumbling about bribing Harry with gifts. I hesitantly walked over Harry who was gobsmacked and I realised I was nervous. This was an important deal for me and Harry although he didn't know it. His parents brushed off what Hermione said at Maria's, which was easily done because I didn't quite look like the Voldemort they vaguely remembered. It would have been a completely different conversation if they remembered. They also knew that they were meeting their son for the 'first' time.

"Umm Merry Christmas Harry. I know this is somewhat awkward, but you'll understand once you open it", I conjured a stand which I placed the picture on as the painting was heavy and cumbersome. Harry stood looking confused and gingerly fingered the wrapping paper, before flicking his wand and the paper completely disappeared. It was silent for Merlin knows how long as everyone just stared at the painting.

Harry's parents waved, unsure how to approach this situation. Harry turned and threw himself upon me, which I wasn't at all ready for so I stumbled back falling ungracefully on the floor with Harry on top. It broke the tension of the room and Harry laughed which turned into sobbing. He got off me and pulled me up, hugging me again. I hugged him back not sure what else I should be doing. I locked eyes with Hermione over Harry's shoulder, she also had tears in her eyes.

"Thanks, you so much for this, how? Why?", Harry stepped away from me and yanked his glasses off wiping his eyes. Hermione cuddled up to my side, offering silent support. I felt overwhelmed by all the emotions in the room.

"I asked my surrogate mother to see if she could do it. Her and her husband, do or did magical portraits. Hermione mentioned some things to me, and I wanted to know if it could be done. Clearly it worked. Otherwise you would have just ended up with a nice painting of your parents", Ron fumed and stormed off out of the room.

"Christian this is simply marvellous, such a lovely gesture", Mrs Weasley pulled me into another hug.

"Yeah you've out done yourself this time Christian. We've decided that we like you, but if you hurt Hermione you won't know what hit you or when", the twins said together, I got the feeling they did that a lot. I looked to Harry who was engaged in an emotional conversation with his parents.

"Sorry to have ruined dinner Mrs Weasley, I wasn't exactly going to give the painting to Harry quite so early", I put on my most earnest face.

"That's alright dear, do you want me to pack you up some dinner to take home? You feel a bit bony, definitely need some more meat on you", before I could even answer she shuffled off, brandishing her wand at the food and everything slowly dividing itself into portions in various containers.

"Well that's a seal of approval if I ever saw one", I looked at Hermione and she lunged forward crushing her lips to mine in a very heated kiss, that was best left to the bedroom. She pulled back and now all I wanted to do was take her home and ravish her.

"How about we take this home Miss Granger, it seems our evening is heading in a different direction", she smiled deviously.

"So, it seems Mr O'Toole. We will just wait for Mrs Weasley to finish, because I can guarantee we will not be leaving without our arms full of food and also to say goodbye to Harry". She nudged me over to Harry again and tapped him on the shoulder.

"Harry we are going to leave you too it and head back to Hermione's. Don't think that you owe me a debt or anything. It was what it was, just a nice gesture for my partner's best friend whom I hope approves of this relationship", he smirked. He had composed himself after the emotional outburst a few minutes ago.

"I will never be able to repay this debt anyway. Of course, I approve, you make Hermione happy that is all I need. I will see you both Monday at work, I have a lot of catching up to do with them and thanks again…this is…so amazing", he hugged me again and then hugged Hermione.

After another ten minutes we finally exited, with as Hermione predicted a large shopping bag full of food. At least we wouldn't be hungry for the next three days. I also got a standing invitation to Sunday dinner every week for the foreseeable future.

"Christian come here", I followed Hermione into the bedroom and she walked over to her bedside table and opened the bottom draw. She stepped back and ushered me forward.

"I was doing some thinking while at the Burrow and I wanted to give you this", she gestured to the draw which was empty. I didn't know where she was going this this. She laughed at my cluelessness.

"The draw silly, I'm giving you the empty draw. You know…when you stay over you have some where to store a few things. I felt perhaps a gesture may say more than words. This is my gesture, no more doubting and jumping to conclusions. I want a future, and this is the first step", I was dumbstruck, but a little euphoric. I conjured a change of clothes, pyjamas and I picked up that goblin paper with my real identity on it and placed it underneath everything. I sent my toiletries to the bathroom; ok we were really doing this.

"I'm touched Hermione, it means a lot. A fresh start, no more doubting we need to trust each other otherwise this relationship will not last", I cupped her face and brought her lips to mine. Yes, maybe this is really the beginning.