A/N – Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 20

Awards

16 June 1998

Hermione and Ginny stood at the same time. They both looked at each other for a few moments before Ginny nodded to Hermione. Hermione gave Ginny a small smile before quickly following Harry. He was at the edge of the pond when she found him, hands shoved into his pockets, staring morosely at the water.

"Harry?" she said tentatively. He looked up resignedly.

"Figured it would be you or Gin," he said. Hermione looked at him quizzically. "You've come to 'talk me round', right?"

"No," Hermione said. Harry snorted in disbelief. "I'm not, Harry. I just want to know what's wrong."

"Everything, Hermione," Harry said with a sigh, running a hand through his hair.

"That's rather broad," Hermione replied with a smirk. "Care to narrow it down?" Harry glared for a moment before shaking his head with a small laugh.

"Suppose that did sound a bit dramatic."

"A bit," Hermione agreed. Harry sighed again and sat down on the grass. Hermione followed suit.

"It's just, the war's over, you know?" Harry said. "I want it to stay over." Hermione nodded. She had suspected as much. She knew the press had been bothering Harry every chance they got. Kingsley kept them out of the Ministry proper, but he couldn't keep them from the Atrium and Harry and Ron were often accosted on their way to and from training. There had been articles when they first started training, of course, but nothing recently. Not for lack of trying on the reporters' parts, though.

"I know," she replied. She shifted closer to him so their shoulders bumped against one another.

"I just want to get on with my life," Harry said quietly as Hermione rested her head on his shoulder. "I want to do my job and be with Ginny and maybe get married and have some kids. I want to be able to go to a Quidditch match or shopping in Diagon Alley without a million flashbulbs going off in my face. I don't want to just be the Boy-Who-Lived my whole life."

"You're not just the Boy-Who-Lived," Hermione protested. "Don't ever think that."

"To you and the Weasleys maybe," Harry said. "But to everyone else I am."

"It's still fresh, Harry," Hermione said. "Things won't be like this forever."

"Won't they?" Harry said. "I survived the Killing Curse twice, Hermione. And because we decided not to discuss the Horcruxes with the public, and I don't disagree with that, that's not what I'm saying, no one knows why I survived the second time." Hermione took his hand and gave it a squeeze.

"I don't fancy going to this ceremony either," she said. "But you won't be alone. We'll all be with you."

"There's always going to be something though, isn't there?" Harry asked quietly. "There's always going to be a ceremony or a dedication or a celebration. Even though it's over, it's really not."

"I don't know, Harry," she said. "But we'll deal with that if it happens." Harry tilted his head so it rested against Hermione's. "You just have to remember that we're here for you. All of us."

"I know." After a few minutes of silent comfort, Hermione stood and held out a hand to Harry.

"Come on," she said. "I'm sure Ginny's worried." Harry took her hand and let her help him to his feet. Before she could turn, Harry pulled her into a hug.

"Thanks, Hermione." She smiled and hugged him tighter.

"Anything for you, Harry," she said. "You know that." He let her go and smiled, taking her hand to lead her back into the Burrow.

2 July 1998

Remus made sure Teddy's face was covered with the blanket before he stepped into the Floo. He had suggested they get a sitter for Teddy for the ceremony, since Andromeda was going to accept Dora's award, but Andromeda wouldn't hear of it. She insisted that Teddy be present to witness his parents' achievements and hadn't budged even when Remus reminded her that the boy wouldn't even remember it. When Ginny had agreed to mind Teddy while Remus and Andromeda accepted the medals, Remus had finally given in.

He exited into the Atrium of the Ministry to a blinding light. Blinking to try and regain his sight, he realized that it was the flash of multiple cameras. Ducking his head slightly, he joined Andromeda and the two of them walked towards the dais that had been set up for the ceremony, ignoring the questions that were shouted at them as they passed.

"Merlin," Andromeda said once they were admitted to the area where the ceremony would take place. The press was being kept in one area in the Atrium and would be allowed into the ceremony just before it started. It was the best Kingsley could do to try and avoid the honorees being hounded.

Teddy was squirming and protesting the blanket still over his face. Remus shifted him and removed it and was rewarded with a brilliant smile as soon as his son caught sight of him. Grinning back, Remus kissed the top of Teddy's head, never tiring of seeing how happy his son always was to see him.

As soon as the blanket was removed, Teddy began looking around the room at everything, as he always did when they took him somewhere new. Remus and Andromeda made their way towards the dais, having been told that there would be seats reserved for them.

"Remus." Remus turned and smiled at Minerva. "Good day, Andromeda." Minerva smiled at Teddy who flailed an arm in response.

"Hello, Minerva," Andromeda replied. "Congratulations are in order, I hear." Minerva's mouth twisted slightly. Remus knew that, like him, she wasn't entirely comfortable with being honored for her part in the war.

"Thank you," Minerva said. "And to you as well. Nymphadora was an asset to the Order." Andromeda nodded her thanks, unable to speak for the moment.

"How did exams go?" Remus asked. He hadn't spoken to Minerva since exams had started.

"Very well," Minerva said. "I heard glowing reports from all the examiners. I thank you again for your help."

"You're very welcome," Remus replied. "I enjoyed it."

"That's good to hear as I will likely need your services again in August," Minerva said. Remus gave her a questioning look. "The Minister has agreed to hold another round of N.E.W.T.S. for those students that wanted more time to revise, but don't wish to repeat their entire seventh year."

"Only N.E.W.T.S.?" Remus asked.

"Yes, there were only a handful of students that elected not to take their O.W.L.S. last week and all but one were Muggle-borns that never attended their fifth year in the first place." Remus nodded in understanding.

"Well, I'd be happy to help," Remus said. "Just let me know when." Minerva nodded in acknowledgement and then left the two of them to speak to Hestia Jones.

Before Remus and Andromeda could take their seats, Remus heard familiar voices behind them and turned to see the Weasleys, Hermione and Harry arriving. They all greeted one another and Hermione ended up standing next to Remus. She was making faces at Teddy and grinning at his answering smiles.

"May I?" she asked, reaching out for the baby.

"Of course," Remus said as he passed his son off to her.

"Teddy, you've gotten so big," Hermione exclaimed. Teddy reached a hand towards her face and Hermione laughed when it landed on her nose. Teddy grinned in response to her laugh and Remus couldn't help but chuckle. The noise made Teddy's head turn towards his father and give him another wide smile.

"I don't know how you get anything done," Hermione said. "I think I would just sit and smile at him all day."

"We do a fair bit of that," Remus admitted. "Don't let that smile fool you though, he's got quite the set of lungs on him when he wants something."

"Oh, I don't believe that for a second, do I?" Hermione said, her voice rising an octave, as people were wont to do when talking to an infant. "I bet you're just a perfect angel all the time, aren't you?" She was rewarded with another smile from Teddy.

"I'll be sure to Floo you the next time he's up at three in the morning, demanding to be fed," Remus said dryly. Hermione laughed.

"If everyone could please take their seats!" They looked up to see a Ministry employee standing on the dais.

"All right, Granger, give over," Ginny said, reaching out her hands to Teddy. Hermione pouted for a moment before she relinquished Teddy into Ginny's arms. Andromeda handed Ginny Teddy's bag and explained how long to heat his bottle as they all moved into their seats.

Once everyone was seated, the press was allowed in. Many took seats in the back, some standing to get better photographs Remus assumed. Kingsley and a few members of the Wizengamot stepped onto the dais and settled into chairs. The same Ministry official that had directed them to their seats, spoke briefly before introducing the Minister.

Kingsley gave a short speech about the war and the efforts of the Order of the Phoenix. The mood became somber as he read out the names of those that had died fighting in both the first and second wars and then the list of victims of Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Remus became lost in his thoughts at the names of so many of his friends and colleagues were read aloud. Andromeda gripped his hand as Kingsley read Dora's and then Ted's name. Remus could hear Molly weeping quietly when her brothers' names and then Fred's were read. He drew in a breath and let it out slowly as Kingsley finished the lists.

The awarding of the Orders of Merlin began and Remus helped Andromeda up the steps to accept Dora's award as he accepted his own. Ginny waved Teddy's hand at them and Remus gave her a grateful smile at lightening the solemn moment a bit. He took another breath as the medal was placed around his neck, still not quite believing that he deserved any of this. Andromeda accepted Dora's medal tearfully.

When all the awards had been given out, they were dismissed to their seats, except for Harry, Hermione, Ron and Neville. They all looked a bit confused as to why they had been kept on stage, except for Harry.

"Before I begin, I would like Ginevra Weasley and Luna Lovegood to come to the dais," Kingsley said. Ginny looked at her mother in confusion before handing Teddy off to her. She joined Luna, who looked wholly unaffected by Kingsley's announcement, in the aisle and the two of them made their way to the stage to stand next to Neville.

"I would like to acknowledge another group that I have been remiss in mentioning, as I was reminded of a couple of weeks ago," Kingsley continued. He glanced at Harry as he said this, who hid a smirk. "A student organization, calling themselves Dumbledore's Army, was started in 1995 by Hermione Granger, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. This group trained students in defense and was taken over by Neville Longbottom, Ginevra Weasley and Luna Lovegood in 1997. Many of these students fought bravely in the Battle of Hogwarts, some giving their lives for the cause. While it pains me that students had to fight in a war that should have been left to adults, I am grateful that they did as we may not have won without them."

"I would like to invite those members of Dumbledore's Army to join us on the stage to receive the recognition for their assistance that they so deserve in helping rid our world of the darkest wizard it has ever known." Kingsley paused and Harry, Hermione, Ron and Neville began to applaud and the rest of the audience joined in. Remus watched as his former students stood in the crowd and began to walk towards the stage. Most of them looked completely shocked.

Once the students were assembled, Minerva stood and Remus quickly joined her. The rest of the onlookers followed suit and soon the applause was thunderous for the young people gracing the stage. Remus saw Minerva shed a few tears and she was not the only one who did. Cameras flashed as Kingsley passed out the awards to the students, shaking each one's hand and thanking them for their service as he had with the Order of Merlin honorees.

"Thank you all for coming," Kingsley said once he had finished. "I am truly honored to serve as your Minister and I hope that this is the beginning of many years of peace for all of us. Please join us for the reception that will take place in the press briefing room on the second floor." Kingsley bowed to the crowd and then swept off the dais towards a door in the back of the room that Remus suspected would lead to his office. Remus offered Andromeda his arm and they followed the crowd to the reception room.

"Harry, why didn't you tell us?" Ron asked as they walked towards the lifts.

"Wanted it to be a surprise," Harry said with a smile.

"It definitely was that," Ginny said.

"Everyone that fought deserved recognition," Harry said simply.

"It's a very nice award," Luna said as she looked again at the pin they all had been given. Neville smiled and took her hand, kissing the back of it. Luna smiled up at him. Hermione glanced sideways at Ginny who grinned. It appeared that Neville and Luna had made things official as well.

They stepped into one of the lifts with the rest of the Weasleys. Molly was still holding Teddy who was looking curiously at the memos that hovered above their heads. She chuckled when he startled as more flew in when the lift door opened.

"I do miss having a baby around," Molly said. She looked at Bill and Fleur. "You've been married nearly a year now, you know."

"Subtle, Mum," Bill said, rolling his eyes. Hermione bit back a laugh as Ginny snorted.

"Well, I'm just saying," Molly began, but stopped when Arthur put a hand on her arm. She huffed but kept quiet until they reached the second floor. "None of us are getting any younger. I don't want to be too old to enjoy my grandchildren," she said as they stepped off the lift. Bill shook his head.

"Mum, you're forty-eight," Bill said flatly. Ron snickered and Molly gave him a glare.

"Per'aps we should just go to zee reception?" Fleur suggested, taking Bill's arm and leading him away from his mother.

"Excellent idea," Arthur said, putting a hand on Molly's back and directing her toward the room. Molly began speaking earnestly to her husband, about the topic of grandchildren, no doubt. The rest of them broke into quiet laughter as they followed behind.

Remus looked around the room for the Weasleys, intending to relieve Molly from having to tend to Teddy. Andromeda had stopped to speak to an old classmate of hers as Remus made his way toward the cluster of redheads in one corner. Harry had taken Teddy and was feeding him his bottle. Remus smiled as he approached Molly and Arthur.

"Thank you for watching Teddy," he said. Molly smiled.

"He was no trouble at all, Remus," she said. "He's such a sweet boy."

"Thank you," Remus said again, his cheeks pinking slightly at the praise of his son. Remus turned to Harry. "Would you like me to take him?"

"No, we're good here," Harry said with a smile. Teddy's eyes were beginning to droop.

"If you'd like to put him down once he's asleep, I've got the pram in my pocket," Remus said. Harry looked surprised for a moment before he grinned sheepishly and shook his head.

"Shrunk, right," he said with a laugh. Remus chuckled.

"Looks like someone's sleepy," Hermione said as she and Ron stepped up next to Remus. She gave Teddy a fond smile as the bottle slipped from his mouth, his eyes completely closed now. Remus took the bottle from Harry and put it in his pocket as Harry shifted Teddy to rest on his shoulder. The baby let out a small burp and nuzzled into Harry's chest.

"Good work on the recognition for the D.A., Harry," Remus said.

"Thanks," Harry replied. "I told Kingsley it was the only way I'd accept my Order of Merlin." Ginny walked up with a plate filled with food and Harry took a small sandwich.

"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed.

"What?" Harry questioned. "They all deserved some kind of acknowledgement, as much as the rest of us."

"Good on you, mate," Ron said. Hermione glared at him for a moment before she turned back to Harry.

"I know they did, but I doubt you had to threaten Kingsley to get it," Hermione said.

"Well, turns out you're right about that," Harry admitted. "Kingsley told me as much, but I'm still not sorry I did it." He shrugged. Hermione sighed and shook her head as Seamus and Dean walked up and began talking to Harry and Ron. Ginny was in conversation with Neville and Luna and Remus turned to Hermione.

"How are your projects going?" he asked. Hermione explained that she had spoken with someone in the Australian Ministry and gotten telephone listings but hadn't found the exact names she had given her parents. As such, she had been making lists from the information and trying to narrow it down.

"I was thinking about starting to make some telephone calls to see if I recognize their voices," she said. Remus nodded. She twisted her hands in front of her and bit her lip.

"What's wrong?" Remus asked.

"I just keep thinking about what will happen if I don't find them," she said quietly.

"What if you do?" he replied.

"That too," she said. Remus put a comforting hand on her arm.

"Hermione, they're your parents," he said. "They love you."

"I know, but I'm afraid they're going to be angry about what I've done."

"That well may be," he said. "But I'm sure they'll forgive you."

"I hope so," she almost whispered. Remus squeezed her arm in support. She gave him a grateful smile.

"What about Grimmauld Place?" he asked, hoping to change the subject to something a bit less upsetting.

"Oh, I wanted to ask you about that actually," she said, her mood brightening. He looked at her expectantly. "Now that you're finished with your tutoring, I was wondering if you would be able to help me."

"If I can," he said.

"Well, I'm planning on bricking over Mrs. Black's portrait," she explained. Remus' eyes widened. It was such a simple solution, but it had never occurred to him or Sirius while Sirius had been living there.

"Hermione, that's genius," he said. She blushed.

"Thanks," she said. "I figured that it would likely be the same spells we used to rebuild the wall at Hogwarts, so I wondered if you would be willing to help me."

"Of course," Remus said. "When?"

"I still need to get the materials, so I was thinking Saturday?" she said.

"I'll be there," Remus said. Hermione smiled widely.

"Be where?" Ron asked as he came up next to her, putting an arm around her waist.

"Remus is going to help me brick over the portrait," Hermione explained. "Since it's the same spells as the tower we worked on at Hogwarts."

"I know those spells too," Ron reminded her, a little possessively in Remus' opinion.

"I know, but you're busy with training," Hermione said, apparently not catching his tone. "And I know you like to relax on Sundays when you're off, so I figured we'd just do it on Saturday."

"I don't mind helping you on Sunday," Ron said.

"It's fine, Ron," Hermione said. "Remus can help me." Ron glanced at Remus, something flashing in his eyes before he looked back at Hermione. Remus' brow furrowed in confusion.

"Sure, Hermione, whatever you want," Ron finally said. "I'm going to get some food. Come with me?"

"All right," Hermione agreed. "I'll see you Saturday, Remus, around ten?"

"I'll be there," Remus assured her. Ron glanced at him once more before he led Hermione away. Remus got the distinct impression that the redhead was angry with him, but he couldn't, for the life of him, fathom why.

"Are you all right?" Hermione asked Ron once they reached the buffet tables.

"Fine," he said shortly.

"You don't seem fine," she replied. Ron sighed.

"I just wish you would have asked me to help you with the portrait," he said. Hermione looked perplexed.

"But, you're in training every day except Sunday," she said. "And I don't want you to have to work on your one day off."

"Maybe I want to," he said, a bit petulantly.

"But, why?" she asked, truly puzzled.

"Do I have to spell it out for you, Hermione?" he sighed.

"Yes, I think you do, because obviously, I have no idea why you're upset."

"You're doing it again," Ron accused.

"Doing what?" she demanded.

"Letting everyone else help you but me." Hermione closed her eyes, trying not to lash out at him. They hadn't ever had a discussion after their last row about this subject, mostly because of Ron's schedule. Truthfully, though, Hermione hadn't been all that upset to avoid it.

"Ron, this has nothing to do with that," she said. "And you know it."

"I heard you talking to Remus about the search for your parents, too," he said.

"You were eavesdropping?" she snapped. He rolled his eyes.

"You were standing five feet from me," he said. "It's not like I was hiding in the corner spying on you."

"I've told you all about the search for my parents," she said instead of arguing with him about listening in on her conversation. "Remus doesn't know anything you don't."

"Why is he so interested, anyway?" Ron asked.

"He's my friend," Hermione said, speaking slowly as if to a small child. "Friends are interested in what's going in each other's lives." Ron stared at her for a moment and she could tell he wanted to say something else but wasn't sure he should. Finally, his mouth got the best of him.

"He just lost his wife, you know." Hermione's eyes narrowed.

"What does that have to do with anything?" Ron opened his mouth, then closed it again.

"Nothing, forget I said anything," he said. Hermione stared at him for a few moments, her mind working furiously.

"Are you accusing me of something?" she asked lowly.

"No," Ron said.

"Are you accusing Remus of something?"

"Course not," Ron said, too quickly in Hermione's opinion. Her mouth dropped open in shock.

"Ronald Weasley, how dare you," she hissed, looking around the room to be sure that no one was listening in on their conversation. Ron looked nervous now.

"Like I said, just forget I said anything." Hermione glanced to her right as a couple approached the table they were standing at.

"This isn't the place," she said under her breath. "But you can be sure we're going to talk about this later." With that she turned on her heel and stalked back to where Harry and Ginny were standing.

"All right, Hermione?" Harry asked, seeing the expression on her face. He had finally put Teddy in the pram that Remus had brought along, but he was standing next to it protectively.

"I'm just a bit tired," she said, not looking at him. "I think I'm going to go home."

"Hermione," he said again, taking her arm and gently pulling her towards him. "What's the matter?" Hermione saw Ginny glance toward Ron.

"Yes, what's my prat of a brother done now?" Ginny asked.

"Nothing, it's nothing," Hermione said.

"I don't believe you," Ginny said.

"Now's not the time. I-" but before she could continue, there was a commotion at the door. They all looked up to see two Aurors trying to keep the press at bay and failing miserably. Before anyone could recover from the shock enough to do anything, they were streaming through the door and into the reception room.

"Mr. Potter! Mr. Potter!" one shouted, while another called Hermione's name and a third, Ron's. Harry moved Teddy's pram protectively behind him as the Aurors moved into the room to try and remove the reporters. Moments later, Harry, Hermione and Ginny were surrounded.

"Mr. Potter, how does it feel to be awarded the Ministry's highest honor?"

"Miss Granger, do you feel you and Mr. Weasley were as deserving as Mr. Potter of a First Class award?"

"Miss Weasley, is it true you and the Boy-Who-Lived are an item?"

"Mr. Potter, is that your child? Who is his mother?" Harry glared at the reporter.

"All right, all right, that's enough!" Kingsley's booming voice echoed throughout the room. He pushed through the crowd of reporters and stood in front of Harry.

"Minister, why did you ban the press from this reception? Do you have something to hide?"

"I banned the press for this very reason," Kingsley said. "You are harassing my guests."

"The public has a right to know," one reporter began but Kingsley cut him off.

"The public has a right to know what happened at the ceremony, which you were allowed access to," the Minister said. "The public has no right to stick their noses into anyone's private lives." Harry had wrapped an arm around Ginny and taken hold of Hermione's hand. One of the reporters saw this and raised an eyebrow suggestively.

"Perhaps Mr. Potter doesn't want anyone prying into his private life because there are things that he doesn't wish the public to know." Harry stepped forward with a growl, but Ginny pulled him back. Hermione drew herself up to her full height, not letting go of Harry's hand and sent the reporter a look of utter disdain.

"That's enough," Kingsley said. "Either you will all leave on your own or the Aurors will escort you from the premises and you can spend the night in the Ministry's holding cells." Hermione looked up to see a line of Aurors standing behind the group of reporters. Apparently, the two at the door had called for reinforcements.

The Aurors stepped into the crowd and began to lead the reporters to the door, some not so gently. Questions continued to be shouted at all of them as the press was ushered out.

"I'm sorry about that," Kingsley said as he turned around. "I should have posted more Aurors outside.

"It's fine," Harry said, raking a hand through his hair. Ginny wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him. Harry turned to check on Teddy, even as Remus reached the pram.

"I'm sorry, Remus," Harry said, but Remus waved off his apology. Teddy was, miraculously, still asleep.

"It's fine, Harry," Remus assured him. "It wasn't your fault." He ran a hand gently over Teddy's head.

"Hermione," Ron said. Hermione turned and saw him looking at her in concern.

"I'm fine, Ron," she said tiredly. She just wanted to go home and put this whole day behind her. "Harry, I'm going to go." She looked up at Kingsley. "Any chance I can use that secret door of yours?" Kingsley smiled at her.

"I think I can arrange that," he said.

"I'll go with you," Ron said.

"No," Hermione said sharply. They all looked at her in surprise. "Sorry, I mean, don't feel you have to leave on my account."

"I want to," he said. Hermione stared at him before she sighed and nodded. She didn't have the energy to argue with him right now.

"Fine, then," she said. "Remus, I'll see you on Saturday?"

"Absolutely," Remus said.

"I'll see you guys at home," Hermione said to Harry and Ginny. She looked up expectantly at Kingsley.

"This way," he said and ushered the two of them towards the back of the room.

"Are you sure you're all right?" Ron asked in concern once they stepped into the living room of the Burrow.

"Yes," Hermione said. Then she sighed and sank down onto the couch. "Actually, no, I'm really not all right."

"Which one was it?" Ron demanded. "I'll have them arrested."

"It wasn't the reporters, Ron," Hermione said tiredly. She rested her elbows on her knees and put her face in her hands. She heard Ron move and felt the couch dip next to her.

"I'm sorry," he said. Hermione dropped her hands.

"I can't believe you would say that about Remus," she said.

"I know, I don't know why I did." Ron looked down at his lap.

"Tonks has only been dead for two months," Hermione said.

"I know," Ron said.

"Remus loved her so much," Hermione continued. "To insinuate that he's talking to me because he fancies me is utterly ridiculous.

"I know!" Ron shouted as he stood from the couch. "I'm an idiot, okay! I never should have said anything."

"No, you shouldn't have," Hermione snapped, standing herself. She stared at Ron for a moment. "Is this how it's going to be?"

"How what's going to be?" Ron asked.

"Anytime I talk to anyone else about what's going on in my life or ask someone besides you to help me with a project, are you going to act this way?"

"What? No!" Ron said.

"So, it's just Remus then?" she questioned.

"Of course not."

"Then why are you acting like this Ron?" she demanded.

"I don't know!" he said in exasperation, throwing up his hands.

"Well I suggest you figure it out," Hermione said crossing her arms over her chest. "And quickly too because I can't deal with this anymore."

"What are you saying, Hermione?" Ron asked.

"I'm saying that we're both under enough stress as it is. We don't need to be fighting all the time on top of it. It's exhausting."

"So, what, you think we should call things off?"

"That's not what I said." She sighed. "But we can't keep this up either." He stared at her for a moment, before his expression hardened.

"Fine," he said and turned on his heel to leave the room.

"Ron! Where are you going?"

"Leaving," he said flatly. "That's what you want isn't it?"

"I never said that," Hermione insisted.

"You didn't have to," Ron said. He strode from the room and a few moments later, Hermione heard the back-door slam and the crack of Apparition. She sank down onto the couch and put her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking as she began to cry.