A/N - Hi everyone! I want to say thank you to all of you who are reading and to those who review. You are all amazing and I appreciate you so much! Reading your reviews makes me happy. :)

Chapter 86

Move

3 August 2000

Hermione tapped her foot nervously as she sat in the coffee shop waiting for Aaron. Her tea had long gone cold, the biscuits sat forgotten on her plate. She glanced at her watch again. It had been almost forty-five minutes. Where was he?

When nearly an hour had passed and Aaron had still not arrived, Hermione stood, intent on going back to St. Mungo's, consequences be damned. As she took a step away from the table, Aaron walked in. Someone had thankfully transfigured the robes back to his suit.

"I was getting worried," she said as he joined her at the table.

"Sorry," Aaron replied. "Healer Jeffries wanted to speak with me after I saw Miss Wilkes."

"I know that you can't tell me anything specifically," Hermione said. "But do you think you can help her?"

"I do," Aaron said and Hermione sighed in relief. "However, it is going to take some time. The problem is that Healer Jeffries doesn't think he can keep her at St. Mungo's for more than a week and even that is pushing things. The dehydration can be taken care of in a day, the infection in two or maybe three."

"I was afraid of that," Hermione said.

"I'm willing to work with her for as long as she's here," Aaron said. "But I'm afraid that any progress we might make will be nullified as soon as she is returned to prison."

"We're just going to have to find a way to keep her here," Hermione said.

"If you can, I am willing to see her for as long as she needs." Hermione smiled gratefully.

"I spoke with Mr. Potter," Aaron continued. "He is on duty again tomorrow at noon. If you can pick me up, I will use my lunch hour to see her again."

"Thank you, Aaron," Hermione said.

"Your project has intrigued me, Hermione. I'm happy to be a part of it." She smiled and thanked him again.

"Let's get you back to your office so you can go home," she said. He nodded in agreement and they left the coffee shop for the Apparition point.

Hermione landed in Remus' back garden and hurried toward the house. She knew that Kingsley was having dinner with Andromeda, but she wasn't sure where. Remus would likely know, though. Hermione didn't want to interrupt their date, but she wanted to discuss this with Kingsley right away.

The door opened before she reached it and she couldn't help but smile when Teddy ran towards her. She picked him up and kissed his face while he giggled. She smiled at Remus when she reached the house.

"This is a nice surprise," he said, after he kissed her in greeting. She stepped inside.

"My-nee, you pay?" Teddy asked.

"I will," she said. "You get everything ready and I'll be right there." She set Teddy on the ground and he ran into the living room.

"How did it go?"

"Smoothly," she said. "Aaron thinks he can help her."

"That's good to hear," Remus said. Hermione studied his face for a moment. She still wasn't completely convinced that he thought helping Delia was a good idea. As if he knew what she was thinking, he took her hands in his and gave them a squeeze. "I mean it." She smiled at him and then kissed him again.

"The problem is that Healer Jeffries doesn't think he can keep her in St. Mungo's more than a week. I need to talk to Kingsley."

"He and Andromeda are out to dinner."

"I know, do you know where they are?"

"You're going to interrupt their dinner?" Remus asked in surprise.

"I don't want to, but I need to talk to Kingsley," Hermione said. "This is important."

"I know that it is, love," he said. "But a couple of hours isn't going to make a difference."

"Remus," she began, but he held up a hand to interrupt her.

"You don't want to make a scene in the middle of Diagon Alley." Hermione opened her mouth to protest, then closed it again. No, she didn't want to do that. And interrupting Kingsley's dinner where there were likely to be reporters watching wasn't the best idea. Ever since Kingsley had brought Andromeda to his acceptance speech, the press had been following him trying to get a glimpse of the couple. Hermione was surprised they had chosen Diagon Alley for dinner, actually. She told Remus as much.

"They decided to give the press something in the hopes that they would leave Andromeda alone," Remus said. "She was concerned that it was only a matter of time before they showed up here trying to ask her questions."

"What are they giving them?" Hermione asked.

"Let's just say that Andromeda is going to be sure to make plenty of gestures with her left hand while she's talking." Hermione's mouth dropped open in shock.

"They're not," she said.

"No, they're not," Remus replied with a smirk. "Precisely why she's going to make sure that the reporters can see she is not wearing a ring." Hermione smiled. Remus put his arms around her.

"Why don't you stay?" he said. "They're likely to come back here after. Kingsley likes to make sure that Andromeda gets home safely."

"All right," Hermione agreed. Remus leaned down to kiss her and she relaxed against him, twining her arms around his neck. It wasn't until she felt a tug on her robes that she pulled away from him and looked down.

"My-nee, you pay," Teddy insisted, his arms crossed over his chest, scowl on his face. Hermione couldn't help but laugh. Remus kept one arm around her and kissed her temple as he chuckled at his son.

"All right, let's go," she said reaching for Teddy's hand. He pulled her into the living room where he had set up nearly every toy in his basket. She smiled at the cars mixed in with the dragons and Quidditch figures.

"Daddy, you pay," Teddy commanded and Remus sat down on the floor next to Hermione waiting for Teddy to give them further instructions.

Teddy had been put to bed and Remus and Hermione were sitting on the couch waiting for Andromeda and Kingsley to return. Hermione was leaned into his side while Remus idly ran a hand through her curls. She sighed in contentment and he leaned down to kiss the top of her head.

"I've missed this," she said. She tilted her head up to look at him. "I'm sorry we haven't seen much of one another lately."

"Like I told you at Harry's party, you don't have to apologize," Remus said. "Just wait until exam time. I'll be just as busy."

"Yes, but you'll still come to bed every night," she said. He smiled.

"Hm, so I will." He was very much looking forward to the move. Saturday was Andromeda's birthday so they had put it off until Sunday. He would definitely miss Andromeda and this house, and he was a bit concerned about how Teddy was going to adjust, but it was time for a new start. Just knowing that he was going to be able to sleep with Hermione in his arms every night made things much easier.

He moved his head and kissed her, cradling her head in his hand. She returned it enthusiastically and he soon found himself with a lap full of witch. It took everything in him to force his lips away from hers. Hermione, on the other hand, simply moved to his neck.

"Hermione," he groaned. "Andromeda will be home soon." She ignored him for a few moments before she too pulled away. The look in her eyes was almost his undoing. He certainly hoped that Andromeda got home very, very soon. Hermione moved off his lap, straightening her shirt and smoothing her hair.

"Three days, right?" she said a bit breathlessly.

"Three days," he repeated, wanting nothing more than to pull her back into his lap.

Thankfully, the Floo turned green a few minutes later and Andromeda stepped out, followed by Kingsley. Neither looked surprised to see Hermione.

"You've been to Mungo's, I trust," Kingsley said. Hermione nodded.

"We have to talk, Kingsley."

"I figured as much."

"Shall Remus and I give you some privacy?" Andromeda asked.

"No," Hermione said. "Remus already knows and I'm sure Kingsley would fill you in anyway." She smirked at the Minister for Magic, who just shook his head at her. Remus saw Andromeda hide a smile. She summoned the fire whiskey and four glasses. Kingsley and Andromeda settled into chairs after the drinks had been poured.

"You brought Dr. Chadwick?" Kingsley asked, sipping his whiskey.

"Yes," Hermione said. "He thinks he can help her."

"I sense a 'but'," Kingsley said.

"He needs time," Hermione said. "Delia's Healer thinks that he can keep her at St. Mungo's for a week, but even that is stretching it. Aaron is willing to see her a few times while she's there, but it's not going to be anywhere near enough time. Plus, he's concerned that any progress they might make would disappear if she were sent back to Azkaban." Kingsley sighed.

"The Healer is certain he can't give her more than a week?"

"Not unless she comes down with something else," Hermione said. "The infection is the worst thing and that will take three days at most to heal. But even another week or two wouldn't be enough. I'm quite sure that Aaron is thinking months."

"Months?" Kingsley said incredulously.

"It's not a quick fix," Hermione said. "I told you that."

"Yes, but months?" Kingsley shook his head.

"I had an idea that might work," Hermione said. Kingsley looked at her expectantly. "A pilot program."

"Explain," Kingsley said.

"We're finished with the planning stages of the Mind Healing project," Hermione said. "The training still has to happen, of course, but Aaron is already going to start seeing patients next week with Healers observing. The witches and wizard that have agreed to see Aaron are not accused of any crimes, obviously, and are there of their own free will. But we could also start a pilot program with more severe cases. Cases that require more intense therapy which may or may not be voluntary. People that may be ordered into the program by Wizengamot panels in the future, instead of being sent to Azkaban. A pilot program with a patient like Delia could be used to determine if such a course of action were even feasible. A test run if you will.

Delia is already in a locked ward. We could easily post a guard or guards, whether it be someone from the prison or an Auror, whatever you decide. She's essentially still in prison, just not at Azkaban." Kingsley looked up at the ceiling, deep in thought.

"You wouldn't necessarily have to put it before the Wizengamot either," Hermione said. "As Minister, you can approve programs like these before they become law."

"And how did you know that?" he asked.

"I haven't just been working on the project itself these last weeks," Hermione said.

"You certainly have done your homework," Kingsley said.

"Would you expect anything less?" Andromeda asked, taking a sip of her drink, raising an eyebrow at Kingsley over the rim of her glass. He simply chuckled.

"I have to discuss this with a few people," Kingsley said. Hermione looked at him questioningly. "People that I trust, Hermione. They will keep it in the strictest of confidences. As it is, we have a week, yes?"

"Yes," she replied.

"And Dr. Chadwick?"

"I'm taking him back tomorrow on his lunch hour," she said. "Harry's on duty again to let him in."

"You shouldn't be seen going in and out," Kingsley said with a frown.

"Aaron can't get in on his own."

"I can take him," Andromeda said. Kingsley shook his head.

"After the reception we got in Diagon Alley tonight, I don't think that's a good idea. The last thing we need is reporters following you."

"I'll do it," Remus said. Hermione looked at him in surprise. He knew she wasn't completely convinced that he wanted to help Delia. And, in truth, he wasn't. But that didn't mean he wasn't going to do his best to support Hermione. "It's important to you."

"Thank you," Hermione said, squeezing his hand.

"All right, so Dr. Chadwick will see Miss Wilkes again tomorrow and he can discuss further appointments with Harry. I will let you know in the next few days about your pilot program idea."

"Thank you, Kingsley."

"Don't thank me yet," Kingsley said. "You don't know what my answer is going to be."

"I'm sure you'll figure out a way to get things done." Hermione smiled sweetly at him and Remus had to smother a laugh. Kingsley snorted and shook his head, while Andromeda smirked at Hermione. Remus certainly hoped, for Kingsley's sake, that he found a way to make the program work.

5 August 2000

Hermione looked around her room. She'd packed most of what she was taking with her to the cottage in Hogsmeade. She couldn't quite believe she was moving tomorrow. Not that she hadn't been looking forward to it since Remus had asked her, she'd thought about it nearly every day. But with as busy as she'd been over the last month, it had still sort of snuck up on her.

Which was exactly why she had yet to tell her parents about it. Their conversations over the last few weeks had been rushed with Hermione giving them the barest of details of what she was doing and them giving her updates on their move back. They were arriving the following Tuesday, only three days from now. Her dad had to see his last few patients on Monday. Even though Hermione had had opportunities to tell them, she hadn't. She knew that the conversation would take longer than she had time for at that particular moment. The time difference also made things difficult, of course. When Hermione got home from work it was the middle of the night in Australia and she'd had so little sleep as it was, she couldn't force herself to get up early to speak to them before she went into work.

Of course, that did not explain why she hadn't called them this morning and spoken to them. It was Saturday, Hermione had gotten home at a reasonable hour last night and even though Remus had been here, she had gotten a full night's sleep. But instead of calling her parents when Remus left, she had started packing. She had even gone through all those boxes she had intended to leave here and sort through later.

She was being a bit stupid. It's not like she would be able to hide it once they got here. One look at her bedroom and they would know that she was no longer living here. All her books and photographs were gone.

Sighing, Hermione sat down on her bed. It was too late to call now, given it was three in the morning in Melbourne. Hermione had to shower soon anyway and get ready to go to Remus'. They were having a small celebration for Andromeda's birthday, just dinner at the house which Kingsley had insisted on making. Apparently, he was an amazing cook.

Tomorrow, Hermione would be too busy moving into the cottage. She supposed she could call Monday before she went to work, but she didn't want to upset them right before they were set to leave. She would just have to wait until they got here on Tuesday and break it to them then. She wasn't looking forward to it, knowing they would be upset that she hadn't told them sooner. Still, she only had herself to blame for putting it off.

Sighing again, she stood from the bed and levitated the last box she had packed to join the stack in the corner. She would shrink everything tomorrow and take it through the Floo to the new cottage. Picking up her bathrobe off the chair next to her bed, she made her way to the bathroom to get ready for the evening.

"All right?" Kingsley asked. They were sitting on the patio, enjoying the warmth of the night. The dinner had been wonderful, as Kingsley's cooking always was. Teddy had helped her blow out the candles on her cake and then presented her with a framed picture that he had obviously drawn himself. Scribbles and lines dominated the parchment, but Teddy had a story for what everything was. It was her favorite gift.

Teddy had been put to bed now and Hermione and Remus were in the living room, discussing plans for tomorrow. She had sighed, thinking about it, hence Kingsley's question.

"Just thinking," she said.

"About the move," he guessed. She nodded.

"Tomorrow I will be alone in this house for the first time in more than twenty-five years." Kingsley took her hand and gave it a squeeze.

"You can stay with me tomorrow night," he said. She smiled at him.

"That will only delay the inevitable."

"Not necessarily," he replied. She looked at him, hoping that he was not about to ask her what she thought he was. She didn't think she was quite ready for that just yet.

"Kingsley," she began, but he shook his head to stop her.

"I am not going to ask you to move into my flat," he said. "As much as I would like to, I know that you're not ready for that." She opened her mouth to reply, but he continued. "I do have another gift for you, though."

"The bracelet was more than enough," she protested, glancing down at her wrist where the small row of diamonds winked up at her.

"This one didn't cost me anything," he said, pulling something from the pocket of his robes. He handed it to her and she realized it was a photograph. She looked at it curiously. It was a cottage. Confused, she looked back at him. He had just told her he knew she was not ready to move in with him, so why was he giving her a picture of a cottage? Perhaps he wanted to take her on holiday?

"I do not understand," she admitted.

"That cottage is located behind the one that Remus and Hermione are moving into. The back gardens are connected. And, I have on good authority, that it will soon be coming up for sale." She looked at the photograph and then back at him.

"You've been putting on a brave face, but I know that you're having a very hard time with the fact that Remus and Teddy are leaving. If you buy this cottage, you would both still have your privacy, but Teddy would only be a house away," Kingsley continued. Andromeda continued to stare at him, unable to speak.

"You have no mortgage on this house. If you sold it, you would have more than enough money to buy the cottage."

Sell the house? She wasn't sure she could do that. There were so many memories here from her marriage to Ted and Nymphadora's childhood. Teddy had been born in this house.

"I do not know if I could do that," she said quietly. Kingsley moved forward in his chair and took both her hands in his.

"I'm not trying to push you into anything," he said. "But you will always have the memories of a place, even if you're not physically there. All the joy and the laughter this house experienced, that will always be with you, even if you move halfway across the world." She looked at him, knowing he was right. Leaving this house would not mean leaving Ted and Nymphadora behind. They would always be with her, no matter where she went.

And, there was the future to think about. She knew she was in love with Kingsley, had known it for a few weeks now. She suspected that he felt the same about her, although neither of them had said it yet. This house was hers and Ted's. She could not imagine living in it with another man. Which meant, that at some point in the future, she would leave here anyway if she wanted a life with Kingsley. And she knew that she did.

She moved forward in her chair and put a hand to his cheek, then kissed him. She smiled when they parted, then looked down at the photograph again. She wouldn't need a house this big once Remus and Teddy were gone and the cottage looked as if it might be a perfect size. She would need to talk to Remus, of course. She did not want to intrude on his new life.

"I can talk to the owner if you would like to see it," Kingsley said. She nodded.

"I would." She looked up at him again. "Thank you."

"I want you to be happy."

"I am happy," she said with a smile. He leaned forward and captured her lips once again. Andromeda moved as close to him as she could while still being in her own chair. His arms tightened around her and it was some time before they parted once more. He cupped her cheek in one hand.

"I love you," he said. Andromeda's heart stuttered. Even though she had suspected, hearing it was something else altogether. She took a breath and met his gaze.

"I love you too." He smiled and kissed her again, the photograph falling forgotten to the ground as Andromeda wrapped her arms around him.

6 August 2000

Hermione enlarged the last of the boxes of books and set it on top of the pile she'd made near the corner. Teddy had designated it as his 'castle' and was sitting behind the boxes playing with the toys that Remus had already unpacked.

Remus, Harry, and Kingsley were upstairs arranging Teddy's bedroom. The furniture already in the cottage that they had decided not to use had been shrunk and was sitting in a box near the door waiting to be taken to Hogwarts. The furniture store in Diagon Alley had already delivered the new bedroom set Remus and Hermione had purchased and it was waiting in the master bedroom to be enlarged.

Andromeda and Ginny were in the kitchen unpacking boxes. Hermione and Remus had realized only recently that neither of them had anything to furnish the kitchen with. Hermione had taken a few things from her parents' kitchen that she knew they didn't use. Andromeda had given them an extra set of dishes and Molly had contributed some things as well. The rest they had intended to shop for after they moved in, but Harry and Ginny had gotten a list from Molly and given them everything on it as a housewarming gift.

Hermione checked on Teddy one more time, putting another sticking and stabilizing charm on the boxes of books.

"Teddy, do you want to come with me to the kitchen?" she asked the little boy.

"Payin', My-nee," he said. He was busy driving one of his cars around the line of dragons he had made. Hermione smiled.

"All right, but that's where I'll be if you need me." She watched him for a few more seconds before she walked into the kitchen.

"Thank you again for all of this," Hermione said to Ginny indicating all the boxes from the kitchen store. Her friend grinned.

"You're welcome," she said.

"And thanks for coming to help. I know you must be tired." Ginny's match yesterday hadn't ended until almost midnight. The Snitch had been very elusive. "Sorry we weren't there to watch." Ginny waved off her apology.

"I wasn't expecting you with the move and all," she said. "Plus, it was Andromeda's birthday." Andromeda smiled as she pulled another plate from the box.

"Hermione, where would you like these?" the older witch asked. Hermione spent a few minutes designating which cupboards and drawers should house what. Andromeda levitated the dishes into the indicated cupboard.

"Are you going to see the cottage today?" Hermione asked. She and Remus had been surprised but thrilled that Andromeda was considering purchasing the cottage behind them. Hermione knew how close Andromeda and Remus were and it would be good for Teddy to have his grandmother nearby.

"Yes, at three," Andromeda said.

"How did Kingsley find out about it anyway?" Ginny asked. She and Harry had been told about the cottage not long after they arrived.

"The man that owns it used to be a Hit Wizard," Andromeda said. "He retired not long after Kingsley graduated from the Auror training program. He was one of Kingsley's instructors."

"It looks lovely from what I can see of it," Hermione said. "The garden is a bit overgrown though."

"Yes, that is one of the reasons he is moving," Andromeda said. "It has gotten a bit much for him to take care of on his own."

"Where is he going?" Ginny questioned.

"To live with his daughter," Andromeda said. Hermione, having heard this the night before, continued to unpack boxes.

"Nanna," Teddy's voice said and all three women turned to see the little boy standing in the doorway of the kitchen. "Want Pa'foot, Nanna." He was rubbing his eyes and Hermione realized how far past lunch it had gotten. She hoped that Remus was finished setting up Teddy's room. Asking for Padfoot was a sure sign that he was tired.

Andromeda bent down and picked up her grandson. He yawned and rested his head on her shoulder. She kissed his forehead.

"Shall we go see if your daddy is finished with your room?"

"Pa'foot, Nanna."

"Yes, we'll get Padfoot for you." She excused herself and walked out of the kitchen. Ginny turned to Hermione as soon as Andromeda was out of sight.

"Are you sure you're okay with her living right next door."

"Of course, I am," Hermione said. "Why?"

"It's just that I don't think that I'd want my mum living next door to Harry and I."

"Andromeda isn't my mother," Hermione said. "Remus' either for that matter."

"Still," Ginny said. "It won't be strange?"

"No," Hermione said. "We'll both have our own houses, our own privacy. It will be kind of nice to know that she's right next door if we need her. And it will be good for Teddy."

"I suppose you're right," Ginny said. Hermione opened her mouth, but Ginny glowered at her. "Don't say it, Granger." Hermione laughed and they continued to organize the kitchen.

"I think that's everything," Hermione said, hands on her hips as she stood in the living room and surveyed the bookshelves. Ginny set aside the last of the boxes. Harry and Remus came down the stairs a few moments later. Andromeda and Kingsley had gone to see the other cottage.

"All finished?" Remus asked. Hermione nodded.

"You?"

"With everything except your clothes," Remus said. "I figured you would want to put those away yourself."

"Plus, I didn't fancy seeing your knickers," Harry said. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Thank Merlin for small favors," she said. Harry laughed and hugged her.

"This is a great place, Hermione," he said.

"Thanks, Harry," she said with a smile. There was a short knock on the back door. Remus crossed to the kitchen and opened it.

"How was it?" he asked as Kingsley and Andromeda stepped inside.

"It's lovely," she said. "A bit smaller than this one, only two bedrooms. But there is a large cellar which I could use to brew potions. There would be enough room for you as well, Remus, on the full moon." That was one thing that they didn't have space for as their cottage had no cellar. For now, Remus would go back to Andromeda's house on the full moon. They had talked about building a shed in the backyard, which would suffice, but if Andromeda bought the cottage, using her cellar would be even better, in Hermione's opinion.

"And have you made a decision?" Remus asked. Andromeda glanced at Kingsley, then nodded.

"I made an offer and Mr. Stewart accepted. I will move in next month."

"That's wonderful," Remus said, moving to hug her. Hermione congratulated her next.

"Are you sure you are all right with this?" Andromeda said quietly in her ear. Hermione pulled back and nodded.

"Of course, I am," she said. "Teddy needs his grandmother. And Remus and I will love having you nearby." She squeezed the older woman's hand and stepped back. Remus wrapped an arm around Hermione's waist and kissed her temple.

"Thank you," he whispered. She smiled up at him. Of course, he'd heard their exchange.

"She's family," Hermione said simply.

"I think it is time for a toast," Kingsley said.

"Oh, but we haven't been to the shops yet," Hermione said. There was no food in the house, save a few snacks that Teddy liked, not to mention anything worthy of using for a toast. Andromeda had brought them lunch earlier from her house. Hermione and Remus had planned to have dinner at the Three Broomsticks and then do a bit of food shopping afterward.

"No need," Kingsley replied, stepping to the ice box and pulling out a bottle of champagne. "I hid this earlier, thinking we might have use of it." Glasses were summoned from the cupboard and Kingsley opened the bottle before pouring everyone a glass.

"To Hermione and Remus," he said. "We wish you every happiness in your new home." They all raised their glasses and drank. Remus kissed Hermione chastely and then raised his glass again.

"And to Andromeda and her new home," he said. "We hope to fill it with as many happy memories as the old." They all toasted again and Hermione could see the tears in Andromeda's eyes. Kingsley put an arm around her waist and she leaned into him. Hermione rested her head against Remus' shoulder and smiled. She couldn't have asked for a better welcome to her new life.

Andromeda stood in the doorway of Remus' old room, staring at the neatly made bed. The room was devoid of anything personal, anything that had made it Nymphadora's and then Remus'. Of course, he had taken his things to the cottage, but standing here looking at the empty room made it all the more real somehow.

Kingsley had come home with her and stayed for a bit after they had left Remus and Hermione's. He had asked her to come home with him, as he had offered on her birthday, but she had simply kissed him and sent him on his way. This was something she needed to do on her own.

Even though she would be living right behind Remus and Teddy in a month or so, she would still be by herself. Something that had never happened in her lifetime. She had gone straight from her parents' home to Hogwarts and then to Ted's after they had finished school. And then she had had Nymphadora and Remus and Teddy. She had never lived alone.

She wandered down the corridor to Teddy's room. It was completely empty now, although Andromeda had a new bed on order that would be delivered tomorrow. She would transfigure it to a cot the days Teddy was here, but she knew that Remus was planning on moving the little boy to a bed once he had gotten used to his new surroundings. Likely by the time she moved to Hogsmeade, Teddy would be ready for the bed.

She remembered when they had moved into this house. It had been Ted's grandmother's. When Andromeda had fallen pregnant at twenty, she and Ted had been living in his flat. But they really wanted a house with a garden that they hoped to fill with children. The problem was that they could not afford it.

Ted's grandmother had insisted they take this house, said it was much too large for just her and that it was meant for children. She had moved into a small flat near Ted's parents. Andromeda had been nervous to move into a Muggle neighborhood. Despite everything Ted had told her and meeting his family, she was still wary about Muggles in general. Her upbringing had seen to that. But the neighbors that they had met had been lovely and the rest kept to themselves. Andromeda had lived here longer than she had ever lived anywhere else.

Their hope of filling it with children had come to naught, of course. They had tried for quite some time after Nymphadora was born with no success. The Healers could not explain it, given her first pregnancy had been uneventful and Nymphadora had been born perfectly healthy. Eventually, Andromeda and Ted let go of the dream of giving their daughter a sibling, although Andromeda had always been hopeful, even once Nymphadora had left Hogwarts and moved out on her own. The third bedroom had become a guest room and stayed that way until Teddy had come along.

Now, another family would grace these rooms. Someone else's laughter would echo through the corridor and another parent would cook breakfast in the kitchen. Andromeda hoped that whoever purchased the house would be as happy here as they had been. There had been sadness, true, but the good memories far outweighed the bad.

She took one more look around Teddy's room and then stepped quietly into the corridor, closing the door behind her. Glancing down towards Nymphadora and Remus' room, she smiled and then walked into her own.

Everyone had gone home, Teddy was in bed for the night and Hermione and Remus sat cuddled on the couch, the wireless playing softly in the background. After they'd had dinner at the Three Broomsticks, they had done some shopping. The kitchen was now filled with food and Hermione had unpacked her clothes and the rest of her things. Remus hadn't been able to hide his smile when he saw her things hanging next to his in the wardrobe.

There were photographs on the mantel already, the one that Remus had kept on his bedside table of him, Dora, and Teddy the day Teddy was born, plus another of Teddy and Andromeda. There was a picture of Hermione, Harry, and Ron when they were just first years, arms around each other, Quidditch pitch in the background and another of Hermione and Ginny from Ginny's birthday last year. In the middle was a copy of the photograph that had been in the Prophet the day they took their relationship public. Phillip Bradley had been more than happy to provide them with one.

Remus' arms tightened around Hermione as she trailed her fingers lightly over his forearm. She sighed in contentment and leaned further back into him. He couldn't quite believe that neither of them were going to have to leave to go home, that they were home, their home.

"What are you thinking?" Hermione said. She shifted so she could see his face. He smiled at her.

"How happy I am that we're home." She looked around the room at their combined possessions, then returned his smile.

"We are, aren't we?" Instead of answering, he tipped his head down and kissed her. One of her arms snaked around his neck and she pulled herself closer to him. The angle was a bit awkward, but neither were particularly eager to move. The kiss was slow and lazy, both knowing that they had all the time they wanted now. When Remus finally pulled away from her, she smiled again.

"Let's go to bed." He stood and then helped her to her feet, kissing her again before warding the fireplace while Hermione took care of the doors. She flicked her wand to turn off the wireless. He held out a hand to her and she took it. They walked up the stairs together, Remus calling a quiet 'nox' over his shoulder to put out the lamps.

By unspoken agreement, they went to Teddy's room first. He was asleep on his side, Padfoot held tightly to his chest. Hermione straightened the blanket over him and then kissed his forehead lightly. Remus laid a hand on his son's head for a moment, before whispering a quiet 'I love you'. They pulled his door partway closed before moving on to their own bedroom.

Once inside, Remus cast the one-way silencing charm. They would be able to hear Teddy, but he wouldn't hear them. Remus turned to Hermione and pulled her into his arms, kissing her again as he had downstairs.

Their pace never increased as it normally did when they were together. They took their time undressing and exploring one another. They hardly spoke, not really needing to. When Remus had cast the charm and finally laid her back on the bed, hovering over her, Hermione put a hand to his cheek and smiled at him. He pushed into her slowly and she hummed in satisfaction when he began to move. He didn't think that they'd ever taken this much time or were content to move this slow, but it seemed like the perfect way to christen their new bed.

When they both fell over the edge, it was with quiet groans and shuddering sighs and whispered, 'I love you's'. Hermione kissed him fiercely afterward and he rested his forehead against hers as they both recovered. He rolled to the side and cast a cleansing charm, then pulled her into his arms. Her eyes were already fluttering shut and his closed as well, both of them drifting into a contented sleep.

They woke once in the night and came together again, this time just as languid as the first. They fell back to sleep with Remus spooned behind Hermione, their hands entwined. He kissed her shoulder as they drifted off.

7 August 2000

Hermione's alarm woke them both. She muttered a spell to shut it off and moved further back into Remus' warmth. He groaned under his breath.

"Keep that up, love, and you'll be late for work," he said tightening his arm around her middle and nipping her shoulder. She shivered. She would not be opposed to round three and began to calculate how long they had until she really would be late.

Decision made, she turned in his arms and kissed him. He grabbed her bum, pulling her flush against him, growling a bit into her mouth. She wrapped a leg around his hip and tilted her pelvis towards him.

"Hermione," he said. "You'll be late."

"Not that late," she said and quickly rolled him to his back before climbing on top of him. Remus made no further protests as she sank down on him and began to move. Their leisurely pace from the night before was nonexistent as they both raced towards the end. Remus pulled her down for a kiss, moving his hand between them and she tensed minutes later, crying out his name. He followed after a few quick thrusts and she collapsed on top of him.

They were both still breathing heavily when a small voice calling out made them still.

"Daddy!" Teddy cried. "Nanna!" He sounded upset and Remus disentangled himself from Hermione, grabbing his trousers and slipping into them as he ran across the hall. Hermione was close behind, having picked up Remus shirt from the floor to throw on.

When they got into Teddy's room, tears were running down his cheeks and he was looking around wildly. His room at the cottage was oriented differently than his room at Andromeda's. The window was across from his cot instead of at the foot and there was an extra door to the loo that they hadn't closed the night before. The walls were a different color and there were curtains on the windows instead of blinds. It was clear that even though his things were in the room, Teddy didn't know where he was. He had been a bit disoriented when he woke from his nap the day before and hadn't seemed to notice the difference in his bedroom. This morning though, he was wide awake and clearly frightened.

"It's all right, Teddy," Remus said as he picked him up. "Daddy's here, it's all right." Hermione stepped closer to them and began to rub Teddy's back as Remus continued to murmur to him. When the little boy had quieted, he sniffled and looked at Hermione.

"My-nee here." She smiled at him.

"Yes, I'm here," she said. "Remember, I'm going to live with you now?" Teddy nodded, although Hermione was sure he really didn't understand what was happening yet.

"Nanna, Daddy?"

"Your nanna is at her house," Remus replied, looking pained. "Remember we moved to the cottage? This is your new room." Teddy looked around the room for a moment, then looked at Remus.

"Want Nanna."

"We'll see your nanna a bit later," Remus said. "After breakfast we can go visit her."

"Nanna eats wif me," Teddy said, his lip beginning to tremble.

"How about if we have breakfast with Hermione and then we have lunch with your nanna?" Remus said. Teddy looked at Hermione and seemed to contemplate this. He sniffled once then nodded. Hermione heard Remus sigh in relief. "Let's change your nappy and then you can come with me while I get dressed, all right?" Teddy nodded again.

"I've got to get in the shower," Hermione said.

"All right, love, we'll see you downstairs." Hermione kissed Teddy's forehead and Remus' cheek before leaving the room to get ready for work.

Teddy was looking no worse for wear and eating a piece of toast when Hermione joined them in the kitchen. He grinned at her, jam smeared around his mouth, and she couldn't help but laugh.

"Everything all right?" she asked Remus as she poured herself a glass of orange juice.

"Seems to be," Remus said. "He asked for Andromeda again when we got down here but seemed happy enough once I reiterated that we'd see her for lunch." He watched his son for another minute before he turned and drew Hermione into his arms. He kissed her, then smiled when he pulled back.

"I'm sorry we were interrupted," he said. She smiled.

"Par for the course, isn't it," she said with a glance at Teddy. "Besides, I seem to remember being quite satisfied." She winked at him and he laughed.

"How much time do you have?" he asked. She gave him a strange look and he laughed again. "As much as I'd like to, I think I'm about spent as far as that goes." She blushed. "Not to mention that one over there." He nodded towards Teddy. "I just wondered if I had time for a quick shower."

"Oh, yes, of course," she said. "I don't have to leave for another fifteen minutes or so." He kissed her quickly.

"This new morning routine will take some getting used to," he said. He turned to Teddy. "Teddy, finish your breakfast with Hermione. I'm going to take a shower, all right?"

"Tay, Daddy." Teddy continue to happily munch away at his toast, putting pieces of fruit into his mouth in between bites. Hermione watched him fondly, then made herself a bit of porridge and sat down to eat.

Remus was back less than ten minutes later, his hair still damp. Teddy had finished eating and Hermione was washing his hands and his face. She took him into the living room when she was finished and Teddy ran towards his toys.

"What's your schedule today?" Hermione asked, as she grabbed her Ministry robes and her briefcase.

"We'll likely go to Andromeda's this morning. I have a meeting with Minerva this afternoon to go over my final lesson plans. Andromeda was planning on watching Teddy here anyway, so we'll probably come back here for lunch," he said as he helped her into her robes. "What about you?"

"I have to meet with Margaret this morning to go over some revisions we've done to those laws we've been working on," Hermione said as she pulled her hair from the collar of her robes while she turned around. "Harry is taking Aaron to St. Mungo's again today. And hopefully, Kingsley will have made his decision about the pilot program. I should be home on time though."

"All right, love, have a good day." He kissed her.

"You too," she replied. "Bye, Teddy."

"My-nee, you go?"

"I have to go to work, but I'll see you later for dinner." Teddy ran from his toys and held out his arms. Hermione squatted down and he wrapped his arms around her neck, giving her a smacking kiss on the cheek. Hermione hugged him to her for a moment. She smiled at Remus and kissed him one more time before dropping the wards on the fireplace. She threw in the Floo powder and stepped into the flames, whirling away to the Ministry.