Eleven Years Later...

The sun shined brightly over the Burrow as autumn leaves drifted serenely to the earth in red and orange tones. There was a gentle breeze stirring from the west and a few clouds cut across the bright blue sky. This specific yard hadn't aged one bit. The abnormal shaped home stood exactly the same as it had years previously.

Hermione entered the cluttered kitchen of this home, looking around curiously. There were pots stirring themselves on the stove and dishes setting themselves upon the diningroom table. "Molly?" she called, "You there?"

"Right here, dear," the plump, elder witch said from behind Hermione which caused the woman to jump in surprise.

Hermione smiled brightly, recovering from her brief moment of shock, "It's wonderful to see you."

Molly smiled merrily, moving forward to embrace Hermione and kiss her cheek, "I can say the same thing to you, dear. You don't come around here nearly as often as I'd like."

"Sorry," Hermione said sheepishly, "Don't scold me, though. I'd love nothing more than to stop by more often. You know how the boys love hanging around with you and Arthur. You should chide that rotten husband of mine for never taking the time out!"

They both laughed, "Now that you mention it, where is he?" Molly asked.

"Oh, we were ambushed the moment we apparated in. He's with George and Charlie doing God only knows what. You'd think that by their late thirties they'd all settle down and stop acting like children," Hermione shook her head in amusement.

"So, Fred is feeling better this week?"

"Oh, yes. Whatever cold he picked up was no match for one of the potions I brewed. He's back to his cheerful self."

Molly smiled in satisfaction, "Excellent to hear. Do you think you can call everyone inside for supper, dear?"

"Of course," Hermione said, already walking to the back door. "Dinner! Hurry up! If you don't beat Uncle Charlie to the table, there won't be anything left!"

A round of giggles burst through the door moments after she moved away. There was one little girl and one little boy. The boy exclaimed, "Mommy!"

"Yes, pumpkin?" Hermione asked, turning to the redheaded six-year-old at her feet.

"Guess what I saw Maggie do?"

Hermione glanced at the girl in question with a raised eyebrow, "What did you see her do?" Harry and Ginny's daughter, Maggie, was always up to something or another. She was just as much of a danger magnet as her father always was. Ginny never took her eyes off the little seven-year-old if she could help it. It was really going to be tough on them when it came time for her to go off to Hogwarts. They'd be all hot and bothered with worry.

"She started a fire under Uncle Charlie's shoes accidently and then he jumped in surprise and tripped over Daddy, landing on his face. But, don't worry. Daddy was able to fix his nose, so it's no longer crooked."

Hermione took a deep calming breath. Her family was going to drive her into an early grave. It was already hard on her with James being away at school. He was fourteen now; therefore, he was in his fourth year at Hogwarts. She remembered the proud letter he'd sent after being sorted into Gryffindor in his first year. Now, he was on the Quidditch team as a Chaser. Hermione would never get used to the idea of someone actually enjoying such awful heights.

"Hey, Sweets," Charlie came up to her side, leaning in and placing a quick kiss on her lips by way of greeting, "You look a little tense."

"Thanks, Dragon-Breath," she said sarcastically, "How's your nose?"

Charlie spun to the little boy, "Fred! You snitch!"

"Sorry, Uncle Charlie," Fred said with a teasing grin, "Mum forced it out of me."

Hermione rolled her eyes and Charlie laughed, "Is that so?"

Fred nodded before running off to sit at the table next to Maggie and his Uncle George. It was a shame that Harry and Ginny couldn't make it today. George was telling the two kids jokes which caused loud giggles to erupt from the table every few seconds.

"You should be more careful, Charlie," Hermione told, narrowing her eyes accusingly, "I don't understand how you work with dragons for a living; yet, you can't even get through a day without tripping and causing yourself damage."

"It's a gift, Sweets," he grinned light-heartedly.

Hermione chuckled at her best friend, "Have you wrote to James this week?"

"Yes," Charlie nodded, "Tyke was telling me all about some 'hot' blond from Ravenclaw."

Groaning, she said, "Merlin, that boy needs to stop spending time with you."

"He's my Godson," Charlie said in explanation.

"Sometimes I regret the decision," Hermione laughed to herself.

Suddenly, two arms wrapped around her waist. Her husband's hands immediately went to her slightly bulging stomach, "How are my girls doing?" He asked, resting his chin on her shoulder.

"We're both perfect," Hermione answered, leaning back into his grip. She was four months along in her second pregnancy of their eight year marriage. This time the baby was a girl. "What about you, Billy?"

"Couldn't be happier," Bill murmured, kissing the side of her neck just below her ear.

"Get a room," Fred yelled before muttering, "Parents," in exasperation.

Everyone around the room chuckled. "C'mon you two," Molly said, "Sit before the food gets cold."

Bill and Hermione sat at the table side by side. They kept their hands entwined together in Hermione's lap. Usually, the family dinners were much more crowded. However, Ron and his three girls couldn't come. His wife, Jennifer, had been a little under the weather. Also, both Charlie and George's wives were working. To Hermione's chagrin, she hadn't seen Remus in a while now. He had taken up the Defense Against the Dark Arts post at Hogwarts again after a request from McGonagall. Hermione hated not seeing him all the time.

Arthur entered the back door, just returning from the Ministry. Everyone muttered pleasant greetings towards him as he took his seat. Hermione couldn't stop herself from smiling in happiness as she glanced around the table. Years ago, she'd of never pictured her future so successful. She couldn't have asked for a better husband than Bill was. He had loved her for years before she had opened her eyes to it. Now, she wouldn't give him up for anything. He'd blessed her with little Freddie and had become an amazing father figure to James. Now, with the baby on the way...They were both ecstatic. Despite his scars, Bill was truly a beautiful person both inside and out. This was her family. She'd wouldn't change a thing.

No matter how many obstacles she had to overcome to get to this very moment. It was all worth it. All the sorrow and pain became warmth and happiness. Sure, she'd never forget the love who had captured her heart all those years ago. Yet, she would never look around her and wish for anything to be different. She was going to concentrate on the future. On her children and husband. On living a life full of love and affection.

Forever and always.

The End.