AN: So many ideas swirling...whatever shall I do with them?! Thank you my lovelies, for reading, for reviewing, for taking yet another journey with me. *kisses*

Chapter 16 - Kisses & Suspects

Harry ducked the plates and cutlery flying past his head toward the sink basin with a grimace. He hadn't meant to upset her. He had only wished to chat with her a bit. Honestly, he wanted to ease the tension marring both households but Hermione wouldn't hear of it.

"You're not even listening to me." Harry hated seeing her in such a state. He didn't understand what had happened.

"Why are you even here, Harry? Don't you have some pressing Auror business to attend? If I remember correctly, there were five homicides and two attempted murders. You're wasting valuable time here. Isn't Fleur still in St Mungos?" Hermione slammed the kettle onto the cooker.

"Stop changing the subject." Harry groaned, for a moment he wished Draco was home to diffuse the situation. Mentally, he chastised himself for the very thought.

"What subject is that Harry?" Hermione's fists slammed to the counter.

It had only been a few weeks since she had unceremoniously tossed Astoria from her home. The entire situation had been inconsequential in comparison to Fleur Delacour Weasley's attack. Hermione had meant to visit Fleur, yet with the Weasley's constant hovering, she felt uncomfortable. She loved them dearly, but she was avoiding Astoria. She didn't want to see the woman who harboured feelings for Draco. Hermione hadn't the heart to discuss it with neither Harry nor Draco for that matter. She didn't want to see the pity in their eyes, hear the apologies on their lips.

To be quite honest, she'd been spending an extraordinary amount of time with Nick Moretti. It was easy to befriend him. He didn't have the memories connected to the war. He didn't understand the dynamics of the British Wizarding World and it was refreshing. It was completely innocent, at least on her end, but she enjoyed his company. He didn't make her angry. He made her laugh instead of cry. He listened, which quite frankly she needed. Of course the one day Nick was running late was the day Harry Potter chose to confront her.

"I don't know." Harry sighed. "James is growing like a weed. You haven't seen him in awhile. Stori's been..."

"Harry. James is a baby. I told you to bring him whenever you wish." Harry noticed Hermione refused to speak of his wife and it bothered him.

"What happened between you and Stori? I thought you were friends."

"I thought so too, Harry, but I was wrong." Hermione poured them cups of tea and set out a plate of fresh baked scones.

Harry waited for her to sit beside him in the breakfast nook, yet she sat across from him instead. Harry studied her while she fingered her tea cup, noticing the circles under her eyes.

"Hermione, we've been mates since we were children. You and Ron know me better than anyone. You both stood up for me when I married Astoria and I suppose some childish notion believed we'd be mates for life."

"Did she tell you, Harry? Did you know before you married her? Don't lie to me." Hermione knew Harry was rambling in order to avoid the real issue. It's what he did. It's what he'd always done and she didn't expect this time to be any different.

"Where's Malfoy?"

"He's in our Potions lab where he always bloody is these days. Answer the question, Potter." Harry cringed. Hermione had to be furious to refer to him like that.

"Fine. Alright, I knew then. Are you happy now?" Hermione flinched when Harry slammed his tea cup onto the wood table. She hadn't expected his anger.

"You knew Astoria was in love with Draco and you married her anyway? I don't even know who you are!"

"Wait what? Why would you say that?"

"That's why you've been so angry with me?" Hermione and Harry whipped around to see Draco Malfoy sitting on a barstool. They'd been so involved in their conversation, he'd slipped in unnoticed.

"Malfoy? What's she talking about?"

"Harry, what were you talking about then if that wasn't it?" Draco slid off the stool elegantly, as he did everything and walked toward his wife.

Hermione allowed his arms to come around her, pressing her to him and relaxed. Draco sighed at the trembling of her limbs, the pounding beat of her heart.

"I thought you were talking about her cheating on me. She told me. I forgave her and we got married. It wasn't...she wasn't...she didn't, Malfoy tell me it wasn't.."

"Ugh, Potter. Never in a million years. Why are you here?" Draco smoothed Hermione's hair as he held her tighter. He loved the way she fit against him just so and he didn't appreciate Harry Potter upsetting his wife.

"Ron asked me to speak with her. He really wants her to attend his unfortunate wedding to Millicent Bulstrode. I don't even know how we wound up talking about Astoria." Harry shoved a lemon scone into his mouth and rolled his bright green eyes.

"You're the worst Auror in the history of Aurors, Potter. Your observation skills leave something to be desired. Obviously Nee overheard the ridiculous conversation I had with Astoria. Haven't you noticed your wife hasn't stepped foot into our home since Fleur's attack?"

"I've been a bit busy, Malfoy!" Harry huffed with indignation and if she wasn't so angry, Hermione would have laughed. While she hadn't turned around, she knew Harry's hair was a haphazard mess on his head and his eyes were filled a combination of anger and confusion.

"Nee, she doesn't love me, not really. Even if she did, does it matter?"

"Of course it matters!" Hermione and Harry shouted together. Hermione shoved Draco, struggling as he refused to release her.

"Harry?" Hermione groaned upon hearing Astoria Potter's nervous voice stemming from the Floo.

Draco forced Hermione onto the bench of the breakfast nook and headed toward the Floo. Harry slumped beside her, unsure of the emotions coursing through him. Astoria and Draco's bickering could be heard as they came up from the Traveling Room, Lucius Malfoy trailing behind them with displeasure.

"Sit."

"Father, I hardly think.."

"SIT!" Draco immediately sat beside his wife, covering her hand as Astoria sat beside Harry. Lucius was incredibly amused by the four adults before him. He detested being involved in petty personal matters, however if intervening made Hermione continue to supply him with chocolate biscuits, he was willing.

"Speak." Lucius pointed his cane at Harry Potter.

"Father, perhaps it would be better.." Draco stopped speaking upon receiving the famous Lucius Malfoy glower, complete with a singular raised eyebrow.

"Hermione said Astoria is in love with Malfoy." Harry propped his head on his hand, avoiding his wife's blue eyes.

"Is this true?" Lucius Malfoy's face remained impassive, pointing his ivory handled cane in Astoria's direction.

"I don't think.."

"Obviously. Answer the question Ms Greengrass." Astoria gulped loudly, wiping her hands on her cornflower blue skirt. She kept glancing at Harry but he refused to look at her.

"May I explain?"

"Just answer the fucking question, Stori." Harry slammed his fist on the table, jarring the empty tea cups.

"I had a sit down with Millie this morning. She's a bit nervous about the wedding, which is expected. You should see her, she's quite lovely now considering.."

"The point, Ms Greengrass. Get there." Lucius tapped his cane on the floor, unimpressed and finding himself quite peckish.

"Alright! Millie and I were discussing our Hogwarts days. I was only a year behind and she asked me if I'd ever forgiven Daphne. I didn't understand what she was going on about obviously."

Hermione sighed with boredom. She snuggled into Draco's side, smiling slightly as his arm automatically came around her side. He smirked while cupping her breast just beneath the table edge.

"It was our last big hurrah. The Alumni was visiting because we were the first class to graduate after the war. I drank a lot, more than I did usually and Daphne and I were getting along famously, which never happened. She is quite a bitch. We were in the Slytherin common room. I was to meet Harry, but I didn't make it. Instead, I woke up in..."

"My bed. That's right." Draco interrupted, continuously stroking Hermione's side.

"You shagged my wife?"

"Potter, we've been through this. I've never touched her."

"Children."

"Father, we're not children."

"Behave as such, be treated as such. Continue Draco. I do not wish to listen to Ms Greengrass any longer." Lucius sighed heavily, hoping to get to the root of the matter before nightfall. Perhaps, if he was lucky, he'd be able to convince Hermione tonight was a perfect night for fish and chips.

"I don't know. McGonagall issued us beds for the night. She was encouraging reminiscing or some other such nonsense. I never did get back to the Slytherin common room. I er uhm, passed out in the uh..." Draco blushed to his father's great amusement.

"In the Gryffindor common room, with your head in my lap, which almost got you hexed by Ron." Hermione finished succinctly with a small grin.

"Yes, this is all lovely. I'm delighted for all of you. However, what is the point?" Lucius felt the beginnings of a headache.

"I woke up in Draco's bed. Daphne convinced me that I had...slept with him. I didn't remember of course, and I thought he had changed his mind. He hadn't and I felt awful about it. I confessed to Harry and.."

"You never told me it was Malfoy!"

"Would it have mattered, Potter? You forgave her for something she didn't even bloody do. She could shag the entire Slytherin Quidditch team and you'd have married her because you're pathetic and you love her." Draco kissed Hermione's temple, hoping this entire ridiculous debacle would be over soon. He was quite famished.

"Why would Daphne do that?" Hermione was tired of sitting.

She nudged Draco until he moved and then she was bustling about the kitchen. Lucius hid his smile as she pulled out the fish and began slicing potatoes.

"That woman has always fancied my son. She was quite put out when our families entered into discussions concerning Draco and her sister. She would have done anything to secure him for herself. My son of course would hear nothing of it. He, himself was quite besotted with a particular Gryffindor to our great chagrin." Lucius winked, which made Harry feel a bit ill.

"Yea, that's alright then, but why would you think you're in love with Malfoy, Stori? I don't understand." Harry scratched his head in confusion.

"I don't even know, quite honestly. I was overwhelmed with the baby and my hormones were a mess. You're always gone and Draco's been my best friend for almost ever and he was being so nice to me. You spend all your time with Hermione. I see the way you look at her. I'll never know you the way she knows you and I hate it. I figured my husband's in love with Hermione Granger why can't I be in love with Draco Malfoy? It's not so farfetched is it?" Astoria held her head high, even as the tears fell from her eyes.

"Ridiculous." Lucius sniffed, silently gleeful as he heard the oil popping behind him. "Mr. Potter is no more in love with my daughter-in-law than I am with a house-elf." Draco snorted against his better judgement, unable to contain himself.

"Stori..."

"Hey oh. I uh, let myself in. Sorry but uh, I was like listenin' over there and if'n you doan mind there Mr. uh Malfoy, I'd like ta have a say." Nick Moretti swaggered into the kitchen, his thumbs through the loop holes of his dark jeans. He nodded at Draco and Harry, but his eyes were studying Astoria.

"Hermione, if I'm not mistaken, I hear the crackle of fish and chips?" Lucius turned on his heel to hover over Hermione as she prepared the evening meal.

"I know we're uh not whatchu would cawl friends and that's a'right. It doan bother me none. When uh I first came out here, I saw how Harry and Draco worked and I knew it would take me a lifetime ta work with someone like dat. They gotta shorthand that I doan understand yet. It doan mean I ain't good at my job. I am. It juss means I ain't there yet. I'm not Draco and I ain't gonna try to be. It's hawd bein' on the outside lookin' in, but uh Harry loves you as much as uh Hermione loves Draco." Nick shrugged and without waiting for a response, pushed away from the table.

Draco frowned as he watched Nick maneuver around his kitchen. Nick pulled the plates down from the cupboard, stacking them beside Hermione. He uncorked the wine and set out the glasses. It seemed to Draco, Nick was spending entirely too much time around his wife and he wasn't sure how he felt about it. They didn't crash into each other. Their movements were reminiscent of dancing. Hermione seemed lighter, as if Nick released her tension and Draco decided he most definitely did not appreciate it.

"Come along, you lot. Supper's about to be served. Malfoy, come finish this salad for me? Don't huff at me Lucius, you'll be eating the bloody salad otherwise I'll hide pudding from you...again."

Dinner was a tense affair, yet Narcissa was oblivious. She chatted happily about how much Teddy how grown and hinting none too subtly about one day having her own grandchildren. Draco glowered at Nick over his wine glass, detesting the easy banter between Hermione and Nick.

"Nick, you were late today." Hermione's eyes twinkled with laughter while gesturing with her fork.

"Oh yeah, sorry 'bout dat. I got married and I hadda show her the apawtment. Whaddya call it here again?"

"Flat." Harry interjected, poking his fried fish with his butter knife.

"Married? I don't believe there's one witch who would allow herself to be married without a proper wedding." Narcissa shook her head, her lips set in a firm line of disapproval.

"No offense or anythin' Mrs. Malfoy but my bride is what you'd call uh..well she's a er..." Nick stumbled, unable to articulate his thoughts in a manner which would not be offensive to the matriarch.

"Bint."

"Bitch."

"Slag."

Harry, Astoria and Draco had no such issues as they easily interjected their thoughts on the matter. Lucius was eerily quiet, which would be surprising except he was eating as if he were a Weasley.

"Lucius, your table manners are most unbecoming. If this is what happens when left to your own devices, I shall insist you return to the Manor for your meals."

"How is your new bride, Mr. Moretti?" Lucius casually placed his cutlery beside his plate, pointedly ignoring Narcissa's smirk.

"I doan think what I have to say would be acceptable in mixed company, if ya know what I mean."

"Quite." Carefully Lucius cut his remaining piece of fish into bite size pieces under the watchful eye of his wife.

"I'd ask how Daphne is faring but I can't find it within myself to care. No offense, Stori."

"None taken...Hermione." Astoria tried to smile, but her blue eyes kept flicking to the pale blonde.

"Malfoy, I think you should kiss her." Draco choked on his sip of wine, barely managing to keep from spitting across the dining table.

"Love, that's not going to happen because, well, because I don't bloody want to kiss anyone other than you."

"Hermione has a point though, Malfoy." Harry pointed with his fork bouncing.

"Harry, what are you saying?" The nervousness in Astoria's voice was palpable.

"I believe, what" Lucius cleared his throat, still filled with unease as he attempted to use his daughter-in-laws given name. "Hermione is suggesting is if Draco and Astoria were to...kiss, Mr. Potter would know once and for all if his wife does indeed entertain romantic feelings for my son."

"Granger, Father, you can't be bloody serious. What about what I want? I don't want to bloody kiss her. Frankly, I don't care how she feels. I don't feel that way and that's what matters!"

"Oi, Malfoy! I supported you marrying my best mate. The least you can do is kiss my wife." Nick laughed, loud and long, unable to contain himself.

"You Brits are fuckin' hilarious. Excuse my French Mrs. Malfoy."

"You're not speaking French." Narcissa's confusion added to the peals of laughter suddenly surrounding the dining table.

Hermione toyed with the hair on the back of Draco's neck until his eyes closed from the sensation of it. She smiled as Draco leaned toward her, practically putty in her hands. She kissed his earlobe softly, grazing it with her teeth.

"If you do this for me, I'll take the Potion." Draco shivered, letting Hermione's whispered words sink in. His eyes popped open in surprise with a gasp.

"You mean it?" Hermione reached into the front pocket of her pink and brown paisley skirt and removed a small bottle sporting a purple liquid. She placed it on the table and waited. "Are you sure you're ready? I don't want..." Draco held her cheek against his, inhaling deeply.

"If you're ready, I'm ready." Draco tried to kiss her then, but Hermione slipped through his fingers and shoved the bottle back into her pocket.

"Fine. You win. Come along, Stori. Let's get it over with then." Draco shoved back his plush dining chair and stalked toward Astoria.

"I-I don't want too."

"Astoria Potter you get up off your arse and kiss my husband right now! This is all your fault! You and your stupid simpering and your ridiculous hormones!" Hermione shrieked and even stamped her foot. It would have been comical, even Lucius would have laughed, yet she was so serious and he does so love her biscuits.

Draco stood beside the long dining table, near the archway and swallowed down the nausea rolling in his stomach. It seemed Astoria was feeling much the same way as her pallor had turned a lovely shade of light green. He would have felt pity for her, but this was her fault after all.

He'd forgotten how tiny Astoria truly was until she was standing directly in front of him. She raised her hands to place them on his chest, and he stepped away.

"No touching."

"Then you need to sit down." Draco rolled his eyes with a sneer. He yanked a chair around the corner of the table and sat down, his lip twitching.

"This isn't going to end well. Lucius, would you stand beside Hermione please." Narcissa spoke behind her wine glass. It wasn't necessary; no one was paying a bit of attention to her. Lucius made quite a production out of rising from his chair and taking his place beside Hermione. When he placed his hand on the small of her back, he could feel her trembling and it left a rancid taste in his mouth.

"Get on with it then."

"Why should I kiss you?"

"It's your fault. Nee is the only girl I've ever kissed first and I'm going to keep it that way." Astoria gathered her small satchel of determination and courage. She took a deep breath, leaned forward and pressed her lips against Draco's.

She always thought it would feel like sunshine and fireworks if she ever managed to kiss Draco Malfoy. She thought the world would be her oyster. She believed magic would course through them and he'd never want to be with anyone other than her for the rest of his life. Instead, she felt nothing. Absolutely nothing. Well, that wasn't precisely true. She felt a bit of revulsion. His lips were soft, he smelled divine and yet she felt nothing.

Draco gave her a shove, instantly wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He resisted the urge to spit on the pristine floor, more to avoid his wife's wrath than to spare Astoria's feelings.

"Happy now?" Draco was fully prepared to berate his wife. Instead, he found her bent at the waist, his father's arm holding her upright as a groan escaped her lips.

"The rings, Draco." Draco paled, forgetting for a moment the fidelity charm on their rings.

"I think I'm going to be sick." Astoria mumbled. She turned on her heel with her hand over her mouth before hurrying toward the loo.

"Good." Lucius aided Hermione around the imposing table. Nary a moment later, Hermione was safely tucked into Draco's side as he moved into the sitting room. Dink immediately ushered the guests out of the dining room with promises of coffee and pudding.

"Deese are da best cookies." Nick moaned as he licked bits of melted chocolate from his fingers. "D'ya think you can teach Daphne to cook?"

"Normally, I'd say yes, but I detest her so, definitely not." Hermione smirked which Harry still found unsettling.

"You can come here for family dinner. It's more than family though. It's more like a dinner party. How long are you stuck with her?" Hermione was pleased to see Draco being amicable to her new friend, despite his reservations.

Lucius and Narcissa bid them adieu after Hermione pressed a tin of chocolate biscuits into Lucius' hands with the promise of more. Harry and Astoria sat side by side on the settee, giggling like school children.

"A couple few years. If I had known that youse guys had this stupit Marriage Law, I woulda stayed in New York."

"You can always go back and take Daphne with you." Harry snickered into Astoria's neck.

"Doan gimme ideas." Nick groaned, slurping his coffee, "Hey oh, Potter, I translated some of dem doohickeys from dat chick's back. They doan make sense to me but hey.." Hermione rolled her eyes as Harry and Draco clambered down the stairs, dragging Nick with them.

"Well, so much for a romantic interlude." Astoria huffed, wincing as she adjusted the wide straps of her blouse.

"Where's James?" Hermione's feet dangled over the arm of the red brocade chair. She twirled the ends of her curls around her finger, preparing to settle in for a long evening alone. There was no telling how long the boys would be poring over parchments and research tomes.

"He's at Molly's. I know, I know. She was horrid. She's been horrid and overbearing and everything you've ever said. I'm aware. It's just, I felt sorry for her. Charlie isn't speaking to her. He's staying at Shell Cottage with Bill and Victoire. Ron moved into the most darling little cottage with Millie and George is...well, George still has a tendency to have full conversations with the mirror. He hasn't responded to one of Tracey's owls. She's quite put out."

"Tracey? Tracey who?"

"Tracey Davis. She was in your year. Slytherin, so I don't expect you to know her really. She's a sight better than my sister."

"That's not saying much, Stori." Hermione closed her eyes, suddenly feeling fatigued.

"Hermione? Are we...will we be..alright?" Hermione nodded slowly. They would be alright. She didn't know if she and Astoria would ever be great friends, but if Hermione could forgive Ron, she could forgive anyone.

"I've got to go and fetch James. I'm about ready to burst."

"Oh, bring him here? Please?" Hermione popped up, her stomach lurching with the quick movement.

"I'll send Luna an owl and if I'm not mistaken, I've a lovely stash of biscuits, pasties and cake in the walk-in. Lucius has a wicked sweet tooth." Astoria smiled sweetly with a nod.

James gurgled happily in Hermione's lap. He was determined to catch the brown curls which swung near his chubby face. He squealed, bubbles of spit traveling down his chin when he caught one and tugged it.

"I can't believe how big he's gotten!" Hermione smothered his face in kisses. She allowed him to tug her hair as she propped him against her.

"He's almost three months now." Astoria licked the frosting off a particularly decadent piece of vanilla cake.

Luna sprawled on the floor of the loft, seemingly indulging in a bit of horizontal dancing. Her arms waved across the plush throw rug and James was enthralled.

"Sometimes I can't help but wonder what it would be like if I hadn't gone to the Ministry that day. If I had known. At this point I'd be what? Five months gone? And I.." Luna opened her eyes and was pleased to see Hermione wasn't crying. She was simply reflecting.

Luna tied her hair back, unwilling to allow baby James to yank on her blonde tresses. She crawled toward them on her knees, which would have seemed strange for any other witch. Hermione and Astoria had long since learned to accept their friend's quirkiness.

"I know you don't hold me in high regard, that's alright. We weren't especially close friends at Hogwarts. I do appreciate your slow acceptance. Ginny has always said the loss of my mother addled me a bit and I'm inclined to agree. I'm quite grateful Blaise chose to accept all of me. I'd like you to bear with me for a moment." Luna smiled, her radish earrings swinging even as James lunged for her butter beer cork necklace.

Hermione continued to bounce James on her knee, her curiosity piqued. Astoria thumbed through *Witch Weekly* snorting as she came across photographs of Harry with various witches.

Luna situated herself so close to Hermione's face it was invasive. She placed her cool hands on Hermione's cheeks, studying every freckle it seemed. The longer Luna studied her, the more Hermione's skin tingled. It started on her forehead, working its way through her hairline, until finally it slipped down the base of her skull, spreading across her shoulders. Hermione had never felt such a thing and in its own way, it was soothing. Luna gently pushed Hermione's hair off her face, her thumbs pressing on her hairline.

"Stori, take James. She's going to be drowsy." Hermione allowed Luna to gently lay her back on the chocolate brown sofa. She felt her feet being raised and her eyes closing. It was a strange bit of magic, but she hadn't expected anything less where Luna was concerned.

"If you weren't a Healer..." Hermione mumbled.

"Shhh. Drink." Luna pressed a vial to Hermione's lips.

Normally, Hermione Granger Malfoy would be filled with curiosity and the questions would fly from her lips as quickly as others drew breath. However, with the enveloping calm surrounding her, she could only open her lips and swallow. The liquid was cool yet as it traveled down her throat, into her stomach and it warmed causing gooseflesh on her arms and legs.

Hermione felt as if she were in a place between consciousnesses. That moment where one is almost asleep yet clinging to the remnants of consciousness. It was her favourite part of falling asleep. Vaguely, she was aware of Luna murmuring over her, pressing her fingers into her forehead and cheeks, down the sides of her throat and across her clavicle.

"I'm going to lift your blouse. Relax." The musical lilting of Luna's voice broke the eerie silence.
Luna's smooth palms danced across Hermione's abdomen, her fingers pausing as she scooped an opaque substance from a tin. Hermione sighed, feeling the magic course into her.

"It's a salve for your scars. I know you're curious. It's for the internal scars. We weren't able to heal all of them right away. Goldstein was most disagreeable with attempting another approach. He doesn't seem to like you much, though; I assume it's your husband he truly detests. I do hope you've been taking your Potion."

"I had stopped actually. I uhm, well.." Hermione stumbled slightly, feeling the reproof emanating from Luna.

"Hermione, if you were concerned you should have come to me. It's a strengthening Potion to ensure what happened before does not repeat itself, barring human intervention of course. I knew you weren't ready and that seems to have changed, hence why we're participating in the ritual." Luna's deft fingers were surprisingly strong. Hermione winced under the pressure while Luna worked through the knots in her calves.

"Ritual?"

"It's an old witch's tale, Hermione." Astoria interjected, closing her mouth quickly upon receiving a venomous glare from the Healer.

"So was Voldemort, Stori and look how that turned out."

"Fair enough." Astoria rocked a now slumbering James wishing to utilise the nursery once more. Instead, she transfigured a plush pillow into a bassinet and placed James into it. She was intrigued by the flickers of blue magic sparkling across Hermione's skin as Luna worked.

"Pureblood witches have always had a difficult time conceiving heirs. Some families only produced female children and others only Squibs. That's what happens when the ancestral lines become blurred. Almost all of the purebloods are related in some fashion or another, it's no wonder the Ministry enacted a Marriage Law. It's quite barbaric, but necessary I believe, in order to keep the wizarding world in existence.

'The old witch's tale as Stori calls it, is actually a bit of Muggle science fused with magic. Muggles study the human body and have learned particular pressure points which correlate with internal organs and such. They learned that stress plays an important factor, but wizards are quick to dismiss such notions. I've been working with the Ministry in a Fertility Study to aid witches in reproduction."

"I've heard of that, actually. Didn't you help Cho?" Astoria felt a moment of pride. It wasn't often, ever if she was being honest with herself, that she knew something Hermione Granger didn't.

"I'm not supposed to speak of my patients, but you'd be surprised by the number of witches who have been able to conceive since the study became semi-public. The numbers weren't high enough to satisfy the Ministry, hence the unsatisfactory matches. I'll let you in on a secret though. They didn't match couples according to intelligence or even compatibility. They matched them based on their genetic ability to conceive." Luna's knuckled dug into the arch of Hermione's foot and she jumped, feeling twinges throughout her body.

"Shacklebolt said I would have been matched with Malfoy regardless."

"Of course. The Malfoy's are one of the longest incestuous pureblood families in the British wizarding world. It would be categorically impossible for Draco to conceive with a pureblood witch or even a half-blood. The logical conclusion is a Muggle-born or even a Muggle. Now. Hermione, I need you to take your Potion daily. It'll help the salve course through your skin to heal your internal scarring."

"I didn't know I had.."

"I know, dear. I didn't feel the need to address it until you were ready to conceive."

"How did you know?" Hermione whispered, feeling very small.

"Your aura changed. I know you've barely tolerated my plucking, but it was necessary. The black faded away on its own, which I find quite delightful. It would be best if you allowed me to do this for you once a week." Luna waved her wand over Hermione's body, smiling in satisfaction as blue and pink twinkling magical lights spread across her patient's skin before combining into a small ball over her abdomen and disappearing.

Hermione was overwhelmed with emotion, tears pricking the corners of her eyes. She found herself reaching out, grasping Luna's hand in her own and squeezing. She desperately wanted to ask Luna when, but she was afraid. That pesky emotion reared its ugly head once again, freezing the words on her lips.

"Family dinners. We used to have Sunday brunch at the Burrow but Malfoy and I hold family dinners now. It's almost an all day affair. Sometimes there's an impromptu Quidditch game in the back garden. Please come. Bring Blaise, I'm sure Malfoy would love to see him after spending his Sundays surrounded by Weasleys." Luna quirked her head to the side, as if she were weighing the possibilities before giving a quick nod.

"I have to leave now. I'm on the overnight shift at St Mungos. Oh, Hermione, to answer your question..." Luna rose off her knees, staring down at Hermione with her mysterious half smile. "September."

The moment Astoria had settled a cranky James by placing him on Hermione's chest; they could hear the boys clamoring up the stairs.

"If you wake him, I will castrate you Harry James Potter." Harry skid across the hard wood, terror in his green eyes. He stopped short, causing Draco to bump into him with Nick a step behind.

"Is she sleeping as well?" Draco's heart melted a bit upon spying James snuggled into Hermione.

"I'm not helping you."

"Mione..." Harry whined, "Sorry. Hermione. I slipped, please don't hex me."

"It's only one question, Hermione. I translated those runes but they doan make any sense to us and Harry here thought.." Nick winked even as Hermione glared at them.

"Fine. One question." Draco smirked, knowing his wife was never able to resist utilising her incredible intellect.

"Do you remember your toast at my wedding?" Nick groaned, Draco rolled his eyes, but Hermione, she smirked.

"Yes. Go away now."

"What? Wait! That wasn't the real question. Ow!" Harry rubbed the back of his head, frowning at his wife.

"You're an idiot, Harry. She said one question and you wasted it. Of course she remembers. She's Hermione Granger!" Astoria raised her palm as if to give Harry another slap yet he sidestepped her.

"Hermione Malfoy." Draco growled. He slipped onto the sofa beside her, pulling her feet across his lap.

"Ugh, fine, Harry, of course I remember. What of it?"

"Would you tell me exactly what you said?" Harry's throat constricted, his heart beat erratically and even his palms were a bit clammy. He hoped he was wrong.

"Harry, I love you more than love, for family isn't simply made, it is chosen. You are mine as I am yours. As we expand, we are theirs and they are ours. For love, for family, for life. Here's to The Boy Who Couldn't Live Without Me." Hermione smiled in remembrance. She had been so nervous, but over the moon to see Harry's happiness.

"We're fucked." Harry slumped against the wall, sliding down until he hit the floor and buried his face in his hands.

"What did they say?" Hermione sighed in resignation. She wondered if they would ever be able to simply be. The war was over, wasn't it?

Nick cleared his throat, yet said nothing. Harry's shoulders shook, which everyone besides Astoria ignored. She sat beside him on the floor, pulling him against her.

"Nick translated them. He's almost as good as you, love." Hermione noted the tightness around his eyes and swallowed hard.

"Tell me. Tell me the entire message thus far." Draco nodded, the knot in his stomach threatening to force him to revisit his dinner. He reached for her hand, threading their fingers together.

"Through my torment, you shall see, you deserve your tears, Harry Potter. Your love more than love is next." Hermione patted James' bottom, offering him to Nick as she struggled to sit up.

"Well, it narrows the list of suspects significantly."

"Only you would find the bright side of a death threat." Draco shook his head, while Nick held James as if he were a volatile potion.

"Think about it. It was a toast at Harry and Astoria's wedding. It was near the end of the night when the media had already been shown the door. The first dance had been danced, the cake had been cut. It was a gathering of friends at that point and..." Hermione leapt off the sofa and ran down the hall. They could hear her slamming open a door and rummaging through papers before she returned, breathless.

"Here, I have a photograph. Arthur took it, something about wishing to memorialise Dumbledore's Army under such a joyous occasion." Hermione thrust it into Draco's hand, chewing her bottom lip raw.

"Ya think it's one of youse guys friends? Thas fucked up."

"Who's in the picture, Hermione?" Harry's small, broken voice called to her, breaking her heart a bit. She knew he was regretting his refusal to investigate members of the Ministry. She knew he was blaming himself, yet again. He was Harry Potter. He wouldn't be anything other than himself if he didn't take the weight of the world on his shoulders.

"It's all of us, Harry. It's our friends, our relatives. Even those who weren't in the DA."

"Just, tell me.." Hermione grit her teeth and scanned the photograph.

"Abbott. Bell. Bones. Boot. Chang. Corner. Finch-Fletchley. Finnegan. Goldstein. Granger. Greengrass. Johnson. Jordan. Longbottom. Lovegood. McGonagall. MacMillan. Patil. Potter. Shacklebolt. Thomas. Andromeda. Bill, Charlie, Fleur, George, Ginny, Percy, Ron Weasley."

"Did anyone else notice my brilliant wife alphabetised our suspects?"

"Draco." Hermione climbed into his lap sniffing.

"I can't imagine any of them resorting to...this.." Harry's garbled words simply said what they were all thinking.

"Nick should head the investigation. Don't argue with me, Potter. We're all biased. He's fresh eyes. The only one we can positively remove from the list is Corner as he's dead."

Hermione sat on the floor with pictures and parchment spread out on the coffee table. The only sound was her quill scratching across the parchment. Draco knew Hermione was avoiding the real issue at hard by keeping herself busy. Astoria and James had been sent home by Harry hours before and still Hermione scribbled. Harry knew better than to interrupt her but it was difficult. He wasn't known for his patience after all.

"Nee, have a spot of tea for me please." Draco tapped her elbow with the tea cup and saucer, waiting until she finished scratching to the edge of the parchment.

"Oh, lovely." Even Nick managed a smile when Hermione tossed the quill down and greedily accepted the piping hot tea.

"Alright then, we've all been patient as you've scratched away, threatening us with hexes at the thought of interruption. What on earth have you been doing?" Harry lounged on the butter sofa with tired eyes.

"Narrowing suspects of course. How on earth can Nick be expected to make educated guesses without proper information?"

"Potter, you know better than to argue with her. Go on then, tell us, love. Moretti, you should take some notes."

"Oh that's not necessary. I made copies for all of you." Hermione's brilliant smile fell slightly at the chorus of rolling eyes.

"Of course you did." Draco patted her on the head, chuckling.

Hermione and Nick went through the list of witches and wizards one by one with an easy banter. It was well after midnight when they presented a final list. Harry wasn't the least bit surprised by how quickly they worked. It took a special sort of wizard to keep up with Hermione and the American Auror was well up to the task.

"I don't like it."

"Of course you don't like it, Harry. I don't much like it either, though honestly we should add Parkinson to the list."

"She's an Investigator! You're being ridiculous Hermione." Harry's foot bounced, causing the floor to creak.

"It's not ridiculous. I'm looking at this logically. After what happened at the flat..."

"Well, if that's the case than the Weasel should be on the list as well." Draco interjected with a snort.

"No!" Harry and Hermione shouted together.

"Why not?" Nick massaged his forehead, silently willing the constant bickering to cease.

"Honestly? Well, uh er, besides the fact his brother and sister-in-law were victims, he's..."

"An imbecile." Hermione finished Harry's statement succinctly.

"Fine. Adding Parkinson makes the original list 30 suspects. Though, she wasn't at Potter's wedding therefore she didn't hear your little speech. Back down to 29. Corner's dead. 28. Charlie and Fleur are victims. 26. Granger, Potter and Greengrass makes it 23. Lovegood? Absolutely not. 22. She-Weasel has a bit of a temper but she wouldn't target her family. 21. McGonagall is a crusty old bat. 20. Shacklebolt is the bloody Minister and while I'd love to hex him for the Marriage Law alone, he's entirely too squeamish for this. 19. Andromeda lost plenty during the war; she wouldn't put anyone else through it. 18. Bill wouldn't mar his own wife. 17. George is still a right mess and is barely aware of his surroundings. 16." Draco went through his copies putting x's by the names of suspects.

"Finnegan and Thomas immigrated to America. They weren't too keen on the Marriage Law considering they've been together since fifth year." Hermione interjected.

"Bloody Gryffindors." Draco mumbled.

"Hey!" Nick laughed, unable to contain himself at the righteous indignation painted on Harry and Hermione's faces.

"Anyone else youse guys can think to knock right off? We're down to fourteen."

"I can't imagine Hannah Abbott, sweet Hannah doing anything like this."

"Hermione, I can't imagine any of them doing something like this. Well, maybe Goldstein. He's a bit of a tosser. Neville? Padma? Molly?"

"Fuck you, Potter, Mother Weasley is terrifying. Remember when she went a bit bonkers? Her Muggle friend died in some freak accident and she demanded we intervene in the Muggle authority's investigation so we could Avada the culprit."

"Malfoy, she was distraught and once Arthur poured a few Calming Draughts down her throat she came to her senses."

"Yes, but Potter..." Draco swallowed, remembering the ruckus Molly kicked up, her screaming words reverberating in his mind's eye. "Remember what she said?" Harry's eyes widened, his hand subconsciously rubbing his scar.

"She said...You're dammed Harry Potter. Wait and see, just you wait and see. When it crumbles around you, you'll deserve your tears."