"I don't want to go..." Firas groaned heavily, dragging his bag behind him to the living room. Firy had taken up permanent residence in the boy's shirt collar giving him an odd-looking necklace from the plumed tail wrapped around his neck. The kitten was presently chewing on the chain holding the amulet that helped him to control his gifts. Something that hadn't been removed since his second birthday.

"Why not? Do you not feel well?" Hermione looked over at him curiously as she finished putting the last of the clean clothes into Amura's bag for their camping trip with Harry. It was something they'd done nearly every summer since James had turned 7. Born just a few months before the twins the two best friends had wanted their children to become friends as well.

"James is a dunderhead."

A choked snort came from the kitchen followed by the sound of a teacup being hastily placed down. Hermione glared through the kitchen doorway at Severus who was trying to hold in his amusement over his son's statement.

"Firas that's not very nice to say. " Hermione knew that she wasn't going to get a single ounce of help in this issue but held firm on her own, "Why would you say that?"

"He is, I know it's not nice but its true." Firas glanced at his father through the doorway as well already able to sense his amusement mixing with his mother's disappointment.

"He's just more of a...physical being." Amura added from the chair beside the window where she was picking a few books to keep herself amused during the night. She rather liked camping, even though she too didn't really get along well with James or Albus, the later actually a rather large irritation to the older girl as he was constantly asking questions that she felt he should have already known the answers to.

"There's nothing wrong with that." Hermione glanced at her daughter before turning her eyes towards her son, "I'm sure the two of you can find something to talk about. You liked playing with him last year."

Firas groaned softly dropping his bag down next to his sister's for his mother to pack away his own clothes. He let out a soft sigh looking to his father for help but found the man mysteriously vanished from the kitchen, "Dad doesn't have to go. In fact, he never goes."

"This isn't about him, this is about you." Hermione let out her own soft sigh as she packed away her son's clothes, "Who knows? Maybe he's changed, you haven't seen him in a long time. How do you know he's not grown a bit more?"

"Why does Dad get to stay home?" Amura had rejoined the conversation now, looking curiously towards the doorway where she could just barely catch a glimpse of their father making a hasty retreat towards the study.

Hermione took a deep breath to give her strength before pushing herself to her full height. The twins had never put up an argument before, in fact, they had always looked forward to the one on one time they had with her in the woods. They'd made numerous memories on their yearly camping trips. A small part of her wondered if they were somehow outgrowing their need for her but she pushed it aside trying to seek a more logical explanation.

"Because he and Uncle Harry do not have the most—pleasurable—history."

Both Firas and Amura looked at the other for a long moment before turning their inquisitive eyes towards their mother. There was a heavy silence between all of them before a soft knock at the front door disrupted their conversation from going any further.

"Amura-"

"I got it." Amura pushed herself up, placing the last of her chosen books on the window seal before making her way towards the front door. A soft smile grew on her face when she pulled open the door, "Aunt Ginny!" The redhead smiled brightly and accepted the hug that was offered to her by the young girl. It was still uncanny to her how much she looked like Hermione yet had her father's dark black hair.

"Wow, look at you, you've certainly grown." Ginny gently ran her fingers through the girl's curly hair, "Your hair is gorgeous I'm so jealous."

Amura chuckled softly, "Mum uses an amazing spell to the keep the curls from going all frizzy. I can't wait to try it myself when I get a wand."

"That's only a year off now isn't it?"

"Yes, I can't wait." Amura led the woman into the living room, smiling brightly. She had no reservations about going camping, she was rather looking forward to it. She had merely asked her question out of pure curiosity and nothing more. "I want a black one, like dad's. Long and sleek."

Ginny chuckled softly giving a small wave to Hermione who gave her a bright smile in return before looking over at Firas who had taken a chair and appeared to be sulking. "Hello, Firas,"

"Hello, Aunt Ginny." Firas gave her a weak smile lightly scratching the kneazle that was lightly nuzzling his chin in an attempt to cheer him up.

"Everything alright?" Ginny turned her eyes towards Hermione for answers.

"It'll be fine." Hermione glanced at Firas as she lifted up their respective bags, "Where are the boys?"

"Already at the sight, they needed to meet Charlie this morning to make sure the kids would still be able to come see the new dragons that had just been born on the reservation."

"Dragons?" Firas suddenly perked up, taking his bag from his mother with wide curious eyes.

"Yes, we're going to see dragons this year. Harry thought it'd be good fun to go and see the new lot. Now that the kids are big enough not to be crushed."

Hermione chuckled softly at the joke offering Amura her bag. Amura took her bag before clicking her tongue softly calling Nips from beneath the couch and up onto her shoulder. The little kneazle nuzzled her cheek before settling down just like Firy inside the collar of her blouse.

"Wow are those kneazles? Where did you find them?"

"Mrs. Gradon was giving them away. We got lucky!" Amura smiled and pet Nips' head giving him a small kiss between his eyes.

Hermione pulled up her own bag over her shoulder and smiled softly, "Found them the day before last. I think she had a couple more if you were looking for a pet."

"Oh Merlin no, having two boys is plenty." Ginny absently rubbed her stomach, a soft smile curling at her lips, "Though we're hoping for a girl."

Hermione turned her eyes down towards her stomach before smiling brightly, "Really?"

"Really."

"That's wonderful news, Ginny!"

"It's a little late, but you what they say."

Hermione smiled brightly and nodded her head in understanding, she looked at the twins making sure they had their things before looking over Ginny's shoulder towards the study. "Severus? We're leaving!"

Ginny turned slowly towards the doorway at her back, over the years she had come not to fear the man but she couldn't help but feel like she was back at Hogwarts sometimes when he'd enter a room in all his black glory. Today was like any other, as he came to the doorway of the study, dressed in his traditional frock coat. His eyes were softer now, she could tell but his posture was as strict as it had always been. It was always a wonder to her how his children hadn't picked up on his ominous appearance but she suspected that they took after their mother more. For that, she was extremely grateful.

"Mrs. Potter."

"Professor." Ginny inclined her head slightly moving out of the way to let the children and Hermione say their goodbyes. It was always a sight to witness when his sharp eyes would grow soft and his touch that normally seemed cold and distant would take them so kindly.

Severus paid little attention to their audience as he pressed a kiss upon Amura's head first, a soft smile hidden in the corner of his lips when she told him goodbye. Firas bowed his head slightly as his father's kiss pressed against his brow, the gentile boy smiling softly from the affection but saved his words of goodbye for his mother who wrapped her arms around his father's waist leaning up for a proper kiss.

"We'll see you the day after tomorrow. I love you."

"And I, you." Severus kept his voice low but his words held their meaning. He placed a chaste kiss upon her lips before turning himself back into the study.

Hermione licked her lips slowly, tasting the tea he'd nearly choked on. She took a small breath before nodding to Ginny. "Let's go."

"Alright, everyone hold on tight. We've got a long way to go."

oOo

"Where am I supposed to go?!"

"Anywhere but here." A deep growl accented the sound of a mug being shattered against a wall, "JUST GET OUT!"

A deep sob filled the hallway of an old rundown apartment complex. Melonie turned her red puffy eyes down the dark and dingy hallway clutching her rounded stomach. Where was supposed to go? What could she possibly do? How could one night of indiscretion turn her entire world upside down?

Ron panted heavily glaring daggers at the door he'd just slammed closed. He could hardly believe his life had turned out this way. He had thought he'd finally found love when the world he'd built for himself came crashing down. The results he'd sent away for regarding the child growing his in girl friend's womb had not been what he'd been expecting. What was worse is that it had finally become clear, thanks to the healer's results, that he would never and could never create a child. He was—completely sterile.

It had begged then, as to how and by whom his girlfriend of two years had become pregnant. Swearing that child had to have been his had led to the fight that had finally come to a head this day. His temper had certainly gotten the best of him when he'd found out that his best mate had been the true father of the child. According to her, it had been an accident one night after a party with too much fire whiskey. He had wanted a child for a long time, but he would be damned if he'd raise another's child.

Melonie sniffled heavily wrapping her arms tightly around her stomach as she descended the stairs to their apartment. So lost in her grief she hadn't seen the small group that was passing by on the street and accidentally bumped into the lot.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I-"

"It's alright." A kind voice and a gentler hand took her by the arm so that she wouldn't fall. "It happens to everyone."

Melonie turned her eyes to the gorgeous brunette with waves of long curly hair. A sniffle wracked her frame and she nodded her head in thanks as she came back to her feet. "Thank you..."

"It's no trouble...Are you alright?"

"I'll be fine, thank you." Melonie turned her eyes to the child and redhead that had been just to the side, her gaze catching on the redhead for a moment as she was sure she recognized her features from a picture that had been in Ron's apartment. "Thank you..." Melonie sniffled and pulled herself away from the group turning down the street with her hung head and shoulders.

Hermione turned to watch her retreat confused by the girl's behavior; unaware of two dark brown eyes looking down from on high. With only a purse of her lips, she turned her eyes down to Amura who had been bumped out of the way by the woman and wrapped her arm back around the girl's back to continue their way forward.

"I don't think she was fine Mum..."

"Me either darling..." Hermione cast another small glance behind them before continuing to make their way down the small street. They had come to town to gather a few extra supplies for the camp as when they'd arrived it had turned out that Harry had forgotten to get some staples that they'd need to cook dinner that evening. Ginny, Amura and herself had taken to the task, leaving the boys to run off and see the dragons in their absence. Amura had wanted to go with Hermione though she hadn't been sure why only that her 'gut' had told her to.

"I'm sure she'll be alright...everyone has a bad day right?"

"I guess..." Amura didn't seem all that convinced and couldn't help but feel a niggling feeling at the back of her mind. She scratched the back of her head to try and sate the feeling but did turn her eyes back once more, her brow furrowing when she caught sight of two dark brown eyes watching them from a third story window. A deep shiver ran down her spine and she narrowed her eyes at the man before moving closer to her mother.

"This town is creepy..." Amura shook out her shoulders as she mumbled under her breath.

"It's just a little old." Hermione glanced around the dirty streets, covered in ash from the steel mill that was further up the road. True it hadn't been the ideal place to stop for food but it was the closest town on the map they'd brought with them. She turned her eyes back ahead noticing the old grocer's sign that was just barely hanging on by its chain. "Let's just get what we need and then we'll go back to fresh open air and beautiful starry skies alright?"

Amura nodded whole-heartedly while Ginny hummed her agreement as well. She took couldn't help something being a bit off about the place, but Charlie had insisted that the town was more than safe, a bit dirty but there was never a problem to his knowledge. He had admitted coming there often when he was on that side of the preserve but he hadn't exactly explained what he'd done in the town to make it worth visiting.

oOo

"You want to hold him?" Charlie smiled brightly holding a baby Romanian Longhorn. The small newly hatched dragon chittered softly turning its hornless head towards the three boys crowded around the small nest. The large mother was resting nearby watching with sharp eyes as Charlie picked up the small newborn in his palms smiling brightly when its eyes opened towards the sun shining through the treetops.

"Won't the mom get mad?" Firas turned his eyes towards the mother who had lifted her head to the small noise the newborn had made.

"No, she trusts me." Charlie smiled at the mother before turning the dragon in his hand, checking its gender and running his fingers down its neck to assure there was no obstruction in its airways. After which he let the beast stretch itself out over his arm testing out its wings, "Here, put your arms out like mine, let's see if he'll crawl over to you."

James knelt down beside Firas holding his arms out like Charlie showed them, glancing over to Albus who was nearly shaking with excitement, "Is he heavy?"

"Not really, no more than a cat." Charlie moved just a bit closer adjusting the dragon in his grip in front of the three boys. Firy chose that exact moment to dive down the front of Firas' shirt causing the boy to fall back onto his arse with a startled squeak causing the dragon in Charlie's hand to let out a loud screech of his own causing the mother to come to its feet.

"Alright, easy now." Charlie raised his hand palm up towards the mother before looking back at Firas who was trying to grab hold of the startled kneazle squirming around under his shirt. "You got him there Firas?"

Firas hissed when the kitten's claws scratched lightly against his stomach when he tried to grab hold of him. His brow furrowing from the small sting the cuts elicited. "It's alright Firy-ow hey calm down..." A bit more struggle ensued before the boy was able to take hold of the kitten's scruff pressing him down under his shirt.

The dragon in Charlie's hand let out a loud screech before hopping out of his hand towards his mother her promptly picked him up in her mouth before taking to the air, knocking the other two boys onto their arse from the downdraft from its wings.

"Dunderhead, why'd you even bring it here anyway?" James huffed angrily pushing himself up to kick at Firas still laying on his back in the dirt.

"Hey!" Charlie's warning went unheeded when Firas snarled and kicked back hitting James square in the chest knocking him back onto his arse before rolling over to push himself to his feet, keeping his arm held tight to protect Firy.

"Jammie!" Albus let out a small whine of his own as he watched his brother go down. The eight-year-old tried to help him to his feet looking around for their Dad who had gone off to talk with one of the other workers on the preserve.

"Boys! That's enough!" Charlie grabbed hold of James' shirt while keeping his other hand out keeping Firas from coming closer, "There are plenty of dragons in these woods, there's no need to fight."

"Why'd you even let him bring that here?!" James was having a hard time moving on and pushed against the hand that held him back.

"Dragons don't eat kneazles! They eat stupid humans like you!" Firas knew very well that Romanian Longhorn's were plant eaters by preference though they had been known to eat meat during the winter months, using their long horns to catch their prey, however, he had let his temper rise despite his best attempts to remain calm. James' disregard for his pet ground his gears even more than he'd realized. He turned his head down pulling his shirt open so he could see if the spooked kneazle was alright.

"James that's enough." Harry's strong voice and even stronger hand on the back of his son's shirt silenced the retort on the boy's lips, "You alright Firas?"

"Yeah, fine..." He winced a little when Firy crawled back up onto his shoulder hiding its face into its tail that had wrapped back around the boy's neck. One of the scratches left behind had actually dug in deep enough to bleed staining the front of his shirt. He didn't really feel it as his focus was on the trembling creature tucked around his throat.

"Sorry Charlie." Harry sighed heavily looking disappointedly at his eldest son before releasing him to deal with his shame.

"No worries. They're just boys." Charlie chuckled softly wiping his hand on his slacks before pulling his wand free from his hip, "Got a bit of a scratch on you, do mind if I heal it up for you? Wouldn't want your Mum coming after my head."

Firas glanced down at his shirt before shaking his head slightly, "My mum can't fight, you'd be alright."

Harry's brows nearly disappeared from his hairline at the boy's soft comment, he was sure that he'd heard wrong. "Can't fight?" Your Mum? She's the best there ever was. Saved my life more than once."

James furrowed his own brows at his father's astonished tone, "Aunt Hermione? But she's so nice."

"Yeah, she is. But she's also one of the most brilliant witches I've ever known. There isn't a spell she can't do. Knowledge is power. You'll do well to remember that."

James frowned a little before running his hands down his arms dusting off the dirt that clung to his elbows, "Books are boring."

"There we are, good as new." Charlies smiled kindly at Firas before taking a deep breath, "I think that's enough for today. I'm sure the lot of you are getting hungry. Tell you what, we'll go out first thing in the morning. I can show you the migration of the Chinese Fireball."

"So awesome." Albus grinned brightly having missed most of the subtle tension in the air with his youthful nature, "Dad can we go swimming in the lake before dinner?"

"I don't see why not. Thanks Charlie, we'll see you tomorrow. Thanks for today."

"My pleasure. Keep an eye on that kneazle, she's a bit young and you might want to think about trimming her claws."

"Thanks, Charlie..." Firas gave him a grateful smile for fixing his shirt and the scratches before coming closer to Harry's outstretched arm. "Sorry, Uncle Harry."

"No worries, come on let's get back."

oOo

"Bonzai!" James took a running leap out of an overhanging tree before curling himself into a ball to land right beside Firas who was simply wading around in the water, enjoying the sunset over the distant mountains. The resulting splash drenched his hair that he'd pulled back into a ponytail to keep from getting wet.

Amura laughed at her brother's startled face before climbing up higher in the tree trying to outdo James at his own game. She had no fear as she jumped from the branch doing a flip through the air before landing feet first into the water right next to James who had just come up for air. Simultaneously getting revenge for her brother and out showing the cocky boy in one full motion.

Albus cheered from the bank where he sat just inside the water beside the two kittens who were watching their owners play, neither one too keen on getting in to join them. He laughed and held up all ten fingers when Amura surfaced, giving her a higher score than he'd given to his brother.

"Traitor," James shook his head with a laugh snorting the water out of his nose before turning to look at Amura, "Best two out of three?"

"You're on!"

Harry glanced over his shoulder as the kids clamored back towards the tree before looking over the fire pit Ginny had taken over to cook dinner. Hermione was simply enjoying the sight of the children playing, a soft aged look to her features.

"When do you think we should tell them?"

"Is it something they really need to know?" Hermione's voice went distant as sparse memories crowded her inner eye, "What good would it do?"

"They're going to learn about it anyway. Neville says that all seventh years are required to take history now. They teach them about what happened, how it happened."

Hermione pursed her lips turning her eyes from the lake to Harry, "They're still too young. Though the past shouldn't be forgotten what good is burdening children with information that is outside of their understanding?"

"I suppose...but for your own son to think you're not as amazing as you are?"

Hermione smiled softly, "It's fine. I never wanted to be a hero anyway so long as they're happy, there's is nothing more I can ask for."

Harry nodded his head slowly, while his sons were well aware of his work, he could imagine being an office worker wasn't as exciting sounding as it truly was. Thanks to Hermione the wizarding world had changed in ways no one could have ever imagined. It was because of her so many people felt safe in their homes. Accepted by the government meant to protect them and confident in their place in society. Though not as glamours sounding as his own job he could definitely admit that Hermione had done way more good for the world than he had in the years that past.

"Are you going to consider becoming the minister in the next election?"

"I don't know...I'm kind of happy where I am now..." Hermione ran a hand through her hair looking down at her trainers, "I've thought about opening a school actually...not like Hogwarts, but like... post-Hogwarts... where people could come and study. The idea sounds good in my head but what do you think?"

"I think that's bloody brilliant." Ginny smiled and sat down the spatula, "Would you teach or would Severus?"

Hermione snorted softly, "Severus would not agree to teach anyone but the best, I don't even know if he'd be open to the idea. I mean, it's not really my castle, it's his. I'd have to convince him first."

"Yeah, but if he said yes?" Ginny sat down beside Harry taking his hand, "Could you imagine the life-saving potions that could be created? The number of lives saved?"

Hermione nodded a little before running her hands through her hair pushing it back over her shoulders. "I know Ginny, not only that, but Galia is a master of wandless charms, even without having gone to school. She's like a human cipher. There isn't anything she hasn't been able to decode. The world needs their knowledge..."

"And yours." Harry gave Ginny's hand a squeeze, "You always were good at teaching Ron and I. I think you'd be a wonderful teacher."

Hermione smiled ruefully before taking a deep breath to look out at the children who had suddenly turned their jumping competition into a game of chicken, with Firas and Albus struggling to push the other off their sibling's shoulders, "What would I even teach?"

"Anything you wanted. You're still the brightest witch of our age."

"I think Renatus is going to knock me off my pedestal soon. He's just broken the record for most perfectly taken OWLS."

"Tests aren't everything, just because you can answer a question on a piece of parchment doesn't mean you know how to use that skill in the real world." Harry nodded his head before looking over his shoulder to check on the kids himself. The food was about ready and he was sure their playful fight was about to turn into a grudge match.

"Alright! Time's up! Get over here and get dried off!" Harry came to his feet pulling out his wand to help get the kids dry while Hermione and Ginny came to their feet to set the table and get the food portioned out. Nips and Firy laid curled up over each other near the fire on one of the logs they'd cut to make stools though their ears did perk up when Hermione used the same call that she'd heard her son use to call them over. She knew she wasn't supposed to take any responsibility for the creatures but she didn't see the harm in calling them over to get their dinner.

Dinner turned to bedtime without incident, all kids having forgotten their misgivings by bedtime. Harry had discussed the underlying tension with Hermione that seemed to be growing between their sons but neither of them could see any reasonable solution at present and decided to the let the boys work it out for themselves. It was sad to see the two, who had been good friends in the previous years, seemingly growing apart. It wasn't the ideal outcome either friend had been looking for but they had faith that whatever it was would work itself out.