Chapter 28 – You Can Come Home

16 April, 2010 – 11:00 a.m. EST

Enchantex Headquarters

Hermione's Office

New York City, New York

Hermione Granger

"Now if you need anything at all, my cell should work. I have a few vaults to go through and they are all underground. Mychaelia, I trust you. If you can't reach me, I trust you to make decisions without me. We have a solid team. The launch of the Deluxe MagiGro should go off without a hitch. It's the only new product we have at the moment. The new products will now be manufactured without the banning English Rune. I know we are being investigated by the I.C.W. for banning use of devices in Great Britian. I know the Minister of Magic and I'll try to clear things up while I'm there. I don't know how long this will take, but hopefully Sasha and I can be back in a week. Kelly and Colton have been briefed, and are here if you are feeling overwhelmed. You are acting C.E.O. until further notice."

Mac smiles, "It will be fine, Mia. You deserve a break. I'm so proud of you for making this giant leap. You'll feel better once you have some closure. I love you. If you and Sasha need us, Kel and I will portkey over. What time is your portkey for?"

I look at my watch, and say, "We are leaving at 2PM. I'm all packed and Sasha is going to meet me in a few minutes so we can run to The District. She claims we need a mani/pedi before we leave."

Mac laughs, "You'll live through it Mi. Magical mani/pedis only take 20 minutes. I'm going to miss you guys. Give my main man Jamie Potter a hug from his Auntie Mackie."

I laugh, Mac and James, Harry's son, have a strange bond. I think he likes her more than me. Since he was a baby he's only had eyes for Mac. I say, "I will. I have the toys you sent for James and Hyperion all ready to go."

She smiles, "Watch out, he's going to marry a ginger like me!"

I laugh, "Potter men have a thing for red heads. I'm actually surprised Harry didn't marry the red head he dated while we were at Hogwarts. Daphne is so much better than that vapid bitch."

Sasha walks in my office and "Who is a vapid bitch? Because I swear to God I didn't do it this time."

Mac and I laugh, I tell her, "Not you, ya weirdo! I was talking about Ginny Weasely."

Sasha grimaces, "That bitch? Why on earth would we be talking about her?"

I shake my head, "Are you ready to get this over with?"

Sasha smiles, "I'm so ready. I can't wait to be in a country full of men with that accent. Well except for that blond douchebag."

I press my nose with my forefinger and thumb and sigh, "Sash, are we going to do this the whole trip?"

She looks confused, "Do what?"

I look up at her and point out, "You calling Draco Malfoy a douchebag and flipping him off behind his back."

She smiles, "Absofuckinglutely!"

I shake my head, "Let's go."

16 April, 2010 1:55 P.M EST

M.A.C.U.S.A Headquarters

Portkey Office

New York City, New York.

Sasha took me to lunch and the rest of the gang surprised us for a nice going away lunch. I told them all they were ridiculous because we would only be gone a week. They are such good friends and I don't know what I would do with out them.

I'm a nervous wreck. I have been warring with myself for the last couple of days. Am I doing myself an injustice by breaking a promise I made to myself? I promised myself, I'd never step foot in the United Kingdom again. Well at least Great Britain, I did break that when we set up the entirety of Ireland up with our GPS and cellular service. I had to go for a couple of days. I even stepped foot in Northern Ireland. Ugh! I need to do this. I need to get this over and done with.

Harry asked me to visit him at his manor on Sunday. He sounds strange, and it's making me nervous. Whatever silencing charm Ophelia made me sign is still in effect. I don't know how to reverse it. Harry expressed he and I were overdue for a long talk. I have kept a surface relationship with him since he returned to my life 6 years ago. I did miss him, but he is also one of the reasons I left. He drained me emotionally. I think I needed a time out from him. He always took and never gave. I know he has grown up a lot, but these feelings run deep and I know I'll need to face them eventually. I have a lot of unresolved feelings about Home.

I am going to see Andromeda tomorrow for lunch. We write each other almost daily. She has been so supportive of me. The day after I landed in America, I wrote her and sent her a two way journal. I felt so guilty for leaving her and Teddy, but knew it was the best decision for me. I hope I'll be able to meet Teddy. He's twelve now. I haven't seen him since he was one.

We had a small party for him on his first birthday. Most of The Order minus Molly and Arthur Weasley, and Draco were the attendees. We gave Teddy a super sized cupcake and he was so happy. Every time someone talked to him he changed his hair to match the person talking. He received a large amount of presents. It was a good day. I love him so much. I have tried to get Andromeda to come and visit New York, but she said she couldn't leave England at the time, but never gave me a reason. I am hoping she will tell me when I visit with her.

My thoughts are interrupted by the speaker, "TRUEBLOOD PARTY YOUR PORTKEY IS READY IN ROOM 6."

I look over at Sasha and she is bouncing with excitement. I'm sweating bullets, I don't think I've been so nervous in my whole life.

We walk silently to Room 6. She looks at me and says, "Mia it's going to all work out. I won't leave your side."

I take in a deep breath and breathe out slowly. "On the count of three. ONE…TWO…THREE…"

16 April 2010 5:00 p.m. GMT 1

Ministry of Magic

Department of Transportation

London, England

Hermione

"JESUS FUCKING SHITBALLS! I had forgotten how much that fucking sucks!" Sasha exclaimed, always the eloquent one. She bends over and places her hands on her knees and is taking in deep breaths.

I go to her, and place my hand on her back, "Sasha, are you alright? Should I conjure you some water?"

She stays where she is and shakes her head. She says, "No I'm fine. I shouldn't have had such a big lunch."

After a couple of minutes she flips up and she hits me with her enormous amount of hair. I sputter trying to get it out of my face. She turns around and I look up at her 5'10" stature and she looks perfect.

When I first met her, I was surprised by how flawless she always looked. Her nose is long, but perfectly straight. She has gorgeous full lips, high cheek bones, a chiseled, feminine jaw line, and big almond shaped dark brown eyes, that appear red when she's angry. Her hair is jet black and is layered to her waist. Her hair truly has a life of it's own. It flares past her shoulders when she is angry, bounces when she is happy, limp when she sad, and frizzy and wirey when she is stressed. I've always been in awe of her.

She looks at me and says, "Are you ready, Mi?"

I shake my head, "I don't think I will ever be ready for this. We could go back."

She laughs, "Not gonna happen, Sweetheart! You dragged me here and we are going to get through this together. Let's go meet hot men with amazing accents."

I laugh, "Let's go."

We exit the portkey room and to my surprise Kingsley Shacklebolt and Minerva McGonagall are standing there waiting for us. I'm taken aback because I never expected to see them as soon as I arrived. Minerva walks up to me and crushes me into a hug.

The love I have for this woman crushes me in that moment. I burst into tears. She too had become important to me. When Sirius died, she tutored me in transfiguration. I gave up when my animangus form was an elephant. She told me elephants symbolize strength, patience, fidelity intelligence, wisdom, and power. She said, "Hermione you have a mental strength most adults don't possess. You are patient with everyone in your life including your best friends. It takes patience to learn all you have in such a short time. You are intelligent and make wise choices. You are loyal and show unwavering support to those you love. Finally, Hermione you are extremely powerful. I couldn't be prouder of you if you were my own child." I said, "Why couldn't I be a cute little fox or an otter even?" She said, "Because a animangus is the embodiment of who you are. Only an animal as big as an elephant could fit someone with a personality as large as yours."

We hug for a few minutes until Kingsley clears his throat. He says, "Miss Granger, welcome back. Do you have a moment to meet me in my office?"

I say, "Of course."

Minerva releases me and says, "When Kingsley owled me about your arrival a herd of wild hippogryffs couldn't keep me away. I need to get back to Hogwarts, classes don't end until six. I'd like you to come see me, my dear."

I smile, "Of course I'd love to come visit."

She smiles back, "Good. The wards will let you in. Hogwarts will always be home to you." She pats my cheek and continues, "I know coming back was a hard decision, but it was the right one. I'll see to you soon, yes?"

I smile, "How does Monday look for you?"

She says, "How about 2pm?"

I nod, and wipe the tears from my eyes. "I'll see you then, oh let me introduce you to my friend Sasha. Sasha this was my professor in Transfiguration at Hogwarts and my friend, Minerva McGonagall. Minerva this is Sasha Trueblood my best friend."

Minerva eyes her a moment, "It's a pleasure to meet you Ms. Trueblood. I assume you will join Hermione on Monday?"

Sasha says, "It's lovely to meet you Headmistress McGonagall. I would love to come to Hogwarts on Monday. I actually wanted to talk to you about a student, Ashlynn Warren. She applied for an internship with our company and I would like to interview her."

Minerva pursed her lips, "I'll have a room set up for the two of you to meet while Hermione and I have tea. Trueblood, it's an English name correct?"

Sasha smiles, "Yes, my ancestors left in the late 1860's."

She looks to me and says, "The Truebloods are a descendants of The Ancient and Noble House of Black. They changed their name in the Fifteen or Sixteenth Century due to some conflict." She looks at Sasha, "You may want to check Gringott's to see if you still hold land or any vaults."

Sasha smiles, "Thank you for the advise. I'll check it out while I'm here. It's really an honor to meet you."

Minerva smiles a tight smile and says, "You as well." Then she looks towards me and places her hand on my shoulder, "I'll see you Monday, my dear."

We watch her walk away. We hear a throat clearing. I turn around and see Kingsley. He smiles and says, "This way Ms. Granger and Ms. Trueblood."

Immediately I recognize the Ministry is well lit. There is an outdated computer at the reception desk. Is the Ministry of Magic using ELECTRICITY? When the hell did that happen?

Oh shit! This is why we have had so many calls from the U.K. in the last 2 years. We set up our phones so that any calls from the U.K. are automatically dumped into a voicemail. We have the receptionist empty the voicemail once a week and log the amount of calls. The number of calls we receive on a weekly basis has increased over the last two years. Last month we received 279 messages in that voicemail. All letters from the U.K. are stockpiled and shredded in the mail room. I have a feeling this is going to be one hell of a scolding for refusing to sell our products in the United Kingdom.

I glance over at Sasha and she is on high alert. Her hair is growing wider. She's not angry, but she's ready for an argument. Fuck. This is bad. We had no problems getting approved to travel to the U.K. through M.A.C.U.S.A. I have the American Rep for the I.C.W. on my mobile. We can handle this.

We ride down the new electrical glass elevators to Level 8 where Kingsley's offices are.

We step off the elevator and proceed to his office. Once we are in his office he takes a seat behind his desk, and tells us to take a seat.

We both sit in the provided chairs and Kingsley stares at me for a few minutes. Then he smiles and says, "I'm so glad to see you Hermione. It's been too long. Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. We have a few things I need to discuss with you. First, how have you been?"

I relax some, "I've been well Minister Shackelbolt."

He narrows his eyes. "You have called me Kings since the day we met when you were 15 years old. There is no need for formalities among old friends."

I sigh, "You know I only called you Kings because that is how Sirius introduced us."

He laughs, "I'm aware. I miss that wanker. First, I'm sorry for your loss. Ophelia was an amazing witch. I've known her my whole life. I hope you know she loved you very much. She came to see me in 2004 to ask me to give Harry Potter time off so he could bring you home. She was glowing with happiness from the prospect. She reluctantly revealed to me, she was your grandmother. She asked if I would give Auror Potter the time off and I wouldn't let him until she told me her reasons. She would have come herself, but over the last decade her magic was fading and couldn't risk a trip herself. She hired security that followed her everywhere and allowed her to apparate via side along."

I nod, "Thank you Kings for telling me and for your condolences. I have recently learned she was a much more intricate part of my life than I expected."

He looked confused. "How did you learn this information?"

"Through some of her memories. Draco Malfoy visited me last week with a small chest full of her memories. She was my neighbor, and one of my t-t-tutors."

He nods, "We won't elaborate, I know you were under a powerful silencing charm. I too, signed a parchment from a fake Viola Davies when I taught you."

He smiles again. "I made her release mine years ago. Next, I wanted to talk to you about her positions in society. She was a board member for St. Mungo's, a governor at Hogwarts, and ran an orphanage. I don't have specifics of how this was handed down in her official will, but these positions are typically inherited. I know you received diplomatic immunity with the I.C.W, however this only prevents the U.K. from demanding you return and putting you to trial. You are still legally a citizen of the United Kingdom, as Hermione Jean Ophelia Dagworth-Granger."

I sigh, "My legal name is now Mia Jean Granger in the U.S. and with the I.C.W."

He smiles, "Hermione you are a war hero, and despite your absence, you are still celebrated here as a national treasure. We can place a request for an official name change, but by becoming a citizen in America, it doesn't negate your citizenship here. You have dual-citizenship. I know we failed you Hermione. I know you feel rejected by the country you saved, but we have made changes for you. Have you not heard of the Hermione Granger Act?"

I bite my lip. What the fuck? "No, I can't say I have. I didn't keep up with the news in the United Kingdom."

Sasha snorts, "Excuse me, Minister Shacklebolt. Our Mia refused to listen to any news of the changes that were being made in this country. She doesn't know the immense strides the United Kingdom has taken in the last decade. Please don't blame her, we enabled her grudge. The whole country used her and spit her out. I know you did your best at the time, but she suffered. Now is not the time to bring this up. She hasn't been home in a decade and it has taken Herculean strength to get her here. I suggest you table this talk today. Mia needs to be fed this information slowly. You need to respect that she is grieving and in the process of a healing journey. She is my best friend. I will not allow you to overload her with information right now. She has a great many obstacles to climb while she learns to forgive and heal. I understand you want her to become an active member of your society, but she left and deserves to make the decision to forgive on her own. I suggest you get to the last point, and schedule an appointment later next week."

He looks taken aback by Sasha. He eyes her for a few minutes and then seems to acquiesce. He nods, "You are right Ms. Trueblood. Hermione I apologize. I simply wanted you to understand the changes because I want to discuss the ban Enchantex has on the United Kingdom. I would like to purchase 500 computers and have the magical web available in our country."

I smile, "Thank you Kings. I have a meeting with George Weasley on Monday. As of this week, I have ordered all Enchantex products to be manufactured without the Ancient Rune embedded in the products. The Ancient Rune prevented use of our products on The British Isles excluding Ireland. I had my reasons, but a good many of my reasons have been disproven as of late. George Weasley already sells a line of Enchantex products in his ten global stores. I will have to see if I have any buildings in Diagon Alley to open a store in London. We have 78 retail stores across the globe, the majority of them in the U.S. and Canada. I did this a day prior to your official complaint with the I.C.W. yesterday. I have my engineers on stand by. I do not know all that comes with my inheritance. I have an appointment with Draco Malfoy the acting C.E.O of DG Potions and Holdings and Bulstrode, Bulstrode, and Bulstrode on Monday as well, to discuss what my 59% of the company entails. I assure you we can have the magical web set up in two months. If you want the teleportkey available through our mobile services, that may take up to a year to be fully operational. We may need to launch another satellite and we will need to set up towers and servers for the country as well. We will also need to hire 15 additional customer service representatives in our Toronto call center, since we can use the English speaking reps we already have. I have estimated the cost of getting the U.K. fully functional to be 1.9 billion galleons. That is why I hesitated to establish service here. Your population is less than 5,000 at this time. My company won't break even in the United Kingdom for 20 years. This is one of the many reasons products weren't sold in the United Kingdom."

He blinked a few times, and then said, "You are entirely mistaken our magical population is now 6,874. We had a few magical families move back once we made changes. As always you have impressed me. I'll drop the formal complaint, and it should be resolved by Monday. I understand why you left, and I understand you wanted to leave for the rest of your life. I always hoped you would change your mind. We'll table the rest for now. I hope you enjoy your stay and if you need anything, my door is always open to you."

We all stand and at the door he stops me and places his hand on my shoulder. I look up at him, and he says, "It's been good to see you. When I saw who was arriving today, I had the same reaction Minerva did. It would have taken a herd of hippogryffs to keep me away from greeting you."

I pull him into a hug, "It's good to see you too, Kings."

We smile and say our goodbyes.

As we step on the elevator, Sasha laughs, "I love your ability to bullshit your way through meetings. I mean, 1.9 billion galleons, where do you come up with those numbers?"

I shrug, "It's the cost for No-mags to launch a satellite plus all the equipment. I wasn't going to tell him it was all a personal grudge. I needed something to deflect from my ability to hold a grudge. I do have a reputation to uphold."

She laughs, "How much will it really cost us?"

I laugh, "About 15 million galleons. Colton launches the satellites with magic. We have a lot of supplies that we'll need to bring over. We will need a place to locate the servers. I didn't completely lie. There's also setting up apparation points, surveying, and actual labor for set up. Advertising will be costly, I don't know. I'm still apprehensive about setting up here."

She laughs, "I know, babe, but we need the U.K. for full world domination. It a good business move and one we should have done all along."

I shrug, "Maybe. I still wanted to separate myself from here. I'm so conflicted now."

She puts her arm around my shoulders as we leave the elevator, "It'll work out, Mia. Where to next?"

We reach the doors and I see there's still daylight, "North London."

16 April, 2010 - 5:47 PM

Hampstead Cemetary

Fortune Green Road

Hampstead, Greater London, NW6, England

Hermione

We walk though the gothic gates of the cemetery. I haven't been here in a decade, but I know the way. We walk to the white stone engraved with "Granger" on the stone.

I feel the tears in my eyes as I approach. I feel Sasha take my hand. I look around and then wandlessly conjure a floral wreath and place it on their graves.

I sit down and Sasha steps away. I miss them everyday. I still hear my dad's laugh, rich and warm echoing in my mind. I see his eyes that are so much like mine sparkling with humor. I feel my mum's warm touch caress my cheek. I sit for ten minutes and clear the weeds on the side of the grave as my mind races with every memory I have of them.

I see my dad reading to me. My mum teaching me to make lasagna. I see the holidays we took all over the world. The nights curled up watching movies. The day McGonagall came to visit to tell me I'm a witch. The argument we had before I erased their memories. The emptiness I felt when I found out they never made it out of England. Mostly, I feel the love I have always carried for them.

"Mum, Dad, I'm sorry. I wish I was able to protect you. I wish I could have said goodbye. I miss you everyday. I have worked so hard and I hope where ever you are, I made you proud. I love you."

I let the tears fill my eyes and watch as a butterfly lands on the stone. I smile because I know they would be proud of me. I know they love me. I know my dad protected me when he told Ophelia to let me go. As painful as it is, I know I did the best I could to protect them with the knowledge I had at the time. I need to let go all this guilt. I asked them to leave, and they refused. The Death Eaters would have killed them regardless if I erased their memories or not. I took all the blame, but if they would have left when I asked them to, months before I resorted to erasing their memories, it may have been avoided. I can't keep carrying all this guilt. I did the best I could. I reach for the butterfly and it flies away. I get up and call out to Sasha. She appears about twenty feet away. She walks over to me and hugs me. She then takes my hand and we leave the cemetery and my guilt behind.

16 April, 2010 – 8:30 PM

The Leaky Cauldron

Diagon Alley, London, England

Hermione

We spent the last couple of hours walking around London. I showed Sasha my childhood home. We walk around North Camden and look at the shops and have dinner at an Asian fusion vendor. I finally lead her to outside The Leaky Cauldron.

She is leaning against the building, as I pace. I don't know what to expect when I walk in. It's been so long and I left this world for many reasons. I finally make a decision.

I look at Sasha, "I'm ready."

She smiles at me, and says, "Mia, I'm so proud of you. I won't leave your side. Let's get our rooms and you can relax before we have to meet Potter and the Douchebag."

I giggle, "Let's go."

I open the door and the familiar scent of butter beer, Shepard's Pie, and cigar smoke fill my nostrils. We walk straight to the bar and I can't force myself to look around. We step up to the bar and the blond bartender turns around.

"Granger Danger!!! Oh Merlin, I can't believe it's you!"

She goes to the exit of the bar area and comes around instantly and hugs me. I laugh and say, "Hiya Hannah Banana."

She pulls away slightly and looks me in the eyes, and says, "Your accent is horrendous. You went to America? Oh I'm so mad at you for leaving, but I'm so glad you are here. I've missed you!"

I smile, "Oh Hannah, you know I needed to leave. I have missed you, too. Can we get a double room? I'm going to be here for the week, though I'm not sure we are staying here the whole time."

She nods, "Of course, I have two rooms with a connecting door, would you prefer that?"

Sasha says, "Yes, that would be perfect." She looks at me and says, "Who knows? It's the accent Mia. I can't be expected to behave with a country full of guys with that accent."

Hannah laughs, "Hello, I'm Hannah Longbottom."

Sasha says, "Pleasure to meet you, I'm Sasha Trueblood."

Hannah steps around the bar and grabs our keys. "It's on the house. I'm so glad to see you, Hermione. Come back down once you've settled so we can catch up."

We go up stairs and I change into a dark green mini dress and my Jimmy Choo shoes. Sasha comes in my room looking like a goddess in a white Greek inspired mini dress.

She plops down on my bed. "You misrepresented London. I'm kinda pissed off there wasn't a lynch mob with torches and pitch forks chasing us through the streets. I wanted chanting and screams, all I see are tears and love for you. The three people we have encountered all love you. The bonds aren't as strong as Harry's or the douchebag's, but they all hold a rather large amount of affection for you. I know you wanted me here because of my magic, but fuck Mia you are so loved. I can't wait to see who shows up tonight. You know George and Harry won't keep it quiet. I'm still a bit pissed over giving up my dream of experiencing peasants chasing us through the streets."

I laugh, "Sasha I didn't misrepresent Home. My parents were dead because of my actions, or the very least, my existence. Draco broke my heart. I fought a war, won said war, and was treated like a second class citizen. I never said I didn't have friends or people I cared about. I felt invalidated as a human being with rights. America doesn't have the same views of first gen witches and wizards. The world sees it as a gift, but for the eight years I was in this world, it was a curse. I was bullied and demeaned at every turn. I entered this world at age 11, and was told I was nothing. I fought hard to prove my worth and at the end of the war, I was still nothing to them. Harry ignored me when the war was over. I can't tell you how hurt I was. I had to question my relationships with Harry and Ron for seven years. Ron even abandoned Harry and I while we were on the run. In Eighth Year they weren't even my friends. My bully became my friend. I can't express the number that did to my self-esteem. Who is desperate enough to befriend their bully? What is worse I had all these sexual feelings for him and I was too fucking naïve to even know what they were. I refused to believe for one moment he had feelings for me. In the end, I was right, he too didn't give enough of a shit about me to fight for me. It took a couple of years for me to fully trust you, Kel, and Mac because of the way my so called best friends treated me after the war. You guys have been everything to me because you loved me without conditions. You stood by me without faltering. I never had to question if you three would be my friends tomorrow."

She gets up and hugs me, "Mia you aren't just my best friend you are more of a sister to me than Scarlett. My own sister never loved me as much as you. I was teasing you and trying to lighten the mood. I am feeling antsy for some reason. I just feel something big is about to happen, and I don't understand where these feelings are coming from. Of course I know how hurt you were. I know you lacked confidence. I knew you were grieving. I saw all of it the first day I saw you in that coffee shop. I knew you needed us. I knew you would change all of our lives! Guess what I WAS fucking right! You changed everything for us, and all of us are so thankful you came into our lives. I bet we will discover a number of people that you have changed as well. Mia, you are more than you think you are. Meeting you, being your friend in any capacity is a game changer. You're mere existence changes the lives of all you touch."

I shake my head, "That's not true, you guys would have been successful without me."

Sasha laughs, "Probably, what about Peter and Stella. They met you and loved you immediately and made you the godmother of their daughter. Speaking of, how many Godchildren do you have?"

I think for a moment, "I will have five this July when Chris and Amanda have theirs, then there is Jamie, Teddy, Freddie, and little Hermione."

She laughs, "Five couples trust their most precious thing in the world to you. You know you'll have three more if me, Mac, and Kel have children. People love you and want you in their lives. Your energy draws people in and you don't even realize the power you bestow on others. Harry may have used you, but that moron loves you. The blond douchebag unfortunately loves you despite the fact he's a coward and overall piece of shit. Hannah downstairs was nearly in tears when she hugged you. Kingsley, the fucking Minister of Magic for a whole country looked at you like a proud father. I clocked Minerva before you did. She feels an incredible amount of guilt over you and she has a very strong bond to you. I wish you weren't half as fucking logical as you are because you can't embrace spiritual magic at all. I would love for you to see the bonds I can. I want you to see auras of people when you walk in a room. Mia, if you were so inclined to do so, you could own everyone in the world. It's now 9:55. Let's go downstairs so you can be the fucking Rockstar, you are!"

I smirk at her then I turn around and walk to the mirror. The green dress hits about 3 inches above my knees. My hair is a mass of curly perfection and my makeup is flawless. My gold shoes match the simple diamond necklace and gold bracelets on my wrists. I grab my gold clutch and look at Sasha, "Ok…I'm ready."

She beams at me, "Let's go see your friends, Mi."

We take our time walking down the stairs to the bar. I hear a lot of voices, faint music, and glasses clinking. It is a Friday night so I suppose the pub would be busy. I stop at the end of the stairs and take ten really deep breaths, and let them out slowly. Then I walk around the bend in the stairs and what I see floors me.

I told Harry, Draco, and George I would be here at 10PM. I expected Angelina and Daphne. What I didn't expect was a room full of people looking at me with huge smiles on their faces. I see Harry and Daphne, Draco, and Theo Nott. George is here with Angelina and is sitting with Bill and Fleur, Charlie, and Arthur Weasley (?). I see Hannah, Neville and Susan Bones sitting with Oliver Wood, and Katie Bell. I look to the right and sitting at a table are Pansy, Blaise, Astoria fucking Greengrass, and Adrian Pucey. At another table are Padma and Pavarti Patil with what appears to be their husbands. At another table I see Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnegan sitting with Luna and an older man. At another table are Andromeda, Kings, Flitwick, Minerva, Hestia Jones, and Hagrid.

I'm overwhelmed these people wanted to see me. There is a sign that says "Welcome Home, Granger" hanging from the rafters. I feel so grateful to see all these people, and before I can take another step I'm lifted in the air in a hug. I didn't even see who it was. I smell sandalwood, rain water, and sunshine….Theo.

He's crushing me in a hug, and says in my ear, "I didn't know how much I missed you until I saw you. Don't you ever leave me like that again, you twat!"

I laugh, "Oh Theo, I missed you too, you prat! Now put me down."

He squeezes me again, "One more minute. I haven't seen you forever and all I had in your place was a menace in the form of an old hag. I couldn't believe she was your grandmother. I really loved that old bat!"

Then I hear a voice. The voice that still gives me butterflies. Draco…"Hey you fucking wanker put her down. Damn oaf."

I laugh and lean back to see tears in Theo's eyes, and giggle. "Put me down you mooshball. I have others to greet."

He sets me down and looks at Sasha, and his eyes bulge.

Sasha speaks to Draco, "Oh hey there, Douchbag, are you responsible for all these people here?"

He looks at her and says, "Only him, Pansy, and Blaise."

She narrows her eyes at him, "You couldn't have given her a little warning?"

Theo interrupts by stepping up to Sasha, he holds out his hand and she takes it. He says, "Hi I….I….I….FUCK!" His eyes roll back in his head and he slumps to the floor.

I look at Sasha, she looks frustrated. I ask her, "What the fuck did you do to Theo?"

She shrugs her shoulders and shakes her head. "Eh, he's my soulmate."

I exclaim, "WHAT? How?"

She smiles knowingly. Right her magic, damn! She kneels down and places his head on her knees to Rennerverate him.

Draco rolls his eyes and groans, "Oh, fuck!"