Hello, my darlings! I work at the second job this weekend, so slightly early chapter. Enjoy, I own nothing.

Chapter 19 Moving In

Hermione put the finishing touches on her electronics room in the Grove. She moved in her television and computer. Dominic requested she put it in the shared portion of the house. She agreed planning another one in their private wing for smaller nights in. Initially, he thought it would increase his time spent with the younger house members. Then he discovered the wonders of the telly. "Astonishing," he sat without taking his eyes off of the commercial.

"Yes, it can be." Hermione demonstrated how to use the appliances and how to block too much magical energy from getting to them. Nips assured her no one would apparate into the room, and intended to clean the room himself by hand.

She emailed Lise the musical choices for the ceremony having finally decided on "Butterfly Waltz" for her entrance. She sent a short list of possible reception songs for the DJ to have on hand for the special dances. Then she checked to see if her parents had responded. While the silence wasn't uncommon, they knew she was planning a wedding and might have questions. She sighed, when had her life and plans ever been her mother's first consideration? Her father tended to be laid back and went with the flow. Her mother focused on her wants first, and what would make them look good second.

Marcus wandered in carrying her wedding to-do list, "What are parents dances?"

"Dances meant to honor the special role of a parent. Usually father/daughter and mother/son. They take place after the couples' first dance as spouses."

"Do you want to have them?" he asked.

"Not especially. I know some people will expect it, well , my people will. But my parents weren't deeply involved in my life before Hogwarts. And barely once I was gone ten months a year. Unless you think your mother would like it. Then I will deal."

"I'll ask her. What about the first dance. We have to pick a song?"

"Yes, I have a suggestion. Let me play it for you." She queued up Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is." Five bars in he took her hand and danced her around the room. "So, this one?"

"This one." he kissed her, caressing her arms and back. She responded by running her hands up his chest.

"Marcus, oh, excuse me," Dominic stood in the doorway. "My apologies, I must remember I will be living with newlyweds."

"We'll try to keep the romance to our wing," promised Marcus.

His grandfather waved him away, "I remember being young and in love. I merely thought to inquire if you wished to join me for dinner?"

Hermione glanced at her watch, "As delightful as that sound, if we go pack up the last of my bedroom I can start spending my nights here. We can have dinner and breakfast most days."

"I like the sound of that," Dominic smiled.

"Me, too," Marcus leered briefly. "Let's go get you packed up."

They emerged from the floo to find Harry and Malin lip locked on the sofa. "Oi, you have a bedroom here and there. Why are you in the living room?"

"We have to use every room for kissing before we leave. Harry explained the tradition to me," Malin smiled at him. "One last hurrah."

Hermione rolled he eyes, "Whatever. We're going to finish my packing. This should be my last load. My day to day stuff."

"We're celebrating Malin finishing, too," Harry told her.

"I see. How about you check the bathroom for me, and double check Malin's room, please."

"Sure," Harry helped Malin to her feet. "We haven't snogged in there, yet." He grinned and chased Malin out of the room.

"Nice to see him so happy." Hermione looked around the bare room. "Let's sweep the kitchen."

"On it."

Ginny listened to her mother drone on about wasting time with Jeffery if they weren't serious. "It could give Harry the wrong impressions, unless that's over? You aren't getting any younger, you know." In that moment she decided to take her flat back from Hermione. Even filled with memories from her time with Harry, it was better than listening to this all the time.

"Um, Mum, I've got to go. Hermione offered me the flat, and I think I'm going to take it. I need to go let her know."

"Oh, okay, sweetie, if you think that's for the best." Molly smiled sadly. "We loved having you home, but we knew this was temporary."

"Thanks for understanding, Mum," she threw her arms around her mother and ran to the floo.

"I love you, too," Molly called after her.

Ginny threw a handful of powder into the flames, "No.7 Leeds Road, flat 3." She spun away, exiting into a bare living room. Only the furniture provided by the landlord remained. Female giggles suggested she would find the occupant in Hermione's bedroom. A glance at her old room confirmed her suspicions, nothing remained but a bare mattress on a plain frame and a battered old chest. A male moan drew her attention back to the other bedroom. She hoped she wasn't about to burst in on naked time, but prepared herself for the risk. "Okay, lovebirds, cover up, I'm coming in." She flung the door open with a bang and wished to everything holy that she hadn't.

A topless Harry lay astride a scantily clad Malin, her hands still clasped around his neck. "Gin!" Harry moved to block his partner from view. "Um, Hermione's in the kitchen." Ginny stared slack jawed at the scene before her with wide horror filled eyes. "Do you need me for something?"

"Are you..." she started, her voice cracking, "are you together?"

"Yes, but now isn't..." Harry began.

"How could you? Didn't our relationship mean anything to you?" she screamed. "How could you do this to me?."

Harry stood, letting Malin scramble for her clothes. "Do what Ginny? We broke up. Months ago, remember? I told you to move on, and you did. Does the name Jeffery ring any bells?"

"That was to make you miss me."

"Miss what? Coming in second to the whims of your sister-in-law? An empty house every evening? The only not take out meal being at your parents'? We were housemates at the end. We hadn't been truly intimate in months. We discussed this." Harry took deep breaths to calm himself. "I never gave you any indication we would get back together. I was clear, we are done. You were the one that begged me not to abandon your family."

Ginny sniffled, "I," she fought not to cry in front of her rival.

Harry patted her shoulder awkwardly, "Don't say anything. Take a second. Get your breath back. Wash your face. Hermione's in the kitchen. We'll pretend we aren't here. But you should know we will be going out in public soon. And I'll be bringing her to meet the family, too."

"I understand." Ginny backed out of the room and headed to follow his advice.

Despite hearing everything, Hermione continued with her task of directing Marcus to the search the upper cabinets for her things. Ginny slowly slipped inside. "Oh, hello, Gin. What brings you by?"

"I thought about your offer. I appreciate the thought, but this place holds too many memories. You should let it go."

"Okay, I'll let Max know."

Marcus looked at the brokenhearted witch, "Would you be able to afford fifty galleons a month?"

"Easily."

"Why don't you take over my place? My landlord won't mind. His mates might hit on you, but he'll keep 'em in line if you need him to."

"Do I know him?" asked Ginny.

"Nah, he lives in the building and I've seen them with other birds."

"You know what? Sounds great, thanks, Flint."

"You're welcome. I'll owl you the details." They waved farewell.

Hermione beamed up at him adoringly, "You are an angel."

"No one will believe you. It cost me nothing, let's her get out of her parents' and distracts her from the embarrassment that just happened."

"Still an angel. Accept my praise," she demanded.

"Yes, ma'am," he saluted. She swatted him. "Ready to go home?"

"I am. Let me tell Malin." She found Malin and Harry dressed and emerging after the floo sounded Ginny's departure. "We're going. Marcus offered Ginny his flat. Hopefully that distracted her from all this. We'll talk later, yeah?"

Harry raked his hand through his hair, "I assume you heard all of that?"

"Hard not to. We pretended we did not. She'll continue the charade to save face."

"And I'm okay with that. Night, Hermione, Flint." Marcus nodded in response.

"See you tomorrow," Malin told Harry's hand.

Ginny focused on the promise of a fresh start in a new place in front of her parents. "It was nice of Flint to think of me."

"Will you be getting your deposits back from Hermione?" asked Veronica.

"No, she paid me when I moved out. I signed everything over. Flint offered to transfer his flat over to me, so I might not have to put anything down beyond first month."

"That was nice of him," remarked Arthur.

"It really was," Ginny agreed. "Harry was there, too. We, uh, talked. He started seeing someone. He might bring her to family dinner soon." She attempted to sound nonchalant, she had no idea if she succeed. She must have because everyone left well enough alone at the time.

Later Veronica eyed her sister-in-law, "How do you really feel about Harry's little slag?"

"Like I shouldn't have given him so much space," grumbled Ginny. "I took his lack of social life as evidence he was alone when he wasn't."

"Have you considered magic?" questioned Veronica.

"Love potions and such?" Ginny wrinkled her nose, "Too hard. You have to keep giving them, and they have signs."

"No, something more subtle, charisma potions. Key them to your essence and wear it like a perfume. Makes the targets like you more. You opinions become more appealing. Like breaking up with his little snack and getting back together with a whole meal."

"And they aren't dangerous? You don't have to keep using them?"

"No, because you aren't controlling their minds, just making them more sympathetic to you."

"Where do you even buy something like that? Or find the recipe?"

"The place in Knockturn Alley might have some," Veronica shrugged, "my cousin used to make it. No idea if he does anymore. Taking a little liquid luck would give it a little kick. Or you could just take the liquid luck."

"I'd have to think about it. It seems risky." Ginny sat considering the potential fallout if anyone found out. It wasn't illegal, just morally questionable. And was that how she wanted to get Harry back? For her part, Veronica hoped Ginny agreed to get the potion and would let her help set it so she could nick a little for herself. At the same time she hoped her sister-in-law never connected the dots and realized how Veronica manipulated them over the past year.

May turned into June. June flowed into July. With Lise's expert guidance the wedding plan easily fell into place. Harry would be Hermione's witness and Man of Honor. Adrian would be Marcus's witness and Best Man. This meant that they only needed to get suits and flower girl dresses. Something Lise had scheduled for October. "Since everything purchased can be off the rack we have time." The Save the Date cards went out with instructions for reserving a room at Canterville Castle.

At Weasley dinner Fleur began asking questions the rooms for the wedding. "Are the rooms with two beds too crowded? Should we get two rooms?"

"No, as castles go, the rooms are quite spacious. And they updated the heating and air conditioning. Better than a wizarding castle, worse than an insulted modern building. Warming charms and a pair of fuzzy socks and you'll be fine," Hermione told her.

"Are the accommodations always so inexpensive?" Percy asked.

"No, we received discounted prices for agreeing to allow our wedding to be part of the portfolio. They want to fill the hall, so we need most of our guest list. Though, there are more guests than rooms, I advise you book now."

Arthur nodded, "I will owl Mr. Jones tomorrow and reserve rooms for everyone. Our treat," he smiled at his beaming wife. Veronica sighed in relief. Forty galleons for a hotel room would have thrown off her delicate household budget balancing act to cover her spending. And she needed a stunning new dress for the wedding. Everyone, especially Ron, needed to think her husband didn't lose out, he traded up.

"Thanks, Dad," George said, "but you don't have to."

"Your mum and I want to. Everyone can be there all weekend to support Hermione and celebrate with her."

She smiled, "That is sweet of you, I appreciate it."

"How is the planning coming?" asked Angelina.

"Lise is on top of everything. I gave her some ideas and she's done the leg work to find things. The only things we need are clothes, which is happening after these lads arrive," she rubbed her abdomen, "finalizing the food, and a photographer."

"What about the guy Pavarti knows?" asked Fred.

"Editor heard he wanted to leave, panicked, and offered him anything he wanted to stay. Leaving us needing a muggleborn or half blood photographer," she sighed.

Aubrey looked hesitant, "Does it have to be one of those?"

"Just needs to be someone who knows both forms of photography and enough to not stick out too badly. Why?"

"My brother is a photographer. He studied at a muggle school. He hates his current job. His boss refuses to give him any assignments outside of the studio."

"Name?"

"Simeon Hull, the studio is Bulstrode Creations."

"I will go first thing tomorrow," promised Hermione.

"The owner and top photographer will try to bully you into using someone else," cautioned Aubrey.

Bill's eyes lit up, "The key word there is try. Can I come with you to watch the fun?"

"No, you may not," she answered primly, causing everyone to laugh.

"Do you want me to come with you?" asked Marcus. "You get fatigued easily. And can't apparate anymore."

"I can still create portkeys just fine, thank you. And I'm seven months pregnant not an invalid."

"I know. Healer Gray's warning about early births makes me nervous."

"I know, I have someone with me most of the time. Malin, Grandfather Dominic, and the house elves."

"That is true," he kissed her. "And I have my mobile on me at all times."

"Me, too." She waved it at him. The small black device trilled in her hand. Giggling, she answered it, "Hello?"

"May I speak to Miss Granger, please?"

"Speaking."

"Good morning, miss. My name is Amos Chesterton. I work with Smiles Across the World. Your parents asked me to contact you. They are extending their tour in Kenya. They will be home for mandatory leave in late August."

"I see. Should you be able to communicate with them, tell them to check their email as soon as they can. They have important correspondence."

"Yes, miss. You have a nice day."

"You, too." She hung up. "Those twats extended their trip again. They won't be back until late August. Ugh. And if I could complain my mother would just tell me not to be selfish, they're helping people."

"They'll be here to meet the boys and for the wedding," he soothed.

"I know. Still, it would be nice if they could put their daughter first once in awhile."

"I understand. You four will always be mine," he pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"And you are mine. I love you."

"Love you, too."

"I should hope so," she teased.

Unable to shake her dark mood, she traveled to Bulstrode Creations ready for battle. The shop bell tinkled when she opened the door. A voice in the back called out greeting her and offering to be with her in a moment. She wandered the showroom admiring the family portraits on display. She noted her favorites were credited to S. Hull. That boded well for her photos.

A blond man with a strong resemblance to Audrey emerged from the back, "Good morning, madame, how can we be of service?"

"I need a photographer with special skills," she explained, "I need both wizarding and muggle wedding photos."

He nodded, "I studied photography at the University of London. I always had a passion for in all its forms. I am accomplished with muggle and magical cameras. What did you have in mind?" He directed her to a comfortable chair and served refreshments while she explained her her desires. "So, you wish to engage the photographer for the entire weekend?"

"Yes, Friday night to Sunday afternoon. And some engagement photos to help scout out the venue in advance."

"Sensible idea. Here are lists of our packages." He handed her some booklets. As she reviewed them a burly older man bustled in. The younger man rose and greeted him.

"What's this then, Hull?" he boomed. Hermione did not like his tone. Hull explained her requests to his boss who frowned. "A muggle event? I'm not sure about this. We're wizards." He looked at her. "Look, Miss?"

"Granger," she supplied in a cold voice.

Bulstrode paled briefly but rallied, "Miss Granger, I'm sure you understand the intricacies of these matters. I doubt your husband's family will want to pay for this foolishness."

"Of moving between two worlds? Yes, I do. As to foolishness the only foolishness is your antiquated prejudices, but that is your choice." She turned to Simeon, "Mr. Hull, do you own the equipment to complete this job?"

"Uh, yes."

"Do you feel any deep loyalty to this misogynistic bigot?"

"Not particular."

"Then I would like to offer you three times the cost of the most expensive package for a package of our own making."

"Seriously?" Hull stared at her slack jawed. "You're not kidding?"

"Do I look like I'm kidding?"

"No, ma'am. I would be honored."

Bulstrode bellowed, "You cannot do this!"

"Why not?" asked Hermione calmly. "We are both adults of sound mind. Mr. Hull has the necessary equipment and skills. I have the money." Bulstrode stuttered silently. "Perhaps it is somewhat rude to conduct business in front of you, but you were rude first. Mr. Hull, I will leave you to complete your business here and meet you across the street to finish our conversation." She shook Hull's hand, looked about the store sadly, and exited the building.

From the sidewalk across the street she watched Simeon Hull flit about the shop collecting a handful of items, talking rapidly. Bulstrode stood in the middle of the room shell shocked. Hull rushed out the door and beelined for her. "Please tell me you are serious about the amount of money and not just hacked off?" he begged.

"Why can't I be both?" she asked. "He insulted me, demeaned you, and still expected to get my money. Now, I insist we head to my solicitor's to draw up a contract. Simply common sense."

"Erm, yes, thank you."

Adrian burst out laughing when she explained what happened and why she needed his services. "Ha, and that old walrus was too short sighted to have you sign a non-competition clause. Give me like fifteen minutes. Discuss your plans or the weather."

Hermione further described the plan she and Marcus decided on to explore the venue. And her need for muggle photos. "Would you like to do some pregnancy photos as well?"

She shrugged, "We'll see how the mood strikes." She had Adrian stipulate they would pay two thirds up front. "You need supplies and have bills. Also, add food breaks. Do you want a room there? Of course you need a room, add that."

Simeon attempted to protest. Adrian ignored him, "Mate, she's argued down centaurs, merfolk, and werewolves. She stares down goblins. You will not win. Accept that she likes your work and will ensure you can create her and your combined visions. She will win."

She dimpled, "Thank you, Adrian. You are a very good best man."

"I aim to please," he winked. "Okay, sign here and here."

"Thank you, Ades. Simeon, I will owl you a date for the engagement session. Want to do that before the first big day." She rubbed her swollen abdomen. Both men chuckled.

They went to Weasley Sunday dinner early so Molly could fuss over Hermione. She suggested doing them soon if Hermione wanted to do pregnancy shots. "I went into labor a month early with the twins."

Marcus noticed her hesitant, "If they come early we can do family shots. And my mother and your grandmother would fall over themselves to come help."

"You're not wrong. That is a good idea," praised Hermione.

Molly flashed a sly smile, "Now, tell me about Harry's mystery witch."

"She's foreign. Treats him well and is anxious you won't like her because her dating Harry means he isn't reconciling with Ginny."

"Please don't repeat this, but I think Ginny was more interested in the idea of the fairy tale ending with the Chosen One than being with Harry. Marriage isn't just the highs, it is the lows, too. Tell her we're excited to welcome her with open arms."

"I will."

"Preparations for the new arrivals coming along?" asked Arthur.

"Thanks to the assistance of the house elves, yes." answered Hermione.

"Assistance?" laughed Marcus. "Once you told them the theme they made you sit and sip apple juice."

"They asked my opinions," Hermione protested.

"Sure," he acknowledged, "then did things how they wanted to."

"They are excited to have babies to care for again. Dominic is nearly as bad. You need to firmly tell him no brooms before they can walk. And no more toys."

"I tried. He listens about as well as the elves."

The Weasleys began laughing causing Hermione and Marcus to join them. Molly wiped her eyes, "I made something for the boys." She pulled out knitted caps and matching booties. "I matched the colors you said your grandmother used."

"They are precious, Molly. Thank you."

"I'm about to start on a set for Bill's next one. Torie is hoping for a little sister. She says we have enough boys."