Hermione stepped out of the Ministry floo and smiled gently as Tonks stood waiting for her. As they walked through the atrium, Tonks' face fell deeper into a frown.
"You attract so much attention wherever you go," she huffed.
Hermione frowned at her, looking around and not seeing anything different from normal.
"So bloody oblivious," Tonks complained, stepping into the lift and leaning against the wall. As the lift filled with workers, all of whom smiled and nodded at Hermione, Hermione was forced to back up against the Auror. She relaxed as Tonks' arms slid around her waist. Leaning back into the older witch, Hermione turned her head slightly and smirked as Tonks chin rested on her shoulder. No one else in the lift appeared to notice their positions or the very fond look they shared with one another.
They broke apart to get off the lift and walk down to Hermione's office, where they were greeted with all her colleagues.
"Are you back here today then?" Malcom asked hopefully.
"Yes. For as long as Kingsley doesn't find something else for me to do," Hermione griped.
"Open office today?" Susan asked hopefully.
"Yes. Open office but Auror Lupin is working from my office too. She's on desk duty and her Healer says she can only complete it if babysat by me, so I can make sure she doesn't pick up her wand and run into action."
The others nodded, taking her word for the arrangement and happy to go along with it.
"Kingsley has the memo, it's all above board," Tonks admitted.
"You have a ceiling full of memos," Susan said apologetically.
"I'll start on them. I'll maybe try and get a catch up with you all in a couple of hours, once I get on top of my workload," she confirmed, looking around the room.
0o0
Tonks leaned back in her desk chair and listened to the Muggle Radio. There had been so many catchy songs played on it today that she was really loving her day sorting out reports, letters, memos and complaints. There was also the bonus that she was sharing an office with a beautiful witch.
Every time she sat back up from her parchment she took a look at Hermione.
She studied every small moment and emotion which showed so readily on the Witch's face; the small frown; the small smirk; the look of bemusement; and the look of despair. They all showed so clearly. Her hair fell gently with beautiful corkscrew curls at the end, perfectly in place and totally natural. She had a tiny smattering of freckles across her nose and a few minute scars littering her smooth, bronze skin.
"Do you want to stay at mine tonight, since your parents are away?" Tonks blurted out.
Hermione finished writing her sentence, sending trepidation in the Auror's stomach at the fact that she had asked her outright and that rejection could be quickly returned, since they had already shared a bed last night.
Eventually, after what seemed an unusually long length of time, Hermione lifted her face to Tonks' and studied her closely.
"As carer or girlfriend?"
"Girlfriend," Tonks said steadily.
Hermione nodded. "That sounds really good. Providing your mum gives you the all clear."
"If she doesn't?" Tonks asked, swallowing heavily.
"Then I'll stay over as your carer and steal a kiss in the morning," Hermione replied softly, making the Auror relax and smile.
Their look was disrupted as they heard voices from the main office.
"Mum," Tonks admitted.
They both rose to their feet and walked through.
Hermione tensed as she found Cattermole standing facing Andromeda, who looked furious. The rest of her office stood around warily, watching and unsure whether to interject or not.
"Mr Cattermole, I understand you aren't supposed to be in my department at present, due to an ongoing complaint against me," Hermione said strongly.
He turned and looked at her. She noted the way his sight seemed to sweep over her whole body and the smile on his face as he did so. The smile wasn't malicious but made her uncomfortable with the look of admiration he showed.
"I believe, actually, you aren't to be in the same location as me. As such, if I'm here it would technically be you who is in the wrong."
"Incorrect. The terms of the complaints include that Miss Granger's workplace is designated out of bounds to you, due to the minimum distance required to be between the two of you and the nature of Miss Granger's work," Tonks said deadly serious.
Cattermole's smile slipped a little as his gaze fell on Nymphadora.
"I must insist you leave the office Mr Cattermole and please be assured that this incident will be included within the official complaint."
"Who exactly are you?" he ground out, his famously handsome visage turning a little bitter.
"Deputy Head Auror, Nymphadora Lupin. I'm the Auror who is charge of your current complaint. Now, if you could please remove yourself from the office."
Hermione stood and watched Tonks do her job. God she was hot when she was all serious and protective. For as much as she was one of the clumsiest people you'd ever meet, she knew her relevant legislation inside out. She took no nonsense and she was intimidating.
"Are you deaf Mr Cattermole?" Andromeda asked pointedly. "You are currently standing in an office with multiple witnesses while you show disrespect to the complaint which YOU put in, following Miss Granger refusing to kiss you. Perhaps you are merely stupid."
Hermione stayed quiet, knowing that to comment would simply be added to the file of the complaint. She could have hugged Andromeda for the comment though.
"Who are you to insult someone in my position as such!" he demanded, turning and squaring up to Andromeda.
"Andromeda Tonks of The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black and current holder of the Seat of the House of Black within the Wizengamot."
"And my mum," Tonks added simply, now twirling her wand around her fingers.
"And my friend and acquaintance," Hermione noted. "I believe that you have been asked to leave and are under orders to do so Mr Cattermole. Do I have to request that you are physically removed?"
Metaphorical steam came from his ears before he turned and stormed out of the office.
Tonks looked around the office. "If he turns up, the Auror department is to be asked to remove him straight away. Failing that, the Minister is to be asked to remove him. He is not to be alone with any female. That means that if there are two of you, Susan goes to get help. Understood?" She glowered around the office as everyone nodded quickly at her ire.
"Dora. I need to check you over, how are you feeling?" Andromeda stated.
"Fine," Tonks replied simply.
"Her Diagnostics have been over the minimum thresholds you provided," Hermione said openly. "You can use my office though, I have stuff to go through with my team anyway."
"Thank you," Andromeda said heartfelt. She cast a small smile to the Head of the Department.
0o0
Half an hour later, Hermione knocked on her office door and opened it, smiling as she found Mother and Daughter sitting relaxed, listening to the radio with a cupper in hand.
"Making yourselves at home?"
"Celebrating recovery from a very serious curse," Andromeda replied, casting a pointed look at her daughter who had taken the situation far too flippantly for her comfort.
"I've been cleared to sit at my desk upstairs. I have more paper work up there that apparently needs done as soon as possible."
"That's fine. I'm heading out anyway."
"Anywhere exciting?" Tonks asked, studying the younger witch as she gathered up a Muggle coat.
"Coffee shop. I'm taking my team out for a cupper somewhere we won't be disrupted and can speak a bit free-er. Sometimes it helps the creative juices."
Hermione missed the confusion at the phrase and walked the older Witches out to her office where they left with thanks and a lingering look from Tonks to Hermione.
0o0
Hermione opened the newest Memo to come into the office. What was written was almost illegible and she had a gut feeling she knew who it was from before she read it.
Hermione,
Looks like I'm going to be here until really late. I'm really sorry but I'll have to cancel our plans tonight.
Auror Lupin.
Hermione's heart sank at the note. Taking a deep breath, she tried to apply logic to the scenario that Tonks was Deputy Head Auror and had been off ill. It was a given that she would have a big pile of work in front of her, especially considering their last raid. Moving it from her mind, she reapplied her attention to the work in front of her.
0o0
Hermione opened the front door to Grimmauld Place with her wand firmly in her hand. She allowed an inch to see who it was before sighing and opening it up further.
She ignored Andromeda's raised eyebrows at her wariness as she let the Witch in and led her down to the kitchen.
"Andromeda," Fleur greeted the Witch as she descended. "I wasn't expecting you. Were we?" she questioned Hermione, trying to figure out if Andromeda was welcome or not.
"Nor you I," Andromeda said seriously. She looked around the kitchen which looked healthier than it had in years.
"The two volunteers are already in the basement," Hermione explained. "Do you want to go down and do any Diagnostics on them before the sun goes down?"
"'Ermione has already ran the basics. We 'ave a note of them here," Fleur pointed at the parchment pile in front of her.
"Will there be any offense if I run my own?" Andromeda asked gently, looking at the younger witch.
"No," she shook her head. "Any interest and help for the safety of the volunteers is entirely welcomed."
"You're nervous," Andromeda noted seriously. She watched Hermione fidget, which was very unlike her. Her wand tapped against her thigh and her weight went back and forth between her stationary feet providing a very small sway to her body.
Hermione nodded tightly.
"There is no need," Fleur said gently, walking up and rubbing her upper arms. "You are well prepared and you need to know what happens next. Come on, before the sun is down."
Hermione seemed to take confidence from the statement and nodded with purpose, heading towards the basement door.
She stood silently with Fleur, both of them absorbed in watching the pile of tests which Andromeda conducted. They were subtle and polite and respectful. For the purpose of the experiment, Hermione would need to know exactly what was run and monitored but she took comfort in the process before she wished the two men luck and warded them into the room.
"I thought Dora was coming?" Andromeda finally asked.
Hermione shook her head, "She's busy."
"Doing?" Andromeda asked.
"Work. Paper work apparently. She said she didn't get home until eleven last night trying to process the parchment for the arrests of those caught in the raid. She thought she would be later tonight. I thought she had a point about an additional level of security though so I spoke at length to Fleur and swore her to secrecy and she kindly came to help."
"It is a pleasure," Fleur said seriously, looking at them from the worktop where she made a fresh cup of coffee. "This could potentially change the lives of 'undreds. It is not hard to agree to come and provide an extra wand in exchange for reading over the research you 'ave done."
"You trust her?" Andromeda asked Hermione seriously. "You don't think she'll tell her husband?"
Hermione shrugged, "Bill has never ever told anyone about what happened in Shell Cottage during the war. Either he doesn't know and Fleur kept my confidence or he knows and he's excellent at keeping a secret. If he does know, he knows more than Harry and Ron and yet still treats me the same."
Fleur stood silent, neither admitting nor denying that she had told her husband the monstrosities she had helped heal during those gruesome and never ending days.
Andromeda studied the beautiful, French, Veela descendant and saw the pain and determination in her eyes and posture. There was definitely a story there.
"Why did you choose Dora?" Fleur asked, directing her question at Hermione. "Why did you trust 'er?"
Hermione sighed and relaxed back into the chair as Fleur passed over a cup of tea, prepared just how she liked it.
"It's a long story."
Fleur scoffed, "We 'ave the whole night."
Hermione focused on a wooden knot on the table for a long moment before looking directly into Fleur's perfect blue eyes.
"I guess the beginning of the story is that we're dating."
Fleur's eyes widened hilariously. "Zut alor." You could see her brain flying through the piece of information, processing it, before she nodded flippantly, "Well, I was struggling to see which man could be your equal. It makes sense it is a woman." She cocked her head to the side, studying the red cheeks of the younger Witch. "I never knew you preefered women."
"I don't. Just Tonks," Hermione mumbled, mortified at the conversation in front of Andromeda.
"Huh," Fleur shrugged in easy acceptance. Her facial expression morphed into a scowl. "I am mad that she is not 'ere then. If she is one of the few who knows, she should be supporting you. Especially since Draco cannot be 'ere."
"I know," Hermione took a comforting sip from her cup. "I feel awful that he can't be here but we aren't at the stage I'm happy to explain the details to Harry. Harry trusts me implicitly and I can't break that trust by inviting Draco to his home without his knowledge or consent. He'll be pacing the floor frantically all night though. At least his mum knows and can be supportive…in theory."
0o0
Hermione stood still as the Auror at the front gate of Malfoy Manor swept his wand across her, looking for…whatever they were looking for. They eventually took note of her wand and then allowed her onto the estate.
Walking down the central path to the front of the gigantic mansion she shuddered and tried to stop her mind wandering to past occasions of taking this route. She concentrated on her breathing, inhaling and exhaling slowly as you did with Muggle relaxation techniques.
"Granger!"
Her head snapped up to find a distraught, exhausted and pale Draco standing at the bottom of the Mansion steps.
Her face broke into a massive grin as she recalled the purpose of her visit. Taking off into a sprint towards him, she laughed freely and loudly as he caught her and twirled her around and around.
"It worked!" she yelled in celebration.
"Bloody brilliant!" The relief and excitement in Draco's voice were in equal measures. Setting her down on her feet, she beamed up at him, loving his carefree and delighted expression.
"Congratulations."
The quiet voice of Narcissa took her attention as she looked behind Draco to find the blonde standing on the top step of the imposing entrance.
Although she stood regally with her arms crossed and nose in the air, Hermione would have placed a small amount of money on the witch looking secretly happy at the news as a small smile played at the corners of her mouth.
Stepping away from Draco, she reached into her trusted extendable bag and took a moment before pulling out two items.
Walking slowly up the steps, she met the frosty grey eyes of the Lady of the house. Keeping her nerve, she held her hands out with her offering.
"They maybe aren't much," she said gently, "But they're the standard Muggle way of saying thank you to someone officially."
She watched Narcissa's eyes widen at the beautiful bouquet of summer flowers, filled with sunflowers, roses and large daisy like flowers. Her face openly showed a little more confusion at the box presented.
"They're chocolates. Swiss chocolates. Many believe the Swiss make the best and these types are seen as some of the nicest standard ones. You put one completely in your mouth and they melt through to a smooth and sensual middle. I hope you like them."
Narcissa swallowed, looking up into the brown eyes which still haunted her regularly in her sleep. Seeing only kindness and a little trepidation she smiled gently, willing her eyes to stay dry.
"Thank you. Very much."
"No, thank you. Without your help, I'm not convinced we would have succeeded last night."
She turned to find an emotional Draco.
"I need to get to work," she apologised.
"Am I okay to write to Astoria?" he begged.
"Definitely. Just tell her not to spread it around, please."
"Of course," he agreed quickly. "I have meetings all today but what about lunch tomorrow?"
"Sounds great," Hermione grinned, breaking into laughter again.
The two Malfoys watched with very rare and very genuine smiles as the Witch practically skipped out of their estate and apparated into thin air.
"She's really something quite special," Narcissa muttered.
"Yes mother, she certainly is." He put his arm around her and squeezed her into a soft hug. "Now, open up those chocolates and let me try one."
0o0
Hermione walked into work very tired but beaming from ear to ear.
"You look very happy this morning Hermione," Susan smiled back at her, finding the happiness contagious.
"I am."
"Good night?" Malcom teased.
"Very good night."
"Spent with your new man, perhaps?" Timothy, one of the other officers, noted with a grin on his face.
"No, actually. My other half was busy but something I've been working on for a long time made a big breakthrough. For the first time I got to share that information with my parents straight away. They're so proud that they want to take me and some others out for a special meal." She took a deep breath, getting quite emotional. "I know it's really different for those who are Magical born but Muggle born Witches and Wizards never really get these opportunities to share important times with their Muggle families and friends."
"It sounds wonderful, Hermione," Susan said gently, watching the expressions on the amazing Witch's face.
"It is," Hermione said with tears in her eyes. "However, I have a busy day ahead, including trying to butter the Minister up."
"Remind him that he demanded you work your first two days back from America to begin with," Malcom said. "Including your speech to the Wizengamot, which resulted in you requiring a non Ministry employee having to ensure you got home safely from!"
"Good points," Hermione nodded, deep in thought.
0o0
Hermione knocked on Harry's office door, watching as Tonks and Harry's heads broke apart from where they were bent over concentrating on some classified information on his desk.
"Hi 'Mione," Harry smiled gently. His hair was in his usual disarray as he reached behind his glasses and rubbed his eyes.
"Hi. I was wondering if I could get a quick word with you," she looked at Tonks.
"I'd love to but I'm totally snowed under," an exhausted looking Tonks replied.
"Okay. Are you free for dinner tomorrow?" Hermione asked hopefully.
"No," she sighed. "Working."
Hermione nodded, not looking Tonks in the eye as she directed her eyes at Harry.
"Are you free to look after Teddy tomorrow night?"
"Ummm. Yes," he shrugged, glancing at Tonks.
"Okay. Keep it free. I'll leave you to it."
Turning around, she ignored the hurt in her chest at Tonks quick dismissal and thought at least Andy would have the option to attend the dinner if she wanted. Next stop, Kingsley.
0o0
"Is Dora going?"
"No."
His face looked surprised.
"Harry?"
"No. No Aurors," she replied honestly.
"On purpose?" he asked warily.
"No. I asked Tonks but she's working again. Harry has nothing to do with the celebration. Either does Tonks but I invited her as my other half."
He frowned, his finger resting over his upper lip as he thought things through.
"Who will be attending, can you divulge that?"
"Invited are Draco, Astoria, Andromeda, Fleur, Bill, me and my parents. Narcissa is obviously the question."
"Will Andromeda attend if Narcissa does?" he asked very sceptically.
Hermione sighed, "I have no idea but Narcissa had very significant contributions to what we are celebrating and I don't think it is morally correct to ignore that. We will definitely be in the Muggle world…I mean, is it something you could discuss with her probation officer? Could it be seen as a positive introduction to the Muggle world? She is still wandless to my knowledge."
"She is," he nodded, smoothing his hand over his bald head. "Can you leave it with me, for my consideration?"
"Yes," Hermione nodded simply. "I appreciate you taking the time to consider it instead of giving me a straight no." Standing up, she turned to leave the Minister's office and was stopped by Kingsley.
"Hermione, is it coincidence that you are having this conversation with me a day after the full moon?" he asked gently.
She turned, seeing no malice but genuine compassion and curiosity in his eyes.
"As friend rather than Minister? And in total confidence?" she checked.
"Certainly," he nodded.
"We had a successful trial of a once a month Wolfsbane potion last night. Narcissa has been key to helping with the theory of the potion making, to help Draco and I. We started the work at Hogwarts so it's been a long time and lots of hours dedicated to it. If as successful as it appears to be, it would half the cost of the potion every month."
Kingsley's eyes widened.
"Hermione," he exhaled, leaning forward. "That's…I mean…wow."
She smiled widely at his wonderful response.
"That's phenomenal. I mean…I'm unsure revolutionary would be the correct term but what a huge piece of work and success. The biggest congratulations."
"Thank you, Kingsley. That means a lot."
0o0
Andromeda stood poker still. Her eyes flared back and forth but her expression never changed.
"I won't be offended if you don't want to attend. I would love if you did though."
Andromeda finally looked straight at her, one eyebrow raised. "You must have gotten Kingsley's consent?"
"Yes," she nodded. "I believe that he spoke to Narcissa's probation officer and someone in the Auror team who monitors the property and Malfoys. He was unsure because no Auror would be present but the probationer thought an introduction to Muggle London, without wand, would be a good idea."
"What do you mean, no Auror will be present?" she asked hotly.
"Just that. Tonks, Harry or Ron won't be there."
"I thought your said Astoria had been invited as Draco's other half?" she demanded.
"She has been. I invited Tonks but she's working," Hermione admitted a little quieter.
"Working?" Andromeda asked, eyebrows disappearing upwards.
Hermione nodded, unable to hide her disappointment from the seasoned Slytherin.
"I'll come but I'm not sitting next to Narcissa."
"Okay," Hermione agreed simply. "You can change your mind if you want but I'd be delighted if you come."
0o0
Hermione frowned as she felt someone enter her office. Looking up from her desk, she relaxed as she found Tonks standing in front of her desk fidgeting.
"Hey," Hermione smiled gently at her, realising how much she missed seeing the Auror over the last few days. "What are you doing down here?"
Tonks face fell to one of upset. "I'm such a shit girlfriend you don't even expect me to come and visit after the last few days, even when I work in the same building. I'm sorry."
Hermione's brow furrowed a little as she tried to make sense of Tonks' words.
"Bloody hell Love, I shouldn't need my mum and Kingsley to come and question why the fuck I'm not going to your celebration dinner after doing something that no one else in the history of Magic has managed before. Worse than that," she stated, starting to pace a little, "Is the fact that I said I'd come and help at Grimmauld Place and I totally forgot and broke my word. I don't break my word. I'm a bloody Hufflepuff and I couldn't even do something I promised I'd do, after you looked after me for two days with your adorable little worried frown."
Hermione sat back and watched as she walked over to a huge bunch of flowers. Picking up the card she huffed.
"Why is Fleur sending you flowers?" she moaned, turning and looking pleadingly at the younger Witch.
"To say congratulations," Hermione admitted gently. "When you couldn't make it I went to Shell Cottage and asked Fleur if she would come with me as back up."
"Let me guess, she was more than happy to," Tonks sighed.
"Yes," Hermione nodded.
Tonks looked her in the eye, "Hermione, it's groundbreaking work and something which will be written down in History books as magnificent. You are magnificent. I know you don't see it but anyone would be honoured to be asked to help you."
Hermione chuckled and shook her head. "I know plenty who wouldn't be fussed. Fleur…Fleur and I have a special relationship after the War. Your mum turned up too. It was actually really nice to sit and chat and relax all evening with the radio on. We had breakfast together with the volunteers and it was pretty special."
"Fuck!" Tonks burst out, rubbing her face to move tears from her eyes.
Hermione looked to the door as Susan's head snuck around, wand in her hand.
"Everything's fine thanks Susan," Hermione cast her a small but reassuring smile.
"Let me know if I can help," she offered gently, looking between them before heading out of the door.
Tonks waved at the door and wandlessly slammed it shut.
She turned and looked at Hermione, her shoulders dropped in defeat.
"I'm sorry. So, sorry."
"It's okay," Hermione said gently, meaning her words.
"It isn't. You deserve better. You wouldn't have forgotten the equivalent. You drop everything to help me with Teddy and I couldn't even commit when I said I would." She gulped, "Kingsley said I could have the evening off. Would it be possible to come with you for dinner?"
Hermione frowned sceptically, "Is this because he wants an Auror there?"
Tonks looked genuinely confused, tilting her head a little. "I don't know…why would he want an Auror there? I asked him though, when my mum tore me a new one for forgetting and saying I couldn't come tonight and being a shit human."
"You aren't a shit human, you're Deputy Auror in a Department which is very short of staff. There's a difference."
"You didn't answer about the Auror," Tonks pointed out. "Kingsley did seem a little relieved at my question though."
"Narcissa is coming," Hermione said steadily. "I requested a few hours break from house arrest and it was eventually granted, through her parole officer."
"And mum's going?!" Tonks exclaimed in disbelief.
Hermione nodded, "Yes."
Tonks stood, her hands opening and closing with nervous energy. Within two large strides, she was leaning over Hermione's desk and kissing her hard on the lips.
Her lips eased as Hermione started to return the kiss gently. They both relaxed into the moment, enjoying the feeling of being back with one another after a few days apart.
Tonks broke the kiss off softly, opening her eyes and looking straight at Hermione.
"I'm sorry. I'll try better. And congratulations. I knew you were phenomenal but at the moment you seem to be proving it weekly and it's getting hard to keep up with."
Her grin made Hermione blush and shove her back over her desk.
"In all seriousness. I'm in awe," Tonks admitted. "Where and when do I have to be tonight and does everyone going know we are together or not?"
0o0
"That's us back!" Hermione called through the house.
"Great stuff. That didn't take long!" her dad grinned as he walked through to pick up his blazer. "You must be Astoria. It's nice to meet you."
He offered his hand, smiling at the younger witch.
Hermione smirked, watching Astoria look as if she was caught in headlights.
"So, in the Muggle world, it's normal to be introduced by your first name rather than your title and surname. A standard greeting when meeting someone for the first time is to offer a handshake, although it can be seen as slightly formal. Dad was primed that you were used to more formal greetings, so he's offering you his hand to shake. It's seen as bad manners and a public slight to refuse to shake someone's hand."
"Oh!" Astoria's cheeks burst out bright red in embarrassment as she quickly took his hand.
"No harm done, Jean and I are always learning about your world too," her dad replied jovially. "I might need your help when it comes to Mrs Malfoy though, Hermione says I'm bound to offend even if I try my hardest."
Astoria tried to hide a smile. "I'll try and help, Sir."
"John's fine, none of this Sir thing. Now, JEAN, TIME TO GO!" he yelled. "Let's head out to the car and get ready to head. We don't want to be the last ones there!"
0o0
Hermione stood with her parents and Astoria at the reception area in the steak house. Astoria still looked shell shocked and pale following her first trip in a vehicle.
Hermione had took so much pity on the younger witch that she had taken her hand and allowed her to squeeze it tight as her dad drove, much slower than usual, to the car park near the restaurant.
Astoria had the common sense to stay quiet and observe customs as her dad gave the name of the booking and explained they were waiting for the rest of the party to arrive. She had followed in Hermione's stead and kept her coat with her, rather than hanging it up in the cloakroom.
Hermione grinned as the doors opened and Fleur and Bill came in. Both grinned as Hermione greeted them with a strong hug and the customary two kisses to the cheek for Fleur.
She smiled as she introduced them to her parents and Astoria, glad when they were mature about the Pure Blood's inclusion and greeted her politely.
"Thank you for the invitation," Bill smiled, hugging her around the shoulder.
"You're welcome. You should thank your wife for helping me though," she teased, nudging him.
"I also heard that she approves of your new beau," he winked.
Hermione blushed slightly as she smiled gently at the thought of Tonks. "I think she's pretty great," Hermione muttered quietly, receiving a squeeze of her shoulders.
They turned as the door opened and two blondes walked in. Although still with straight backs, heads held high and pure blood poise, there was a slight trepidation in their entrance when you looked closely.
She grinned widely as Draco saw Astoria for the first time and broke into a genuine grin.
"I never knew you were coming," he admitted, walking directly to her and kissing her cheek.
"Draco, manners," Narcissa muttered embarrassed.
"Sorry mother," he nodded, "Please excuse me Mr and Mrs Granger, I was just so happy to see Astoria here I forgot to welcome you first."
"I'd be pretty miffed if you'd not said hello to your girlfriend before us," Jean laughed. "Don't you worry. And you must be Mrs Malfoy, it's nice to put a face to the name."
Narcissa smiled a little awkwardly at the greeting, "Thank you for the invitation." She turned straight to Hermione, "Thank you so much for inviting me and organising it."
"You were integral to our success so far, it was only fair you joined us."
Hermione looked the woman in the eye as she said so, hoping that she could see her sincerity.
They both turned as the front door to the restaurant opened once more and Tonks entered carrying an almost sleeping Teddy. Andromeda followed, looking back out of the door before closing it behind them.
"Teddy! What a wonderful surprise!" John beamed, watching the group come in. "Can I get a hug?"
Hermione watched with a warm heart as John picked Teddy from Tonks and gave him a hug. She caught his eyes as he wiggled his eyebrows "Nice and light," he muttered, referencing the feather light charm currently placed on the boy.
"Sorry," Tonks apologised, heading towards her. "He wouldn't settle for Harry and then Harry got called in."
"It's lovely to see him. Mum and dad are so happy," Hermione reassured her.
Hermione relaxed a little as Tonks hugged her tightly. Pulling back, she looked her in the eye.
"Thank you for still coming. It would have been easy not to have bothered and stayed at home," Hermione added.
"And never hear the end of it from Bill when he describes how good the steak is?" Tonks teased, turning and smiling at the eldest Weasley.
Hermione hugged Andromeda tightly, thanking her for coming.
"I can take Teddy home?" she asked quietly.
"No," Hermione shook her head adamantly.
"Hermione, he's fallen asleep," her dad said quietly, looking at the two year old who was wearing a hat and had his cheek resting on his shoulder as he slept.
"We have next door's buggy in the boot. Go and nip and get it and he can sleep in it at the table," Jean ordered.
Andromeda and Narcissa stayed at the opposite end of the party the whole evening although Hermione noted they smiled at most of the same thing.
She sat between Tonks and her mum, trying to resist holding Tonks hands but wishing she knew whether to be more open with their relationship or not. She found herself looking at her frequently, laughing at her cutting comments to Draco and admiring how damn beautiful she was, even with chestnut brown hair rather than her usual more colourful locks.
She knew Tonks was clever but she loved hearing her explain things and understand Muggle customs just as Wizarding ones. The Auror was relaxed in her surroundings but knew exactly what was going on and when.
0o0
Hermione drove them home since her mum and dad had both had some red wine with their steaks. She couldn't stop smiling at how lovely the evening had been.
"Narcissa seemed nicer than I thought she'd be. She thanked us again at the end for inviting her," Jean noted.
"I haven't really figured her out, to be honest, but I'm keen to try and treat her with respect while she does the same. She's far from stupid and has a real insight into potions."
"You did well Dear," her dad confirmed. "We're so proud and so happy we can celebrate this with you."
"Thanks," she smiled, tears in her eyes as she kept her eyes on the road. "It feels so good to be able to share it with you but also to share the Muggle world with them too."
"Did you see Bill's face when he ate the steak?" John laughed. "Best steak he's ever had. You might manage to convert them yet."
Pulling into the garage, they made their way into the house.
"You popping over to see Tonks?" Jean asked her quietly, causing her to pause and look at her parents. "I just thought you'd want to go and say night to her. You both seemed a bit unsure of how to act at the restaurant."
Hermione nodded quietly, "I think if Teddy hadn't been there it would have been easier but I'm not sure how she wants to act."
"Go and give her a kiss night. Let us know if you're staying over. The fact that we didn't catch her giving you a kiss was enough for me to worry," she teased.
Hermione walked over and hugged her mum. "I love you."
"I love you too. Very much."
0o0
Hermione stood nervously on the door step of the cottage, waiting for the door to be answered.
She drew a breath as the door opened slightly before Tonks viewed her and opened it further.
"Where were you tonight?" Tonks asked, her wand poised against her thigh.
"Miller and Carter with you. My mum suggested I come and give you a good night kiss since she didn't catch us kissing for once."
Tonks laughed lightly, standing to the side to allow her girlfriend in. Hermione waited until the door closed before she placed her hands on Tonks' shoulders and kissed her. It was soft and lingering until she flicked her tongue out and deepened the kiss.
It was languid and sensual and exactly what the two women needed after a stressful few days.
Pulling back slowly, Hermione looked into Tonks' eyes and inhaled her scent. Tonight she had designer perfume slightly masking her outdoors smell and it was a completely intoxicating mix.
"A better way to say goodnight," Hermione muttered. As her eyes fell to Tonks' lips, she found herself leaning in and kissing her once more.
Tonks hands found purchase on her waist before they moved around her waist and held her closer as they deepened the kiss.
"Are you staying the night?" Tonks asked hopefully.
"I don't want to confused Teddy," Hermione worried, glancing up at the ceiling where she knew the small boy was sleeping.
"We can say you're around for breakfast or we can set the alarm early," Tonks suggested trying to keep her tone light. Hermione looked at her, seeing the hope in her face and the apprehension of the answer to come.
"I don't have pyjamas with me," Hermione admitted. "Nor clothes for tomorrow. I'll have to go home early and get ready for work."
"You don't have to wear pyjamas," Tonks smirked.
Hermione blushed but smiled, bringing out her wand. Tonks watched as Hermione effortlessly cast Expecto Petronum and sent a message home to her parents.
Hermione's breath staggered as Tonks' hand crept under her knee length skirt, moving up the back of her thigh and resting on her bum.
"More lace?" Tonks asked, her voice husky.
"Are you complaining?"
"No. I've been eyeing up your legs all night though," Tonks admitted with a grin. "How are they so toned?"
"I go running a few times a week," Hermione admitted. "What's your excuse?"
"Auror business keeps me fit."
"Very fit," Hermione agreed, running her hands up over Tonks' flat stomach.
"And I can change my shape to suit," Tonks muttered, staring at Hermione's lips and then hands which were slowly moving up over her rib cages. Tonks moaned when Hermione's thumb flicked out and ran along the underside of her breast. Grabbing her bum, she pulled her body flush and kissed her passionately.
Mid kiss Hermione found herself squeezed through a smarties tube and landing shocked in Tonks' bedroom while getting her jacket pulled off.
The pace quickened as they rushed to get each other's clothes off. There was a little pause and laughter as they both struggled to free each others bra clasp with one hand before they were rolling around on the bed with only their knickers on.
Hermione's head fell back and moaned as the Auror's lips left open mouthed kisses on her flat stomach. She looked up in a slight panic as Tonks' mouth descended down over her belly button and her tongue flicked out and licked along the waist band of her lace knickers.
"Relax," Tonks muttered, moving down over her lace and breathing over her entrance. Hermione squirmed, never having been particularly comfortable with oral sex. As Tonks muttered relax once more, she allowed the older witch to slowly peel her underwear down her legs before running her warm, flat and wet tongue up her dripping slit.
Hermione gasped loudly, groaning as Tonks quickly started to pleasure her with great attention to detail. She had never, ever felt like this and threading her fingers through Tonks hair, feeling her hair shorten while she was holding it, she took barely any time before she came with the Auror's name on her lips.
By the time she had her breath back, she opened her eyes to find Tonks leaning on one elbow and looking lovingly down at her.
"Is there anything you can't do Nymphadora?" Hermione asked honestly. Reaching up, she cupped Tonks' cheek and leaned up, kissing her softly.
Kissing her a second time, her hand slipped down to find purchase on her breast, kneading it slowly while flicking the nipple.
"Feels so good," Tonks whispered sharply.
"Good," Hermione muttered, kissing down her neck and spending particular attention on the sensitive spot which made her girlfriend squirm.
0o0