The War was over. It was finally over; all the battles and fighting were done, and the Wizarding World was now starting anew. They worked together to rebuild the many buildings and homes that had been destroyed over the course of the Second Wizarding War. Families were finally allowed to grieve for the loved ones that they had lost. There was hope again. Hope for a new era for the Wizarding community and one that could continue for many years to come.

There was one person in particular who had never lost hope, even though it seemed like there were times were all hope was lost and the evil had won, but she stuck to her roots, she knew the day would come when they would all be free again. It was Molly Weasley. Molly had been through a lot in her time, she managed to survive two wars, when really no one should even have to be in a War in the first place and she was thankful to still have all her children beside her. There had been too many close calls, Ron almost being killed every single year in school, Ginny being taken hostage into the Chamber of Secrets, Arthur almost dying because of the horrid snake Nagini, Bill being scarred and turned by Fenrir, George losing his ear and then Fred almost being crushed by that wall. Molly didn't know how her heart had handled all that stress and fear. She could have been left with no family and then what would she have done?

But there were two very important people now in her family, one that she would always remember as being the small, thin and messy haired boy lost on his way to try find the Hogwarts Express, and the slightly taller, bushy haired brightest witch of her age. Harry and Hermione. Even though Harry got himself into some dangerous situations and endangered himself along with a lot of his friends, his heart was in the right place.

And even though Molly knew that the two were always going to be part of her family (it was only a matter of time before Ginny and Harry married. She could also see the way Hermione and Charlie were looking at each other, she was making that her new match making mission), there had been something Molly had wanted to do for the both of them for a while, and tonight was finally the night.

It was Harry's eighteenth birthday party tonight, and Molly had a special present both for Hermione and himself. She had of course gotten her family in on the plan, Ginny was to distract Harry for as long as she could (which was hardly a problem as Harry could not take his eyes off of her daughter...which also reminded her to have the 'talk' with both of them in the near future). While Charlie was to distract Hermione, Molly peaked her head through her door and seen everyone was more than occupied. Charlie was holding Hermione's attention with a large, ruby red book and Hermione was hanging on his every word.

Ginny and Harry were snuggled in the corner having a hushed conversation of their own while a protective looking Ron hovered nearby. Molly smiled to herself before gesturing to both Fred and George to come into the kitchen

"Is it time?" Fred questioned

"Please say it's time, I don't think I've ever been more excited to give a present rather then be given a present" George grinned

"Hush both you" Molly whispered but couldn't keep the smile off of her face, she vividly remembered holding the family meeting about these particular gifts and everyone was in agreement almost immediately. Harry and Hermione were very special to the Weasley Family and it was time for them to be honoured. "But yes it's time, Fred I want you to take this tray of Firewhiskey and make sure everyone has a glass"

Fred nodded, he took the tray from his Mother and stood up extremely straight to give the impression he was a very stuffy waiter. "Why yes Ma'am, right away Ma'am" He winked before disappearing into the living room once more.

Molly allowed herself to let out a small giggle, although she had often been disapproving of the Twins pranks and antics in the past and especially during their Hogwarts years, but she wouldn't change them for the world and she did quite love their jokes, they could be exceptionally funny.

"Now George, you take Harry's cake and I beg you don't drop it please, this is such a special night I want it to be perfect"

George nodded, truth be told he was definitely going to try pull a good old fashioned cake in the face prank on Harry, but going by the emotional look on his Mother's face, tonight was definitely not the right night to pull that stunt. So he willingly took the cake from his Mother and followed Fred back into the living room.

Molly grabbed the two wooden boxes from the table and made her own way to join the party. "Terribly sorry everyone, I just wanted to make sure everything was absolutely perfect for the party" She smiled

"Thank you for having us Mrs Weasley, dinner was lovely as always" Hermione smiled, she felt a small nudge against her hand, she glanced down and seen Charlie's fingers slowly wrapping around her own, she felt her cheeks begin to flush as she tried to fight the excitement off her face and not give away anything to Mrs Weasley, she knows she would be playing match maker in an instant.

"Oh Hermione dear, how many times do I have to tell you dear, please call me Molly"

Hermione smiled and nodded.

"Now, Harry, blow out your candles" Molly urged

Harry chuckled at her insistence, but he knew never to deny Mrs Weasley a request, so he leant down, closed his eyes to make a silent wish and blew out his candles. His own cheeks flushing red as the room burst into applause and he received numerous slaps on the backs from the men in the family.

"Another of age Wizard in the family! How wonderful" Molly cried, pulling Harry into a tight embrace as she let out a few sobs

"But Mum, Harry's already of age" Ginny mused

"Well, his 17th birthday didn't quite count did it? Death Eaters crashed the wedding and then we couldn't celebrate as they had to disappear and then fight Voldemort. So think of this as your coming of age birthday now" Molly smiled

"Thank you Mrs--Molly" Harry beamed, a rush of emotions hitting him at once, the Weasley's were his family and always would be. He didn't know what would have happened to him if he hadn't of met them on that fateful day of September 1st as he tried to find the platform. But he was grateful that he did, know he had a wonderful family and great friends. He knew his Mum and Dad would be proud that he found such a loving family.

"Now, I hope you don't mind but we have one final gift for you" Molly handed him the wooden box and placed it into his hand. "And we also have one for Hermione"

Hermione's eyes widened as Molly placed a similar looking box into her own hands. "Oh Molly, I couldn't possibly. It's Harry's Day and..."

"Oh Hermione" Harry chuckled, "You know how I am with attention, I'd love to share it with you than have it all on myself"

Hermione laughed but agreed. "Fine, fine"

They both went to open the box but were stopped by Mrs Weasley. "Just a moment dears, I wanted to say a few words to you both" She smiled while Arthur and their children stood around them.

Molly's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she looked at Harry and Hermione, her voice soft yet carrying the weight of her emotions.

"I remember the first time I saw you both. Harry, you were so small and lost, and Hermione, you were so eager and bright. Over the years, you've both become such an integral part of our family. You've shared in our joys, our sorrows, and you've fought alongside us. You've faced unimaginable horrors and yet, here you stand, stronger than ever. This isn't just a gift, it's a symbol of our gratitude, our love, and our pride in you both."

Harry and Hermione exchanged a glance, their hearts full of the love and warmth that Molly's words had evoked.

"Thank you, Molly," Hermione said, her voice thick with emotion. "You've always made us feel like family."

Molly nodded, her eyes glistening. "Because you are family, Hermione. Both of you are."

With a nod from Arthur, Fred and George, who were standing nearby, encouraged Harry and Hermione to open the boxes.

"Go on, open them," George urged, his voice filled with excitement.

Harry and Hermione carefully lifted the lids of their boxes, their eyes widening in surprise as they took in the contents. Inside Harry's box was a beautifully crafted pocket watch, engraved with the words, "For our son, who found his way home." Hermione's box held a delicate locket, inscribed with the words, "For our daughter, who brought us light."

Hermione's fingers trembled as she lifted the locket, her eyes misting over. "It's beautiful," she whispered, touched beyond words.

Harry, too, was overwhelmed by the sentiment behind the gift. He turned the watch over in his hands, his heart swelling with gratitude. "I don't know what to say," he admitted, his voice choked with emotion.

"You don't have to say anything, Harry," Arthur said gently. "Just know that we love you both, and we're so proud of everything you've accomplished. You've both been through so much, and yet you've come out stronger. These gifts are just a small token of how much you mean to us."

The room fell silent for a moment, everyone deeply moved by the scene. Then, with a beaming smile, Fred clapped his hands together.

"Alright, enough with the waterworks," he declared, his voice breaking the emotional tension. "Time for a toast!"

Everyone laughed, the mood lightening once more. Fred handed out glasses of Firewhiskey, ensuring that everyone had one.

"To Harry and Hermione," Fred said, raising his glass high. "Two of the bravest, most wonderful people we know. You've faced more than anyone should ever have to, and you've come through it all with your hearts intact. Here's to new beginnings and a future filled with hope, love, and happiness."

"Hear, hear!" the rest of the family echoed, raising their glasses in a unified toast.

Harry and Hermione clinked their glasses with the others, their hearts filled with warmth and affection. As the evening wore on, they laughed, reminisced, and celebrated not just Harry's birthday, but the love and unity that had brought them all together.

Later, as the party began to wind down and the stars twinkled brightly in the night sky, Hermione found herself standing on the porch, the cool night air refreshing against her skin. Charlie joined her, leaning against the railing, his presence comforting.

"That was a beautiful speech," he said, his voice soft. "Mum's really something, isn't she?"

Hermione nodded, her eyes still shining with tears. "She is. I feel so lucky to be a part of this family."

Charlie smiled, his gaze warm and steady. "We're the lucky ones, Hermione. You've brought so much to our lives. I know I'm not the only one who thinks so."

Hermione's cheeks flushed slightly, and she glanced down at the locket around her neck. "Thank you, Charlie. That means a lot to me."

They stood in companionable silence for a moment, the sounds of the party drifting out to them. Then Charlie spoke again, his voice filled with a quiet intensity.

"Hermione, I know we haven't had much time to talk about... us. But I want you to know that I care about you deeply. Whatever the future holds, I'm here for you."

Hermione looked up at him, her heart swelling with affection. "I care about you too, Charlie. And I want to see where this goes. One step at a time, right?"

Charlie's smile was tender as he reached out to take her hand. "One step at a time," he agreed.

As they stood together, watching the stars, Hermione felt a sense of peace and hope for the future. The war was over, but their lives were just beginning. With love and family by their side, they were ready to face whatever came next, together.