So don't look at me. You got a girl at home.
And everybody knows that everybody knows that, ah-ah
Don't look at me. You got a girl at home.
And everybody knows that everybody knows that.
I see you turn off your phone.
And now you got me alone, and I say
Don't look at me. You got a girl at home.
And everybody knows that, everybody knows that

~ Girl at Home by Taylor Swift

*~*~* December 29, 2000 *~*~*

Harry started to say something as Hermione's phone rang. Pulling it out of her pocket, she looked at it and frowned when she saw it was Ron. "It's Ron. Hey Ron," Hermione answered.

"Hermione, you and Harry need to come home. Andromeda is in St. Mungos," Ron told her.

Hermione gasped as she looked at Harry, "What's wrong with Andromeda?"

"Kingsley went to check on her because he hadn't heard from her today and heard Teddy crying. He broke through the wards and found her passed out in the kitchen. She hit her head, and they are running tests. She has some illness. Scrofungulus is being mentioned," Ron whispered.

Hermione looked at Harry wide-eyed, "We will be there as soon as possible. Keep us updated," Hermione said as she grabbed Harry's hand and stood up.

Ron hung up, and Hermione shoved her phone into her purse. "How do you think would be the fastest way to get home?"

"Hermione, wait. Take a breath," Harry said, grabbing her arms, "What is this illness, and how bad is it?"

Hermione swallowed hard, looking into his eyes, "It's bad, Harry. Depending on how bad it has affected her, it could kill her."

"Shit, Teddy. Let's go," Harry said, taking her hand again.

*~*~* December 30, 2000 *~*~*

Landing at the apparition point in London nearest to St. Mungos, Harry did not drop her hand as they started walking towards the looming building in the immediate distance with a wand and a bone crossed. The weather reflected their moods; it was cold, rainy, and gloomy outside, and they made it to the front doors of the brick hospital.

Hermione felt a wave of disappointment as they ignored the animated dummy. Harry dropped her hand to open the door for her, and then she led him inside the hospital. Walking up to the visitor's desk, the Welcome Witch in charge glanced up and gasped as she noticed who was in front of her. "I need to know where Andromeda Tonks' room is, please," Hermione informed her.

"Ms. Granger, are you…" The witch said as Harry appeared next to her, "Mr. Potter! I… hello," She said flustered.

"Excuse us, we don't have time to delay. Where is Andromeda Tonks' room?" Harry asked.

Hermione looked around at the waiting area, thankful it was less filled than when they had come to see Mr. Weasley. Healers in their lime green robes were going between patients asking questions.

"Of course, sir," She stuttered as she pressed her wand to the book before her, "Second floor, Magical Bugs. They will be able to give you the specific room upstairs."

"Thank you," Hermione said, subconsciously grabbing Harry's hand and running towards the stairs. The murmuring started.

Running up the stairs, Harry opened the door for us. Once they made it to the second floor, they immediately saw a collection of redheads behind the team of Aurors.

"Is she okay?" Harry asked as he and Hermione came through the doors.

Mr. Weasley turned towards them, "Harry, Hermione, you made it. She is being treated. Kingsley found her in time, thankfully, but we do not know the extent that she is afflicted."

"Can we see her?" Harry asked as Mr. Weasley hugged Hermione.

Hermione turned to him sadly, "Harry, it is an extremely infectious disease," Hermione explained as she looked at Arthur, "Was Teddy tested?"

Arthur smiled, "He was negative. They are unsure of the origins of Andromeda's infection. Still, Kingsley stated to the Healer that Andromeda had been cleaning the attic at Grimmauld Place. Some specialty Aurors were sent to investigate it."

Harry ran his hand over his face, "We never finished the attic."

"Good thing you didn't," Kingsley's deep voice stated as he walked over to them with his protective unit lingering behind him, "She knew what she had been exposed to and locked herself in a protective bubble to protect Teddy. Her owl came to me without a letter, or I would not have made it to her in time. Thankfully, it has spread to her neck and chest only. They are assisting her breathing, but she was able to be treated in time." Kingsley shook Harry's hand and hugged Hermione, "You both look tan."

"We just left Florida," Hermione explained, "Walt Disney World in Florida has a magical area. Seeing how they incorporated magic into the rides and the park."

Kingsley nodded, "Will you two follow me? I have some business that I need to speak with the two of you about."

Hermione frowned as Harry followed him and with a glance at Ron. Following behind Kingsley, Harry, and the Aurors, Kingsley opened a door and led everyone inside. "Have a seat," Kingsley stated, pointing at the table.

Harry and Hermione sat down, and Kinglsey sat next to them, "Did you both know that you are listed as Teddy's godparents?"

Hermione put her hand to her mouth as she gasped as Harry looked at him confused, "Yes. Why does that matter right now."

Hermione grabbed Harry's hand, "It's bad, isn't it?" Hermione asked Kingsley.

"It has started to attack her heart. The healers are optimistic that it won't kill her. That I found her in time, but she will be very weak for a long time," Kingsley stated, "I wish I could wait until she wakes up, but with Teddy, decisions must be made."

Hermione swallowed as she looked at Harry, "Could we bring him back to New York with us?"

Kingsley nodded, "I can push it through for you for emergency custody. We are lucky that Remus and Dora put the paperwork in stating both of you are godparents and that emergency custody was approved. It will be a lot to take on, so I want you both to really consider the implications of this."

Harry frowned, "If Andromeda would be okay with it, of course, we will take Teddy." Harry looked at Hermione, "We finish this semester, and we will move back?"

Hermione nodded, "We will come home every month so she can see him."

Kingsley looked at them, "Andromeda will be here for probably a month, if not longer. After that, she must be cared for until she is strong enough. She won't be able to take care of Teddy."

Harry sat back, "I'll find out what we have to do for the university."

Kingsley shook his head, "Someone from the Ministry is already in the process of contacting the housing department on your behalf. I knew you two would accept. I just needed confirmation. The Department of Children's Welfare will cover his child care while you are in school."

Hermione bit her lip as she looked at Harry, "I'm quitting the library."

"No! Hermione, you love it there. I'll quit the restaurant. Bussing tables is less important than he is. I have the money in my vaults. I just was lazy and didn't want to exchange it at Gringotts downtown," Harry told her as he looked at Kingsley, "When could we take him back with us?"

"Within the week. I am hoping that she wakes before that. They could set up a Quarantine bubble around her bed if she wakes so we can tell her, and she can see him. When do your classes start back up?" Kingsley asked.

"The 8th," Harry said as he glanced at Hermione, who nodded, "Would the process be able to be completed so we can take him with us by then?"

Kingsley nodded, "That is why I already started the process for you both. It helps that you filed for the civil partnership last year. It will make the process much easier."

"At least that paid off here, too," Harry said, running his hand over his face, "Where is Teddy?"

"At the Burrow," Kingsley told them, "As soon as he got a clean bill of health, he stayed overnight at Molly and Arthur's."

Hermione stepped through the floo and nearly ran into Harry as Teddy ran as fast as his little legs would take him into Harry's arms.

"Harry, Hermione, it is so good to see you both," Molly said as she walked over and hugged Hermione. Harry then gave her a side hug, holding Teddy on his hip.

"We are so sorry we didn't come home for Christmas, Molly," Harry told her as he rubbed Teddy's back, "It's just so hard being here anymore with the press."

"I understand, Harry," Molly told him as she pulled her dressing gown closer, "We were just about to head to bed. Have you two eaten?"

"Honestly, I just want to crash," Harry told her as he looked at Hermione, who nodded as Ron came out of the fireplace after it had glowed.

"Teddy is in Fred and George's old room. Ron still has the other bed in his room that you can sleep in. Hermione, Ginny won't be home tonight, so you can sleep in her room," Molly told them.

"Thank you, Molly. We have it from here. Go get some rest," Hermione said as Teddy reached for her. She took him from Harry, and he curled his little fist in her hair before closing his eyes on her shoulder.

"Goodnight," Molly said with a smile as she climbed the stairs.

After Hermione had put Teddy down in Fred and George's old room, which had become the nursery, she walked down the stairs to find Ron and Harry huddled together.

"You two think you can do this yourselves?" Ron asked, sitting back against the couch. He glanced back to see her, "Go off to New York with no support and raise him?"

"Yeah, I do," Harry said as Hermione walked over and sat down next to Ron. "Hermione and I have already discussed it, and she will put Teddy in her room. He is still sleeping in a crib. We will finish my sophomore year and her undergraduate year and then transfer to NYU here in London or go to Cambridge. They started a Wizarding college here this semester and even contacted me to get us to switch here for the Fall. I think they had a little pressure from the press that we had no options here, so we had to go to the States," Harry said as he handed Hermione a glass of wine.

"Thanks," Hermione said as she sipped, "I just have to ensure my coursework will translate here. Harry's will apply, and they ensured that when they started the wizarding university. We just weren't ready to come back."

"Not a lot has changed since you both left. The press still follows me and Ginny," Ron informed them.

Hermione sighed as she set her wine glass on the table, "One of our friends in public relations had an idea for that, too. We will play it by ear when the time comes. We have five months until the semester ends. Depending on Andromeda's condition, we will make our plans then. Until then, he will come with us to New York. We will come back every month with him so she can see him. I talked to a healer, and they suggested enchanting him to sleep, traveling, and waking him up until he is about four years old."

Harry frowned, "I didn't even think about that. I'm glad you asked."

"Well, at least the two of you will be back for New Year's Eve," Ron stated as Harry groaned, "What?"

"I forgot about John's New Year's Eve party. I need to call Josh," Harry said as he got up.

Hermione took another sip of her wine and looked at Ron, who was frowning, "What's wrong?"

"You two have this whole life that I know nothing about there," Ron said sadly.

Hermione grabbed his hand in hers, "No matter what happened between us, you will always be our best friend. When the time comes, my kids must know their Uncle Ron."

Ron hugged her, "I've missed you so much, Hermione."

*~*~* January 3, 2001 *~*~*

When the back door opened, Hermione stood in the kitchen at her parents' house, cutting strawberries up for Teddy. She glanced at Ginny, following Harry into the house, "Hey Ginny."

Ginny stopped and stared at her, "You cut your hair!"

Hermione laughed, "No one else has noticed it. Yeah, do you like it?"

"I do," Ginny said as she walked over to her, "It looks really nice on you."

"Thank you," Hermione said as she set the strawberries on Teddy's tray, and he started eating them.

Harry walked over to Teddy and kissed his head, "Eating your strawberries, Teddy Bear?"

"Stawberry good," Teddy said with a big smile, holding one out.

Harry took the bite from his hand, "You've always loved them. Hmmm, peanut butter and jelly was first?" Harry asked Hermione, licking a spot of peanut butter off his lip.

"Yep," Hermione said as she dried her hands, "Now that you are back, I'm going to shower. That is his second helping of strawberries; don't let him con you into more, Harry James."

"Got it," Harry said as he sat at the table and looked at Ginny, "Want to watch some telly?"

Ginny sat at the kitchen table, "Are you two really doing this, Harry?"

Harry frowned, "Doing what?"

"Taking the responsibility on to raise him," Ginny said quietly, "You don't have to do it."

Harry sat back, "Yes, we do, Andromeda is ill, Ginny. She can't take care of him."

"But you don't have to take him with you over there. What will you two do? Switch days off on who cares for him?" Ginny asked.

Harry stared at her, "Hermione and I live together, Ginny. Teddy will stay in her room."

Ginny sat back, eyes wide, "What do you mean you and Hermione live together? She has her own dorm."

"Not this semester. I have one room, and she has another in our dorm. I don't live with Josh in that dorm anymore. Last summer, we had to pack that one up," Harry told her.

"Why didn't you tell me that?" Ginny hissed.

"I didn't think I had to," Harry told her, "You haven't come to visit this semester. You've been busy traveling with the team to events and parties."

"That is my job," Ginny said as she stood up.

Harry stood up and looked at her, "Well, I'm trying to better my life by getting an education, and yes, it was easier for Hermione and me to get a dorm together. It is good too because now Teddy will be with us," Harry told her, "I don't know what you want from me, Gin."

"I don't know either," Ginny said as she turned and disappeared.

Teddy laughed, "Bye!"

Harry wilted into his seat and looked at Teddy, "Sorry you had to see that, Teddy."

Ten minutes later, Hermione came down the stairs with her hair wrapped up in her silk cap to see Harry watching a Disney movie with Teddy, "Where is Ginny?"

"We had an argument," Harry said as he glanced up at her, "She told me she didn't understand why I had to take on the responsibility of Teddy."

Hermione frowned as she sat down on the other side of Teddy, who was lying on Harry's chest, "I don't understand. Where else would he go?"

"Exactly!" Harry said as Teddy snuggled further into his side, "Sorry, Teddy Bear," Harry kissed the top of Teddy's black hair and sighed, "Well, at least he has better control of his abilities now."

"Last month, Andromeda said he sticks to this color all the time now unless he is sleeping, and it goes sandy brown," Harry told her, rubbing Teddy's back.

Hermione smiled as she reached over and ran her fingers through his curly hair, "Notice what he looks the most like?"

"Us," Harry said as Teddy reached up and covered his mouth.

"Shhh!" Teddy said, "I tant hear Ariel."

Hermione giggled as her mobile rang, and she got up. Not looking, she answered, "Hello?"

"Hello, Hermione," Andromeda said weakly on the other side.

Hermione gasped, "Andromeda, how are you?"

"I've been better. I'm awake. I hear Teddy is with you both," Andromeda said as Harry told Teddy that he and Hermione were just going to the kitchen to stay there watching.

Hermione led him to the kitchen and turned on the speakerphone, "You have both me and Harry. Yes, Teddy is here."

"I can't believe," Andromeda coughed, "That I got exposed to the toxin."

"I'm just glad Kingsley found you in time," Harry told her, "How are you feeling?"

"Like shite," Andromeda told him, "It," She went into a coughing fit, "It's hard to breathe and I have a horrible headache." She took a moment, "My whole body just feels foreign."

"Don't worry about Teddy, okay? We have him. Did Kingsley tell you the plan?" Hermione asked her, "Are you okay with it?"

"I'm going to be here for a while. They are trying to flush it out of my system," Andromeda explained as she coughed more, "Take him with you."

"We will call you every night, and we will come back to London every month," Hermione told her, "Do you feel up to talking to Teddy?"

"Yes, I want him to know I'm okay," Andromeda told her.

Hermione entered the family room and paused the VCR, "Teddy, sweetheart, I have Nana on the phone."

"Nana!" Teddy yelled with a huge smile.

"Hi, my precious boy. Nana is okay," Andromeda told him as she coughed, "But I'm sick, so you are going to stay with Harry and Hermione for a while."

Teddy frowned, "Not home?"

"No, you are going on an adventure," Andromeda coughed, "I'll see you when they bring you home."

Teddy looked at Harry and Hermione, "We go have fun?"

"We will have so much fun," Hermione told him.

"Okay," Teddy said.

"We will call Nana every night before dinner so you can talk to her," Hermione told him.

"Okay, Nana, I watch Ariel," Teddy told her as he looked at Harry, "Ariel, Harwy."

Harry leaned over and hit the play button, "I think he is okay with it, Andromeda."

"Good, I will have to let you two go now. I'm tired," Andromeda told them.

"Go, rest. We leave tomorrow, but we will try to call tomorrow before we do," Hermione told her.

"Thank you both," Andromeda said as she hung up.

Hermione laid her head on Harry's shoulder, "At least she is okay."

Harry put his arm around her, "Thank goodness for that."

*~*~* January 4, 2001 *~*~*

Hoisting a still-sleeping Teddy onto his hip, Harry looked back at Hermione, "You got everything?"

Hermione shrunk their bags back down after enlarging them at MACUSA's customs, "Got it. We can wake him up."

"I did when you were in customs, then he fell back asleep," Harry said with a laugh, "We might want to take the ME the one-stop so we don't have to apparate with him."

"Probably a good idea," Hermione stated.

After a short ride on the Magical Express, they walked past the new location of W3s, "George will be here this month to work on setting up the shop," Harry informed her, "He said he was fine sleeping on our couch."

"That's fine," Hermione told him as they crossed the road, and Teddy jumped when a car honked, "It's okay, Teddy Bear, it was just a car."

Entering their building, they rode the lift up to their floor, and Hermione took her key out to unlock their door.

"Welcome to our home, Teddy," Harry said as he set him down.

Hermione took her bag out and enlarged it to pull out all their bags, "I'm going to set his bedroom up. Call Josh and see if he wants to go to the park with you two or something."

"Good idea," Harry said as he pulled his mobile out of his pocket to call Josh.

Hermione was setting Teddy's crib up when there was a knock at their door. Walking back into the main area, she opened the door, "Hey Julia. Come in."

"I ran into Harry and Josh as they were heading out with the cutest little boy. So you and Harry are in charge of your godson for a while," Julia stated as she followed Hermione into the second bedroom.

Hermione smiled, "Yeah, his Grandmother took ill, so we have him for the immediate future while he recovers."

"That is a big responsibility. The room looks cute, though. Need help attaching the bookshelves?" Julia asked.

"Thank you, it would be much appreciated," Hermione said as they got to work.

"I don't know how you do it, Hermione," Julia told her.

Hermione glanced over at her as she folded Teddy's clothes to put them into the dresser, "Do what?"

"Resist Harry. The man is gorgeous, and he has a kid on his hip. Got my hormones all a flutter," Julia told her.

Hermione bit her lip, "It's different between us. Yes, Merlin, he is attractive, but it's about more than that with us. What is out there is just a small portion of what went down with us and Ron. He is my best friend, and I couldn't live without him. I am so lucky that he came here with me. Could I raise Teddy without him? Not a chance, but Harry is such a wonderful partner, and I know everything will work out."

Julia smiled, "Partner?"

"Best friend, partner in crime… literally in our experience, but yeah," Hermione told her.

Julia shook her head, "I still think there is more between you both."

Hermione bit her lip, "There is, on my side, but he is with Ginny, and I want him happy, Julia. I won't wreck that."

Hermione leaned on the door to their bathroom, smiling as she glanced in to see Teddy playing with his toys in their tub, "Alright, Aquaman, it's time for bed."

Harry looked at her and smiled, "If he is Aquaman, what are you?"

"Wonder Woman, of course," Hermione told him with a grin, "What are you Superman?"

"Nah, I'd be the Green Lantern with the cool ring. Ron would be Shazam because he is so funny," Harry said as he tilted Teddy's head back and washed the shampoo from his hair. Pushing the plug down, the water started to drain, "Alright, Teddy, time to dry off."

Hermione held his towel open, wrapped him up, and then picked him up to carry him into his new room. After drying him off, Hermione dressed him in warm pajama trousers and a short-sleeved shirt. She picked him up and placed him into his crib, "I think you are getting too big for this, Teddy. Were you sleeping in your crib at home?"

"No," Teddy told her, "With Nana."

"Makes sense," Hermione said as he laid down and took up the crib. She looked up at Harry as he walked into the room barefoot and bare-chested, "I don't think the crib will work. He says he was sleeping with Andromeda. He is too big for this crib, Harry."

"He can sleep with us. We will enlarge the bed that was supposed to be in this room tomorrow for him to sleep in," Harry told her as he picked Teddy up. "Sleepover with Uncle Harry and Aunt Hermione!"

*~*~* January 5, 2001 *~*~*

The first thing Hermione's brain registered their first morning back in New York was the intense warmth all over her body. The comfort her body felt was between the warmth and the weight on the side and front of her body. She inhaled to smell the scent of the bubble bath that Harry had bathed Teddy in. Opening her eyes, she stared into Harry's eyes, only inches from her own, as her head was on Harry's pillow. Harry smiled at her, took his left hand, and reached up to free her hair from where it stuck to her face in her drool.

"Oh God, I drooled," Hermione said, embarrassed, wiping her face.

"It was cute," Harry whispered, pulling Teddy closer to him, "He slept all night long."

"Good," Hermione said, staring at the ruffled hair sticking up all over the place, and his eyes seemed to glow in the pale light, "Truly legendary hair, Harry."

Harry smiled at her, and Hermione felt her heart skip a beat. Harry leaned over and kissed Teddy's head, then her forehead, before he climbed out of bed. Rolling onto her back as he left the bedroom, Hermione swallowed hard, trying to calm her racing heart. Her heart, brain, and body seemed to betray her more and more when it came to Harry daily.

*~*~* January 26, 2001 *~*~*

Hermione quietly slid the sliding door open to her parents' house. She waited for Harry to carry Teddy into the dark house. Closing the door behind them, she took Teddy from Harry after taking her shoes off. Quietly, she walked upstairs and opened the door to the study room next to her bedroom, which she and Harry had quickly turned into a room for Teddy before they left for New York.

Harry came up behind her and helped her take Teddy's shoes off and his jean trousers, "He will be fine in his jumper. There is no hood."

"I can't believe the Knight Bus put him to sleep," Hermione grinned as she sat on the edge of Teddy's bed.

"I hate that thing. We need to figure out if we have a wizarding underground here like New York does," Harry told her as he held his hand out for her, and she took it to stand, "Want to order a pizza? I'm starving."

Hermione gently shut the door behind her, and they both jumped as her parents' bedroom door opened, "Mum!?"

"Hermione!? What are you both doing here?" Juliet asked, surprised.

"It's the last weekend of the month. We came home for the weekend. When did you get back?" Hermione asked as she threw her arms around her mother.

"I've been home for a week," Juliet said as she glanced at the closed door behind them, "I noticed the study is now made up for Teddy. Is he asleep?"

Hermione nodded as she glanced behind Juliet, "Where is Daddy?"

Juliet bit her lip, "Your father did not return with me. Let's go downstairs for some cocoa. You too, Harry."

Hermione glanced at Harry, concerned, and then followed her mother downstairs. Juliet was already placing the kettle on the stove, "Mum, how long are you going to be back?"

Juliet cleared her throat, "I'm staying for good."

Hermione noticed her Mum was not meeting her eyes, "What aren't you telling me? Are you starting the shoppe here, then Dad is joining you?"

Juliet set the cocoa down, then turned around, looking at Hermione, "I don't know what his plans are. We haven't exactly discussed them. I just know that it was time for me to come home."

Hermione walked over to her as Juliet turned to put the cocoa in the mugs, "Mum, what are you talking about?"

Juliet sighed, "Your father and I separated, Hermione. We weren't sure how to tell you."

Hermione stepped back, surprised, as Harry got up from the table where he was sitting, "I'll just leave you two to discuss this."

"No, Harry, you are a part of this family too. Please stay," Juliet told him as she looked at Hermione, "Your father and I decided to separate last August. We wanted to tell you, Hermione, but we weren't sure how to do it. I had an apartment there, but the shoppe was your father's idea. I was tired of not seeing you, so I came home."

Hermione wilted into a chair, "Since August?"

Juliet sat down next to her and took Hermione's hand, "Hermione, darling, before we went to Australia, we were already having issues. We just kept them from you. When you work with someone every day and see them every day on end, sometimes they tend to wear on you. Every single day since the day we got married, I have been with your father. I couldn't have my friends anymore because his friends didn't get along with them. I loved your father, Hermione. I still do. He gave me you, but we fell out of love long ago. Us going to Australia just prolonged it. We wanted to wait until you were through Hogwarts and had graduated. We decided to give it another chance when we woke up in Australia. It worked for a bit in a new place, but things hadn't changed. I want to live my life again, Hermione."

Hermione wiped the tear from her eye, "What will you do?"

Juliet sighed, "I have enough friends in the dentistry community. I will give it some time, and then I think I will practice again."

Hermione looked at her mother, confused, "But this separation, how long are you guys going to stay apart?"

"I don't have all the answers, Hermione. We agreed to take it day by day. Your father and I are taking a break from each other," Juliet said as they all jumped as the kettle finally whistled.

"I got it," Harry said as he jumped up.

Later that night, Hermione was lying in bed, trying to calm her racing thoughts as she went through every moment she had observed between her parents in the last five years. Wondering where she had missed that they hadn't been getting along.

A soft knock on her door made her roll onto her back to sit up as it opened. Harry's head poked in, "I figured you weren't sleeping."

"I can't turn my brain off," Hermione sighed as she moved her legs up to rest her chin on her knees, "All I can think of is what I have missed between my parents over the last five years. She said they had issues before I sent them to Australia, but I never saw them. I never saw them because I was never here, Harry." Harry sat on her bed, "After our third year, I came to the Burrow for the Quidditch World Cup. In our fifth year, I wanted to know about the Order and how we couldn't talk to you. After my fifth year, I spent less time at home and more at the Burrow. My parents were doing their best for me, and I was so ungrateful. Hogwarts wasn't cheap, and I stepped out of their lives to be more on the magical side of my life and abandoned them. Then I didn't ask them. I just erased myself from their existence!"

Harry took her hand, "To protect them. You gave them a second chance based on what your mum said. This probably would have happened sooner, right? So, you gave them another chance to learn who they were."

Hermione wiped another tear from her eye, "I feel so weak."

"You aren't weak. No one in this world would think Hermione Granger and weak go together. Now, Teddy wants you to sleep in my room," Harry told her.

Hermione looked at him, "Teddy does?"

"We both do. He got used to you being there on the other side of the bed, and I have too," Harry told her, "For some reason, I don't have nightmares when you do."

Hermione smiled, "I don't either."

Harry stood up and held his hand to her, "Please?"

Taking his hand, she let him pull her to her feet and followed him to his room, where Teddy was already lying in the bed. Teddy looked up and smiled, "Aunt Mi! We sleep."

Hermione pulled back the covers, crawled into bed next to him, and smiled as Teddy moved over to lay on her chest, "Yeah, Teddy, we sleep."

Harry turned the light switch off and climbed into the other side of the bed. Hermione looked over at him, "Thank you."

*~*~* February 14, 2001 *~*~*

"Please," Julia begged as Hermione put books back on the shelves.

Hermione looked at her exasperated, "Harry and I aren't together. It would be too weird, Julia. Plus, we have Teddy. We have no one else to watch him."

"We had reservations for six, and our other couple of friends backed out. Dale and I know no one that would understand the NoMaj world enough to not use magic," Julia told her, "It's dinner. Then we are going to a club for the Valentine's Party."

Hermione sighed, "I'll talk to Harry, but I highly doubt it."

Julie grinned at her, "I'll even pay for your dinner."

Hermione kicked her shoes off after entering their dorm, and Teddy ran to her, "Up, Aunt Mi!"

Lifting him up on her hip, she kissed his cheek, "How was school?"

"I colored, built a tower. Tommy got a boo-boo. Paris pee peed in hers pants," Teddy told her.

Harry grinned as Hermione laughed, "Sounds like an exciting day," Hermione said as the door opened and George came in, "Did you get into a fight with a painting spell?"

"Well, more like the painting spell hit one of the products, and paint went everywhere," George sighed as he sat on the couch, "It's Valentine's Day. What are your plans?"

Hermione frowned, "Nothing, actually, since I lack a love life, but our married friends Julia and Dale asked if Harry and I wanted to go to dinner with them. They made reservations, and two of their friends backed out."

"We can go," Harry commented.

Hermione looked at Harry so fast her neck popped, "What?"

"I'll watch Teddy. Only fair that you two have fun tonight, even if it's not romantic," George told them, "Ron is having fun tonight, so I'm sure you two should."

Hermione asked him, "What do you mean Ron is having fun?"

George looked at her wide-eyed, "You haven't seen the Prophet, have you?" Hermione frowned.

Harry groaned, "What did Ron do now?"

George looked at them, "He is in a relationship. He brought her to Christmas, and they were together for two months before that."

"Why is Ron being so secretive?" Harry asked, confused.

"Do the words Ron-Ron ring a bell?" George asked as Hermione gasped, "He didn't!"

Harry looked at him, surprised, "Ron got back with Lavender? Really?"

George nodded, "He was afraid of how everyone would act, so he waited until Bill was there. Both were nearly affected by the same werewolf thing, and it was really low of him to manipulate, but I digress. She has been working with Bill at the bank."

Hermione sighed as she looked at Harry, "So should we go out?"

"Let's do it. It will be nice to spend time with Dale and Julia," Harry told her.

Hermione stepped out of Teddy's bedroom and pulled her hair out of her cardigan, "Are you ready, Harry?"

George and Harry looked up at her, whistling, "Looking good, Granger."

Hermione ran her hands over her blue wool dress, "It is an old dress. Ready?"

Harry stood up in his vest, dress shirt, and nice trousers, "Yeah. If you need us, you know where to find us. Teddy, be good for George."

Hermione leaned down and kissed Teddy's head, "No tricks," Hermione said, looking at George.

"Rude," George frowned, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do you two."

Landing in the apparition zone, Harry and Hermione walked down the sidewalk to the restaurant where they were to meet Julia and Dale. Opening the door for her, Harry motioned for her to go first, "After you."

Walking inside, Hermione was greeted by the warm ambiance and the mixture of aromas of delicious cuisines. Julie and Dale were standing by the matron with another couple.

Julie smiled when she saw them, "Harry, Hermione! So glad you could come! I'd like to introduce you to Kirk and Lane Miracle. Kirk and Lane, this is our friends Harry and Hermione."

After exchanging pleasantries, they were let to their table. It was a cozy little table with a rose in the centerpiece. Fine silverware sets the place setting, creating an ambiance of elegance paired with the music being played by a real string band. After they ordered their drinks, Lane looked at Hermione, "So, how did the two of you meet?"

Hermione set her wine glass down, "We went to school together. We went to a private school in England and took a train to get there. We met on the train before we had even made it there."

"So fast, friends?" Kirk asked.

Harry glanced at Hermione, "Not at first. Our mutual best friend was not nice to Hermione and accidentally put her in a life-threatening situation. It took us saving her to realize that we should be friends. We weren't really without each other after that."

Hermione smiled at him, "I had to keep you alive."

Harry just laughed as the waitress brought over the salad for them.

Hermione covered her mouth as she swallowed a mouthful of salad, "How did you meet Kirk and Lane?"

"On the very first day of my senior year," Lane said as she looked at Kirk with a smile, "I had just transferred to a new school after my Dad moved us, and I walked into my first class and fell flat on my face, busting my nose."

Julie gasped, "You fell?"

Lane smiled as she took Kirk's hand, "And then, here comes my knight in shining armor. He was a lifeguard in the summer, so he was trained in first aid, so he swooped in and saved the day." Lane looked at Hermione, "It's nice to have your own knight in shining armor, isn't it?"

Hermione glanced over at Harry and swallowed, "Yeah."

"Can he have cake?"

Hermione sighed as Harry walked over to her. They stood in the line to get into the club. "George, what do you think?" Hermione rolled her eyes, "He can have applesauce in the refrigerator if he wants something sweet. Otherwise, no sugar. Make sure he brushes his teeth before you put him to bed."

"I know, Ma," George said, "Go have fun. If you know how."

Hermione huffed as she put her phone in her purse.

Harry grinned, "He hung up, didn't he?"

"Yes, he called me Ma," Hermione growled as Harry laughed.

Lane glanced back at them from their spot in front of them, "You two have a kid?"

"Godson," Harry informed her, "He is living with us until his grandmother recovers from an illness."

"Do you want kids of your own?" Lane asked as they moved up in the line.

"Eventually, but I want to graduate and start my graduate studies. I'm determined to finish my graduate degree by the time Harry finishes his undergraduate," Hermione stated.

"Always the overachiever," Harry stated as the bouncer finally let their group in.

The bar's atmosphere was thick with noise, laughter, and the scent of alcohol and sweat. Following Julie, Dale, Lane, and Kirk to the back where their table was reserved, Hermione was jostled, and Harry grabbed her, "You okay?"

"I'm ok. Thanks," Hermione said as they reached their table and sat down. As the night wore on, conversation flowed over the bursts of laughter, clinking glasses, and pulsing music. Hermione felt herself more relaxed than she had felt in ages. Leaning against Harry in their booth, she was two drinks in when Dale stood up and held his hand out to Julia, "Let's dance."

Julia took his hand and let him lead her to the dance floor.

"Do you two mind if we go too?" Lane asked Hermione and Harry.

"Go and enjoy yourselves," Hermione told them as Lane and Kirk approached the dance floor.

Harry set his beer on the table, "Want to go dance?"

Hermione looked at him surprised, "Us dance?"

Harry grinned, "We are playing a part, right? Might as well live it."

Hermione bit her lip, "Okay."

Harry got up and held his hand out for her. Hermione's heart skipped a beat as the familiar spark danced between their hands as she put her hand in his. Holding onto his hand until they found a spot on the floor, Hermione put her arms around his neck as he put his hands on her hips.

"At least there isn't fancy dancing like the yule ball," Harry told her with a grin.

"If I never have to do a waltz again, it will be too soon," Hermione informed him.

"I don't know, you seemed to enjoy yourself with Victor," Harry stated.

Hermione sighed, "It was more about enjoying that I didn't have to be myself that night."

Harry looked at her, "Well, hello, Jean, I'm James."

Hermione's eyes met his, "What do you mean?"

"Want to dance the night away?" Harry asked, "We don't have to be ourselves. No one knows us here but Julie and Dale. No pressure, no press."

Hermione bit her lip and gasped as someone bumped into her, pushing them closer.

Two hours later, Hermione stumbled towards the lavatory. After using the toilet, she stood and washed her hands when Julia came up behind her, making her jump. "What is happening?"

"Shit, Julia!" Hermione gasped, "Where did you come from?"

"What is happening between you and Harry?" Julia asked.

"Nothing," Hermione said, confused.

Julia looked at her, "Oh my god, you are in love with Harry!"

Hermione gasped, "I am not."

"You totally are," Julia grinned, "I've suspected it all along, but seeing you two tonight. You have the eyes for him."

Hermione swallowed hard, "He is still with Ginny."

*~*~* February 15, 2001 *~*~*

Hermione yawned as she pushed the library cart through the stacks in the library. Suddenly, she was sent backward as another cart ran into hers, knocking her cart over and spilling the contents all over the floor.

"Shit! I am so sorry," One of the other student assistants stated as he pulled her cart up off her legs, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Hermione said as she returned the books to the cart.

"I didn't hear your cart coming around the corner," He said as he helped her organize the books by the Library of Congress, "Shit, were your jeans ripped?"

Hermione looked down at her knee and saw, in fact, that her jeans were ripped with a small amount of blood collecting on the ripped area. Now that she was aware of it, her knee was stinging.

"Aww fuck, stay here," He said as he jumped up and ran off.

Hermione pushed herself up and bit her lip, wanting to pull her wand out for a sanitation spell. Hearing rapid footsteps, the male assistant returned to her with their first aid kit. Kneeling down next to her knee, he put gloves on from the kit. "Don't worry, I'm trained in first aid," He stated as he pulled some antiseptic spray out, "I'm going to spray it. It may sting."

"Really, I'm… okay," Hermione stated as he sprayed it through the ripped hole in her jeans.

He sat back on his feet, "I feel horrible. I had my headphones on. We aren't supposed to."

"Honestly, it is alright," Hermione said as he took bandages out, "I've got it."

He handed the bandages to her, and she sat down to apply them to her knee. She took two bandages to cover the cut and said, "Can I at least get you some coffee?"

Hermione asked him, "Can I at least know your name?"

"Shit, I'm screwing all this up. I'm Taylor, Taylor Crosby," He said as he took the gloves off and held his hand out to her.

Hermione took it and shook his hand, "I'm Hermione Granger," She said, waiting to see if it brought a reaction.

"Nice to meet you, Hermione. I hear your accent. Are you from England?" Taylor asked, parking his cart against the wall. "Let me help you finish your cart, and then we can go to the café and get that coffee."

"You really don't need to get me anything," Hermione insisted.

"I know, but I will anyway," Taylor said with a smile.

Taylor sat her cup in front of her in the small café inside the college library, "So, how do you take your coffee?"

"Three creams, one sugar," Hermione told him as he pulled pockets of creamer pods out and dumped them on the table, "What about you?"

"Four sugars. It needs to be pure sugar," Taylor said as he shook the sugar packet to pour it in.

Hermione grinned, "You know, my parents are dentists."

Taylor froze, "The lack of sugar growing up had to be horrid." He shook his head as he poured it into his coffee.

Hermione stirred her coffee, "It was a treat more than expected. I'm not a big person into sweets as it is. Except for lollies."

Taylor took a sip of his coffee, "Lollys?"

"Suckers," Hermione stated, "Or lollypops, I guess, would be the American saying for it."

"Not a chocolate person?" Taylor asked her.

Hermione shook her head, "It depends on the situation. More of a dark chocolate person. My Mum prefers dark chocolate, so I do it by proxy."

Taylor set his coffee down, "You are a nerd, aren't you?"

Hermione looked at him over her cup, "Is that a problem? In England, we say swot."

"Well then, how swotty are you?" Taylor asked.

Hermione grinned, "Pretty damn swotty. I was called the brightest of my age at my school. I graduated head of my class and was offered two jobs in the government before I even graduated."

Taylor sat back, surprised, "But you came here? Why?"

Hermione sighed as she tried to think of how to explain it to a nonmagical person, "Because I was seen as the brightest, there was a lot of pressure on me to perform at a high level. My parents moved to Australia, so nothing held me there any longer. Here at NYU, there was a wonderful program, and I just wanted to get away from it all. It's honestly been a nice year and a half."

"So you ran?" Taylor asked.

"Not ran, but I left. I hope that after I get a solid education here, I can go home and properly prove myself to make real change," Hermione told him.

Taylor stared at her, "What year are you in if you don't mind me asking?"

Hermione bit her lip, "I'm on track to graduate this summer."

Taylor stared at her, "This summer? After two years?!" He asked in disbelief, "How many credits are you taking?"

"Twenty every semester since I started. Fall, Spring, and Summer. I'm determined to graduate and start my graduate law degree. When I graduate in July, I should be able to complete my graduate degree in a year to a year and a half. Then I can take my solicitor qualifying exam. At some point, I need to get an internship to have my two years of experience before finalizing my tests to become a licensed solicitor," Hermione told him.

"By what 2004?" Taylor asked.

"September 2003 if all goes well," Hermione informed him.

"Shit, you are ridiculously smart," Taylor said in awe.

"Just a bit," Hermione said as she finished her coffee, "Thank you for the coffee. I need to get back to work."

"Could I have your number?" Taylor asked.

Hermione looked at him, surprised, "My mobile number? Why?"

"I enjoyed talking with you, and I'd love to do it again. Maybe with dinner?" Taylor asked.

Hermione stared at him, "Are you asking me out?"

"Obviously not too well if you are asking me if I am," Taylor told her, "No pressure."

Hermione bit her lip and thought about Harry's phone call this morning to Ginny, "Sure."

*~*~* February 24, 2001 *~*~*

Hermione looked at Luna as she sat back down next to her at their monthly Leaky Cauldron meetup, "Hey, Luna. Any new discoveries this month?"

"No, nothing new, sadly. How is your boyfriend?" Luna asked.

Ron spit out his butterbeer, nearly spraying the both of them, "Boyfriend?! Wait, Hermione, are you dating someone?"

Hermione huffed, "We haven't put a label on it. I enjoy his company, but it doesn't feel… there are no romantic feelings there. He would be a great friend, but that is it."

Harry came over, set Ginny's drink down, and sat back down on Hermione's other side, "What did I miss?"

"What do you think about this boyfriend?" Ron asked Harry.

Harry looked at him, "Whose? Is Luna dating someone?"

"No Hermione's," Ginny told Harry.

Harry paused his beer nearly to his mouth and looked at Hermione, "You are dating someone!?"

"To date someone, we'd have to actually go out on a date," Hermione sighed, "We have only done that once."

Harry frowned, "Wait, that Taylor you and Julia were talking about that hurt you?"

"He did what?" Ron asked, looking at her across the table.

Hermione glared at him, "He didn't hurt me. He ran into my library cart and knocked it over. The cart fell onto my leg, ripping my jeans. It was not purposeful," Hermione told Ron.

"How many dates have you been on?" Ginny asked.

"Last Friday night is the only real date other than the daily meetups for coffee during our breaks at the library," Hermione told them.

"You are spending your breaks together?" Ginny giggled, "Girl, you two are so dating!"

"No, we aren't! We haven't even kissed," Hermione whispered, glancing over at Seamus and Dean, ensuring they hadn't heard.

Ginny frowned, "He hasn't tried to kiss you?"

"I don't think so," Hermione told her.

"You are also not the best person when it comes to personal relationships," Ginny stated as she looked at her brother, "No offense."

"Change of subject. How is Lavender?" Hermione asked Ron.

Ron froze, "You know about Lavender?"

"George has been living with us for nearly two months, we know," Hermione informed him, "Ron, I don't care. We've both moved on. It's okay. You will eventually find someone to get married and so will I. Relationships will happen." Hermione sipped her Elf wine, "So, how is she?"

"Good, she is working with Bill at Gringotts. They bonded over similar afflictions. Lavender is a little more moody around the full moon than Bill is. She loves this new sushi place down from her flat because of the raw fish. Other than that, she is still Lavender," Ron told her.

"And are you still Won Won?" Harry teased.

"Hey! We were 16," Ron defended, "But yes, she still calls me that."

Hermione smiled, "If you are happy, that's all that matters, Ron."

*~*~* February 25, 2001 *~*~*

Hermione sighed as she lay on her back, staring at the ceiling in her bedroom at her parents' house. Turning over onto her side, she glanced at the clock beside her bed to see it was half past two in the morning. She threw her covers off her body, slid her feet into her slippers, and slipped out of her bedroom. Opening the door to Teddy's room, she frowned when she didn't see him in his bed. Glancing at Harry's closed door, she gently turned the handle. Slowly pushing it open, she glanced inside. The moonlight illuminated Harry's bed well enough that she could see Harry's shape under the covers with a smaller shape against his chest. At the foot of the bed, Crookshanks' eyes glowed. Hermione glared at him as he meowed at her, "Trader." Her cat had not separated himself from Teddy's side since she had brought him home from the Burrow since her mother was home.

Softly shutting the door, she moved downstairs to the kitchen and saw her mum sitting at the table, "Mum, what are you doing?"

Juliet removed her reading glasses and set them on the table next to her laptop, "Just exploring some dental jobs. What are you doing up?"

Hermione wrapped her arms around her body, "I couldn't sleep."

Juliet gave her a knowing look, "Missing a certain wizard while you sleep?"

Hermione blushed as she sat down next to her, "Say it a little louder, won't you?"

Juliet got up and went to the refrigerator, "So, still got the feelings?"

Hermione bit her lip, "It's meaningless, Mum. Anyways, I am kind of dating someone at uni."

Juliet looked at her as she pulled out a milk jug, "This is the first time I've heard about this. Who is he?"

"His name is Taylor. He ran me over, shelving books in the library when we were working," Hermione shrugged, "We have gone out on one date, and we take our breaks together."

Juliet handed her a glass of milk, "Do you seem very interested in him?"

Hermione chewed on her lip, then sighed, "I don't think so."

Juliet sat down and took Hermione's hand, "Don't force something if you don't think it will amount to anything."

"I won't. I just… it gets lonely," Hermione admitted as she took a drink of her milk, "I mean, I have Teddy and Harry, but Harry has Ginny. Josh has Dane, Julia has Dale, and then there is me. I'm starting to think there is something wrong with me."

"Darling, there is nothing wrong with you. Please know that. When your time comes, you will know it," Juliet assured her, "Until then, live and have fun. Enjoy life. You are going down the path that I did. I hate to admit it. We instilled in you so much that you should take your studies seriously and put them first, and you are. You are so bright and smart, but there is more in life than learning and smarts. You have to truly live your life, Hermione. I don't want you to do what I did and put the rest of your life on hold to jumpstart your career. I don't want you to be 30 years old and decide that you are tired of being single, so you settle," Juliet looked at her, "Promise me that you won't settle? I don't want you to be a 30-year-old virgin who settles for someone like Ron."

Hermione blushed, "I won't, but," Hermione bit her lip, "Mum, I'm not a virgin."

Juliet looked at her wide-eyed, "You never told me!" Juliet gasped, "No, Hermione. You had sex with Ron?"

Hermione sighed, "At the time, he was whom I had seen long-term. I was forcing it. Harry was with Ginny, and they were so happy. We were only together four times, twice we fought, once I was slightly tipsy, then the last time…" Hermione trailed off as she chewed her lip, "I told you about Harry and I being magically compatible, right?"

Juliet nodded.

"That day, I walked in on Harry and Ginny," Hermione closed her eyes, "I could feel Harry's magic, and it made me…"

"So jealous and turned on that you couldn't see straight?" Juliet asked.

Hermione nodded, "Next thing I knew, I was on Ron's Dad's workbench and had never been so turned on. And it wasn't because of Ron."

"I'm just saying, Hermione. Don't let him get away," Juliet told her, "I understand that you don't want to break him and Ginny up, but how long are you going to pine after him, Hermione? How long will you let yourself suffer before you decide to move on?"

*~*~* February 28, 2001 *~*~*

Hermione sighed as she looked around the library café and ran her finger over the rim of her coffee.

Taylor looked at her, "We are just better as friends, Hermione."

Hermione looked at him, "What?" She asked, surprised.

Taylor set his cup down on the table and smiled, "Hermione, I've enjoyed our little coffee dates and actual dates, but I'm not stupid, Hermione. You are in love with Harry. I've never met the guy, and I know him. You don't go longer than five minutes without talking about him." Taylor admitted, "And I hope that eventually before it's too late, he realizes what he is missing because you deserve it all."

Opening the door, Harry hurried into their dorm during his quick break between classes to grab a bite. Sitting on the couch wrapped up in a blanket, surrounded by tissues, Hermione was watching the telly. "Hermione, what is wrong?"

Hermione looked up at him, "I'm going to die alone. I'm going to be a crazy cat lady, and my cats are going to eat my body when I am lying decomposing in my own filth. It will be months until anyone finds me, and only my bones will be left."

Harry touched her leg, "Taylor broke up with you?"

"Of course, I'm that obvious," Hermione stated as he put his arm around her and pulled her close. She laid her head against his shoulder.

"No, I just know you, and when you are hurting," Harry told her, rubbing her shoulder, "Are you wearing my Quidditch jersey? I've been missing that since the fifth year."

Hermione pulled at one of the loose strings, "It just happened to make its way into my trunk after our fifth year somehow."

Harry grinned, "So you just have been hiding my jumper for all these years?"

"It's comfy," Hermione defended as she pulled it closer to her, "Hey, Harry?"

"Yeah?"

"I could use a hug right now," Hermione admitted.

Harry reached over, pulled her legs onto his lap, and wrapped her in his arms, "I'm sorry he broke up with you."

Hermione sighed as her body relaxed in his embrace, "Thank you, Harry."

a/n: FYI, there was a comment last week about Hermione's future relationships. They will happen, but it will be similar to Taylor. They are mentioned as conversations but nothing explicit. Whether back with Ron, a muggle, Theo Nott or whoever. If I feel the need to include details of those relationships, I will create a short story similar to Bad Blood.

Next chapter may possibly be two weeks from now instead. I am struggling a little with the current chapter I am writing. Hopefully the muses will start flowing after this rough week at work is now over. The next chapter will be the longest one yet.

Preview of Chapter 20- Long Live

"And… if something happens, and we fall apart," Hermione blinked back her tears, "When you and Ginny have kids, I'm not going to be part of the Weasley family. When they ask about me, make sure you tell them about me."

Harry froze, "Look at me, Hermione. You will be there, right by my side, where you belong. Are you thinking about leaving?"

Hermione shook her head, "No, but come on, Harry. We've been by each others' sides for ten years. Nearly every single day. Look how it is with Ron and us since we are in America, and he is here. When we leave school, you and Ginny will eventually get married, Teddy will go back with Andromeda, I'll be in the Ministry, and you'll be off saving the day. We are never going to be as close as we are now."

Harry took her face in his hands, "I won't let that happen. You hear me?"