A/N: I do not own any character references by JK Rowling in the Harry Potter series. This story is a product of my pure imagination.

Let's fast forward to three hundred takeout coffees later
I see your profile and your smile on unsuspecting waiters
You dream of my mouth before it called you a lying traitor
You search in every maiden's bed for something greater

~ Is It Over Now? By Taylor Swift

*~*~* November 2, 2001 *~*~*

Glancing at her watch, Hermione realized while she was on her way to class that she had plenty of time after work before she needed to be in class. A book recommended by one of her classmates at Uni recently came out, so she quickly stopped at the local muggle bookstore. While Flourish and Blotts had been her home for the last two months while she waited for her next internship, they still lacked muggle-oriented literature.

"Hello, Miss Hermione," Met Hermione's ears over the bells ringing.

Hermione smiled, "Hello, Mr. Callen, how are you today? Busy yet for the Christmas season?"

The older man smiled, "Not just yet. Every year, they get earlier and earlier with their shoppins, but not this early yet. Anything you are looking for particularly?"

"The newest Nicholas Sparks book, I believe it's called Bend in the Road?" Hermione inquired.

He grinned at her with a wink, "I got a brand-new box of them in the back that I haven't put out yet. Let me go grab you one."

Hermione smiled as he went into the back, and she started looking around the front of the store. Grabbing today's paper, she looked through the first pages to see nothing significant.

"Here you go, deary, that will be $22.95," Mr. Callen told her.

Hermione took her credit card out and charged the book to it, then froze when she saw the magazine to her left.

"Are you alright, Hermione dear? You look like you've seen a ghost," Mr. Callen commented.

Hermione picked up the Star magazine and saw a picture of Oliver kissing another woman on the front page. ROYAL SCANDAL, DUKE'S SON CAUGHT WITH HIS PANTS DOWN WITH A SCARLET WOMAN OF THE NIGHT.

Mr. Callen looked at the magazine, "Those royals don't know how to not cheat. First Charles, now him. From what I've heard, he has a fiancée in France."

Hermione swallowed hard, "What?" She asked, looking up at him.

"Young Oliver has been involved in quite a few scandals across the continent, quite a lady's man that one," Mr. Callen said as he handed her the bagged book, "Have a great rest of your day."

"You too," Hermione said, slowly putting the magazine down.

Hermione walked out of the bookstore and sat down on a bench numb. Swallowing hard, she got up and headed towards her car. Instead of heading towards class, she drove back towards her and Harry's student housing home. Her mother had Teddy, and since Harry had quit the Quidditch team just as she had expected, Harry was in class, so the house would be empty. Or so she thought. As soon as she pulled into the driveway, she hadn't even made it up the stairs when Harry opened the door, frowning.

"Don't you have class?"

Hermione burst into tears, and Harry came down to the foot of the stairs, "What is wrong?"

"Is there something wrong with me, Harry? I've had two boyfriends, and both have cheated on me," Hermione sobbed as he put his arms around her.

"Shite, Oliver cheated on you?" Harry asked, shocked.

"And I found out through a magazine! According to the bookstore owner, he is a womanizer. I didn't even think to look him up," Hermione sobbed into his chest.

"Come on, let's get inside," Harry told her, leading her in his socked feet up the stairs.

Harry made her a cup of tea to calm her down as she saw in their small living room, "So it was in a magazine?"

Hermione nodded as she wiped her tears, "We weren't exactly serious, but how could he do this?"

Harry sat down next to her, "I'm so sorry, Hermione." He rubbed her back and said, "I think your tea deserves something stronger."

Hermione watched as Harry got up and opened a bottle of Firewhiskey. Pouring a small amount into her tea, she stirred it and sipped, "Not bad."

"Does he know that you know?" Harry asked as he sat back on the couch.

"No," Hermione said as she downed her tea and held her cup out, "Straight up this time. It's awful stuff, but it feels good."

Harry poured it into her teacup, and Hermione tossed most of it back before shuttering.

"With Ron, it's sad to say I was anticipating it after him taking off on us on the run and everything else. Ron runs when it gets hard," Hermione told Harry. Her whole body felt as if it were tingling as the Firewhiskey started to hit her. "But I thought Oliver was different; I feel betrayed. Again." Hermione sighed and pouted, "How did you get over being betrayed, Harry? By those you think you can trust?"

Harry looked at her, "Betrayed by Ron?"

Hermione looked at him glassy-eyed already, "No when Ginny nearly killed your baby," Hermione stated with a sigh and roll of her eyes, "It would have been pretty a baby."

Harry looked at her, "What are you talking about?"

Hermione waved her hand at him and poured another cup of Firewhiskey, "When Ginny thought she was pregnant. How did you get over her wanting to get rid of the baby?"

"When did Ginny think she was pregnant?!" Harry slowly breathed out.

Hermione stared at him, "Oh shit, she never told you?! That bitch!" Hermione said as she stood up, wobbling, "She swore she was going to tell you," and she hiccuped. "She said she did! Damn her and her Harry Potter idol worship. You know, that's how she talks about you? Harry Potter, Harry Potter, never just Harry. You are just Harry," Hermione patted his face.

Harry swallowed, "She really was going to get rid of the baby if it was one?"

Hermione sighed, "She wondered if there were a spell to do it."

Harry put his head in his hands, "I need to go talk to her," Harry said as he stood up, "I'll call Mum and ask if Teddy can stay the night. Go to bed, Hermione."

Hermione swallowed hard as she watched Harry go to the entranceway, put his shoes on, and then walk out the door.

*~*~* November 9, 2001 *~*~*

At the doorbell ringing, Hermione stopped cutting carrots and ran over to the front door, "Sorry, come on in, Ron. I should have told you to just come in. Harry is trying to get Teddy to bed," Hermione told him as she held the door open for him to enter.

Ron glanced up the stairs, "Do you think I woke him up?"

"No," Hermione said as she grinned, "Probably woke up Harry, though. He always falls asleep reading to him."

Ron followed her to the kitchen, "How is he doing?"

Hermione sighed, "Not great. He is adamant that it is a break between him and Ginny, not a breakup. That he needs time to figure things out," She told him as she poured crisps into a bowl for them.

Ron leaned against the counter beside her, "What do you think?"

Hermione glanced at him, "That Ginny betrayed his trust, but he will forgive her. Harry always forgives too easily."

"Do you want him to forgive her?" Ron asked.

Hermione looked up at him as Ron looked at the doorway as the stairs creaked. Harry walked through the door a short time later, yawning, "Hey Ron, when did you get here?"

Ron grinned as he looked at Hermione, "You called it. He was asleep."

Harry ran his hand through his hair, "Sue me. Pizza get here?"

"About 15 minutes ago, I put a stasis charm on it so it's still hot," Hermione told him as she handed him a plate and one to Ron, "Try not to eat the whole pie, Ron."

Ron opened the box, "That isn't a pie. I thought you called it pizza?"

"It's technically a pizza pie," Hermione rolled her eyes.

"What movie did you decide on?" Harry asked as Ron sat on the recliner facing the television, and Harry lit a fire in the fireplace.

Hermione held a VHS box, "A classic, the Wizard of Oz. I figured we had to introduce Ron to his first movie with a muggle classic about magic."

Ron frowned as Hermione brought a TV table over to him, "This is about magic?"

"It's called the Wizard of Oz, Ron," Harry told him sarcastically, "No, it's about robots."

"Wizard of Oz was one of the first colored movies," Hermione informed Ron as she put the VHS tape into the player and then went over to the couch to sit next to Harry, who had set both their TV tables up, "Thanks."

Hitting play on the remote, she fast-forwarded through the previews before the familiar MGM lion appeared and then the opening credits, "So what do you think of pizza?" Harry asked Ron.

"Bread, good. Sauce good. Cheese, real good, even the top stuff is good," Ron stated as he reached forward to drink the bubbly beverage Harry had given him, "I even like this bubbly stuff. What is it?"

"Pepsi, it's a soft drink," Hermione told him as she sipped.

Ron frowned as it showed Dorothy and Toto running to the farm, "I thought you said it was color."

Hermione grinned, "It will be. That's the magic of it. Imagine being a Muggle who had only seen black and white movies like this, and suddenly… I won't spoil it."

Harry gasped as Dorothy fell into the pig pen, and Hermione looked at him, "Wait, Harry, have you never seen it before either?"

"No, you never showed it to me, and I never saw any movies with the Dursleys," Harry shrugged.

Hermione bit her lip and stewed, "I hate those people." She gasped with a smile as Judy Garland started singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," she started singing along with her.

Harry looked at Ron, "This is one of the most famous songs in Muggle history."

Ron chewed as Mrs. Gulch threatened to take Toto, "She is like Umbridge."

Hermione wiped her mouth as the twister came to the farm as Dorothy tried to make her way home.

"Shite, are those real? Like America has those?" Ron asked, surprised.

"Tornadoes, yes," Hermione said as Dorothy was swept up in the Twister.

"Holy Merlin, the whole house got picked up?" Ron asked, surprised as he moved towards the end of his seat as the house landed.

Hermione grinned at Harry as Dorothy opened the door, and the world turned to color.

"Merlin's balls, look at those colors!" Ron said in awe as he slid onto the floor to get closer to the television.

Harry smiled at Hermione, "Good choice."

Ron looked at them wide-eyed, "She is even in color now!"

Hermione leaned over to Harry, "Next Halloween, we need to do Wizard of Oz costumes."

Harry nodded, "You being Dorothy? Ginny could be Glinda; she has red hair, too. Who would I be?"

"Three male characters are coming up. You pick," Hermione said, leaning against him.

Ron glanced at them and smiled, "You know, I think the author or whoever made this was doing some potions or drugs. This is wild."

Harry laughed, "It is. All the little people, the colors," Harry commented, putting his arm around Hermione.

"Well, the colors are because that was all they had then. This was early color movies," Hermione explained.

Halfway through the movie, Hermione drifted off as they were off to see the Wizard. Ironically, sleeping through the portion of the film about poppies.

Opening her eyes, she looked to see Ron lying on the floor. She sighed as she moved closer to Harry's chest.

Harry kissed her head, "You should head to bed."

"I don't know why I'm so tired," Hermione told him as she kissed his chest and sat up groaning, "Great, now my back hurts."

"Turn," Harry instructed.

Hermione angled herself so her back was to him, and he started rubbing her shoulders, causing her to moan.

Ron looked at them, "Please don't do that in front of me. I know it happens, but I don't want to have proof."

"If you want proof, it's right in front of you," Harry told him as Ron threw up his middle fingers.

Hermione moaned as Harry hit a particularly tender spot on her shoulders, and she sagged forward and then groaned, "I have to pee again."

"Seems like that's all you do," Ron told her.

"Fuck you," Hermione said as she pushed herself up and groaned, "I cannot wait until he is here."

As if he had heard her voice, there was a small kick in her stomach. She frowned, rubbing her enlarged stomach, "Wait until Mommy pees."

Hermione's eyes snapped open to thunderous noise on the screen as the Wizard of Oz angrily flashed the fire to intimidate them.

"You okay?" Harry asked, wrapping his arm around her and pulling her closer to his chest as they lay on the couch, "I didn't want your neck to hurt, so I laid us down."

Hermione put her hand over his on her stomach, feeling his pulse through her skin that had been the kicking within her dreams, "Just tired."

"No wonder you are doing too much," Harry stated, "Go back to sleep. Ron is so into the movie that you could nap."

Hermione sighed in his warm embrace, "Just a few minutes." Shortly after, she was back asleep.

*~*~* November 23, 2001 *~*~*

Hermione was standing in the kitchen of her and Harry's student housing home cutting strawberries for Teddy's lunch, when a knock on the window in front of her made her jump, "Shit!"

"What is it?" Harry asked, walking into the kitchen to see a brown owl at the window, "Do you recognize that owl?"

"No," Hermione frowned, wiping her hands on a towel as she opened the window, and the owl swooped in, handing on the chair nearest Harry.

"Shit, it's from Gringotts. I guess I avoided them long enough," Harry stated as he took the letter from its foot, and it flew off back through the window.

Hermione shut the window to keep the chilling air back outside, "Do you think they want more galleons from you? If they do, I can help."

Harry unraveled the letter and frowned, "My family manager has requested a meeting with me to remedy my parents' estate. At 21, I am now the Head of the House of Potter."

Hermione took the letter as he handed it to her.

GRINGOTTS WIZARDING BANK

Diagon Alley

London, UK

23 November, 2001

Subject: Confirmation of Headship of House of Potter and Estate Management

Dear Mr. Potter,

I am writing to inform you that, as of 31 July, you have officially assumed the Head of the House of Potter role. This responsibility has significant implications, both legally and financially. As the head of your house, you must manage the estate left to you by your late parents, Mr. and Mrs. James and Lily Potter.

As was previously requested and ignored, we request your presence at Gringotts Wizarding Bank to ensure the proper transition of assets and responsibilities. During your visit, you will meet with myself, your estate manager, to review and remedy the estate's holdings. This includes vaults, properties, or other assets that belong to the House of Potter.

Additionally, you must undergo blood status verification as part of our new enhanced security protocols. This process is a standard procedure to confirm your lineage and ensure the correct inheritance of the Potter estate. Please be prepared to provide a sample of your blood for this purpose.

You can bring an advisor or legal counsel if you so wish. We understand that estate management can be a complex and difficult process. We are here to assist you in any way possible. Please send a return owl at your earliest convenience to schedule an appointment.

We look forward to your return to Gringotts and assisting you in your new role as Head of the House of Potter.

Yours sincerely,

Blagric

Senior Estate Manager

Gringotts Wizarding Bank

Hermione frowned, "Do you think this is what Kingsley was trying to tell you?"

Harry looked at her, confused, "What do you mean?"

Hermione sighed, "When he told you that you needed to go to Gringotts to settle your parents' estate," She looked at the letter, "Someone must have been dealing with it all this time because you weren't 21. I bet it was Dumbledore."

Harry sat at their kitchen table and put his head in his hands, "I'm the head of a house that doesn't exist."

Hermione sat beside him and rubbed his back, "Your home is who you make it. Let's take Teddy to school, and I'll call off from work. You skip class and we will go to Gringotts today. Let's get this off your mind."

Harry swallowed, "I'll go get Teddy."

Hermione grabbed his arm as they stood outside of Gringotts, "It looks just the same. Thankfully."

"Knowing Goblins, they have a better way to repair things than we do. Think of how intricate it is like inside and underground," Harry told her as she squeezed his arm. They walked by the guards, who nodded at them, "At least they let us inside," Harry stated when the doors shut behind them.

Hermione swallowed hard, taking in the massive marble lobby and the repaired glass dome. Goblins were at their stations, some talking to various clients. One was Draco Malfoy, who was getting galleons put into his money bag by a goblin. Their footsteps echoed as they walked up to the main teller, and she noticed the funny looks they were getting from the other goblins. Harry cleared his throat, and the main teller looked up.

"Mr. Potter, you have arrived." The goblin said, his eyes narrowing, "We have been expecting you for a while." His dark eyes turned towards her, "And Miss Granger, a pleasure to see you again."

Harry nodded at the goblin, "I received a letter from a Blagric."

"About your parents' estate, yes," The goblin nodded and snapped his fingers for a guard to appear, "Please escort Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger to Blagric's office, please."

The guard nodded, "This way."

"Thank you," Harry nodded to the goblin.

With Hermione's arm within his own, they walked behind the guard down a dimly lit hallway that reminded Hermione of the Hogwarts dungeons. Once they reached it, the guard knocked on a door, which was etched in runes. "Blagric, there is a Mr. Potter here to see you."

"Enter."

The guard opened the door, and Harry nodded to him, "Thank you."

Harry led Hermione into the room with a large old wooden desk covered with books and scrolls. "Blagric, thank you for reaching out to me."

Blagric stood behind his desk, "Please, have a seat," He stated, motioning to the two chairs opposite his desk.

They sat down, and Blagric walked over to a bookshelf and took out a large book, "Mr. Potter, you have been evading our communications for years."

Harry frowned, "I didn't realize you have been trying to communicate with me."

Blagric looked at him as he sat down with the large book on his desk, "Since before your 17th birthday. We have since learned through the Minister of Magic himself that Albus Dumbledore was restricting your owls. Upon his death, the spell remained until you turned 20. Our owls would return exhausted, and then we learned that you were in a different country. Upon turning 21, I assumed you would come to claim your head of house, but I was mistaken."

Harry bit his lip, "I didn't realize I had to."

Blagric stared at him, "The wizards in your life have failed you, Mr. Potter," sounding eerily to Hermione just like Severus Snape, "You are, as of the age of 21, the Head of the House of Potter. As I did your father before, I now must inform you of your estate's holdings and responsibilities."

Harry swallowed, "You were my father's account manager?"

"Yes, shortly before his death, he came here to Gringotts to settle his parents' estate and claim his head of the House of Potter. I was a young goblin at the time," Blagric said with a toothy grin, "Now, first, we must confirm your blood status."

"I'm half-blood," Harry said as Blagric took out a small dagger.

"You misunderstand me, Mr. Potter. That does not matter to Gringotts. We must confirm your lineage to your bloodlines," Blagric told him as he held out his hand.

Harry held out his own, and Blagric flipped it over, cutting Harry's palm so that his blood dripped into the bowl beneath. Hermione took Harry's hand and healed it with her wand as Blagric waved his hand, and a scroll appeared next to the bowl.

Picking it up, Blagric nodded, "What I expected. Your lineage is not only the last of the Potters. You are also the last in the line of Peverells. You are the last in that line with Tom Riddle's death."

Harry looked at him as Hermione squeezed his recently healed hand, "There are no others?"

"The other brothers' lines have died off long ago. Only Riddle remained. It is what often happens when Purebloods attempt to remain pure. They struggle to conceive with a relative," Blagric stated, "Alas, you are also second in line for the Black family, behind Draco Malfoy himself. You have the advantage over him, as your godfather, Sirius Black, the last male Black, was the rightful heir and named you his inheritance heir. Remember, this connection may have implications for future claims and responsibilities."

"What does that mean for me?" Harry asked.

"It means that you have a unique position amongst wizarding families if you so wish to take part in it," Blagric stated, "It means certain expectations and obligations may come your way in the future. You have two Wizengamot seats if you so choose to use them. I suggest you consult an advisor to ensure you are prepared for what may come. A trusted wizard adult in your world."

Harry nodded as Hermione rubbed his hand, feeling this new information's weight.

"Your current vault 687 was inherited from your mother but is still part of the entire Potter estate. There are three additional vaults."

"Three?!" Harry asked, surprised, then closed his eyes, "Sorry, I apologize for interrupting."

Blagric looked at Harry with narrowed eyes, "It has been long known that you, Mr. Potter, came here after your 11th birthday looking like you had been stuck in the Muggle world. Were there no wizards that raised you?"

Harry stared at him, "I discovered on my 11th birthday that I was a wizard. I didn't know before that day that what I did was normal. My family, my mother's family, made me think I was a freak for what I could do. So no, no wizards raised me outside of myself."

Blagric sighed, "For the hero of the wizards, they sure didn't care enough to see about your wellbeing." He shook his head, "Vault 224 is for monetary assets, and it was your father's main vault. There is not much in it, but what was willed to you by Sirius Black has been added to it. Your second vault 225 is for non-monetary assets. It includes parts of your family's home in Godric's Hollow that were saved, various portraits and jewelry that has been in the Potter line for generations."

Harry's eyes widened, "And I'm responsible for all this?"

"Indeed," Blagric replied, "As the Head of the House of Potter, you now have full authority to manage and distribute the assets as you see fit. Before his death, the head of the accounts until you came of age was Remus Lupin."

Hermione gasped, "What happened when Remus died?"

"I have been maintaining your assets until you replied," Blagric stated, "I hope I have done well, sir."

"I'm sure it is better than I would have," Harry said, overwhelmed, "That is only two vaults."

"The third vault in the Potter estate was your grandparents' vault. Their valuables and financials were consolidated per your father's wishes into a single vault," Blagric stated, "At the very least, my advice to you, Mr. Potter, I would visit your grandparents' vault today. It was sealed upon your father's death, and the vault ledger is within. The earnings build magically with your grandparents' investments, but no ledger is being maintained."

"Could you handle that as well?" Harry asked.

"Of course," Blagric stated.

"Then yes, I wish to visit it," Harry nodded.

"Very well, Mr. Potter. If you need any additional assistance, I am always here to help. I welcome you to your new role of the Head of House of Potter," Blagric said as another goblin entered the office, "Zurd, here will take you to vault 932. So you do not have to bleed anymore, here is a vial of the blood we used today. It will be necessary to unseal the vault. Just pour it onto your palm."

"Thank you, Blagric sir," Harry said, holding his hand out as he stood.

Blagric grinned, "I think it is good that you were not raised by wizards, Mr. Potter. I look forward to working with you in the future," Blagric shook his hand.

Hermione nodded as Harry grabbed her hand and led her out of the office. Zurd led them to the stairwell where the carts were stationed. Helping her first into a cart, Harry sat next to her as Zurd guided them through the caverns of Gringotts. Hermione held her hair back as it whipped around her in the cold air. Hermione looked over at Harry, who was staring at her. "What?" She yelled over the noise of the wheels on the track.

Harry shook his head as they both took in the waterfall ahead. Grabbing Harry's hand, they closed their eyes and went through it to be instantly soaked. Thankfully, the cart continued this time, and suddenly, they were dry as their journey continued deeper. The slight smell of Sulphur hit Hermione's nose as she saw a flash of fire reflecting on the walls. Harry leaned over and whispered into her ear, "I guess they got a new dragon."

Hermione frowned, "It's barbaric."

The cart finally started to slow as they reached vaults spread far apart. As they stopped, Hermione looked to see the number 932 on the door as Harry helped her out of the cart.

"This is it," Zurd stated in a much deeper voice than Hermione had expected as he put his hand on the door to a rune, "Now is the time for the blood."

Hermione bit her lip as Harry took the vial of his own blood out of his pocket and then poured it onto his hand. He placed his hand on the other rune of protection; it glowed, the door opened, and green smoke bellowed out. Colder air hit her face, and the smell of old books.

Harry took a deep breath, and Hermione squeezed his hand as Harry stepped into the vault, Hermione close behind him.

Hermione couldn't help, her jaw-dropping at the sight before her. The vault was massive, with high ceilings and walls lined with mounds of gold, silver, and bronze coins. A large pile of galleons filled the back corner with even larger piles of sickles and knuts. Barely seen was a bin that had once held each bounty within but had overflowed long ago. Portraits of Potters lines the walls, each with a unique style and dress. All were asleep within their portraits. As Harry walked deeper into the vault, some started opening their eyes. Their eyes followed Harry's every move.

"Blimey, Hermione," Harry muttered, his eyes wide in disbelief.

Ornate furniture from many different periods, clothing on mannequins of gorgeous dresses and robes, and boxes open showing many kinds of jewelry within were also displays amongst the various heirlooms.

"I feel like we are in a museum," Harry whispered, taking in the treasures that had remained untouched for decades.

Hermione gasped as she saw the 'POTTER FAMILY LEDGER,' "This is incredible, Harry. All this… it's your legacy."

Harry walked further into the vault with his footsteps echoing in the stone floor. A small wooden box lay on a table, a vibrant blue stone in the center cut into a heart with tiny diamonds all around it. The box was labeled 'Potter family ring.' The delicate band glinted at Hermione in the candlelight as Harry picked it up.

Harry turned towards Hermione, "This is beautiful. It's your birthstone, isn't it?"

"Sapphire, yes," Hermione told him.

Harry raised her hand and held it to her finger, "I want you to have it. It's too precious to leave in a vault."

Hermione shook her head as her heart raced. The ring seemed to call to her, hovering over her right finger. "No, Harry. I can't take that. It's too significant. It should stay in the family."

"That was my engagement ring."

Hermione gasped as Harry nearly dropped the ring as they looked around for the voice.

"I am sorry to startle you. I am over here."

Hermione and Harry turned to see a woman with reddish hair smiling at them as she waved. Hermione could tell that there were tears in her painted eyes.

The woman breathed out, "You must be Harry."

Harry let go of Hermione's hand and moved closer to the portrait.

"Harry James, our little star," She said, "Sirius wanted to name you Nash, but Lily put her foot down. As soon as they found out you were coming, she was adamant that you would be Harry James."

"I am Harry," He said as he stood under her portrait.

"You look so much like James," She smiled, "Something happened to them, didn't it?"

Harry nodded, "They died when I was a year old."

"Oh, Harry, I am so sorry. He and Lily both? Please tell me it wasn't that dark wizard from the prophesy?" She asked.

"It was Voldemort. Mum sacrificed herself to save me," Harry told her as he looked at her, "Are you Euphemia?"

She nodded, "Oh my Harry. I was so excited when they told me that they were expecting you. I wish I could have seen you," Euphemia told him.

"I'm sorry," Harry said.

"Fleamont and I were old, darling. We lived a great life. I just wish James and Lily would have been able to live theirs with you," Euphemia told him.

Harry noticed a small box under her portrait on the table with a card next to it, 'For Lily Jade, my love.' Opening it, he found a delicate silver necklace with a heart-shaped pendant. Inside the locket was a small photograph of a baby Harry being held by Lily. Picking it up, he saw a tiny note stating the protection spells and enchantments it had within the surface of the metal.

Turning to Hermione, he held it out to her, "This is for you. It's a necklace that my father had made for my mother. You kept me safe when she couldn't. I think she'd want you to have it."

Hermione hesitated, then took the necklace. "Thank you, Harry," She said softly as she put it around her neck, "It's beautiful."

Harry nodded and swallowed hard, looking up at Euphemia, "Is Fleamont also here?"

Euphemia nodded to her left as a man smiled in the portrait beside her. Without a doubt, Hermione knew Harry was related to him. He had brown hair to Harry's black, but Harry had his chin. Hermione was biased, but he also had Harry's smile, "It's an older portrait. The newest that he posed for is still in our home. This one is not enchanted with his voice."

Harry smiled, "Hello, sir." Harry looked at Hermione and then back at their portraits. "Would you like to come home with us?"

After putting Teddy to bed, Harry stepped back after hanging his grandparents' portraits on the wall in the living room of their student housing home.

"What is your little boy's name?" Euphemia asked him as Fleamont came to stand behind Euphemia in her portrait.

"Teddy, Teddy Lupin," Harry told them.

Euphemia frowned, "Lupin? As in Remus?"

Harry nodded, "He is my godson, our godson, and his grandmother is recovering from an illness, so we are taking care of him until she recovers."

Euphemia closed her eyes, "Not Remus, too."

"He died in battle the day I defeated Voldemort," Harry informed them as Euphemia's eyes snapped open.

"You defeated him as prophesied?" Euphemia asked, shocked.

Harry nodded.

"What about Sirius and Peter? Where are they?" Euphemia asked.

"Sirius died my fifth year. Peter…" Harry trailed off, looking at the floor.

"Peter is the reason James and Lily are dead," Hermione stated while walking down the stairs. "He betrayed them and was a death eater. He nearly got Harry killed in our fourth year. He died before Voldemort's fall."

"I can't believe it. Sweet Peter?" Euphemia stated.

"He definitely wasn't sweet in the end," Harry said bitterly.

"Son, when you are ready, please tell us what we have missed," Euphemia told him, "How old are you now?"

"I turned 21 in July. It is November now," Harry told him.

"You are now Head of the House," Euphemia stated, "Have you got the ring?"

Harry shook his head, "I wasn't told about a ring."

Euphemia sighed as she looked at her quiet husband, "James may have had it. It is mostly for appearances."

"When did you two marry?" Euphemia asked.

Hermione looked at her wide-eyed, "We aren't married."

"No, no… this is Hermione, my best friend," Harry told her, "Without Hermione, I wouldn't be here. You see, she is the brightest witch and most loyal. Saved my life more than a handful of times. Kept me alive even more. I'll introduce you to my girlfriend, Ginny, tomorrow. She and our friends will be coming over then for our Thanksgiving dinner that we are doing."

Euphemia smiled, "Thanksgiving, the American holiday?"

"Harry and I went to University in America for two years," Hermione informed them as she laid her hand on Harry's knee, "I'm going to head to bed. Enjoy the rest of the evening with your grandparents."

*~*~* November 24, 2001 *~*~*

Waking up, Hermione stretched and yawned. The warmth of her bed was almost too inviting if it weren't for the delicious smells filling their home. Hermione smiled as a tiny, warm body buried themselves against her. She kissed the top of Teddy's head and closed her eyes, wishing he was hers and Harry's. That things would be different.

Laying back on her back, Hermione took a moment to wallow. To wonder what her choices were. Would things have been different if she had made just one or two different choices? With a sigh, she gently pushed herself out of bed to not disturb Teddy, then grabbed her clothes to start her day.

After dressing, she walked downstairs and found her Mum and Harry working on Thanksgiving dinner together. Leaning against the doorframe, she watched as they worked side-by-side. Smiling, she was grateful that Harry had bonded easily with her mother.

Harry glanced over his shoulder, "Hey, sleeping beauty."

"Hey," Hermione smiled as she walked over to them, "What can I help with?"

Juliet looked at her, "Hermione, honey, you can help with the pies."

Hermione bit her lip, disappointed, "Sure."

Hermione was setting the dining room table when the doorbell rang. She rushed to the door in her stocking feet to see Neville in a smart blue jumper, "Hey, Neville! Welcome to our home."

Neville kissed her cheek, "I can't wait for these foods that you and Harry have been hyping. It smells amazing."

Hermione took the bottle of wine as he handed it to her, "Ooh, this is my favorite."

Neville smiled as he shut the door behind himself, "That is why I brought it."

Harry walked into the room, "Neville! Thank you for coming."

"Come on, let me introduce you to my mother," Hermione said, linking her arm to Neville's, "Goodness, Neville, I always forget how tall you've gotten until I'm standing next to you."

Neville smiled, "Some of us were blessed to keep growing."

Hermione led Neville into the kitchen where Juliet was plating cookies, "Mum, I would like to introduce you to Neville. Neville, this is my Mum, Juliet."

Juliet wiped her hands on her towel, "My goodness, you are tall. It is a pleasure to meet you, Neville. You went to school with Harry and Hermione?"

"Proud Gryffindor," Neville stated proudly, "Though not as gifted or academically inclined as your daughter or Harry, I did my best."

Hermione smiled, "Neville was the first person I met on the train to Hogwarts."

Neville groaned, "Don't bring up Trevor."

"Who is Trevor?" Juliet asked.

Harry snorted, "This toad that Neville used to carry around everywhere," Harry said as he took the rolls out of the oven, "When did it finally croak?"

Hermione groaned as Neville laughed, "Actually, on the way to Hagrid's one day in the sixth year, he jumped out of my pocket and went to the lake. He had to be happier there anyway."

Harry took the oven mitts off, "Want to see Sirius' bike? I may actually get it running."

"Sure," Neville said as he followed Harry to the garage.

Juliet grinned as soon as they left the house, "So, what happened to that pudgy boy that you talked about in school?"

Hermione blushed, "He thinned out between his sixth year and his seventh. He suddenly was way taller in the fifth year and kept growing."

Juliet elbowed her, "Just saying, honey, he is very attractive. Even this old Mum thinks so."

Hermione rolled her eyes, "He isn't interested in that, Mum."

"You never know. I am just saying, I know," Juliet glanced at the front door, "I know how much you love Harry, but honey, it's time to move on."

"Mum, there is nothing to move on from," Hermione said as the front door opened, and Harry and Neville heard Ron's laugh. "Let's drop it, okay?"

Hermione was standing at the kitchen sink washing dishes when her arms went around her middle. A light kiss was laid on her neck, causing her to nearly moan.

"Great night, Granger."

Hermione gasped as she turned around and pushed Seamus away, "Seamus, don't do that!"

"Why not, darling?" Seamus slurred, then groaned, "I forgot how much tequila gets me pissed."

"Seamus, go into the sitting room. I'm about to bring the movie in," Hermione told him.

"Seamus, leave Hermione alone," Neville stated as he walked into the kitchen, "Go bother Dean."

Seamus shook his head, "Just playing hard to get, Granger. I'll win you over eventually."

Hermione rolled her eyes as Seamus left the kitchen, "He won't ever win me over because I'm not who we want."

Neville looked at her, "You know?" He asked, surprised.

Hermione smiled, "Not my business to broadcast it, but remember that one evening we did spin the butterbeer bottle in the common room? After the bottle landed on Dean, I caught them behind a tapestry the next day during patrols. I just wish they'd quit fighting it for both of their sakes."

Neville leaned against the counter beside her, "Fighting it, huh? Pot calling the kettle black."

Hermione turned the water off, drying her hands on a towel, "What are you talking about?"

"You and Harry," Neville told her, "I know he is with Ginny, but both of you have this chemistry even a blind person can see."

Hermione shook her head, "I'm not breaking them up, Neville. He is my best friend, and she is my friend. I don't want to hurt them. I've had feelings for him for a while, but his happiness means more than some feelings." Picking the VHS tape box up, she waved it, "No more talk of this. We are going to go watch Shrek. Have you ever seen a movie?"

"Just saying you shouldn't give up your happiness," Neville voiced, "Now, what is Shrek and what is a movie? Dean and Seamus used to talk about them."

Hermione grabbed his arm, "It is moving pictures with sound. You will love it."

*~*~* November 30, 2001 *~*~*

"Hermione honey, there is an owl at the window!"

Hermione looked up from her books and rubbed her eyes as Harry looked at her, "I wonder who is sending a letter to us?"

Harry yawned as he stretched, "No clue."

Opening the window in the kitchen, the owl flew through the window and held out its leg. Removing the scroll, Hermione glanced at the front of the top scroll, "This one is for you, this is for me."

Unrolling the letter, Hermione read the document.

Dear Ms. Granger,

I hope that this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to inform you of the upcoming conclusion of your Child-Rearing Project, the joint project between Hogwarts and the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.

The house-elf you cared for and raised during the project has now reached the stage where they are ready biologically to be permanently bonded with a family. Given your involvement and the strong bond that was likely formed between you and the elf, as previously stated, we would like to offer you the first opportunity to adopt the elf and bring it to your chosen residence.

If you choose to bond with the elf, the Department will make the necessary arrangements to finalize the process by the end of the year. We kindly request that you respond to this letter within the week to confirm your intentions and allow us to proceed accordingly.

Please indicate in your reply whether you wish to adopt the elf and any other details you may require as part of the bonding process. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Warm regards,

John Hatcher

Head of House-Elf Relocation

Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures

The Ministry of Magic

Hermione swallowed hard as she sat down and looked at Harry with tears in her eyes, "Are we going to do this?"

Harry smiled, "We get to bring her home. One problem, we don't have an 'estate' for her to be part of."

Hermione looked at him, "You do, Harry. We looked through all that paperwork, and one home is still listed as part of your grandparents' estate. We need to go to Potter Manor."

"I agree with Hermione."

Harry looked at his Grandmother's portrait, "Looks like I finally get to visit Potter Manor."

*~*~* December 1, 2001 *~*~*

Hermione shifted in the chair in Blagric's office. She crossed her legs to the other side as Blagric reviewed the property ledger before him.

"Everything looks to be in order. Potter Manor is in Loders Cross in the West Country," Blagric stated, "Here is your portkey that will take you to the front gates," Hermione watched as Harry took an old telephone handset, "It is currently hidden until you put your family ring on your finger and press it to the gate," Blagric informed him, "Any further questions?"

Harry looked at Hermione, then Ron and Ginny, "No, what is the activation word?"

"Potter Manor. There are anti-apparition wards within the gates, but outside the gates, you can disapparate home," Blagric informed Harry.

Harry nodded as he held out the handset for Hermione, Ginny, and Ron, who all put their finger on it, "Potter manor."

Hermione felt the familiar hook behind her navel, and a short trip later, they were in a grassy meadow at the edge of a forest. Two small buildings with a rod iron gate in between were in front of them.

"Well, that doesn't scream Gryffindor, does it?" Ron stated as he saw the lion statues on both sides of the gate.

A sign about trespassers was on the gate, and the home beyond the gates looked to be falling apart. Harry swallowed as he pulled the Potter family ring that had been given to him by Blagric from the pocket of his trousers. Sliding it onto his right hand, he pressed the Potter family crest onto the gate where the crest lay. From that spot, a blue wave of magic rolled out over the gate to the buildings next to it and then down to the ground. As the gate opened, the blue wave crossed onto the concrete behind it, and the house disappeared. Suddenly, a bridge appeared before their eyes, followed by a moat.

"Oh shit Harry, it has a moat," Ron said wide-eyed as the rest of the bridge materialized and the blue wave started climbing up a building.

"It's a miniature Hogwarts," Hermione breathed out as the front of the building appeared.

"I don't want this," Harry stated, staring up at it in disgust, "To go from a cupboard to this?"

Hermione reached for his hand by habit, causing Ginny to glare. She held Harry's left arm tighter, saying, "Let's just go in and see it. You could sell it. Who knows what the condition is inside. It's been left alone for over twenty years. Let's just see what the inside is like."

Ginny led Harry up the bridge, and Hermione released his hand. Following behind them next to Ron, Hermione sighed. Ron bumped into her shoulder, "You okay?"

"Yeah, Harry is going to freak out," Hermione whispered as Harry and Ginny reached the front door, "This is just too much too fast."

Ron and Hermione came up behind Harry and Ginny, staring at the front door, "So going to open it?"

Harry grabbed the handle, pressing the presser, "Nope, it's locked."

They all jumped as the door opened from the inside, revealing a little house elf wearing a small suit, "Master James, Missus Lily, you have returned!"

Harry stepped back and nearly stepped on Hermione's toes. She reached up and squeezed his shoulder as she looked around Harry, "Hello, I am sorry, but I am Hermione Granger. This is my friends Harry Potter, and Ron and Ginny Weasley."

The small elf looked at Harry in awe, "Master James' son! Come in! Please come in!"

As they entered the house, multiple house elves popped into the entryway, all wearing nice dresses and little suits.

"Sir, I am Ranby," The elf who had answered the door stated, "I am one of the caretakers. My mother is Seekey, Master James' nanny elf."

There were five elves: Ranby, a caretaker inside the house. His wife, Beeky, Bibsey, an elf who stated he was in charge of the outside of the home, which was the child of Ranby and Beeky. Cobry and Tolpy were also caretakers of the home's inside and Ranby and Beeky's daughters. Ranby's parents were Seekey and Karby, two elves they had yet to see, and Ranby said they were in poor health.

"All the other elves have died over the years, sir. When Masters Fleamont and Euphemia never returned, and Master James sealed the house, we's started having troubles with the magic in the home," Ranby informed them.

"Why is that?" Hermione asked.

"When a Master dies, a bonded elf loses a bit of their magic every year until they bond with another wizard."

They all turned to see an older elf, much older than Kreacher, in a small robe.

"Father, you must not be out of bed," Ranby stated.

The older elf used the small cane to walk closer, "I felt when Master's magic awoke the house. It gave me energy," The aging elf walked over to them, "I am Karby. You must be Master Harry."

Harry knelt before the elf, "Thank you, Karby, for keeping my Grandparents home safe."

"Master James has been gone for twenty years," Karby stated, "We thought you were lost as well. We haven't been able to feel your magic since that night until this year when you turned 21."

Harry frowned, "Why?"

Karby reached his wrinkled hand out and took Harry's hand in his, "You had a block on you. To hide you away from the magical world. You turned 21, and it ended. I was near the edge of death, and when I felt your magic, it kept me alive."

Hermione stood in the sitting area, standing at the fireplace, staring at the portrait above. It was a dark-haired wizard, who had to be Fleamont Potter, with his arms around a red-headed witch, who had to be Euphemia, with a small dark-haired boy in her arms. It had to be James as a young child. If going from how small Harry was when starting Hogwarts, James had to be around 6 or 7 at the time of the painting.

"Does he know?"

Hermione gasped, turning around. She grabbed her wand and pointed at the voice behind her. "Who was that?"

"Great draw, I'm Fleamont Potter," The portrait stated.

Hermione walked over to the portrait on the wall of the older wizard, "Hello, Mr. Potter, I am Hermione Granger."

"Nice to meet you, Hermione. Does Harry know?" Fleamont asked.

"About what?" Hermione asked him, confused.

"The magical compatibility. Every time you two walk past each other, I see it. How long has it been building?" Fleamont asked.

Hermione sighed, "I don't know when it started. We've known each other since our first day at Hogwarts. The feelings have always been there for me. He," Hermione glanced through the door to make sure they were alone, "Look, the redhead he is with? That is his girlfriend, and she makes him happy. I'm not going to get between them, and I beg you not to say anything to him. He hasn't had much happiness in his life. I'm not going to ruin the happiness he has now."

Fleamont looked at her, "Are you Muggleborn?"

Hermione crossed her arms over her chest, "Does it matter?"

"Not one bit, but darling, you do not know what ignoring it will do to you. It could drive you mad. I heard Karby. I know Harry had a block on him. That is why he didn't feel the pull of compatibility, but now he will. It will just grow stronger the more you two are near each other," Fleamont informed her.

Hermione closed her eyes, "That is his decision to make. Please respect that for him and me. You don't know what has happened to him, sir. I refuse to take his freedom to choose from him. If he picks Ginny, it will hurt. A lot. But it will be his choice." Hermione swallowed back the tears, "Good day."

"Have the dreams started?"

Hermione turned around and looked at his portrait, "What dreams?"

"The longing. Euphemia fought me, too, for a while. The longer she did, my imagination ran wild in my dreams. Just be prepared," Fleamont told her.

Hermione nodded as she exited the room.

Following the sounds of Ron and Ginny's voices, she found them in the kitchen. As Ron looked in the ice box, Ginny had her head in the stove.

"So when are we moving in?" Ginny asked, excited as she shut the stove door.

"We aren't," Harry said, leaning on the counter, "I couldn't live here."

Ginny frowned, "Why not?"

Harry laughed bitterly, "It's huge. What would I do with all these rooms? There are seven bedrooms, Ginny! I doubt Malfoy's manor had that many."

"Sir, actually, there are nine bedrooms and seven bathrooms. Three half bathrooms between this floor and the basement where the potion laboratory is," One of the elves said as they cleaned a window that overlooked a large pond in the back of the house.

"I don't need this much space," Harry told Ginny, shaking his head.

Ginny walked over and put her arms around his waist, "What about our future?"

"The one where you don't want to have kids for ten or more years?" Harry asked bitterly, "Why have this huge house for a what-if?"

Ron looked at Hermione, who shook her head as Ginny stormed off.

Harry groaned as he followed her.

Ron went over to the back door that the elf had just cleaned and looked out, "This isn't Harry."

"No, it's not," Hermione agreed, "But Ginny would love it."

"It's not home. That's why she would love it," Ron sighed as he ran his hand over his face, "She isn't ashamed, but now that she has contract money coming in, she is trying to get Mum and Dad to let us all get them a better home."

Hermione laughed, "Molly isn't taking that well, is she?"

"Not at all," Ron said as he looked at her, "What will he do with this place?"

Hermione shook her head, "No clue. He will probably come here just for the Quidditch field. Or to talk to his grandfather."

Ron looked at her, surprised, "You found his grandfather's portrait?"

Nodding, Hermione led Ron to the room where the now empty portrait was, "Well, he was here. I have a feeling he is a bit nosy."

A tuff of black hair appeared at the edge of the portrait, and then a pair of hazel eyes, "I take offense to that, madam."

Hermione grinned, "I knew it would bring you back though. Were you spying on Harry and Ginny?"

"My grandson and the redhead that looks far too much like my Mia? Of course, I was," Fleamont said, looking at Ron, "And you must be a Weasley."

Hermione laughed as Ron turned bright red, "Ron Weasley, meet Fleamont Potter."

"You look so much like Billius Weasley. He was an old roommate of mine at Hogwarts," Fleamont stated.

"He was my Grandfather," Ron informed him.

"So the young lady my grandson is with is a Weasley, too?" Fleamont asked, surprised, "The Weasleys finally had a daughter? Is Billius still around?"

Ron shook his head, "No, he passed right before I went to Hogwarts. My Great-Aunt Tessie is, though."

Fleamont looked at him surprised, "That woman would be just to spite us all."

Hermione laughed as Harry walked into the room, "Who are you guys talking to?" Harry asked as he saw the portrait.

"Hello, Harry," Fleamont said with a smile.

"You are my grandfather? Fleamont, right?" Harry asked.

Fleamont nodded as he looked to his left, where an empty spot was left, "Your grandmother is Euphemia, but I don't know where Mia's portrait is after all these years. I know James had mine finished first and applied to this wall."

"At our home," Harry told him as he approached the portrait, "Do you wish to come with me and see her?"

Fleamont smiled, "I would love to. I haven't been able to speak to my love since James left this place. They had just had you. James told us that Mia's portrait was finished when you were born. He would bring you to meet me and put Mia's portrait up, but there was some prophesy that they had to settle first."

"The prophesy happened. That is what killed them," Harry informed him, "Do you mind if I remove your portrait and bring you to my home? I'll explain more when I get there. This is too much, and I want to go home."

"Of course. I will admit, my grandfather built this home hoping for a large family, but the Potter curse could not be broken," Fleamont told him, "For generations now, we have had only one child, a male heir. At least for the last 5 generations."

Harry swallowed, then glanced at Ginny, who had come to stand next to Hermione, "I hope to change that."

a/n: For some reason FFN is finally sending me e-mails again! So thank you to the following for favorite/following this week: Kerrion, AnonymouseKitten, wandderer, and seantrem74

Also for the review:

Hudy Leak613: Thank you for reading and reviewing! I post every Saturday!

I made great progress this week on writing. I don't have a beta, but reached out recently to a few readers and next chapter will make some things a little clearer as far as the direction of the story. I don't want to give away much early, but tune in next week for more.

Also my school that I teach at goes straight into summer camp/school, which I always teach during the summer, and hours are better as well as vacation time starts up at the end of the month. So yeah, on more time to write! I have scenes that have been playing out in my head about future years that I have scribbles of notes about and partial scenes pre-typed up. Cannot wait until you see where this is going.

Preview of Chapter 23- Tolerate It

Harry put his arm around her, listening to them brag about their favorite boyfriends. Sue discussed her upcoming wedding.

"How long have you two been together?" Her cousin Mary-Beth asked as she sat on the couch across from them.

"Oh, we-"

"We have a house in London together. We've been together since our last year of school," Harry said as he squeezed her shoulder and kissed her cheek.

Hermione looked at him wide-eyed in surprise.