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.
I don't need diamonds, no sparkly things (No, oh, oh, oh, oh)
'Cause you can't buy this a-feeling (No, oh, oh, oh, oh)
Nothing lights my fire or wraps me up, baby, like you do
Just want a cozy, a cozy little Christmas here with you
~ Cozy Little Christmas by Katy Perry
*~*~* December 25, 1998 *~*~*
The air was crisp biting Hermione's nose and she and Harry walked down the road through Godric's Hollow. The spirit of Christmas day filled the air as carolers sang down the road from them as they made their way to the cemetery. Snow crunched under their feet as they opened the kissing gate and walked amongst the gravestones to reach the now familiar gravestone of Harry's parents.
"Hello Mum, Dad. I don't know if what I experienced with the resurrection stone was real, but I did it. I defeated him. Voldemort is dead," Harry said as Hermione made the wreath of roses again, "I brought Hermione again."
"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Potter," Hermione said as she melted the snow from their stone.
"I went back to Hogwarts to finish my 7th year since I missed it last year. I figured Mum, you'd be proud," Harry stated as Hermione squeezed his hand. "I'm not sure what I am doing after I graduate. I wanted to become an Auror like Dad trained for, but I honestly am not sure I'll be able to be one with the attention I receive now that I defeated him," Harry said scuffing at the ground, "Anyways, Merry Christmas."
Hermione looped her arm through his, "Let's go back to my house. We still have a few hours before we have to be at the Burrow. I know you were up late wrapping."
Harry scratched the back of his head, "Yeah, I waited too long. I was up until 3 am wrapping stuff."
Hermione yawned, "I plan on taking a nice warm nap."
"Sounds good," Harry said as he wrapped her closer to him and disapparated back to her house.
Hermione opened her eyes and noticed the arm over her stomach. Rolling over, she saw Harry behind her. "Harry," Hermione said as she kissed his forehead, "Harry, wake up."
Harry stretched, "I didn't mean to fall asleep."
"Are you ready to head over?" Hermione asked looking at the clock, "It's about that time."
Harry sat up reaching for his glasses on the side table and put his glasses on, "Yeah, let's head over there."
Grabbing the bag with their gifts, hand in hand, they disapparated to the Burrow's back garden. Lights covered the outside as Ginny greeted them at the door.
"You made it!" Ginny yelled as she ran over and hugged Harry, then Hermione, "Come on in."
Entering the house, the familiar smells overwhelmed Hermione's senses. Molly was bustling around making Christmas dinner for everyone with Fleur helping. Arthur was at the table with Charlie, Percy, and Bill as they discussed Charlie's adventures at the dragon preserve.
"Harry!" Charlie said as he saw them, "Hermione, good to see you!"
"Hello Charlie, Bill, and Percy," Hermione said taking her coat off and then putting it into the coat closet, "How are you all?"
"Not bad, Head Girl I hear?" Percy asked as he stood up and shook her hand then Harry's, "Head Boy as well, congrats."
"Thank you. It's been a bit of an adjustment," Harry said.
Charlie sat back and grinned, "Not as much rule-breaking being done this year, I'd assume without Weasley's influence."
"Nah, you seem to forget I'm there," Ginny grinned as she kissed Harry's cheek then went back to the kitchen.
Charlie and Bill laughed as Percy frowned, "I can just imagine," Bill said as Arthur got up to check on the kitchen, "Some late nights in the Hogwarts Head's Rooms. They can get real cozy if you know what I mean."
Harry frowned, "That's your sister, plus she has never been up to the rooms. Hermione is across the common room. It would be too weird."
Bill slapped Harry's back as he got up, "Oh Harry, oh Harry. So young and naive. You are a wizard, my friend, there are silencing charms."
Harry frowned as Bill walked away.
After eating dinner, Harry was stopped by George at the bathroom as he was walking out, "Oh, hi George. How are you?" Harry said as George grabbed his arm.
"Best I can be," George said looking up the stairs, "Look Harry, I have a personal question for you. You can choose not to answer it, but Ron told us about the final battle, what you saw, and some details of what you experienced."
"I didn't see Fred," Harry told him honestly.
George swallowed hard, "Did it hurt? Dying, when he cursed you?"
Harry shook his head, "It was once said to me, that dying doesn't hurt. It's quicker and easier than falling asleep. It was. One second I was staring him down, then the next I was… wherever I was. Limbo, heaven. Wherever."
"Do you think Freddie is at peace?" George asked.
"Yeah, I do. Plus, now he is up there with my Dad, Sirius, and Lupin making trouble I'd assume," Harry told him, "Prongs, Padfoot, and Moony have a new partner in crime. My poor mother."
George frowned, "Wait, wait a second!" George said grabbing Harry's shoulders, "Padfoot was Sirius, but Moony and Prongs? Holy shit!" Harry watched George's eyes grow large, "Harry, please, please don't tell me that all these years, two of the Marauders were people I knew! That Freddie knew," George said shocked.
"Okay, I won't, but they were. I solemnly swear it," Harry said with a smile.
George laughed as he put his arm around Harry's shoulders slapping his back, "That means you are a Junior marauder and you and I are owners of a joke shop together. Oh Freddie," George said as he looked at the ceiling, "You'd be so proud."
Harry laughed, "Keep it quiet, your Mum still doesn't know I gave you both the money."
Harry sat back next to Ginny, who moved to rest her head on his shoulder.
"George seems happy," Ginny whispered in his ear, "What did you do?"
"Just told him the secret of Dad, Lupin, and Sirius," Harry told her with a grin.
"Alright, everyone is here now. It's present time!" Molly exclaimed as she got under the tree and handed out everyone's presents.
Everyone opened their gifts to see new sweaters and scarves.
"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione said as she looked at her light blue sweater with a book knitted on it.
As everyone else started exchanging presents, Ron pulled a box out of his pocket, "Happy Christmas, Hermione. I'm sorry for my mood lately."
"Thank you," Hermione said as she unwrapped the box and opened it. Inside was a delicate necklace on a silver chain with a pendant of a book. In the center of the book was a red, ruby heart, "Ron, it's beautiful! Thank you!" Hermione exclaimed as she hugged him. Glancing over at Harry, she saw Ginny opening a new broom as Harry opened a new broom servicing kit.
"Harry, can you date me?" Charlie asked as Fleur hit him, "Hey!"
Ron opened his gift from Hermione, "I thought this Quill would help you with your reports. It has a spell-checking feature and auto refills on ink," Hermione explained.
Ron kissed her, "Thank you."
"Hermione, thank you for the bag!" Harry said from the other sofa.
Hermione looked over at him, "It has an extension charm and you can magically set the pockets to accommodate what you wish. I figured it would be good for this year, and next year, whatever you choose to do."
"I'm confused," Molly stated looking at the gift she was holding up, "Why did someone give me a baby outfit?"
"What's it say on it?" Fleur asked.
"I love my Grandparents," Arthur read as Molly gasped.
"It is from me and Fleur," Bill told them, "We are expecting a baby!"
Everyone gasped as hugs were shared with the expecting couple.
"When are you due?" Molly asked wiping her eyes.
"The 28th of April," Fleur told her with a smile, "It was so hard to keep it a secret, but we can keep it a secret no longer."
Bill put his arm around Fleur and rested it on her stomach, "And, Ginny… I'm so sorry," Bill said as he looked at her, "You no longer will be the only Weasley girl."
Ginny squealed jumping up and down, "A girl! Yes!"
Hermione blew out a breath and watched the mist leave her mouth into the night air in the pure darkness that surrounded the Burrow at night. Occasional blinking lights from planes overhead and the stars were all that lit the moonless night.
"You alright?"
Hermione looked back at Ron as he walked down the grass to her, "Sorry, I just needed some space."
Ron sat down next to her on the log, "Thank you for being here tonight."
Hermione smiled, "I'm glad I could be."
"But?" Ron stated.
Hermione sighed pulling her sweater closer to her body, "I don't know, Ron."
"Hermione, I really, really love you. Please know that," Ron told her taking her hand in his.
Hermione swallowed looking up at the sky, "That is the first time you told me that, you know."
Ron frowned, "It is?"
"Yes, Ron, I really like you too, but-"
"But what? I love you, you love me. That's all that matters right?" Ron asked.
"I don't know how this will work out for us," Hermione explained.
Ron got down on his knees in front of her, "I'll make it work. I'll make us work. I promise."
Hermione swallowed hard, "Don't make promises you can't keep, Ron. We might not work out, we have to realize the reality of that," Hermione told him honestly.
"I know that, but at this point… I don't have a choice. I need you too much," Ron told her.
Later that night, Ginny handed Hermione a glass of wine and curled her feet under her as she sat down next to Hermione on the large comfy couch, "So, spill. What is going on with you and Ron?"
Hermione glanced at the famous Weasley clock and saw Ron and Charlie listed at 'W3' and George listed at home, "What do you mean?" She asked curling a piece of her hair around her finger.
"You two are so hot and cold. I've seen the way you two look at each other. There is something there, isn't there?" Ginny asked.
Hermione sighed, "I don't know, Ginny. It's just so… complicated. We've been friends for so long, and he's always been there. My feelings for him compared to Harry changed over the years. When he was with Lavender I was devastated. We were all in survival mode last year, and nothing happened. He watched after me but so did Harry. I just, I'm afraid of crossing that line with him for some reason. I love him, I really do. Differently than I love Harry or you, or Luna, or Neville."
Ginny laid her hand on Hermione's knee, "Hermione, you have to follow your heart. Ron's always been spoiled, he cares about you a lot, but he just doesn't know how to show it. It's okay to let yourself relax and be happy."
Hermione swallowed hard and folded her hands into each other, "It's just hard. I'm afraid to ruin our friendship. Plus it seems like we both want very different things. I want a career before a family, he wants a family."
"You won't know unless you try. Look at Harry. He hasn't told me much, but from what Ron has told me, he didn't know much about love growing up. He is so sweet and attentive despite how he grew up," Ginny told her with a smile.
Hermione bit her lip, "You love him don't you?"
Ginny smiled, "Yeah, I have for a while. Don't get me wrong, the first year it started more as a huge crush. Then he saved me from the Chamber. I was afraid to talk to him for so long, then in my third year, he asked me why I never talked to him. I wish he would have asked me to the Yule Ball. He wasn't ready though."
"Harry didn't have the capability I don't think with the piece of Voldemort in his head," Hermione said shaking her head.
Ginny spit out her wine, "What?"
Hermione looked at her wide-eyed, "What?"
"No, what did you say? Harry had a piece of Voldemort in him?" Ginny asked confused.
"I mean, it was like that," Hermione said.
Ginny sat up, "You are a horrible liar. Oh Merlin, is that why he was always having the visions? The parseltongue is gone too. It was all Voldemort," Ginny said in realization, "Those horcruxes, he was one of them, wasn't he?"
Hermione swallowed hard and nodded, "I figured he told you. Don't tell him that I told you. He, we… it can't get out. No one can know about the horcruxes."
"So wait, that's… when he died, he didn't die did he? Voldemort's Horcrux did," Ginny said standing up.
"No, Harry is pretty sure he did die," Hermione said as Ginny sat down hard next to her, "Look, when Harry is ready, he will tell you. I just know because I was there for most of it."
Ginny sighed then grabbed her wine glass finishing it off, "Yeah you were."
"Again, it wasn't luxurious. We starved, we were running for our lives. He watched that damn map looking for you all the time," Hermione told her.
Both girls looked over as the grandfather clock chimed to see Ron's hand moving to traveling, then landing on home. The back door opened and Harry walked in with Ron, both of them laughing.
"Oi!" Ron said stopping in his tracks as he saw them, "What's going on?"
Ginny glanced at Hermione then grinned, "Just a little girl talk, nothing to get your knickers in a twist."
"Have fun?" Harry asked.
"Probably not as much as you," Hermione said noticing Harry's red cheeks, "Getting into the Firewhiskey again?"
"Not as much this time," Harry assured her.
"What were you two up to?" Ginny asked as she pulled Harry down to her lap.
"Bill, George, and Charlie just wanted to shoot the breeze without Mum breathing down their backs. George had some new products actually and wanted to show them to us," Ron explained as he yawned, "I think I am going to head to bed."
Hermione accepted his kiss, "Goodnight, sleep good."
"You too," Ron said as he headed for the stairs.
Ginny bit her lip and looked at Hermione, "Do you mind if you sleep in Ron's room tonight? It's just it's Christmas night and-"
Hermione smiled as she stood up, "No worries, I'm just going to go home anyways."
Harry stood up, "Do you want me to take you home?"
"No, no," Hermione said shaking her head, "You enjoy the rest of your night with Ginny. I'll see you sometime tomorrow. Goodnight to you both."
Hermione grabbed her coat and then walked out the back door. As she stepped out into the cool night air, she let out a breath as the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions coursed through her brain. Closing her eyes, she imagined her backyard and landed in the deep snow of her backyard.
*~*~* December 26, 1998 *~*~*
Hermione was sitting on the couch reading a book, and listening to music when she heard the front door open, "Harry, did you eat?"
"I ate on the plane."
Hermione gasped as she jumped up, "Mum!" Dropping her book to the floor, she ran into her Mum's arms.
"Oh my darling," Juliet Granger said hugging her only daughter.
Hermione wiped her tears, "I thought you weren't going to be home until tomorrow!"
"I know, but your father and I discussed it. I wanted to be with you sooner rather than later. So we celebrated Christmas Eve and then I flew out at 6 pm Sydney time yesterday. Landed in Dubai, then flew home. I landed at 7 am and then took a taxi. It was worth it for this surprise," Juliet said kissing her forehead then looking around, "Where is Harry?"
"He stayed the night at the Burrow. We had Christmas day there," Hermione said as she hugged her mother again, "I am so happy to see you."
Juliet sat down on the couch and took off her shoes, "I will admit, I miss the warm Australian weather already."
Hermione smiled as she curled her legs up under her, "How was the trip?"
"I slept for most of the trip until nearly getting to Dubai. Thankfully I didn't sleep until I landed here. The jetlag will be horrible," Juliet stated, "But so worth it. That is a beautiful necklace."
Hermione picked it up from her chest and smiled, "Ron gave it to me. He even told me that he loved me on Christmas."
Juliet smiled, "I'm glad things are working out for you and Ron finally."
The front door opened again, "Hermione it's me," Harry stated as he came inside.
"In the living room!" Hermione replied.
"Sorry, Mrs. Weasley roped me into staying for breakfast and you know how she…" Harry said as he walked into the room, "Mrs. Granger!"
Juliet stood up, "Hello Harry, how are you?"
"Good, we weren't expecting you yet," Harry said as she hugged him, "Did you have a good trip?"
"Very long, but it was a good trip. Please have a seat," Juliet said as she sat back down next to Hermione and he sat in the armchair, "How was your Christmas?"
"Good, nice to not have classes right now," Harry said smiling at Hermione.
"How are classes going?" Juliet asked looking at the both of them, "What are you thinking about this big project?"
"I'm not sure still," Hermione admitted.
Harry sat back, "I want to do it. I never had a real family and before I do, it would be nice to get practice. See if I could potentially be a good father without knowing what a father was really like."
Juliet frowned, "What about your uncle? Was he not around when you were younger?"
"He wasn't the most hands-on, even to my cousin. I was the freak, even when I was younger. I thought my name was Boy until I started school. I want to be, what he wasn't," Harry insisted.
"And you will be," Hermione told him as she reached over for his hand.
"So what was your plan for Boxing Day?" Juliet asked, "Planning on going shopping? To a movie?"
Hermione bit her lip, "Actually yes, I was planning on going to the mall. I am leaning more and more towards going to the States for college. So I was looking into sales for maybe outfits or dormitory things," Hermione told her as she looked at Harry, "Harry, also should get some clothes. He's been wearing the same trousers for three years and you can see his ankles now that he has grown so much. At least the waistband is getting a little less loose."
Harry smirked, "Are you calling me fat, Hermione?"
Hermione laughed, "Never, I'm just saying, Dudley's old clothes while too short since he was shorter than you, at least the waistline wasn't making them too small around the middle."
"They didn't even get you clothing of your own?"
Harry looked at Juliet, "I'm away from them, Mrs. Granger. I never have to worry about them again."
Hermione heard a snore as they watched the new VHS tapes of Titanic that they had purchased earlier for a Boxing Day special. She looked over at her mother as Rose asked Jack to draw her wearing the heart-shaped diamond and only the diamond necklace and paused the movie, "She almost made it halfway."
Harry looked over at Juliet, who was asleep in the armchair, "She did have a long flight and it's nearly midnight here. It's what? 10 am there?"
"Yeah, Mum. Mum, wake up," Hermione said as she went over and gently shook her.
Juliet inhaled as she opened her eyes, "Did I fall asleep?"
"Mum, go to bed. It's nearly midnight here. You've stayed up for a long time. We are just going to finish the movie and then head to bed ourselves," Hermione told her.
"I feel like such a party pooper," Juliet said as she stood up.
Hermione smiled, "You aren't. Go get some rest, Mum. Love you and goodnight."
Juliet kissed her cheek, "Goodnight, darling. Goodnight, Harry."
"Goodnight, Mrs. Granger," Harry smiled.
"Enough of that, call me Juliet. Mrs. Granger was my mother-in-law," Juliet told him as she headed towards the stairs.
Hermione waited until she heard the door shut, "I didn't want her to wake up for scenes that I'm sure are about to happen."
Harry chuckled as he took a drink of his water, "Good thinking."
Hermione sat down as Jack started moving the couch around and sharpening his tools. Rose stepped out and disrobed. Staring at the television, as Jack started drawing Rose. Hermione heard Harry shifting on the couch. She tried her best not to look at him and make this whole moment more uncomfortable. She sighed in relief as the scene went back to Rose as an older woman.
"Ginny and I slept together last night."
Hermione inhaled and choked on her spit, "Excuse me?"
Harry groaned, "I don't know why I just blurted that out."
Hermione swallowed hard as they watched Rose and Jack run through the Titanic in an attempt to not be found by the valet.
"She didn't pressure you or anything, did she?"Hermione asked.
Harry bit his lip, "No, we were making out before bed and then suddenly… it just happened."
Hermione glanced over at him, "Are you okay with that?"
Harry shrugged, "I'm not really sure what to feel."
"Put your hands on me, Jack," Rose said on the screen.
Hermione wanted to scream aloud at the uncomfortableness of the whole situation.
"So it wasn't… good?" Hermione asked as the scene went back to Jack and Rose in the car, naked, obviously just having had sex themselves.
"Not as good as them obviously," Harry sighed, "It was just… good. I guess, I don't know. Not like I have anything to compare it to. Ginny seemed happy."
"That's… good," Hermione stated.
"This is weird isn't it?" Harry asked, "Us talking about it?"
Hermione looked at him, "It doesn't have to be. If you are happy, I'm happy for you."
They both watched as the Titanic attempted to avoid the iceberg.
"You know, one of my family members was supposed to be on the Titanic, but they got sick so they couldn't go," Hermione stated as it hit the iceberg.
"Thank goodness for that," Harry said as he sighed, "Please don't let this make things weird for us."
Hermione laughed, "Harry, you lost your virginity. If Ginny had had her way it would have happened months ago. Don't worry. It was going to happen eventually. I'm nowhere near ready for that with Ron, so congrats. I'm happy for you and Ginny. All I will say is I hope you were safe."
Harry laughed, "Trust me, between Sirius, Lupin, and Mr. Weasley, I knew what I had to do. The last thing I need in my life is a baby running around too. Teddy is good enough for me right now."
Hermione looked over at him, "Are we going to see Teddy? During our break I mean?"
Harry looked over at her, "I was thinking of having him over for a day if it is okay with you. To give Andromeda a break. Not that I'm using you or your Mum, but I have backup if I need it."
"Sounds great to me. I can't wait to see how big he has gotten since we saw him last," Hermione said as she looked back at the movie, "I kinda lost track of what was going on."
"Me too," Harry admitted, "Want to just head to bed? We can finish this later."
Hermione yawned reaching for the remote, "I agree. It's been a long day."
*~*~* December 27, 1998 *~*~*
Bundling up, Hermione, Harry, and Juliet stepped out of the house to the backyard, "Now Mum, you will have to hold very close to me. Don't let go until I tell you to."
"And when you get there, you'll be confused and want to leave, maybe remember an appointment. Don't let go of Hermione," Harry stated, "It's just the Muggle repealing charms. Once you get through the magical barrier, you'll be able to see everything just like Diagon Alley."
"So hold Hermione, got it," Juliet said as she grabbed Hermione's arm.
Hermione nodded to Harry, then disapparated. Juliet bent over as if she were about to get sick as they landed.
"Forgot to warn her about that part," Harry said as he apparated next to them.
"Oh no, I have an appointment at the office I have to go to!" Juliet said as she sat up.
"Mum, just hold onto me and follow me," Hermione said as Harry took Juliet's other arm and they walked her through the arch of Hogsmeade and Juliet paused, "Oh wow."
"Welcome to Hogsmeade," Hermione told her, "The only all-wizarding village in Britain."
Turning around, she saw the icy river flowing under the bridge and in the distance, "Oh my word, is that Hogwarts?"
Hermione looked at Harry, "I wonder, do you think we could take her there to visit?"
Harry shrugged, "I'll send a patronus to McGonagall. I wouldn't see why not. Hardly anyone stayed for the holidays this year."
"Expecto Patronum," Harry cast as the bright majestic Stag appeared making Juliet gasp, "Prongs, I have a message for Professor McGonagall. Professor, we are here in Hogsmeade with Hermione's Mum. Could we come to visit?"
Prongs galloped off down the path.
"All she can do is say no," Harry stated as they walked down the road.
"This is Tomes and Scrolls where you can purchase parchment and books. I may have to stop by there before we leave," Hermione stated.
"No surprise there," Harry said as she elbowed him.
"Ceridenwen's Cauldrons to purchase cauldrons," Hermione told her as they continued walking as owls zoomed over their heads, "Down that way is Hogs Head, where I call you from. Here is the best pub and inn you will find, The Three Broomsticks. We will visit there for sure."
"Why is the Wizarding world seemingly behind the times of the Muggle world?" Juliet inquired.
"Good question, from clothing styles and traditions. They claim electricity cannot work with magic, so that is why they still use fireplaces and candlelight," Harry stated.
"There is Spintwitches that sell Quidditch gear," Hermione informed as they walked past a group of witches and they noticed them, gasping when they saw Harry, "Keep walking."
"Was that Harry Potter?" One of them asked as they continued.
"Are those homes down that road?" Juliet asked.
"Yes, you can live here within the village, but again, no electricity," Hermione told her.
"You both lived in muggle homes with magical powers, are they just afraid of muggle ways?" Juliet asked.
"That's exactly what it is Mum," Hermione stated as a cat patronus appeared at Harry's feet.
"Mr. Potter, when you come to the gates send me your patronus and I will open the gates for her," McGonagall's voice said from the cat's mouth.
"I'm so excited for you to see the castle," Hermione said thrilled.
"Harry, Hermione! Where is the rest of your ragtag crew?" Madam Rosmerta asked as she saw them come in later that afternoon.
Harry helped Juliet take her coat off, "Home for the holidays. Madam Rosmerta, meet Hermione's Mum, Juliet Granger. Mrs. Granger, meet Madam Rosmerta."
"Oh Merlin," Rosmerta said drying her hands on her apron to shake Juliet's hand, "Pleasure to meet you. Your daughter is so lovely."
"Thank you, I think so as well," Juliet said as they sat down at a table at the back of the dining area.
Rosmerta looked at Harry, "You are trying out here today?"
"I hope sitting back here will help," Harry told her.
"So what will it be?" Rosmerta asked them.
"Three warm Butterbeers to warm up, please," Hermione ordered.
"Coming right up," Rosmerta said as she left them.
Juliet noticed some patrons pointing toward him, "I know you've mentioned that you had some attention in the wizarding world, but I didn't realize that you were as popular as you seem to be."
Harry sighed, "Sadly. Famous for just surviving."
"Don't let him be modest, it's more than that," Madam Rosmerta said as she sat their Butterbeers down, "He saved the wizarding world. We owe him so much. Your daughter too. If you need anything else, let me know."
"So, you are Head Boy and Girl. Does that give you certain privileges?" Juliet asked as she took a drink of her Butterbeer, "Oh this is good."
"We get our own common room and private bedrooms. We will take you up to them," Hermione told her, "I cannot wait until you see everything. The Great Hall with the enchantments on the ceiling. It should still be decorated for Christmas too. Hagrid brings trees in that are giant, bigger than even he is. Oh!" Hermione turned to Harry, "We need to introduce Mum and Hagrid. He has taken care of us for so long. They deserve to meet."
"I'm sure he will be there," Harry told her as he finished his Butterbeer.
Juliet looked around, "Does this place have milkshakes?"
Hermione gasped as she set her Butterbeer down, "How could I have forgotten?!" Hermione looked at Harry, "Mum, Dad, and I started a milkshake drinking contest years ago and we do it every year at the mall on Boxing Day." Hermione stood up and walked over to the bar, "Rosmerta, can we have three milkshakes?"
"Of course, with Butterbeer ice cream or chocolate?" Rosmerta asked.
"Chocolate please," Hermione said as she went back to the table, "She has them!"
"I can't remember the last time I had a milkshake," Harry said honestly as Rosmerta brought over three milkshakes and straws, "Thank you."
"Alright, are we ready?" Hermione asked looking at Harry and her Mum.
"Ready is my middle name," Harry told her with a grin.
Hermione snorted, "You wish."
"Alright, enough to you two. On the count of three. One, two, three," Juliet said as they all started drinking.
Halfway through the milkshake, Harry's head started hurting, "Ugh!"
Hermione laughed and snorted her milkshake out of her nose causing her to cough.
"I win!" Juliet exclaimed.
"Brain freeze, major brain breeze," Harry complained with his hand on his forehead.
"I think," Hermione coughed, "I inhaled some of it."
"Don't mess with us old folks," Juliet grinned as Hermione leaned on Harry and she laughed.
Harry stood holding Juliet's arm within his own as McGonagall walked down the path to the gate, "McGonagall is coming down the path."
"I'm still seeing an old condemned-looking building. I could see the shape of it from the distance, but up close it's just small," Juliet stated as the gates opened and she gasped, "It's so large."
"Welcome Mrs. Granger, it is a pleasure to see you again," Professor McGonagall said as she held out her hand.
"Hello Professor, thank you for allowing me to have this experience," Juliet said shaking her hand.
"The last time I used the spell to allow muggle families in, was many years ago. It's about time, I get to use it again," McGonagall told her, "There are a few students left, but you are free to take her to any of the common areas, and your office of course."
"Thank you, ma'am," Hermione said as they walked across the bridge and made it to the front doors and McGonagall ventured off, "Alright Mum, welcome to the Hogwarts castle. If we go up these stairs here, we will go to the Great Hall."
Together the three of them walked up the stairs and Harry pushed open the doors to the Great Hall. It was not mealtime, so the ghosts were congregating near the tables.
"Hermione, Harry! A pleasure to see you! I thought you had gone home for Christmas," Sir. Nicholas stated as he glided over to them.
"We did, but we brought my Mum for a visit. Sir. Nicholas, meet my mother, Juliet. Mum, this is our house ghost, Sir. Nicholas," Hermione introduced.
"Oh it's a delight to meet you, oh how I wish I could have the pleasure to kiss your hand," Sir. Nicholas stated, "Your Hermione has been one of the greatest pleasures that I have encountered here since I arrived at Hogwarts many moons ago. You have raised a wonderful young lady."
"Thank you," Juliet said with a smile as she took in the ceiling and the Great Hall.
"We better be off. We are giving her only a quick tour of the castle," Hermione informed him.
"Be sure to visit the Gryffindor common room, the best place in the castle if I do say so myself!" Sir. Nicholas said as he bowed his hat.
Hermione and Harry led Juliet out of the Great Hall.
"How long did it take you to get used to talking to ghosts?" Juliet whispered to them.
"Just hope you don't walk through one of them. It's an experience you would soon want to forget," Harry explained as they led her up the grand staircase, "How about we first visit our common room, then we can visit Gryffindor. Any other place we should go?"
"No those are the two key places. I would think, oh! The room of requirement could be interesting," Hermione said.
As they finally made it to the fifth floor, Juliet had to stop to catch her breath, "No wonder you are both in such good of shape. Stairs, so many stairs! How many floors are there?"
"Seven stories, ma'am. Not counting the towers of course," Harry informed her as she caught her breath, "Our common room is just over here."
Hermione led the way and recited the password so that the portrait opened and they could enter.
"So this is the prefect's office, our common room is through here," Hermione said as she walked over to the founders' portrait and the door opened. Leading her mother upstairs, she smiled, "Welcome to mine and Harry's common room."
"This is cozy," Juliet said taking it in.
"It's private, which is nice because nothing is private here at Hogwarts," Harry stated as he sat down in his favorite armchair.
Juliet walked over behind Harry, "That man looks just like you, Harry."
Harry glanced over his shoulder, "He would. That's my Mum and Dad."
"They were Head Boy and Girl as well, so their portrait was made. They can't speak like other portraits, but it's nice to have their presence," Hermione told her as she walked over to the portrait, "They seem to understand more despite being not able to communicate. Hello James, and Lily, this is my Mum, Juliet. Mum, this is the future Potters. When they posed, they weren't the Potters at the time, but here they are."
"They were seventeen or eighteen for this portrait. I was born two years after this, and they were gone a year later," Harry stated as James pulled Lily closer to him.
Hermione opened her bedroom door, "This is my room and Harry's is over there."
Juliet glanced into Hermione's room, "Sweetheart, do you need more bookshelves?"
"You can never have too many books," Hermione insisted.
"Says our extra bedroom," Juliet said glancing in Harry's room, "Harry, your room is surprisingly neater than I thought it would be."
"I had to keep a tidy room. I don't have much stuff," Harry stated as he stood up, "Want to go see Gryffindor's common room?"
"Is that where you two first met?" Juliet asked.
"No, we met on the train. Neville lost his toad and I was helping Neville look for it," Hermione said with a smile as she looked at Harry, "Then I found this compartment with this red-haired kid with a dirty nose and this scrawny dark-haired boy with clothes too big for him. Never imagined it was the same Harry Potter that I had read about."
Harry chuckled with a smile as he opened the door for them, "And she knew more about me than I knew about myself, hasn't changed in all these years either."
Traipsing through the snow, Harry and Hermione led Juliet down to Hagrid's hut.
"Now Mum, before we get closer we have to warn you that Hagrid is part giant," Hermione informed Juliet, "But he has a heart of gold and took care of us all through our schooling years. He is a wonderful person and I can't wait for you to meet him."
Harry nodded, "Just don't eat the rock cakes if he offers them."
Finally making their way to the hut, Hermione knocked on the door.
"Comin' get back Fang!"
The door opened and Hagrid smiled through his beard, "Harry an' Hermione, blimey I thought yeh went home fer Christmas. Come in, come in!" Hagrid said inviting them inside, "Can' say I have any rock cakes, but I can make us some tea."
Hermione laid her robe on the chair, "Thank you Hagrid, and Merry Christmas! We were just here in Hogsmeade and I wanted to introduce you to my Mum."
Hagrid stood up from where he was preparing tea on the fire and noticed her for the first time.
"Oh Mrs. Granger, yeh have a wonderful daughter. She has bin so good ter me over these las eight years. She came inter Hogwarts trying ter prove herself an' is so kind-hearted ter all livin' creatures," Hagrid gushed as he took her small hand within his, "Yeh raised a wonderful woman."
Juliet smiled, "Please call me Juliet. They tell me you helped them out a lot as well."
Hagrid blushed, "Jus did me bes' ter keep 'em out o' trouble when I could. They had a bad habit o' getting' inter trouble without meaning ter."
Juliet looked at Hermione and Harry, "That's what I am hearing."
*~*~* December 31, 1998 *~*~*
"Are you sure?"
Harry looked over at Andromeda as she placed Teddy into his enlarged crib, "Go enjoy yourself for once. Between me, Hermione, and her Mom, we have it handled."
Andromeda looked at Hermione as she entered the room. , "You have it handled?"
"We will be fine," Hermione assured her, "Go have fun, Andromeda. Don't worry, I used to babysit for some extra money during the summers and my Mum is here."
Andromeda nodded, "I just haven't been away from him since they passed. He is all I have left. You are his Godparents. I would not leave him with anyone else, Remus and Dora trusted both of you. They would not have picked you both as his Godparents if not. I will call you, Hermione, when I'm heading back."
"No rush," Hermione told her with a smile.
"He should sleep until around 11:30, and then give him his bottle. When he gets cranky, usually around two, just lay him down for a nap. I should be back by 7," Andromeda stated, "Bottles are in the fridge already. Around noon, he will have some baby food. It is in the bag. There is a second jar for when he wakes up from his last nap. Bottle first and then offer it to him, if he does not want it, it is okay. Again, if you need anything-"
"Don't worry, we got this," Hermione told her.
"Go have fun with your friends," Harry told her as he walked her out of the room.
Juliet looked up from her spot on the couch as they came down the stairs, "Andromeda, don't worry, I'll be here to help them if needed."
Andromeda smiled and nodded as she looked at Harry and Hermione, "I know, but, I also know that these two are fully capable. It's just difficult," Andromeda grabbed her purse, "I'll be off."
Juliet stood up, "I'll walk you out."
Hermione sat down on the couch and picked up her book. Hearing a cup touch the table, Hermione looked up to see Harry sitting down at the dining room table, "What are you working on?"
Harry glanced over at her, "My essay for Slughorn. It is the last one I have to do. I've got 24 inches so far."
Hermione got up and walked over to him, "Did you include the historical aspects of Mistletoe?"
Nodding, Harry dipped his quill, "Of course, along with how the berries were used as an antidote frequently by healers to poisons in the 18th century."
Hermione walked into the kitchen, "Did you include the uses of the leaves?"
"That they are poisonous, yes," Harry told her as she turned on the sink to fill the kettle.
"Did you include that ancient potion masters used mistletoe to amplify the properties of other ingredients?" Hermione asked glancing in at him.
"Actually, no," Harry said as he opened his book and started flipping through the pages of his potions text.
Hermione looked at her Mom as she walked into the room, "Andromeda finally off?"
"Yes, poor thing. Having so much anxiety about leaving him," Juliet said as she poured herself a glass of water, "Of course, I couldn't imagine, younger than I am having a grandchild and already losing my daughter and husband. She is only 46 years old." After finishing her water, she set her glass down, and Juliet looked at her watch, "The baby will sleep for at least another hour. Would you two be okay with me running to the store to get supplies for tonight?"
"We will be fine, Mum. Go, you don't have to be here. I know you probably want to see your friends," Hermione told her.
"I'm just going to run to the store. I have next week to spend time with my friends, I promised Andromeda I'd be here and I will," Juliet said as she grabbed her purse and keys, "I'll be back. Anything you need?"
"No I'm good," Hermione told her as Harry shook his head.
"I'll be back," Juliet said as she left.
The kettle whistled and Hermione took it off the burner, "Cocoa?"
"Sure," Harry said as he went back to his essay, "Did Ron say he was coming over today?"
"Possibly tonight, is Ginny?" Hermione asked pouring water into two mugs.
"She and some of the girls from school were going to go downtown for the celebrations there. Not my thing," Harry shrugged.
Hermione walked over and set his mug next to him. With a quick thanks from him, Hermione sat down next to him, "Alright, read me what you have so far."
Harry put his hand on top of hers, "No, you go read your book. I can finish my essay."
Hermione bit her lip, "I find this so weird."
Harry glanced at her, "What so weird?"
Hermione looked into her mug, and then looked up at him, "Please do not take offense to this, but this year, you are so different. I don't know if it is because Ron isn't here or what have you, but you've applied yourself this year."
Harry sat back and looked at her, "Everything is easier for me this year. I wondered if it was because there was no stress about when Voldemort was going to show up next, but lately…" Harry trailed off rubbing his forehead.
"It was the Horcrux," Hermione breathed out as she sat next to him.
"I think so. Even when I was younger, it was hit or miss. Sometimes I would find stuff easy to remember, others it was difficult. What if, that bit of his soul was leeching off me so much when he was feeling more powerful? When I was in school, I knew everything, but I also knew not to get better grades than Dudley. Once we started at Hogwarts, suddenly he was back around trying to gain power and would have moments where he was stronger. Third year, from what we know he was weak and desperate after the Stone was destroyed and he was no longer able to leech off Quirrell. I was able to learn the Patronus charm easier than I should have been. Fourth year, until he regained his body, you were teaching me spells that were so farther advanced than I was," Harry said as he stood up, "I struggled in the fifth year for a bit when he gained power, but with Umbridge, it's not like we were doing much spell work anyways," Harry stated as he paced, "Sixth year, I didn't do anything over the top, but suddenly having the right directions I could do potions. Last year, the protection spells I cast were just as good as yours was. I can apparated long distances. What does it mean?"
"That you are a powerful wizard that was held back by a parasite all your life. You can truly be your full potential," Hermione assured him as Teddy's cries echoed through the house.
"I'll go get him," Harry left the room.
Hermione stood up and met Harry at the steps as he walked down them with a whimpering Teddy, "Hi there Teddy. Did you wake up?"
"His nappy stinks," Harry said as he brought him into the living room.
Hermione smirked, "Have you ever changed a nappy before?"
Harry looked up at her, "Well, no, how hard can it be?"
Hermione looked up from her spot on the floor with Teddy as the front door shut.
"I'm home," Juliet announced as she glanced in the living room to see Hermione on the floor with Teddy, "I see he's awake. Where is Harry?"
"Harry tried to change his first nappy and Teddy peed on him, so Harry is in the shower," Hermione told Juliet with a laugh, "Anyways, I made you something. I was practicing my transfiguration and I made that vase you hate into something you might like more."
Hermione got up and picked up a snow globe from the shelf, "It's us at Hogwarts. The details could be better but-"
"It's gorgeous, darling," Juliet said surprised, "And we move!"
"I had to include Harry because it was from my memory, but I might be able to remove him-"
"No, he deserves to be there. It wouldn't be right without him," Juliet said as she hugged Hermione and shook the globe, "This is amazing."
An ornament flew past their faces from the tree and landed next to Teddy, who giggled.
"Well I'm guessing, he is definitely magical. We had weird things like that happen all the time with you growing up," Juliet told her.
"With his abilities too, definitely figured," Hermione said as Harry came down the steps with a towel around his neck, "He just summoned an ornament to him."
"Not surprised, Remus was a very powerful wizard despite his lycanthropy and Tonks was a clutz but was a bright auror for being so young," Harry said as he sat in front of Teddy, who laughed and changed his hair color black before reaching out to him.
Hermione sat down next to them and tickled Teddy causing him to turn his hair curly like hers while still being Harry's hair color.
Juliet smiled, "I think you two are doing alright. I'm going to make some lunch for everyone."
"Thank you, Mum," Hermione said as she picked Teddy up and leaned back against the couch with him on her lap.
Harry moved over next to her, "We should get him a toy broom."
Hermione scoffed, "No way."
Harry looked at her in disbelief, "Remus was okay on a broom though!"
"But he is half Tonks too," Hermione said honestly, "And I don't trust brooms."
"I can put a cushioning charm on it," Harry told her.
"Harry," Hermione sighed exasperated, "He can barely sit up on his own. He is too young for a broom!"
"I rode a broom at his age," Harry told her, "Sirius showed me a picture of it."
Crookshanks walked over and rubbed against their legs.
"I even chased the cat! Mum said I chased around the cat on the broom," Harry said as he blew raspberries on Teddy's cheek.
Juliet laughed from the kitchen.
"Mum, what is it?" Hermione asked.
"Nothing, just had a memory from the past," Juliet told her, "Sandwiches okay?"
"Sandwiches sound great," Hermione said bouncing Teddy on her lap.
Juliet walked down the stairs a little after midnight and paused as she saw the expanded couch in her living room. Asleep on the couch, with Teddy between them was Hermione and Harry. Juliet walked over and grabbed the piece of parchment that was in Hermione's hand nearly crumpled within her grasp.
From healing to love potions, mistletoe's contribution to the wizarding and muggle worlds is a testament to the enduring appeal to both sides of our world. As aspiring witches and wizards continue to explore its depths in potion making, the muggle world will still be captured by the allure of the proposed matchmaking skills of the plant. It will undoubtedly remain a special component in both worlds for centuries to come.
"Well, that just screams Hermione helped him," Juliet mumbled as a knock sounded on the door.
Quietly walking over, Juliet glanced out to see Andromeda. Opening the door, Juliet put her finger to her lips, "They are in here."
"Thank you for watching him so late," Andromeda told her as she followed Juliet and paused at the enlarged couch.
"I barely did a thing. They handled everything themselves," Juliet told her with a smile.
"Exhausted them too I see," Andromeda said with a smile, "How long do you think before they are together?"
Juliet sighed, "He is with Ginny Weasley and she is with their friend, Ron. All I heard about Ron until about four years ago, was how much he annoyed her. They still argue too much for my liking. I like Harry. I think he is great for her, even if not romantically. He brings my daughter back to me again. Even if they never get together, I'm glad she has him."
a/n: Thank you to the new followers: Anonymous502296, Spinalittleglow and MauserTeleri
Also thank you Spinalittleglow for the review!
