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 know what I want.
So don't ask me
'Cause I'm still trying to figure it out
Don't know what's down this road.
I'm just walking
Trying to see through the rain coming down
Even though I'm not the only one who feels the way I do

~ A Place in This World by Taylor Swift

*~*~* May 12, 2001 *~*~*

Hermione blew a piece of hair out of her face as she sealed up the box of their kitchenware.

"I can't believe you two are leaving the States already," Josh said from the kitchen table where he sat with Teddy as he colored.

Hermione wiped the sweat from her brow, "I know, it seems like we just got here. If you ever want to visit England, please let us know, and you, Julia, Dale, and Dane, we'll pay for you all to come over."

Harry carried a box out of their bedroom, "Maybe by that time, I'll have found a house."

"Where are you going to live when you go home?" Josh asked.

Hermione sighed as she felt the familiar ache of that loaded question, "I'm going back home to my parents."

"I'm going to stay at the Burrow, my girlfriend's house, for a bit. Teddy will be with me until his Grandmother Andromeda gets out of the long-term care facility that she is in. We hope next month. Her rehabilitation is doing well," Harry told him, "I was going to stay with Hermione and her Mum. Still, I don't want to intrude."

Hermione looked at him, "You know it wouldn't be intruding. In fact, Mum would be ecstatic."

"I know," Harry sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair, "It will probably be temporary. I mean, Ron and Ginny are not home full-time. Let's be honest; Molly will probably drive me crazy in a week."

Hermione smiled, "It's your own fault."

"Do they not have student housing in London?" Josh asked, handing a crayon to Teddy.

"They do, but we can apparate from home to classes, so it would be a waste to pay for it," Hermione informed him, "England is more secretive about the statute of secrecy if you could believe it." Taking her sweatband off, she put it back in to help the sweat falling down her face, "So, the Wizarding College of Cambridge University is underground. Our ministry is underground. The wizarding world hides."

Josh shook his head, "Everything you've said makes England sound so behind the times."

Harry shrugged, "In a way, we are. We still have the royals. Many of the parts of England are classically old. The ideals are a little dated compared to America. Wizarding England went into hiding…when?" Harry asked Hermione.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "1689, didn't you pay attention to-"

"History of Magic," Harry and Hermione said together, "Yes, I did, Hermione, but I can't remember dates like you. I remember that the Monarchy refused to give us protection, and that is why we fled," Harry explained, "Some Potter was the main creator of it."

Hermione gasped, "You did pay attention to Binns!"

"Well, when he said my name right, it was hard not to pay attention," Harry told her as he looked at Josh, "He was our professor who was the ghost."

Josh shook his head, "So weird, alright. What else do you two need help with other than me just babysitting."

Teddy frowned, "Not a baby!"

"Didn't say you were bud," Josh assured him, "Am I sitting on you?"

Teddy laughed, "No! Silly Josh."

"God, I'm going to miss you, kid," Josh sighed, "I wish ya'll would be able to come back and visit occasionally."

"We will do our best. I'll have my internship starting at the ministry, so my schedule won't be as flexible," Hermione stated as she shrunk Teddy's bed, "But we will try to schedule each summer a vacation back here possibly."

Harry nodded, "That would be awesome."

"We'd love that," Josh said with a smile.

*~*~* May 14, 2001 *~*~*

Hermione took in Fred and George's old bedroom, now Harry's room at the Burrow. Harry brought up the last of his boxes, "Are you sure you want to stay here?"

Harry bumped her with his elbow as he set the box on his bed, "Are you going to miss me that much?"

"So much," Hermione stated, "I won't know what to do with myself."

Harry laughed as he opened the first box, and she shook her head when she realized he didn't think she was serious.

Teddy ran into the room, and Hermione picked him up to snuggle him, "I'm tired, Mommy Mione."

Hermione glanced at the clock, "It's your nap time in New York," Hermione sighed.

"Molly has him set up in Charlie's old room," Harry explained.

Hermione nodded as she left his room and carried him up the stairs to the room right next to Ron's. Opening the door, she saw the cute wolf-themed room and pulled back the covers. Laying beside him, he snuggled into her chest, "Things will change, Teddy bear. I'm not going to see you as much," Hermione stated sadly, "But I'll always be here when you need me."

"I love you, Mommy," Teddy mumbled.

Hermione felt a tear slip down her cheek as she kissed the top of Teddy's brown hair, "I love you too, Teddy."

*~*~* May 23, 2001 *~*~*

Juliet Granger walked into her house and heard voices. When she realized it was the telly, she walked into the sitting room to see Hermione in an old jumper with the number 7 on the back and POTTER printed. She was also wearing a pair of sweatpants that was much too big on her. Despite her hair being shorter, it was still a mess on top of her head. What worried her the most was the dark circles under her daughter's eyes, "Hermione, honey?"

"Hmm?" Hermione asked, flipping through the channels, not looking up from her spot.

"I thought you had class today?" Juliet asked as she sat next to her.

"Oh, I already went," Hermione stated, shrugging, "It was just Beast Classifications and Regulations. I can do that in my sleep."

Juliet touched her knee, "Is that what you went to class in?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and yawned, "Mum, so many of my classmates dress like this. I went to class and came home to take a nap. It was easier just to roll out of bed, go to class, then come home and nap."

"The nightmares are back, aren't they?" Juliet asked.

Hermione glanced at her, "Did I wake you up?"

"No, no, honey. It's just you've been so tired, and I can tell you haven't been sleeping," Juliet stated.

Hermione sighed, "I have to get used to them," Hermione shrugged as she turned the television off and threw the remote onto the coffee table, "I am going to go for a walk to clear my head."

Juliet swallowed hard as she heard the door slam. In the week since Hermione had come home from America, she had become increasingly moody and even to the point of depression. She was withdrawn and was almost as if she were a shell of herself. Picking up her phone, she called the number Andromeda had given her.

"Hello?"

"Can I please speak to Andromeda?" Juliet asked.

"One moment, please. Could I ask who is calling?" The woman asked.

"Juliet Granger," She stated as the woman mumbled her name in the background.

"Juliet?" Andromeda's voice said on the other line, "I'm glad you called."

"Andromeda, I'm worried about my daughter," Juliet confessed.

Andromeda sighed, "What symptoms is she having? I noticed it in Harry yesterday when he stopped by. He said it was nightmares."

"She is just so withdrawn and moody. It's not her. She could occasionally be that way between her fifth and sixth years. She, of course, neglected to tell us about her injury and how she was struggling to sleep then, too," Juliet stated as she looked at the pictures of Hermione growing up.

"It's their bond," Andromeda stated, "She knows about it. It's not complete, obviously, since they aren't together. If they aren't near each other, their magical cores become unstable and… unhappy. They both have told me that their nightmares aren't as bad when they are near each other. No offense, but they are both idiots in denial."

Juliet laughed, "I know. I've tried to get her to listen to me. He is still with Ginny, though. She doesn't want to ruin that for him." Juliet bit her lip, "What do I do?"

"When was the last time Harry was over?" Andromeda asked.

"Saturday, they were over here to hang out. She was supposed to go to the Burrow on Sunday but canceled because she wanted to go shopping with me," Juliet told her, "She hated it. We ended up coming home shortly after."

"They left New York on the 14th. I know they shared a room in New York. Their magical cores were in constant contact for months on end. It's been over a week since they were in constant contact. We can do nothing without explicitly saying they are breaking each other's hearts. Sadly, eventually, they will both get used to it. Their cores need to stabilize. You said she was like this after her fifth year?" Andromeda asked.

"Yeah, she ended up going to the Weasleys early that year because she was so moody," Juliet sighed, "We let her. We knew she was miserable."

"She turned 17 in her 6th year, correct?" Andromeda asked.

"Yes, does that have anything to do with this magical core thing?" Juliet asked.

Andromeda chuckled, "Everything, Harry was over here the other day, and he was loopy. He said that between his nightmares and Teddy, he hadn't slept for two days, and it was obvious. Did you know about Hermione's time turner?"

"That she used to get to classes? She said something about it helped her somehow," Juliet stated.

"Harry said for his one class, she had two more. She went to all her classes all year that way. Hermione might have turned 17 in her 6th year, but she probably was physically 17 in her 5th year. She hit her magical maturity before Harry. No wonder she was so moody before her sixth year," Andromeda stated, "Even if Harry hadn't hit his yet, her core recognized his magic. They've been pulling from each other for nearly seven years. They've been living together since they were on the run. Merlin, they've been together nearly 24/7 for the last five years. This is the first time they've been separated. She has to feel awful."

Juliet sighed, "She does. Should I tell Harry to just move in here? Do you think he'd listen?"

"With what I saw and how off he was, I honestly don't think he will say no," Andromeda told her.

Hermione sat in Roni's café, staring out the window.

"Sweetheart, are you okay?" Veronica asked as she sat in front of Hermione.

Hermione bit her lip, "No, I feel like I'm dying inside, Miss Veronica. How can I miss someone so much that I don't even have?"

Veronica laid her hand on Hermione's as she fiddled with her sleeves, "You miss Harry?"

Hermione looked up at her, "How'd you know it was him?"

Veronica smiled, "Honey, I could tell when he came in by the look on your face that you loved him. He loves you too."

Hermione scoffed, "Fat chance, that is. He has a girlfriend, a serious one at that."

Veronica grabbed some scones, "Young love is blind, honey. Just stick to him like a fruit fly, and he will realize what he has right in front of him sooner than later."

Hermione chuckled as she took a bite, "Thank you, Miss Veronica."

Veronica patted her cheek, then looked out the window, "Well, I'll be."

"What?" Hermione said as the front door opened with a ding from the bell over it.

"Mommy!"

Hermione gasped as she grabbed Teddy, as he ran to her. Holding him, she breathed in, looking at Harry behind him, "What are you two doing here?"

"Teddy kept asking to come see you and, hell, Hermione," Harry stated as he sat beside her, "We both miss you. It doesn't feel right without you. I went home. Yes, I'm calling it home because it is." Harry closed his eyes, "I can't live with Molly anymore!"

Hermione laughed as she grabbed his hand, and suddenly, everything felt like the color had returned to the world, "She driving you nuts?"

"When Ginny is home, we have to keep the doors open. Not that we could have… you know," Harry said, glancing at Teddy, "Because Teddy wants to sleep with me now."

Hermione grinned, "I told you that it would come back to bite us, letting him sleep with us."

"I know," Harry sighed, "I just… I'm so tired. The nightmares are back. Molly removed all the doors to the bedrooms, even hers and Arthur's, because she was supposedly repainting them. I see right through it, so now I don't only wake myself up in nightmares, but everyone else in the house, too."

Hermione swallowed hard, "Come home, please? I miss you both. I'm miserable, too."

Harry smiled, "Our stuff is already at home, in our rooms. I told Molly that Teddy wanted to return to his room, and I wanted to come home too."

Hermione smiled, "Welcome home, Harry."

*~*~* June 3, 2001 *~*~*

Harry entered the sitting area of Hermione's parents' house and found Hermione and Teddy playing a memory game. "Let me guess, have you already memorized all of your texts for this semester?"

Hermione glanced up at him, "Of course," She said as she saw the Prophet in his hand, "Anything new today?"

"The front page is all about Malfoy," Harry said as he sat next to her and put the paper on the table, "Someone attacked him in Diagon Alley."

Hermione gasped as she took the paper from him, "While Malfoy was horrid growing up, no one deserves to be attacked like this," Hermione stated, taking in the bloody form of Malfoy being helped to his feet by Aurors, "It says he stepped in front of his betrothed, Astoria Greengrass." Hermione shook her head as she set the paper down, "I can't believe that arranged marriages are still a thing today. It's archaic."

"He is part of a sacred 28 families. I'm sure they put it out there for the other families when they found out he was a male. The contracts were probably signed before he was even born," Harry stated.

Hermione bit her lip, "I could never imagine being forced to marry someone you don't even love, just for public image or because your parents pressure you to."

Harry sighed, "Some people have no other options, Hermione. They are stuck in a situation with no options because of assumed responsibilities."

"It's just archaic. You should marry someone because you are in love with them and cannot imagine your life without them," Hermione told him as she glanced at him.

"Then there are those like Malfoy, who get married because that is their life's direction. Not everyone is lucky enough to be with someone the rest of their lives that they love," Harry told her.

Hermione bit her lip, thinking about her parents, "Yeah, and some fall out of love with each other."

Harry looked at her and the stairs, "Maybe they'll work it out."

Hermione sighed, "I don't know. Working things out is hard when they are on different continents." Hermione bit her lip as she looked at the clock, "I need to go to Cambridge to submit my paperwork for the Fall."

Harry looked at her, "I know you have this whole plan, but Hermione, why don't you just take a semester off?"

Hermione shook her head, "No, I have a plan, and I have to stick with it."

Harry looked at her, "What is this plan?"

Hermione sighed, "Graduate NYU and start Cambridge this Fall, which is working out. It was originally NYU graduate school, but that was easily remedied. I will also start my internship at the ministry this summer to get my idea and layout of how things work before I go in officially to make a change. Hopefully, next year, for my graduate program, the ministry will also let me intern, and after that, I'll graduate in June, and I'll take the summer off-"

Harry gasped, "Hermione Granger taking time off? Impossible!"

Hermione rolled her eyes, "The Plan is to start officially at the Ministry in September 2002 and start my doctorate program. In five years, by 2007, I will head the Department of Regulations. After another five years, I want to work in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, so I want to work on changing the laws and being a solicitor for werewolves."

"That's a great plan, but what about your personal life?" Harry asked.

Hermione shrugged, "Career first, of course, but I'll meet my husband in 2006. We will marry in 2009, first child in 2014, and second child once they are potty trained in 2019. I'll be 40. It won't be too terribly late."

"So if you were to meet some really nice bloke before that? What would you do?" Harry asked.

Hermione bit her lip, "I doubt that will happen, but plans could change."

Slinging her purse on her shoulder as she climbed out of her car in one of the parking lots of Cambridge University, she took in the busy campus around her. Waiting for the vehicle to pass, she crossed the parking lot and walked to the registration office. Stepping into the registration hall, she got in line. Once she had reached the head of the line, the registrar greeted her.

"Hello, I am looking for the postgraduate admissions?" Hermione stated.

"Do you have an appointment?" The lady asked.

"Yes, my name is Hermione Granger," She stated.

"Have a seat, and someone will come out for you in a moment."

Hermione sat on a chair and smiled at the man beside her. Squinting at the sun coming through the window, she pulled a book out of her purse.

"Excuse me, miss, but I couldn't help but notice you sitting there looking as radiant as the sun itself," The man next to her stated, flashing a charming smile.

Hermione looked at him over her book but couldn't help but notice the warmth sweeping over her cheeks at the compliment or possibly pickup line, "Um, thank you," she replied.

"I'm Oliver," He drawled with a uniquely Irish meets American accent, "And you, my dear, must be Hermione."

Hermione stared at him, "How do you know my name?"

Oliver winked at her, "I am a keen observer. I heard you state it to the registrar. I assume Hermione is a tribute to William Shakespeare's brilliant mind."

Hermione couldn't help but smile, "You are quite perceptive, Oliver. You know Shakespeare?"

He touched his chest, "I studied at the Globe for a time. I am a lover of literature and all acts of prose. Would you, kind woman, perhaps care to join me for a cup of tea? There is a charming little café' just down the street."

Hermione bit her lip and then looked up as someone opened the door. "Hermione Granger?" Hermione sighed, "That would be me. I appreciate the offer, though," Hermione told him as she got up, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Walking to the door, Hermione smiled, "Hello, I'm Hermione."

"Right this way, Miss Granger."

Walking out of the registrar's office with a folder filled with class information and her registry information. She paused when she saw Oliver stand up, "Oliver?"

"Ma'am, I wish to still extend my invitation for tea," Oliver bowed in front of her and kissed her hand.

Hermione chewed on her lip, "Sure, why not?" She felt a smile tugging at her lips, "Lead the way, Oliver."

Oliver held his arm out for her, and she took it. He held the door for her, "So if you are here, you are enrolling. What will be your major?"

"Law," Hermione stated, "You?"

"Well, I am a bit of a drifter. Hence, the reason I was there today. After taking a year off, I had to re-register after they kicked me out. How dare they," Oliver stated, "But I am now in Cambridge again, and I am continuing on my way to my degree in English Literature."

Hermione paused, "Really?"

"Yes, as I stated, I love literature. My mother was an author, and I was her proofreader as soon as I could read. I learned the mechanics of writing before much else," Oliver told her.

"What about your father?" Hermione asked.

"Owned a bookstore ironically. Where they met," Oliver told her, "I'm named after Oliver Twist, my brother is Charles, my sister is Estella."

Hermione giggled, "So my family is all about Shakespeare, and yours is into Charles Dickens?"

"Hence the reason I had to speak with you when I heard your name," Oliver told her, "At least we aren't Romeo and Juliet."

"No, Juliet is my mother," Hermione informed him.

Oliver stopped at the street corner, "You are playing me."

Hermione giggled, "No, her name is Juliet. My grandmother is Cassandra."

Hermione looked up as the waitress set down the tea kettle before them, "Thank you."

The aroma of black tea wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of the old books that lined the shelves along the walls. Couches lined the walls, and their small table was lit by a book lamp. The tea room had a wonderful feel that Hermione couldn't help but put on her list of places to revisit.

"So Hermione, tell me about your favorite books," Oliver stated.

Hermione set her teacup down, "Well, where do I begin. I've always been drawn to the classics. Traditionally romantic classics, the timeless tales that captured the heart. 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Little Women' are only two. I tend to stick to non-fiction."

Oliver nodded, "Excellent choices. Austen's wit and social commentary are unparalleled to this day. With your love of non-fiction, what do you think of Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird'? Justice and morality are still in question to this day."

"Well, I did end up reading it when I attended New York University," Hermione stated.

Oliver stared at her, "You went to New York University?"

"I'm graduating next month from there," Hermione stated.

"If you don't mind me asking, how old are you?" Oliver asked, surprised.

"I will be twenty-two in September," Hermione informed him, "You?"

"As I stated, I am a bit of a vagabond. After my freshman year, I went to France for a few months. After my sophomore year, I decided that I was going to backpack across Europe. It ended up being a six-month trip. Then, I was accepted to the Globe, so that is why I am starting my junior year a year behind. I am 21," Oliver informed her.

She found herself hanging on his every word as they discussed literature and history. She glanced at her phone as it rang.

"Oh no!" Hermione said as she looked at the time, "Is it really nearly six?!"

Oliver looked at his watch, "Heavens, it is."

Hermione stood up, "I have to be getting home."

"Could I have your number?" Oliver asked as he stood up.

"Of course," Hermione said as he handed his phone to her, and she entered her number. She gave him hers, and he handed it back to her.

"I look forward to our next conversation, Miss Granger," Oliver stated with a smile.

"Me as well, Mr. Payne," Hermione said as she smiled as she walked out of the tea room with a quick glance back at him.

*~*~* June 29, 2001 *~*~*

"So Harry says you've been seeing someone," Ginny said with a grin as she sat beside her at the Weasley kitchen table the evening before Percy and Audrey's wedding.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Yes, I have been. I quite enjoy him, actually. His name is Oliver, and he is an avid reader."

"Tell me all about him," Ginny said, moving closer to her, "Now that we have been on the road for three weeks, I feel like I haven't been home to gab."

Hermione smiled as she bit her lip, "Well, it turns out he is tenth in line to the British throne."

Ginny spit out the water that she had just taken a sip of and slammed her glass down on the table, "You bitch! You didn't tell me he was part of the royal family!"

Hermione shrugged, "I didn't know. I don't keep up with it, obviously. That was until last week when he said he wanted to cruise on his boat and would pick me up. His driver, driver Ginny, came to the house. We got to the docks, and this huge yacht was parked, which swept me off for a romantic sunset dinner cruise."

"That sounds so romantic," Ginny said, leaning on her hand, "Harry never does romantic things like that. Our relationship is just a lot of sex."

Hermione covered her ears, "Ahhh, I don't want to hear that."

"How is the sex between you and Oliver?" Ginny asked as she got up to grab a bottle of wine, "They won't miss this bottle tomorrow."

Hermione swallowed hard, "We haven't exactly had sex yet. I don't want to jump into it. I have a ten-date rule."

Ginny paused as she stopped pouring the wine, "A ten-date rule? Seriously Hermione!? What are you on? Date five?"

Hermione sighed, "Four if you don't count the coffee dates. I don't want to rush into things again like Ron and I did."

Charlie grabbed an apple from the table, "Don't base your decisions on my idiot brother."

Hermione looked up at him as he kissed the top of her head and then rubbed Ginny's hair, "This decision is for a good reason."

"They don't call you the brightest witch of your age for no reason," Charlie said as he bit off a big piece of apple, then went back out to the backyard where they were setting Percy and Audrey's reception tent up for after their wedding tomorrow.

"I hate that phrase," Hermione sighed as she ran her hand over her face, "I'm just so fucking tired, Gin." She looked at the famous Weasley family clock and took in its newest renovations. Victoire, Fleur, Audrey, herself, Harry, and Teddy had been added. The locations they could be in had also been added to include Burrow, home, mortal peril, Quidditch, work, school, garden, in transit, and lost. Everyone was pointed at Burrow, but Bill's family was home since they were coming tomorrow before the wedding.

"It's because you are doing too much, Hermione. You are doing two internships and taking full-time classes, too," Ginny told her, "You need to rest more, or you will burn out."

Hermione swallowed hard, "It keeps my mind from overthinking, even if I overthink. I need to find a way to keep my mind quiet, but I have yet to find it."

"Sex… sex is a great way to quiet the mind," Ginny suggested.

Hermione frowned, "Not in my experience. I was making my shopping list while doing it once."

Ginny frowned, "Why did you ever stay with Ron?"

Hermione bit her lip, "He was safe."

Audrey's strawberry blonde hair blew in the backdoor as she entered the house. Grabbing Ginny's glass, she tossed it back, "Your mother is going to drive me crazy!"

Ginny laughed, "Welcome to the family!"

*~*~* July 21, 2001 *~*~*

Hermione's auditorium excitedly buzzed as every name was called on the stage for NYU's graduation. Finally, her row was instructed to line up near the stage, and Hermione smoothed down her gown. The closer she got to the steps, Hermione looked around the auditorium, trying to spot Harry. Teddy's blue hair stood out, and Harry's eyes met hers. She smiled as she waved, seeing her mother, Harry, and Ron sitting together with Teddy on Harry's lap.

She felt her heart swell with pride as she realized she had done it. She had finished her undergraduate degree in more than half the time than usual. She was magna cum laude as well as she had graduated in the top ten percent of this year's class.

"Hermione Granger, magna cum laude graduating with her bachelor of jurisprudence with a minor in legislation and political theory."

Harry and Ron stood up, clapping as Hermione walked onto the stage and shook all the Dean's hands and other higher educators. Accepting her diploma, she posed for her photo and looked at her family. Teddy clapped his hands in delight as Harry led him out of the row.

"Mommy Mione! You did it!" Teddy yelled as Harry tried to shush him out of the auditorium.

A few people chuckled as Hermione walked over to Harry and took Teddy, "I should go back with my fellow graduates," Hermione told him as Teddy cuddled into her side, "But, let's get out of here. He needs his nap."

Ron and her mother made their way over to them.

"I think this little one is ready for his nap," Juliet told them as she rubbed Teddy's back, "How about I take him back to the house for his nap?"

"I'll go to Mum's and see what help she needs for the party," Ron told them.

Hermione frowned, "Wait, party or dinner? I thought it was only a dinner."

Ron grinned, "Aren't you cute thinking that every Weasley dinner doesn't turn into a party of its own. See you guys at 5."

Hermione watched Ron walk to the bathroom, "Is he going to disappear from the bathroom?"

"Could be worse by flushing himself down the toilet," Harry told her with a chuckle.

Juliet frowned, "Who would do that?"

Harry looked at her, "That is how we get into the ministry. Brilliant idea, isn't it?"

Teddy reached out for Juliet, who took him from Hermione.

"Why don't you two get lunch and then return to the house before this dinner?" Juliet suggested.

Hermione frowned, "You don't want to come with?"

"No, I will take him home, and we will both nap. I didn't sleep well last night either," Juliet told them as she kissed Hermione's cheek, "Congratulations, darling."

Hermione looked at Harry as Juliet walked towards the parking deck with Teddy, "I think I know what restaurant to go to. Are you interested?"

Harry held out his hand, "Let's go."

After a short walk, riding the Northern line to Charing Cross and another short walk, Hermione and Harry were seated at St. James Café's outdoor patio. After the waitress took their orders, Harry looked at Hermione, "This is a nice place."

"Mum and Dad would bring me here for my birthday when I was younger. I'd dress up like a princess, and we'd eat while looking out at Buckingham Palace," Hermione smiled as she bit her lip. "I miss having both Mum and Dad here. Dad and I barely talk now. I'm glad to have Mum back home only on Sundays, but… I don't think they are getting back together, Harry."

Harry grabbed her hand, "I'm so sorry, Hermione."

Hermione sighed as she saw a motorcade before the palace, "Can we do this, Harry?"

"Do what?"

Hermione looked at him, "Be back here with the press and the pressure? So far, the Daily hasn't found us, but what about when they do?"

Harry shrugged, "I'm tired of fighting it, Hermione. It's time to embrace it. No more hiding. Do they want to see my life? Fine, time to see how boring our lives really are."

Hermione laughed, "We are pretty boring."

"We are homebodies that go out with our godson. You will be going to classes, I'll be going to classes. They will lose interest fast," Harry assured her as their salads came, "I was surprised when your Dad didn't come."

Hermione sighed, "He said he hadn't fully trained the new staff yet to trust them."

Harry took her hand, "I'm so sorry, Hermione."

*~*~* July 28, 2001 *~*~*

"Why are you so nervous?" Ginny asked as she looked in Hermione's mirror at her reflection.

"Because my muggle boyfriend, who knows nothing about my secret magical life, is meeting all my magical friends today," Hermione sighed, "I really like him, Ginny."

Ginny hugged her, "I am so happy for you. Have you guys had sex yet?"

"Ginny!" Hermione giggled, "No, we haven't."

"What are you waiting for, Granger?" Ginny asked, "I'd die if I went without sex as long as you have."

Hermione scoffed, "Sex isn't everything."

"Sex is everything when you have good sex," Ginny told her as Harry walked in the door.

"I walked in at the wrong time," Harry frowned, "You girls almost ready? A limo just pulled up front."

Hermione groaned as the doorbell rang, "Oliver brought a limo?"

"What is a limo?" Ginny asked.

Harry took Ginny's hand, "Let's go."

After walking downstairs, Juliet had already answered the door. So Oliver was standing at the front door, making conversation with her.

Hermione smiled, "Hi, Oliver."

Oliver smiled as he walked over and kissed her cheek, "Hello. I hope you don't mind, but I brought one of my cars."

Hermione nodded, "Oliver, I'd like you to meet my friends Harry and Ginny. Ginny and Harry, this is Oliver."

Harry shook Oliver's hand, "Nice to meet you."

"Let's head out," Oliver stated as he smiled at Hermione, "I have the newest James Patterson book in the car for you."

Hermione fidgeted with her dress as they entered the muggle establishment that Oliver had recommended. After Oliver had told her about it, she had shared the coordinates with the rest of the DA, wondering who would show up at a Muggle bar. This would be the first test for their ragtag group of witches and wizards whether they could venture into the Muggle world.

"Hermione!" Neville yelled over the music as he saw them, "Harry, Ginny! I wasn't sure where we were sitting. This is a busy place!"

Oliver grabbed Hermione's arm, "This way, I reserved VIP for us."

Once seated in VIP, more people, including George, Angelina, Luna, Lee, and many others, started showing up.

George walked up to Oliver, "George Weasley," He said, holding his hand.

"George, this is my boyfriend, Oliver. Oliver, this is George," Hermione introduced.

"Pleasure to meet you, Oliver," George said, "Welcome to the Army."

Oliver looked at Hermione, confused.

Hermione sighed, "This group of my friends, and when we were in school, we had this teacher who was just awful."

"More than awful, she was pure evil," George supplied.

"We created this secret study group because she refused to teach us the correct curriculum. She was restricting our learning by her own twisted beliefs," Hermione stated, "So together, Harry and I came up with a curriculum and taught all these people so that we wouldn't fail our tests."

George threw his arm around Hermione's shoulders, "This one here is a genius if you didn't know that already."

As the evening drew to a close, a birthday cake with Harry and Neville's names came out to the VIP section. Together, they blew out the candles, and Harry looked out over the smoke at Hermione and smiled.

Oliver leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Having fun?"

"I am, are you?" Hermione asked, looking over at her.

"I am. Thanks for inviting me," Oliver said as he leaned down and kissed her cheek.

Hermione smiled and squeezed his hand, "I'm glad you are here."

After everyone had eaten their cake, Hermione walked up next to Harry at the bar, "Welcome to the 21-year-old club."

Harry laughed over his whiskey, "So now that I am 21, does that mean I have to start being a real adult?"

Hermione laid her head against his shoulder, "I say we put it off as long as possible, but we are nearly parents with Teddy. I think that is as adult as you can get."

Harry put his arm around her and kissed the side of her head, "Thanks for being with me the whole way."

Hermione smiled, "There is nowhere else I'd be."

*~*~* August 11, 2001 *~*~*

Hermione slowly shut the door to Teddy's room. Then she walked downstairs to where Juliet was sitting at the table, "He finally asleep?" Juliet asked, looking at her over her reading glasses.

"He fought it until the last moment," Hermione stated as she yawned, "I nearly fell asleep myself reading the last book."

Juliet took her glasses off and smiled, "He reminds me so much of you as a child. Always asking questions, always wanting one last book. He is doing a great job with his reading skills, too."

Hermione smiled, "I will miss when Andromeda recovers and can take him. Me, Harry, and Teddy, we've made this little family that works for us."

Juliet grabbed her hand, "You will have your own family soon enough. Teddy will always still be a part of it."

Hermione jumped as the front door slammed, "Harry! Shh, I just got him asleep."

Harry walked in and sat down next to Juliet, "Oliver Wood came up to me at the gala I went to with Ginny. He introduced me to the coach and owner, and they offered me a contract."

Hermione stared at him, "A Quidditch contract?!"

Harry nodded, "They need a seeker, and since I'm back in England, they wanted to see if I was interested." Harry looked at them, "Should I do it? Should I even go through training camp?"

Hermione looked at Juliet and then at Harry. "That is entirely up to you, Harry. What about your degree? Even if you officially make the team, Quidditch doesn't last forever."

"I am going to talk to my wizarding advisor," Harry told them, "I don't want to put a pause on it. People play sports and go to school too all the time. Why can't I? I can apparate from classes to practice. There is no guarantee that I will make the team. Look at Ginny. She only made the second string for a while."

Hermione took his hand, "I will support you whatever you decide."

Harry nodded, "Also, Juliet, we will be out of your hair next week. We got approved for student housing. I got the letter before I left."

Juliet frowned, "You can stay here as long as you like. The bedrooms will always be made just for you."

"Well, there is another perk. It's just the right amount of distance between here and school and Andromeda's to the school," Harry told them as he looked at Hermione, "I want to look into getting my driver's license."

Hermione smiled at him, "You won't have any trouble."

*~*~* September 16, 2001 *~*~*

"So, how are things between you and Oliver?" Ron asked as he walked up to Hermione at the weekly Weasley Sunday dinner right before her birthday.

"Good," Hermione told him as she sighed. She set her glass on the counter and watched Teddy and Victoire playing outside the window. "We aren't serious by any means. We go out on coffee dates, and when we can go out to dinner or a movie. He is part of the royal family, so he has some responsibilities. He is not next in line for the crown by any means, but his dad is some kind of Duke of something," Hermione shrugged.

Ron glanced behind him at Harry and Ginny, who were talking to Charlie and Bill about Quidditch training camp. Harry had his first day two days prior, "You deserve happiness, Hermione. I hope you are happy with him."

Hermione elbowed him, "What about you and Lavender? How are the two of you doing? It's been nearly a month now."

Ron leaned back against the counter, "She is good. Got a job and is doing some pieces for Witches Weekly."

Hermione laughed, "Seriously? Seems like the perfect job for her."

Ron nodded, "Parvati got the interview for her. I'm hoping it helps her confidence a bit."

Teddy ran in through the backdoor, covered in various splotches of mud, "Mommy! I touched a gnome!"

"Be careful they bite," Hermione told him.

Teddy's face lit up, "Cool!"

Ron looked at Hermione as Teddy ran back outside, "Is it weird that he calls you Mum?"

Hermione shook her head, "Not at all. I love that kid, Ron. I never thought I'd love that little boy like I do. I couldn't imagine it any other way."

Ron smiled as he kissed her temple, "I'm happy for you." Ron leaned against her side as they looked back at Ginny and Harry, who were still talking. "Do you think Harry is going to do this Puddlemere thing?"

Hermione looked up at him, "Why? Afraid for the Cannons?" Hermione asked with a grin as he rolled his eyes, "Honestly, no."

Ron looked at her, surprised, "Really?"

Hermione stared at Harry's back as he talked to Bill, "He hates the attention, Ron. This is going to just bring more. It is going to get old fast. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think I am."

*~*~* September 22, 2001 *~*~*

"Mommy, can I go play now?"

Hermione smiled, "Go ahead." Immediately, Teddy's little legs had him running straight to the playset.

"He is getting so big," Luna commented as she helped Hermione lay a blanket on the park's ground.

Hermione sighed, "Too big. He is three and a half next month." Hermione and Luna sat down, "How is your internship going? I cannot believe that Rolf Scamander personally picked you."

"He is a nice man. Pleasant to the eye as well," Luna told her with her dreamy smile, "Of course, I will marry him someday, so that leads well to that."

Hermione coughed on her saliva at her sharp inhale, "Excuse me? What?"

Luna's big blue eyes looked at her, "I will marry Rolf in the future. Of course, it's just one of the many futures possible, but the cards are more solidified by my marrying him. That is why I accepted the internship. So I can learn about him."

Hermione said, "I don't understand your tarot cards and all that other divination stuff."

Luna sighed, "It's more about possible futures, but you know how the time turner affected you. The future is only how our choices lead us. For example, there have been futures I have seen where you had a secret relationship with Draco Malfoy and got pregnant by him."

Hermione stared at her, "I…what…I."

Luna laughed, "I need to chart this day in history. I made Hermione Granger speechless!"

"Me and Malfoy?! On purpose?!" Hermione asked in disbelief.

Luna smiled, "I'm sure you'll run into him sometime in the future, and your choices could lead in that direction. Just use protection. I also saw a future where Ron was in a relationship with Dean."

Hermione's jaw dropped, "Okay, so that probably will never happen."

"No, Ron most definitely will not be interested in Dean. Dean is meant for someone else. Ginny will end up with a Quidditch player. Every future shows that, whether Harry, one of her teammates, and even Draco," Luna told her.

Hermione frowned, "What is all this about Draco suddenly?!"

"He will eventually be pulled into our group," Luna shrugged, "The cards don't show why or how, but he has changed. Many of the Pureblood families aren't happy with the Malfoys. You haven't been in the wizarding communities much. Still, with Lucius Malfoy in Azkaban, Narcissa is filing for a bonding separation. It is the closest thing we have to a divorce in the wizarding world. It is rare, and no one mentions it."

Hermione frowned, "What happens?"

"When you marry in the wizarding world, you don't have to go through the bonding ceremony. You can just marry and not bond yourself to each other. In a bonding ceremony, you and your husband hold hands, and when the bonding spell is cast, your magics seal themselves to each other. You share magic. When one is ill, the other's magic will strengthen them. Some strong bonds will feel each other's emotions. It is similar to magical soulmates, but forced by magic. Now, if you are Harry were to do a bonding ceremony with your compatibility, you could feel emotions, and your intuition for each other would be off the charts. Nothing like muggles think with mind-reading telepathy or what else the comics showed," Luna clarified, "The mind is separate from the soul. Our magic is held within our souls. When you break a bond, more often than not, your magic is affected. It is rare for wizards to break it because there is always that chance that your magic becomes irreparable."

Hermione bit her lip, "So if she is trying to break the bond, Narcissa Malfoy would rather be a muggle than with Lucius?"

Luna nodded, "And some Purebloods are chastising her for it. It was an arranged marriage, in the first place, between the Blacks and the Malfoys. With Andromeda being disowned, Narcissa is the oldest of the remaining Ancient and Noble house of Black. While not Ancient, the Malfoys are Nobility. For her to threaten to end the bonding is her spitting on the way of life she has always known," Luna explained, "And you were there for their hearing. Still, I don't know if you knew everything stated during them."

Hermione shook her head, "No, I only stayed to testify about what happened at Malfoy Manor. Harry had to go to more with him being there for Dumbledore's death and in the forest."

"She and Draco were coerced into participating in you-know-who's schemes. Narcissa wasn't deemed important enough to be part of the inner circle, but Voldemort threatened to kill Draco. He threatened Draco to rape and kill Narcissa if he didn't do what he wanted him to do," Luna told her.

Hermione gasped, "No wonder he was such a mess our sixth year."

Luna looked at Hermione, "My Mum was related to the Blacks. Draco is a distant cousin of mine. He wasn't bad growing up. He was sweet and loving. Reminded me a lot of you. Always had a book in his hand. Theo Nott and he were basically brothers. Theo's mother died giving birth to him, so Narcissa took him in. Theo will come into our lives first."

Hermione watched Teddy slide down the slide, "I think the less I know about possible futures, the better."

Luna sighed, "It is a weight to bear. Now Teddy's future is bright."

Hermione smiled, "I know that even without the cards."

*~*~* September 23, 2001 *~*~*

Juliet looked at Hermione as the doorbell to their house rang, "Were you expecting anyone?"

Hermione frowned as she got up from her spot, working on coloring with Teddy at the table, "No, I'll go see who is at the door."

Walking to the door, she opened it and gasped, "Hello Dudley."

Dudley sighed in relief, "Good, this is your home. I was afraid I found the wrong Grangers."

"No, this is my house," Hermione said as she bit her lip, "Harry isn't here. He has practice today."

Dudley frowned, "Practice? For what?"

"He was signed to a contract to Quidditch. It's our Wizarding sport on brooms," Hermione told him, crossing her arms over her chest.

Dudley said, "I heard about it but couldn't imagine it."

"Harry was the youngest player in centuries when we were in school," Hermione shook her head, "Why are you here?"

"Mum and Dad are selling the house, and I helped them go through the attic. I found a box of Harry's things and some with his mum. I brought the box for him in case he wanted it," Dudley told her as he turned and grabbed the box, "I put my number in there. Tell him to call me, even to go for a beer."

Hermione nodded as she accepted the box, "I'll tell him."

"Thanks," Dudley said as he shoved his hands in his pockets and then walked back to his car.

Hermione carried the box into the house, shutting the house behind her.

"Who was it?" Juliet asked, seeing the box in her hands.

"Harry's cousin," Hermione told her as she set the box on the table, "His parents are selling their house, and he brought things he found for Harry."

"What is in the box?" Juliet asked.

Hermione shook her head, "I'm not looking. That is for Harry to decide."

A little after dinner, Hermione sat in the living room after Teddy's bath. They were watching Beauty and the Beast on TV when she heard the door: "In here!"

Teddy jumped up and ran towards the door, "Daddy Harry!"

She heard the "Oof" of Harry as Teddy must have crashed into him. With Teddy on his hip, Harry walked into the sitting room, "How was practice?" Hermione asked.

"Exhausting," Harry yawned as he sat beside her and put his socked feet on the coffee table, "What did you guys get up to today?"

Teddy rattled off all he had played with today, then jumped onto the floor to watch more Beauty and the Beast.

Hermione looked at him, "Go shower, then I have something to show you."

Harry looked at her suspiciously, "Alright." He got up and approached the stairs, "Are you just saying that because I stink?"

"You reek!" Hermione yelled with a laugh.

"Thanks!" He yelled, going up the stairs.

After his shower, Harry came down the stairs and walked into the sitting room with a bowl of mac and cheese, "Your cooking is getting better," Harry told her as he sat down.

"It's mac and cheese. It's hard to mess it up," Hermione confessed.

"What do you have to show me?" Harry asked.

Hermione got up from the couch and walked over to the dining room table. Grabbing the box, she set it down on the coffee table, "Dudley came over today. The Dursleys are selling their house, and he found some things that he thought you might want to see."

Harry slowly set his bowl down, "Dudley came here?"

Hermione nodded. "He looked Granger up, and I have no clue how many houses he went through to find me, but he found me."

Harry swallowed hard, "What is inside?"

Hermione shook her head, "I didn't open it. That is up to you."

Harry moved forward and opened the box. There were not many contents inside. Some old broken toys from his cupboard and a few things from his schooling with his sloppy writing were within the box. Grabbing one paper, he pulled it out.

In crayon was a drawing by the hand of a child. Instantly, her heart broke. Harry had drawn a tall man and a woman next to him. Little Harry had a scar on his head and glasses, and he was between the taller, drawn characters. His sloppy writing wrote family with a heart at the top.

Harry stared at the drawing, then sighed, setting it down next to the box. Other less meaningful scraps of paper were written on. There were a few photos of a young Harry in the background of Dudley's photos. What made Harry pause was when he pulled out a thread-barren blanket. He had nearly set it to the side until she and Harry must have seen the embroidery on it simultaneously. 'Harry James- 7/31/80- You are so loved' Small snitches were stitched in a border around the words.

Hermione reached for his hand as a tear rolled down his face.

"I hear her sometimes. At least, I think it was her," Harry cleared his throat. "Her voice became clearer each time I encountered the dementors. She whispered, "You are so loved" to me."

Hermione hugged him, "You are so loved, Harry. Then and now."

a/n: So definitely didn't get as much writing done as I wanted this last two weeks with the end of the school year. I hate saying goodbye to my classroom family. I am doing summer camp this year so hoping it will be fun and I will have more writing time. Keep an eye out to see whether the chapter is posted next week or two weeks away.

Thank you everyone for reading and to the new followers!

Preview of Chapter 22- Is It Over Now?

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.