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

'Cause I can see you waitin' down the hall from me
And I could see you up against the wall with me.
And what would you do, baby, if you only knew?
That I can see you

Uh-uh, uh, uh

And we kept everything professional
But something's changed, it's somethin' I, I like
They keep watchful eyes on us.
So it's best that we move fast and keep quiet.
You won't believe half the things I see inside my head.
Wait 'til you see half the things that haven't happened yet.

But what would you do if I went to touch you now?
What would you do if they never found us out?
What would you do if we never made a sound?

~ I Can See You by Taylor Swift


*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*

Luna looked up at Hermione, "So what happened in 2006 that was so exciting?"

Hermione sighed, "Exciting is a poor choice of words, but it was kept interesting, that's for sure. January started with Kingsley asking me if I would be willing to be his liaison because of my background. As my first job as his liaison, I had to go to the World Wizarding Council conference in Kingsley's stead."


*~*~* January 9, 2006*~*~*

Running her hands over her skirt to dry her palms, Hermione nodded at the Australian Minister for Magic, a very tall woman with sun-kissed skin, as she smiled at Hermione.

"Peter, can we take a moment? I want to introduce myself. You must be the famous Hermione Granger," the woman said with a smile. "I'm Helen, Australian Minister for Magic. This is Peter, the Canadian Minister of Magic. Peter, this is Hermione Granger from the British Ministry of Magic."

Peter looked at her surprised, "THE Hermione Granger? Kingsley is a genius to be sending you instead of him. I didn't realize that was possible."

"The Minister is still mourning," Hermione stated, "I am the Head of the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures but am acting as Minister Shacklebolt's Liaison."

The other delegations started making their way to the table. Hermione politely nodded to the MACUSA President, Diane Marshall, as she took her assigned seat. The sound of a gavel striking the table echoed through the hall they were in, drawing everyone's attention as the President of France's Ministry, Pierre Jacquesville, stood at the head of the table at the podium.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the World Wizarding Council. Over the next four days, we will address critical global issues impacting our magical communities. Our agenda includes discussions of magical law enforcement, magical creature conservation, trade, and economic cooperation, healthcare systems for magical beings, and most crucially, Muggle-Wizard Relations."

Hermione looked up from the notes she had jotted.

"We have learned from the dark times under the terrorist Voldemort's reign that we must remain vigilant. We need to monitor and stop any threats before they happen again. This means enhancing our intelligence-sharing mechanisms and coordinating our law enforcement efforts across borders. Many governments worldwide have recently reported an uptick in dark arts activity. We cannot let history repeat itself," Minister Pierre stated, "Potion trading has also become a significant concern." Minister Pierre seemed to look straight at Hermione, "Another pressing issue is Magical Creature Conservation. We must protect endangered magical creatures and their habitats. This raises the question of whether we should allow magical zoos. If so, how do we regulate them?"

Hermione started scribbling talking points for that discussion as the hall buzzed with murmurs from the Ministers in the room.

"Trade and Economic Cooperation," President Pierre announced, "There is a need to facilitate trade between our communities while ensuring that trade is fair and secure. We must also improve our healthcare systems by sharing knowledge and resources. Lastly, we will end our time with muggle-wizard relations. With muggle technology becoming more concealed and sophisticated, the risk of breaching the statute of secrecy has never been higher. How would we handle a large-scale breach? Could we protect our world while coexisting with the Muggle one if it comes to that?"

Hermione looked around at the others' reactions. In the back of her mind, she had wondered when it would happen. It looked like the world's governments were finally becoming aware of this.

Minister Pierre looked around the table. "We are here as the heads of our countries to represent our people—all but one."

Multiple pairs of eyes looked at her, making Hermione feel uncomfortable.

"Minister of the British delegation, Kingsley Shacklebolt, called me recently and stated how he had just lost his wife. In his place, he wanted to send the woman before us. The famed Hermione Granger. She is the Head of her Department within the Ministry, but Minister Kingsley feels that when his time comes, she will be the one to replace him. I want us all to be open-minded this week. Ms. Granger is not only a war hero, but she will be a wealth of knowledge for this conference. She is a solicitor and the head of the regulation of magical creatures. She is also Muggleborn. So welcome, Ms. Granger."

Minister Marshall elbowed her with a wink as people clapped.

Hermione nodded, "Thank you, Minister."

"Now enough with this Minister nonsense. We are all Ministers. Let's go around the room and introduce ourselves," Minister Pierre stated.


*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*

Luna took out a newspaper clipping, "Did you ever see this article from the Parisian Press?"

Hermione took it from her, "No."

GRANGER STEALS THE SHOW

In the Minister's Stead, Hermione Granger Wows Political Leaders at the World Wizarding Council by Sharing Her Personal Story and Expertise.

-Paris, 13 January 2006- The World Wizarding Council was held in Paris this year and witnessed a standout political performance from none other than Hermione Granger, the Golden Girl of the Golden Trio acting as the British Ministry of Magic's representative. In the absence of Minster Kingsley Shacklebolt, Granger took the helm to represent the British Ministry. In just an hour, she took the helm and captivated Ministers worldwide with her blend of personal experience and expertise.

Granger began her address by recounting her harrowing experiences during the Second Wizarding War. "I've seen firsthand the devastation that unchecked dark magic can cause," She stated during a conversation about Magical Law Enforcement. She detailed her role in dealing with Death Eaters and rescuing endangered magical creatures through law creation and activism.

With aid from Granger during the session on Magical Law Enforcement, Granger proposed a groundbreaking initiative for a global intelligence-sharing network. The WWC has named it the International Magical Intelligence Consortium. In her argument, she stated, "We must be proactive, not reactive, in our efforts to combat dark forces. By monitoring situations as they arise worldwide, we can find if there is a pattern." All governments agreed that real-time communication channels should be started as soon as possible. The Aurors worldwide would also work together for collaboration and training.

Granger shared her work with the Department for Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures during the Creature Conservation discussion. She emphasized the balance between conservation and regulation, proposed regulations and guidelines for magical zoos, and banned the use of endangered creatures in potion-making. Her call for a unified approach to healthcare for magical beings was lauded as a visionary step forward. She has already changed British law to advocate for Werewolves.

Where Granger stole the show was her knowledge and passion for Muggle-Wizard Relations. Drawing from her background, she addressed the challenges and opportunities of advancing Muggle technology. It is well known that Britain is behind wizarding governments and muggles. "Our worlds are converging in a way that we cannot ignore," She said, "We have to adapt, innovate, and ensure that our secrecy does not come at the cost of our way of living. We must look at the possibilities that we could coexist." The WWC will be forming a special task force dedicated to monitoring Muggle technology and preventing breaches in the Statute of Secrecy. This was met with unanimous support. The Australian Minister of Magic praised Granger's contributions, stating, "She has set a new standard for international cooperation."

Hermione Granger continues to challenge the status quo. Her blend of personal experience, scholarly expertise, and passionate advocacy is not only elevating the UK's standing but is now setting the course for the future of the wizarding world at a global level. In a brief interview at the end of the conference, Granger remained humble. "This was not about me. This was about the future of our world and the future of my son's world. We have an opportunity to create a safer, more equitable world for all magical beings, and I am honored to be here this week."

Hermione returned it to Luna, "I can't believe I never saw that. Anyway, I felt it was successful. I came home to the news that you and Dudley were together. I never expected that news at all. A week after that, the shite hit the fan."


*~*~* January 21, 2006*~*~*

Hermione strolled down Diagon Alley and breathed in the familiar smells. The mid-morning crowds were starting to grow as Harry walked over after emerging from the Broom store with a wide grin, holding a new container of polish. Walking side by side as they enjoyed their Teddy-free morning while he spent time at the Burrow, Hermione tore a piece of her warm baguette off and handed it to Harry.

"Fanks," Harry said, taking a bite as he threw his arm around Hermione's shoulders.

Hermione smiled, leaning into his embrace, "Should we go to the South Side of the alley? I heard there is a new café called Espresso Patronum."

Harry laughed at the play on words, "Sounds interesting, want to get something…" Harry trailed off as he saw a photographer hiding behind a sign, "Shit, the press. Hopefully, they don't-"

"Well, well. If it isn't Mr. Potter and his Princess," Rita's voice nearly shouted as they came from an alcove.

Hermione glared, "Leave us alone, Rita."

Ignoring her, Rita followed them, her quill scratching our notes as a small crowd began to form around them. Harry took her hand, and Hermione quickened her pace to keep up with him. As they neared Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, Harry pulled her inside.

Rita's voice rang out as they reached the door, "Hermione, what do you think of Draco Malfoy and Astoria Greengrass?"

The door slammed shut behind them. Ron locked it and pulled the screen down in Rita's face, "Menace of an insect. Are you both okay?"

Harry ran his hand over his face, "Yes, thanks for the help."

Hermione smiled at Ron, "Thank you, Ron. Will you be home for dinner?"

Ron nodded, "Yeah, I'll be there. I need to close tonight. Go ahead upstairs and use the floo."

Harry glanced at Hermione, squeezing her hand. "Do you want to go home and order Chinese food?"

"Can we get extra eggrolls?" Hermione asked.

"Of course," Harry stated, leading her up the stairs.


*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*

Hermione sniffed at the air and closed her eyes, "Harry is making spaghetti and… breadsticks."

"We will finish January, and then I'll head home to see my boys. They went to Ginny's Quidditch practice today," Luna told her.

Hermione opened her journal, "Nothing big happened at the end of January. On the 23rd, Harry and Draco were sent to Paris as part of a special forces unit to monitor the dark arts activity. They were gone for a week."


*~*~* January 28, 2006*~*~*

Being the sober one in a bar with her friends was quickly becoming annoying. The Leaky Cauldron was buzzing with activity as the members of Dumbledore's Army and the Snakes gathered for their monthly meetup.

Hermione sat down where Luna and Ron were sitting, "I'm so fucking tired."

Luna nodded as Ron left to talk to Neville, "I agree. Oh, Dudley and I broke up," Luna told them with a hint of sadness, "He was a nice boy but not exciting enough. Plus, he had parent issues."

Hermione gave Luna's hand a squeeze, "I'm sorry, Luna. You'll find someone who appreciates your charm."

Dean walked over and sat beside Hermione, "You look amazing, Hermione. I love your haircut and the dress. What's the occasion?"

Pansy walked over, grinning as she sat beside Dean, "She is wearing one of my newest designs. Hermione did a photo shoot for me for my catalogue and Witch Weekly advertisement."

Dean nodded, "You look great."

Seamus rubbed Dean's shoulders, "It's good to appreciate a witch from far away, but just know that you are mine." Seamus said with a grin, "Anyways, where's Harry?"

Hermione worried at her bottom lip, "Paris, there was some dark arts activity there. He and Draco were selected to be part of the British task force."

Pansy nodded, "Understandable. Harry is a trained hit wizard, and Draco has a dark arts background. They are perfect for it."

Daphne and Blaise came over and squeezed into the booth with everyone. Daphne yawned and rested her head on Blaise's shoulder with a content sigh.

Pansy frowned, "You okay, Daph?"

Daphne smiled, "Making a baby is hard work."

All the girls gasped and immediately started firing off questions.

"I'm due in June," Daphne told them proudly, "We haven't found out the sex yet."

The table erupted in excitement as they started talking about plans. Name ideas and other baby-related things. Hermione looked up as she felt someone touch her shoulders and saw Ron as he gave them a gentle rub.

Leaning down, Ron whispered in her ear, "Are you okay?"

Hermione smiled as she squeezed his hand, "Never better."


*~*~* February 11, 2006*~*~*

Hermione hugged Luna as she let her inside the house, "Hey, I just saw the twins. When did Lysander cut his hair?"

Luna laughed, "When Lorcan did it."

Hermione shut the door behind her and followed Luna into the sitting room, "Teddy was so excited to have them over for a sleepover."

Ginny showed up a few minutes later with the food. Together, they started setting up the jewelry-making workshop with colorful beads, strings, charms, and instructions on how to charm them as the other girls showed up.

Pansy popped popcorn into her mouth. "I've always heard weird things about this house. I thought it was a bizarre house to come to, but it's cute."

Luna smiled sadly, "After my husband died, all the animals went to the Scamander Nature Preserve. We have a dog now that roams around our property."

Parvati reached over and took a handful of popcorn from Pansy's bowl, "So I have some news since we put a label on it. I'm seeing someone from Hyderabad, India's wizarding school. His name is Luke Adair."

Padma momentarily choked on a piece of popcorn, "Mum and Dad didn't set you up, did they?"

Parvati laughed, "Hell no, I went back to see Dadi, and her neighbor had her grandson over. He is moving to London soon, so we have been doing the long-distance thing for a while. He moves here next month, and I'm throwing caution to the wind. I'm having him move in with me when he gets here."

Hermione got up and walked into the kitchen as the girls started making jewelry. Reaching for a glass, she jumped when Luna came up behind her, "Can I ask you something?"

"Fucking hell, Luna!" Hermione said, holding her chest, "Of course, what's wrong?"

"Are you still hung up on Ron?" Luna asked, searching Hermione's face.

Hermione laughed, nearly dropping her glass, "That's hilarious. Of course not, Luna. Ron and I were together because we thought we should be. The war was finally over, and we were alive. That was all. We had no chemistry with each other, sexual or otherwise. He is one of my best friends, that's it."

Luna nodded, "I just wanted to make sure. You deserve to be happy, you know?"

Hermione sighed, leaning against the kitchen counter, "I'm stuck with this damn bond. I'm going to be forever single and tortured."

Luna touched Hermione's arm, "You never know what the future holds. I have a good feeling that the future will be brighter than you think."

Hermione smiled at her, "Thanks, Luna. You're right. I'll try to stay positive."

"I am saying, give him the rest of the year, then knock his socks off," Luna stated.

Hermione looked at her with narrowed eyes, "Did someone tell you that?"

Luna shook her head, "No, why?"

Hermione smiled as she shook her head, "That was one of the last things Andromeda told me. To give him time, to give him this year to get his act together and then knock his socks off next year."

Luna grinned, "Well then, we better start planning."

"Are you girls coming back?" Lavender yelled.

"Coming!" Luna yelled.

Hermione sat back in her spot, "What have we missed?"

"We are playing the muggle game, Fuck, marry, kill, but I don't like that, so it's kiss instead," Lavender told him.

"Who are we including in this?" Hermione asked.

Lavender thought about it momentarily, "The boys of the Leaky hangout crew. If they've come to it, they are free game to pick, even the Snakes. I'll go first. Fuck: Draco, Marry: Harry, Kiss: Neville."

Pansy grinned, "My turn, Fuck: Neville, Marry: Dean, Kiss: Seamus."

"Hey!" Hannah said, making everyone laugh.

Parvati laughed, "Easy Fuck: Draco, Marry: Theo, Kiss: Blaise, it's those lips, Daphne."

Daphne grinned, "He has great lips and knows what to do with them."

Everyone looked at Hermione, "I don't know. I guess, Fuck: Har… no," Hermione said as she blushed, "I don't know. They are all my friends, and I don't think of them that way."

Padma snorted, "Let's be honest. We all know the same name could be all three for you."

Hermione's head snapped in her direction, "What are you talking about?"

Padma looked at her, "Draco, who else?"

Hermione sighed, "Draco and I would never have worked out. I will call Draco my sexual liberation or sex education. He taught me what sex could be. That was it. I can't believe I said yes to his proposal, which was stupid. I felt wanted for once, so I said yes. That was it."


*~*~* March 2, 2008 *~*~*

"But you weren't thinking of Draco at all," Luna said with a smile.

Hermione snorted, "No."


*~*~* February 14, 2006*~*~*

Hermione stepped out of the floo at the house and immediately kicked off her shoes. Harry sat up on the couch, making Hermione scream.

"Sorry! Sorry!" Harry said as he stood up.

"Shite, no, I am. I don't know why I'm so jumpy," Hermione told him, "I honestly thought you'd be out with a random girl for Valentine's Day."

Harry scoffed as he sat back on the couch, "Why go out for Valentine's Day when I have my Valentines right here? Teddy is upstairs playing, and you just got home."

Hermione's eyes widened as she saw him pick up the bouquet off the table. Walking over to the couch, she tried her best not to swoon as she saw the roses. She took the bouquet from him and noticed the sugar quills among the flowers, "Oh, Harry, you shouldn't have."

Harry patted the couch beside him, and she sat down, "I just figured this is the first year that we are both single on Valentine's Day. I thought I'd celebrate it with you."

Hermione swallowed hard, her heart pounding as she looked into his green eyes, "Harry-" The floo lit up green, interrupting her. Glancing over, Ron stepped through and froze when he saw them on the couch. Luna came through close behind, running into Ron's back.

"What are you both doing here?" Ron asked.

"We live here," Hermione stated, confused, "What are you doing here?"

Luna smiled as she looked around Ron, "My Dad has the kids. Ron asked me to hang out. Don't let us bother you two."

As Ron and Luna headed towards the kitchen, Harry asked Hermione, "Do you?"

Hermione glanced towards the kitchen area, then back at Harry, "It seems so."

Harry snorted, "There is an 80% chance of those two working out."

Hermione chuckled as she took one of the sugar quills out of the bouquet and set her flowers on the table. Unwrapping it, she looked at him, "Sorry I didn't get you anything."

Harry shrugged, "Don't worry about it."

Hermione started licking the sugar quill, her eyes closing as she tasted the familiar blue raspberry flavour, "Ooh, blue raspberry, my favourite."

She saw Harry lick his lips out of the corner of her eye as she swirled her tongue around the quill. Then, trying not to grin, she slowly moved the quill in and out of her mouth, "Mmm, so good."

Harry's gaze was fixed on her, a mix of amusement and something that could be desire, but she did not dare let her heart hope, "I'm glad you like it."

Luna's voice filtered in from the kitchen, "I'm going to need you to stop for one second because I find it incredibly rude that you think that I am not head over heels in love with your stupid, oblivious arse! Are you a brick, Ronald Weasley? Because you are dense as fuck if you haven't seen that you have been my rock since Rolf died. I couldn't have done without you, and slowly, as I was ready to move on, there wasn't anyone else."

Harry looked at Hermione wide-eyed as Hermione covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. "Guess that answers that," Harry whispered as Hermione giggled.


*~*~* March 2, 2008 *~*~*

"He bought you a bouquet of flowers and called you his Valentine… why did you wait so long?" Luna asked.

Hermione inhaled, "Because I was scared. I had to know for sure before I would risk it. I couldn't take that risk and have it fall apart. I couldn't lose Harry. I'd rather have him as a friend than to have him alienated from me. The rest of February was when Christopher proposed to Pansy on Valentine's Day, and she accepted. Being who Pansy is, she had already set a wedding date for November. At the end of February, Harry and Draco's task force were sent to Rome to monitor dark arts activity there. Of course, they found nothing other than some lower-level offenses." Hermione sighed, "But while assigned in Rome, Harry met Barbie." Hermione said with a slight level of disdain, "Barbie brought out all my insecurities."


*~*~* March 4, 2006*~*~*

"Dadda!" Teddy yelled as Hermione opened his car door. He leaped out and ran at Harry.

Harry grabbed Teddy as Teddy ran into his arms, "Oh buddy, I missed you so much."

Hermione put her bag onto her shoulder, "When did you both return?"

"Just a couple of hours ago. I sent my patronus to George because he let us use one of his newest products. Ron came to pick it up, and he told Draco and me how the boys were into Mexican, so that's what he was doing for his birthday," Harry glanced over at Draco, who was talking to Ron and Luna, "I was shocked he invited Draco. Is that okay?"

Hermione smiled, "Draco and I are in the past. I loved the idea of him, and that's it. He is with Astoria now. I hope that they will be very happy together."

Harry held the door open for Hermione as everyone walked inside. As they made their way to the table, Ginny was already sitting at it and eyed Draco warily.

"Why is he here?" Ginny asked.

Draco approached her and said, "Ginny, I understand the pain my father caused you in the past. I'm deeply sorry about it. I know I will have to spend the rest of my life atoning for his actions and my foolish choices when I was younger. I hope that one day, you and others will be able to forgive me."

Ginny studied him briefly before nodding, "I appreciate your apology. It wasn't on you. It will take time, but people change."

The waitress came over and handed out their menus as conversation flowed at the table. Looking over the menu, Hermione leaned over to Harry. She whispered, "I've never had a virgin-" Her words were cut off as Harry suddenly spat out his drink.

Startled, Hermione smacked him in the back as he started coughing, "Are you okay?"

Harry wiped his mouth, looking at her, "You said you aren't a virgin?" He whispered.

Hermione laughed, and Draco snorted on Harry's other side, "Far from it, Harry. I said I've never had a virgin margarita. Do you think it tastes like the alcoholic ones?"

Harry chuckled, leaning closer to her, "You haven't had a drink in a long while. Just ask them to go light on the alcohol."

Ron grinned, "What are the secrets down there?"

Hermione glanced at him with a grin, "If I'm a lush or not. Why? What is it to you, birthday boy?"

Harry snorted into his beer and took a drink.

"Mumma, what's a lush," Teddy asked innocently, causing Harry to inhale his beer again and go into a large coughing attack.

Luna smiled at Teddy, "A lush is someone who enjoys a little too much drink sometimes, but it's not something you need to worry about, Teddy."


*~*~* March 11, 2006*~*~*

Looking in the mirror at the Phoenix Boutique, Hermione adjusted the printed dress she was wearing for the photo shoot for Pansy's new summer line, a collection that Pansy had dubbed 'The New Business Professional.'

Harry stepped out of the fitting room wearing a modern take on the wizarding robe, similar to a black trench coat, trousers, and a white t-shirt with a black jumper pulled over it. He looked strikingly handsome in the outfit.

"Perfect!" As she walked into their area, Pansy said, "Come over here, please."

Harry looked at her with a grin, "Ready for this?"

Hermione grinned back, "Are you ready? I'm used to this, you aren't."

Pansy grabbed Harry, "You two are going to look amazing! Let's get started. Potter, stand here, put your left hand up like you are running your fingers through your hair, and look sexy…. No, that's not sexy."

Hermione bit her lip, trying not to laugh.

"Don't you dare mess up your makeup!" Pansy yelled at Hermione.

Hermione was in her third outfit as Harry finished up his final outfit. She wore a slinky-back dress with a tulle overlay that went down to her bare feet.

"Alright, last one," Pansy said as she looked at Hermione, "You look smoking hot."

Hermione listened to Pansy's directions as she leaned against an old metal chair on the floor. Pansy came over and laid a piece of tulle on her head. "Ooh, it looks like a veil. I love it."

"And this is business professional?" Hermione asked suspiciously.

"Well, not exactly, but you are hot," Pansy stated, "What do you think, Potter?"

Hermione glanced over at Harry, who was staring at her.

"See exactly," Pansy said with a grin.

After the shoot, Pansy let the photographer out, then turned to Harry and Hermione, "Thank you both for this, but this outfit isn't Hard Rock Café material."

With a few charms, Hermione's dress was a cute gothic-style mini dress.

"You guys are going to the Hard Rock?" Harry asked.

Hermione nodded, "Yeah."

Harry offered Hermione his arm, "I'll escort you there. Make sure you make it there safely."

Hermione put her arms around his waist as they disapparated to the closest apparition zone. Escorting them to the Hard Rock Café, Harry stopped outside the entrance. Harry stepped back, leaning in and kissing her cheek, "Have fun. I'll see you later."

Hermione felt a flutter in her stomach as he walked away. Pansy walked over to her and grinned, "That was nice of Harry to escort us here, but I don't think he even noticed I was here."

Hermione laughed, "He can be a bit oblivious sometimes."

Inside the restaurant, girls' night was in full swing. Their group already had drinks and appetizers and chatted as Hermione and Pansy found their seats.

"Now that everyone is here, I have some news," Katie said as she stood up, "I'm pregnant and due in September."

The table erupted in cheers as Susan blew a straw wrapper at her, "Stealing my thunder. I'm due in October."

Hermione looked at Luna, "You were right."

Luna just grinned, "The cards rarely are wrong, but the cards also said that Susan would be first."

Susan ran her hand over her face, "You did say that. I even told Justin that, and we just laughed about it."

"Well, since we are sharing news. Some know, but," Pansy held up her hand, "I'm engaged."

Daphne looked at Hermione, "Why are you so dressed up?"

"Oh, just a photo shoot for Witch Weekly's article," Pansy said with a grin.

Hermione gasped, "A what?"

Pansy looked at her. "They contacted me. They wanted to write an article called 'The New Wizards in Power' about you and Harry, and they knew you both would say no. Now I have new catalogue photos, and they have magazine photos."

Hermione glared at her, "Really?"

Pansy nodded, "They want to highlight Harry for revolutionizing the Auror Department and changing old policies and you for making waves worldwide and changing the legal procedures in Britain. Together, you are seen as the Golden Duo, plus the Lily Potter School leading the way. It's no wonder. It's time you two had recognition for your current trailblazing aspects, not just the war."

Hermione bit her lip, "Thank you, I guess. I just… I don't know what to say."


*~*~* March 17, 2006*~*~*

Stepping out of the lift at the Romanian Ministry of Magic, Hermione listened as the Head of Regulations of Creatures talked about their Kelpy problem.

"Hermione!?" She heard a familiar voice call out.

Turning, she saw an older Viktor Krum walking towards her.

"Viktor?" Hermione asked in disbelief.

"Hermione, it's so good to see you," Viktor said in nearly perfect English as he came over and kissed her cheeks.

"Viktor, what a surprise. How have you been?" Hermione asked.

"I have been vell," Viktor replied, "And you? Vhat brings you to Romania?"

"I'm here to help with a Kelpie problem. Apparently, it's been causing some issues, and they brought me in as an expert," Hermione told him, "What are you doing here?"

"My yearly checkup at the Ministry," Viktor said with a smile, "Who better than Hermione Granger to bring into our Ministry as an expert to solve a problem? Harry vould have died in the first task without you. He said so himself."

Hermione blushed.

"Vill you be in town for the evening? I'd love to take you to dinner tonight," Viktor stated.

Hermione smiled, "I'll be in the field for most of the day dealing with the kelpie issue, but I should be free afterward."

Viktor's eyes lit up. "That is excellent! I know a great place." Viktor reached into his pocket and scribbled out his number. "Here is my number. Call me when you are done, and ve vill have a wonderful evening."

Hermione took the card, "Thank you. I'll call you when I'm done."


*~*~* March 20, 2006*~*~*

Stepping out of her floo into her living room, Hermione stepped aside just as Viktor came out behind her.

"Thank you for this weekend, Viktor," Hermione said with a smile as she hugged him.

"The pleasure was mine," Viktor said as he leaned down and kissed her lightly on the cheek. "Let's not vait so long to see each other again."

Hermione nodded, "I'd like that."

"Goodbye, Hermione," Viktor said as he flooed away.

"So, he can say your name now, I see."

Hermione gasped, "Harry! You scared the shit out of me."

"Sorry, I thought it was a working weekend?" Harry asked, setting his bag down.

"It was," Hermione frowned, "Then I ran into Viktor, and they took me out to dinner. After I solved the Kelpie situation, he showed me around his village."

"I'm sure that's all he did," Harry said as he grabbed his bag, "I am late. I have to go. Teddy is at Luna's. We are being sent to Mexico."

Hermione frowned, "Harry, it's not-"

"I have to go. Bye," Harry said as he flooed away.


*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*

"He thought you and Viktor slept together," Luna insinuated.

"Yeah, and we didn't, but Harry didn't know that. Viktor had a fiancée, and I hung out with them all weekend," Hermione stated. "That should have been my big clue that he had feelings for me, but I realized it too late. When he came home, he came home with someone else."


*~*~* March 27, 2006*~*~*

When she arrived home from work, Hermione was exhausted after all the summary reports about the Kelpie regulations and legal briefs she had to go through today. Shrugging off her cloak, she noticed Harry's was on the cloak rack, "Harry!? Are you home?"

"In the kitchen!"

Making her way to the kitchen, she found Harry looking over George's latest invention. This recording device replayed memories like a pensive but as a projection. Harry barely looked up, his eyes glued to the screen, "Is that from your mission in Mexico?" Hermione asked.

Harry nodded, "Someone is recruiting down there. For what? We don't know yet, but I hope I missed something."

Hermione frowned, "That's troubling. Do you have any leads?"

"Not many," Harry admitted, "But hopefully, things start coming together."

As the doorbell rang, Harry turned the screen off, "I'll get it," he said as he stood up and headed towards the door.

Hermione followed behind him, "Are you expecting anyone?"

Harry hesitated, "It's… my date."

Hermione froze as she watched Harry open the door. A tall, tan woman who looked like she could have stepped straight off a runway walked in, smiling brightly.

The woman's grin grew when she saw Hermione. "Oh, Miss Granger, I am such a fan. I'm Barbara. You can call me Barbie," she said, extending her hand to Hermione.

Hermione shook her hand, "Nice to meet you, Barbie. Call me Hermione."

Barbie glanced at Harry, "Harry has told me so much about you."

Hermione glanced at Harry, "Has he now?" Hermione replied as Harry grabbed his robe, "How did you two meet?"

"When I went to Rome, Draco and I went out and met Barbie. We exchanged information, and we've been talking since," Harry told her.

Hermione looked at Barbie, "Do you live in Italy?"

Barbie shook her head, "No, I was only there for a movie shoot. I'm an actress and a model."

Harry looked at his watch, "We better go. Our reservations are in thirty minutes."

Barbie smiled, "It was so nice to meet you."

"You too," Hermione said as Harry opened the door and left with Barbie.

Chewing on her lips, Hermione marched to the fireplace and flooed to Luna's house.

"Her name is fucking Barbie, Luna! Barbie, as in Barbie doll because she could be one!" Hermione yelled.

Ron, Luna, Teddy, and the boys sat at the dinner table, making Hermione pause.

"Who is Barbie?" Ron asked, confused.

Hermione sat at the table, sighing, "Harry's new girl. They've been talking on the phone since Rome. I could never compete with someone like that."

Ron snorted, "You have to compete with her? Hermione, you doubt yourself way too much. She has to rise to the competition of you."


*~*~* March 31, 2006*~*~*

Hermione entered the bowling alley where they met and immediately wished she had skipped the evening. The smells of disinfectant and polish, combined with her headache and the flashing lights from the arcade, made her nauseous. As she walked past it, she nearly turned around.

Ginny waved her over, and Hermione walked over to their section. Sitting at the table, Hermione looked at her, "Why aren't you over there?"

"Too risky with our drive for playoffs coming up. I can't risk injuring my wrist or hands," Ginny told her.

Hermione massaged her temples as she watched their friends bowling, trying to alleviate the headache that had just been growing all day. Harry walked over and frowned. "Are you okay?" he asked, feeling her forehead. "You are a bit warm."

"It's just a headache," Hermione told him, "I'll be fine. Go bowl."

Harry took a quick drink of his beer, "Here, this is cold. Put it on your forehead," Harry told her, taking her hands in his and putting the bottle in her hand. He jogged back to join Ron and the others. Hermione closed her eyes as she put the cold bottle on her face. She felt the familiar tingling sensation under her skin as her restless and shifting magic searched him out.

When she opened her eyes, Ginny stared at her, "What was that?" Ginny asked.

Hermione looked down at her hand, flexing her fingers, feeling the diminishing feeling, "You know, I can feel my magic sometimes. It reacts and moves under my skin," She explained.

Ginny looked at her, confused, "It does what?"

"You don't feel your magic?" Hermione asked, surprised.

Ginny shook her head, "No, I never have. It's why I have trouble apparating. What makes your magic react?"

Hermione glanced at their friends' bowling, her gaze lingering on Harry as he laughed at Ron's comment, "It reacts mostly to…"

"To what?" Ginny asked, leaning closer and looking in the direction she was looking. Ginny's eyes widened, "Let's go. We're going back to my flat. We are of no use here."

Hermione was about to protest when Ginny stepped off the platform and over to Ron, "Ron! Hermione's headache got worse. I'm taking her back to my apartment."

Harry turned to Hermione, concerned, "I can take her home."

Ginny shook her head, "No, you all have fun. I'll take her. No big deal."

"I'll be fine," Hermione told Harry as she followed Ginny to the cool night air.

As they approached the apparition point, Ginny glanced at Hermione, "It's Harry. Your magic reacts to him."

Hermione sighed, "Yes. My magic responds to him, especially when he's close… or happy."

Ginny held out her hand, and Hermione took it, "I got us," Hermione stated as she disapparated them to Ginny's flat.

Hermione followed Ginny upstairs into her flat.

"So, your magic responds to him?" Ginny asked, walking into her kitchen.

"Yes," Hermione sighed.

"I don't think that's normal, but what in our lives is?" Ginny asked as she walked over to a cabinet, "Here, have a headache potion."

"Thanks," Hermione said as she took it.

Ginny poured them two glasses of wine and then mixed them with orange juice, "Here, this will help."

Hermione sat down at the kitchen table, "Thanks."

"Look, I have a confession," Ginny stated, "I loved Harry, but he always held himself back with me. He never let himself get close to me. It was part of the reason I called off the wedding. I could never compete with you, Hermione. I know you love him and truly love him at that. You said something to me once that I loved him as Harry Potter, not Harry. I didn't realize he was two separate people, but you do."

Hermione swallowed hard and looked away from Ginny, trying not to tell her that Harry had said HE had called it off.

"Look, I'm okay with it, Hermione. He and you are meant to be if I can't have him. I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure you two end up together," Ginny told her, "Do you remember the eggnog that George gave you both at Christmas?"

"No," Hermione stated honestly.

Ginny sighed, "You two should never accept drinks from him ever. He gave you more truth serum, but you got stuck under the mistletoe. Harry kissed you, and you two were making out in the doorway. You told him you were his soulmate, and he said something about how he isn't who you think he is."

Hermione frowned, "What does that mean?"

Ginny shook her head, "He never elaborated. He just said that he loved you, you are his best friend, but he can't lose you."

Hermione shook her head as she put her face in her hands, "He isn't who I think he is because he doesn't want to be my soulmate. All he wants to be is friends. It's obvious to me. After I broke up with Draco, he started sleeping around. He doesn't want anything serious, which is the opposite of what he always said. He's so fucking frustrating, Ginny." Hermione looked at her, "Andromeda told me to give him the rest of the year to figure himself out, then to knock his socks off. I don't know Ginny. Is it worth it at this point?"

Ginny stood up, "Seriously? Hermione fucking Granger giving up? Giving up on Harry Potter at that? You are fucking scared."

Hermione stood up and threw the glass into the wall, "Of course I'm fucking scared! God Damnit Ginny, I love him, I've loved him forever, and I've tried to move on! Every time I do… something goes wrong! Ron and I weren't compatible. We were together because we thought we had to. The best sex we ever had was because you and Harry were having sex, and I felt all his feelings through this fucking bond, and I was so turned on that I finally got off with Ron. Oliver cheated on me. Neville, my magic resisted. Dean was great, but he realized he was more gay than bisexual. Dan was nothing, Lee was a joke, and with Dudley, I was more of an introduction to the magical world for him. We never even kissed! I focused too much on my career and my damn plan. Everyone is getting married and having children, and I'm too broken to even do that." Hermione laughed bitterly, "Even if Harry reciprocates my feelings, I'm broken, Ginny. He wants a family, and I can't give that to him."

Ginny looked at her, "Don't you dare call yourself broken. If you can't give him kids, I will help you. Even if I must carry them myself, but Hermione… Harry has a lot of issues. It's part of the reason that we never spent the night together. He has nightmares, panic attacks, and PTSD. You can't be there to support him like he needs if you don't have your head on straight. Between the relationship issues, your alcoholism, and everything we've gone through, have you ever thought of therapy?"

Hermione wiped the tears from her face, "I've been in therapy before, but I haven't actively gone in years."

Ginny took her hand, "Go, for you. For him, for Teddy. It would help if you went back. Our childhood messes us all up. We will never get over it. We have to learn to cope with it. I'm not a therapist, but all you've done is bandage yourself up to keep Harry going while you are bleeding out. It is time for you to take care of yourself so that you can take care of Harry when it's time. Because it will be, we will give him that year. We will give him that year; by 2008, we will get you married to that man."

Hermione stared at her, "Has Luna said something to you? Did Andromeda?"

"No, I just don't think you should have to wait much longer than you have already," Ginny said, looking at her, "What has Luna said to you?"

Hermione started cleaning up her shattered glass, "Just… her tarot cards and all that nonsense that I don't think is real." Hermione threw the glass into the rubbish bin, "Between her and the last words Andromeda said, it's just like the universe is trying to tell me something."


*~*~* April 4, 2006*~*~*

"Are you okay?" Harry asked, coming up to Hermione at Flourish and Blotts as Hermione stared at the display for Dumbledore's Tales of Beedle the Bard. Today, her translation of Dumbledore's copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard was released after a year of working.

The launch event was at Flourish and Blotts, and the bookstore was bustling with excited witches and wizards who wanted to purchase a copy of her book.

Taking a breath, she nodded at Harry and then walked up to the front of the store, where Gilderoy Lockhart had once stood. She was wearing one of Pansy's modern robes and had her hair pulled back.

"Harry Potter, can I get your autograph?" A young witch asked Harry as he stood near her.

"It would be a pleasure, but this isn't my day. This is all about Hermione. So, get her autograph first, then I'll sign it," She heard Harry say.

Ron was standing behind Harry on the wall, flipping through the pages of her book.

The crowd quieted as she made it to the table. She nervously ran her tongue along her bottom lip, "Thank you all for coming. This book has been a labour of love, inspired by the wisdom and kindness of Professor Dumbledore when he gifted it to me in his will. I'm thrilled to share these tales with you, as he shared them with me. I'm even more excited to announce that all my proceeds from the sales will go to two causes very near and dear to my heart: The Lily Potter School for Magical Beings and the Hogwarts Fund for Education."

The crowd erupted into applause, and Hermione couldn't help but swallow back the tears as the line to purchase the book grew. Sitting down at the signing table, quill in hand, the line started forming as people of all ages came to get her to autograph the book.

The first in line was a young girl with wide eyes and a shy smile that reminded Hermione of Luna. She clutched her copy tightly, "I'm so excited to read this, Ms. Granger. I go to Hogwarts next year, and I'm Muggleborn like you. I just got my letter last month!"

Hermione smiled, "I hope you enjoy it. It's much different than the stories we grew up with," she said as she reached out and took the book to sign. "What is your name?"

"Emily," The girl replied.

Hermione wrote, 'Thank you, Emily! Happy reading! Love Hermione Granger.'

Harry was the last person in line after everyone had their copies signed by Hermione, and the line had run down. He grinned at her, "I guess you can sign one for me too. Though I already know how it ends. I can't remember how many times you read that to me."

Hermione laughed as she signed his book, To my best friend who has always believed in me. Thank you for being you, Harry. Love, Hermione.

After the owners of Flourish and Blotts thanked her, Hermione, Harry, and Ron left the bookstore and walked over to Leaky Cauldron. Sitting at the bar, Harry ordered them all Butterbeers from Hannah.

Harry held up his bottle, "Here is to Hermione. For sharing her brilliance with the world, making a difference, and keeping our arses alive more than once."

"Thank Merlin for that!" Ron echoed, clinking their bottles together.


*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*

Hermione smiled as she sipped her water, "We presold and sold enough copies in the first month to pay for the education fund and free tuition for five years at both schools. Another reason that my publisher wanted me to write another book." Hermione set her glass down, "After that week, MACUSA contacted Harry directly. They requested their team to go to America. The first location was California. The dark arts group was recruiting and leaving calling cards this time. Two crossed wands dripping with blood at the site of a dark arts event. They had the Aurors chasing them all over California at every major wizarding city. They jumped to New Orleans, Memphis, Salem, and New York City. There were no deaths, thankfully, in any of them, just evidence of dark art activity. Harry was gone for Teddy's eighth birthday.


*~*~* April 30, 2006*~*~*

Sitting in Molly Weasley's warm, comforting kitchen, Hermione chatted with Molly, Audrey, and Angelina as the ladies cooked. Hermione had been asked to set the table and have a seat. Some things never change, one of which is that Hermione still could not cook, and everyone knew it. It distracted her from the constant worrying about Harry and Draco, away on their mission.

Ginny walked into the Burrow and was told to sit down, "Hey, Hermione."

"Hey," Hermione yawned, "Sorry. I'm just tired."

"When does Harry come home?" Ginny asked, "You look exhausted."

"When the mission is over," Hermione told her with a sigh, "And I am. Teddy always had more nightmares when Harry was gone, but now it's not nightmares. It's just not sleeping. He will get up in the middle of the night to play video games or watch tele." Hermione yawned, "Then work is horrid, the school is growing too fast for us to keep up… I miss Harry. I wish they could catch a break and get ahead of these people."

The crash of the back door had them both looking up as Victoire burst into the kitchen, "Teddy crashed his broom. He's hurt!"

Hermione's heart skipped a beat as she jumped up and raced outside, following Victoire to the hedges where Teddy lay within, his legs sticking up in the air. Checking over his legs, she touched him, "Teddy, honey, are you okay?"

"I'm stuck!" Teddy cried.

"Hold on," Hermione told him as she gently pulled him out of the hedges and laid him on the ground to assess his injuries.

His arm was broken and had abrasions all over his body from the sharp branches.

"Let's get you to St. Mungo's," Hermione said as George ran over and picked Teddy up.

"Mumma, it hurts," Teddy said, cradling his arm.

"I know, babe, I know it does," Hermione said as they rushed back inside to use the floo.


Stepping out of the floo at their house, Teddy sat on the couch, looking at his arm within his sling, "Isn't the cast cool?"

Hermione sat beside him and took his hand, "You gave me such a scare, Teddy."

"I'm sorry," Teddy said, looking at the floor.

"Promise me that you'll be more careful next time," Hermione said, brushing his hair back.

Teddy swallowed hard and looked at her, "I promise."

Hermione looked at him, "You know the rules, Teddy. Dadda and I always said you must ask permission to use a broom and have an adult with you. Because you broke those rules, there are consequences. You're grounded. No video games and no television."

Teddy's eyes widened, "That's not fair! You're so mean!" Teddy jumped up and ran up the stairs as the floo lit up, and Harry stepped out, "I don't like you anymore!" Teddy yelled as he slammed his bedroom door.

"What did I miss?" Harry asked, concerned.

Hermione fell into his arms, sobbing, "I'm out. It's your turn. Teddy stole a broom from the Weasley's shed and took it out for a joyride. He crashed it. He has a broken arm that is going to have to heal overnight and into tomorrow because of where the break is, and is all cut up from the hedge he crashed into. He broke the rules, and now he is grounded."

Harry gently let her go, brushing a tear from her cheek, "I'll talk to him. Take a bath. You look like you need it."

Hermione nodded, "Thank you, Harry."

Harry set his go-bag down and made his way upstairs. Following him to the first floor, Hermione entered the lavatory, and Harry entered Teddy's room.

Filling the tub with warm water and lavender scents. She sunk into the soothing embrace of the bath. Closing her eyes, she let the stress of the past weeks wash away. After a long, relaxing soak, she rinsed off, wrapped herself in a plush robe, and stepped out of the lavatory.

Padding down the hall, she stopped when she saw Harry bringing a plate of cookies to Teddy's room.

"Harry! Why are you bringing him treats!?" She exclaimed.

Harry jumped, nearly dropping the plate, "I just… he said he was hungry."

Hermione took the plate from him, "So you bring him treats when he is grounded? We have healthy options, Harry!"

Harry followed her downstairs, "Come on, Hermione! He's been through a lot if he has a broken arm."

Hermione stopped at the kitchen counter, setting the cookies down with a sigh, "I know he's been through a lot, but he must understand that there are consequences for breaking the rules. We can't just spoil him every time he's upset." Hermione looked at him, "Getting stuck in the hedge was traumatizing as it was. I couldn't carry him, so I got him out, and George ran him to the floo to go to St. Mungo's."

Harry leaned against the counter, "You are right. I'm sorry. I hate seeing him so upset."

Hermione squeezed Harry's hand, "I know. I do, too, but we must be consistent. It's the only way he'll learn. He is eight now, Harry. We will have a preteen in the house in a couple of years, and we must be on the same page."

Harry pulled her into a hug, "You're right. I'll go talk to him."

Hermione nodded, "Thank you, Harry, and thank you for being here. I missed you."

Harry pulled away, "I missed you too. You know, muggles have firefighters and paramedics. Why don't we have them?"

"Because wizards rely on their magic too much. Look at Lockhart. He messed your arm up. If we have an emergency line and services with professionals, between apparition and floo travel, they could help people almost immediately," Hermione told him, "No clue why it's never been started."


*~*~* May 5, 2006*~*~*

Hermione took a chip from the chip bowl at the Mexican Restaurant, dipping it into queso as Ron and Harry discussed their weeks over beer, chips, salsa, and Mexican food. When Ron cleared his throat, she was picking at her fajita, "There is something I need to talk to the two of you about."

Harry glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, "Okay, Ron, what's up?"

"Luna and I were talking last night," Ron told them, "Would I put you both out too much if I moved out?"

Hermione grabbed Harry's hand under the table, "Moving out?"

Ron rubbed the back of his neck, "I know, it's fast, but…I'm over there more than I'm not lately. The boys and I now have a routine for bedtime. I like helping Luna out. I like being there for her and the boys. I… well, I love her."

Hermione looked at him, "I'm proud of you, Ron. You stepped up when Rolf died, and you've been there for Luna and the boys. If this is what you want, go for it."

Harry cleared his throat as he squeezed her hand, "What Hermione said. If this is what you want, do it. You will always have a place at the house."

Ron sat back in the booth, "Fuck, I'm an adult."

Hermione laughed, "Welcome to reality, Ron."

"Talking about being an adult. Teddy is at Kingsley's house for the night, right?" Ron asked, dipping a chip into salsa.

"Yeah," Harry nodded as he let go of Hermione's hand, "Kingsley said he wanted him one weekend a month if we let him."

Ron stared out the window at the neon sign across the parking lot, "Have you two ever thought about getting tattoos?"

Harry glanced at Hermione, who shrugged, "Why the hell not?" She stated.

Ron grinned, "A new magical tattoo parlour just opened. Let's go after dinner."

Harry looked at them, surprised, "Seriously?"

"You don't have to," Hermione said as she looked at Ron, "I've always wanted to get one to cover up my scar. It's barely there, but I want it gone."

After they finished their meal and paid the bill, they headed to Diagon Alley. Going to Horizont Alley, they walked over to the tattoo parlour named Magical Ink. The walls were filled with enchanted designs on the wall—some that moved, some that didn't.

"Dean?" Ron's voice said, making Hermione look at the desk.

"What are you three doing here?" Dean asked.

Hermione motioned to Ron, "Ron wants to get tattoos."

"All three of you or just Ron?" Dean asked.

"All three," Harry said.

Dean motioned to the walls and books, "Go ahead, look through those and get ideas. Hermione, come over here first. I'll draw something up for you, and then you can head out to the artist."

Hermione sat down with Dean.

"What do you want?" Dean asked.

"I've been thinking of it, honestly. I want three books. The top one should be open with footprints on the open pages and a Jack Russell walking across the pages. The middle one is closed with this symbol on the spine," Hermione said as she drew the Deathly Hallows symbol, "On the bottom book's spine, a lightning bolt at the top with the letters ERLP on the spine."

Dean drew a mockup with her specifications, "How does this look?"

Hermione looked at it and smiled, "Why did you add the roses on top of the books?"

Dean shrugged, "I remembered they were your favorite flower."

"It's beautiful," Hermione said as she took the design.

"Head in there to Lila. She'll get you fixed up," Dean told her.

Hermione took the drawing and walked into the next room, "You must be Lila."

"And you are Hermione Granger. I never thought I'd see you here," Lila told her as she took the drawing. "Have a seat. Where do you want the tattoo?"

Hermione swallowed, "Left forearm. I have a scar. It's not noticeable to others-"

"But it brings back memories. I got you," Lila said as she took Dean's drawing and took her wand to copy it to transfer it to Hermione's skin, "Are there any particular colours that you want? Just casting a numbing charm first."

Hermione closed her eyes, and the tattoo artist was done in less than an hour, thanks to magic.

"This is beautiful," Hermione said, smiling, "Thank you."

"Just keep the stasis spell on it for a week and let it heal," Lila told her.

"Thank you," Hermione said as she walked out of the room to see Ron and Harry talking to Dean, "Who is going next?"

"We are already done. The second artist got us in," Harry told her, "Yours took the longest." Harry looked at Dean, "Thanks, Dean."

"See you guys at the Leaky," Dean told them.

They all flooed back home together, and Ron looked at them, "So, what did you settle on, Hermione?"

Hermione rotated her left arm to show them her forearm.

Harry took her arm in his, "ERLP?"

"Edward Remus Lupin Potter," Hermione said, looking at him, "I figured eventually you would finish the adoption process. What did you get?"

Harry reached down, grabbed the hem of his shirt, and pulled it over his head. The Deathly Hallows symbol with a snitch in the middle was on his chest near his heart. Along the lines of the symbol in cursive on each line were the initials HG, HP, and RW, with the elder wand up the middle.

"Mine isn't as symbolic," Ron said as he pulled his sleeve up to show his shoulder.

The three rings of a Quidditch pitch were on his left shoulder, over the darkest of his brain scars. A depiction of each of their wands was holding up the rings.

Harry laughed, "Isn't it funny that we didn't plan it, and we all incorporated each other into our tattoos?"

Ron frowned, "How are we in Hermione's?"

Hermione stared at him, "Is this or is this not your patronus and Harry's scar?"

"Oh," Ron said, nodding, "Okay, yeah."


*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*

"After that, Barbie became more consistent. Harry went to the Warrior Gala with her, and I went with Theo. Charlie came home and showed up at the Sunday dinner, shocking us all. He transferred to the new sanctuary to be closer to home. Then I went to Berlin. The Dark Arts group was quiet, Harry was home, and everything was going well."


*~*~* May 15, 2006*~*~*

Hermione sat down at the emergency ministry conference in Berlin, where delegates worldwide gathered to discuss the alarming rise in Dark Arts activity. Glancing around at the various Ministers in attendance, the hall was filled with murmurs of conversations, but something felt off to Hermione. Glancing at the posted Aurors, they were looking out the windows, and there was a security screening when they entered the room. Hermione brushed the feeling aside as the President of Berlin stood up to start talking.

The room was suddenly filled with heated debates and exchanges over who they thought was the cause of the activity. The Minister of Germany brought up the topic of Pureblood protests, making Hermione listen intently with interest.

The group decided to take a break to get food around lunchtime, and Hermione stood up, walking over to the windows. A small group of wizards and witches held signs outside their building. They were pureblooded propaganda, but Hermione noticed the PPA Manifest at the bottom of one of the signs, which had a written rule for Muggleborns and banking in their proposed society.

"PPA… PPA…" Hermione mumbled as she looked down at the protestors, "The Pureblood Purity Alliance?"

Just as the afternoon session was called to begin, Hermione heard screams down below. The protestors were running or putting up shield charms.

"Shields up, get down!" Hermione screamed as she just had enough time to put up a shield as a deafening explosion rocked the conference hall.

The blast hit like a wave, shattering windows and sending everyone sprawling. When the dust settled, Hermione coughed as she surveyed her body. Cuts and bruises from the glass and blast backward littered her body, and she would for sure be sore tomorrow. Still, behind her, the ministers and other delegates, many of whom were without their wands, at the mercy of the Aurors, had lost consciousness or were crying out in pain. Next to her, she saw a delegate clutching their bleeding arm and rushed to help. Looking at the Aurors posted, who seemed to have no clue what they needed to do, Hermione yelled to them, "We need first aid kits and the essence of Dittany!"

She and others, who slowly arrived, worked to stabilize the injured. Hearing cracks of apparition, she looked up to see Draco, and then silently, Harry appeared. Relief flooded her as Harry's eyes met hers, and he made a beeline for her.

"Are you alright?" Harry asked as he took her hands in his to assess her arms.

"I was lucky. I saw people running downstairs and threw up a shield in time. It's just cuts and bruises," Hermione told him as she glanced around, "We need to talk."

Harry followed her to a quieter area, "What happened?"

"Harry, I think it's the Pureblood Purity Alliance. That Pureblood group from Hogwarts," Hermione whispered, "There was a protest outside. They had 'PPA Manifesto' on one of the signs. Then this explosion? This conference hall is in a muggle area."

Draco came over, and Harry relayed what she had seen, "They haven't seen or heard of for years, though. All the members from school dropped off the radar. They've never done a direct attack, though."

"Maybe someone is getting antsy," Hermione stated.

Harry nodded, "We will take care of it. You need to go."

"Potter! I need her statement," Robards yelled.

Hermione squeezed Harry's arm, "I'm fine. Let me talk to Gawain, and then I'll go home. You do your job, and don't worry about me."

After giving her statement, the healers arrived and told her that she needed to be assessed before she could leave.

"Ms. Granger, you have a head injury," one of the healers told her. "Did you know?"

"Must be the adrenaline," Hermione stated, reaching back to find her hair matted with blood.

"Are you Hermione Granger?" She heard a voice ask as the healer started repairing her injury.

Hermione looked up to see the Bulgarian Minister of Magic, "Hello, Mr. Minister."

"Madam Granger, before I arrived, I ran into Mister Krum. He told me to relay the message to you that there are discussions of Pureblood protests through people he went to school with at Durmstrang. He wishes for you to contact him."

"Thank you. I will relay this to our Auror team as well," Hermione bowed as she told the healer that she would be back and walked away from Harry. "Harry!"

Harry turned towards her, "What is it? Why is there blood on your shirt?"

Hermione waved him off, "I hit my head and didn't realize it. Viktor left me a message. Durmstrang alumni are noticing a rise in Pureblood talk and protests."

Harry cleared his throat, "Anything else that Krum said?"

"Not that I know," Hermione told him.

"I'll go contact him," Harry said as he stormed off.

"He's jealous, you know," Draco noted.

Hermione looked up at him, "Who is jealous of who?"

"Potter is jealous of Krum," Draco told her with a laugh.

"Why would he be jealous of Viktor?" Hermione asked, confused.

"Because you are dating," Draco stated.

Hermione stared at him, then laughed as the healer came over to finish treating her, "Where did you hear that Viktor and I were dating?"

Draco looked at her, "From Harry."

Hermione gasped as the healer pulled her hair, and she looked over in the direction Harry went. "Why would he think that?! I've only talked to Viktor recently when we… shite," Hermione groaned, "Viktor brought me home that weekend."

"So, you aren't dating Viktor Krum?" Draco asked.

"No! He's engaged to marry some Veela model," Hermione told him, "We caught up that weekend as friends. That's it."

"You should probably tell Potter that," Draco commented.


*~*~* May 21, 2006*~*~*

"How's your head?" Luna asked as she set out dinner at her house for their first dinner together after Ron moved in with her.

Hermione ran her hand over her head, "Can't even tell."

"Has Harry been home at all since?" Luna asked.

"Nope," Hermione sighed, "I told him we needed to talk, but they've been chasing leads. They believe three more explosions in Muggle areas were the alliance."

"It's the Pureblood Alliance for sure?" Luna asked.

Hermione nodded as she sipped her drink, "They captured someone, and he told them they've been building a following worldwide. Specifically stated, they don't like how I have been changing things. Lucius was just the cherry on top. When he couldn't get rid of me, they all worked against the Ministry to end the new policies."

Ron approached and squeezed her shoulders as the kids ran around the room, "Don't worry. Harry and Draco will get them."

Hermione laughed, "Never did I think I'd see the day that you'd believe in Draco Malfoy."

"He was a bloody idiot when he was a kid, but he's not too bad now," Ron said as there was a crash in the other room. "Boys!"


*~*~* May 27, 2006*~*~*

Hermione hated being in the Leaky Cauldron without Ron and Harry while everyone else was drinking and talking, sharing their news of the month.

Hermione sat next to Neville at the bar as he told Hannah about a Herbology lesson in which a venomous tentacula attacked a first-year.

"Who is that?" Neville asked as Hermione looked over to see Harry walking in with Barbie on his arm.

"Fucking Barbie," Hermione mumbled as Harry approached the table.

"Hey everyone," Harry said as he pulled a chair out for Barbie, "This is Barbie. Barbie, this is everyone."

Barbie smiled as she sat down, "Nice to meet you all."

"What do you want to drink?" Harry asked her.

"A good wine," Barbie stated, and Harry left.

"So, Hermione," Barbie said, looking at her, "That dress looks very… comfortable."

Hermione took a breath, "Thank you, Barbie. It's one of my favorites."

"Who does your hair? I need to make sure not to go to that salon," Barbie stated.

Katie interrupted before things could get heated, "Oh, everyone, I have some wonderful news. Kim Finch-Fletchy was born on Wednesday. Mum and baby are doing well."

As Harry returned with a glass of wine for Barbie and a beer bottle, Padma walked in holding a man's hand, causing Harry to miss his chair and fall to the ground.

"Hey, everyone," Padma said as she walked over, "I'd like you all to meet Dudley. We've been seeing each other for a few months after running into each other at a club."

There was a moment of stunned silence before Harry started laughing and then stood up. "Hey, Big D."

Padma frowned, "Do you know each other?"

Harry snorted, "This is my cousin Dudley."

The next hour progressed slower than molasses. Between Barbie, Harry, Padma, and Dudley, Hermione was thankful to Neville and Theo for keeping her entertained. She was ready to head out when Ginny arrived with a tall man.

"Sorry we're late," Ginny said as she led him to the table, "Everyone, this is my brother Charlie."

Theo, who had been mid-sip of his drink, choked and nearly fell out of his chair in his rush to stand up. Charlie caught him effortlessly as he smiled, "Are you okay, man?"

Theo grinned, his cheeks flushed. "Never better," he said, straightening up. "Nice to meet you, Charlie."

Hermione's smile faded as she suddenly felt Barbie's eyes on her as Harry got up from the table again.

"You know, Hermione. You'd be quite pretty if you put in a little more effort," Barbie told her.

Hermione felt her temper flare, but before she could respond, Luna spoke up, "Hermione's beauty isn't skin-deep like some people. She is one of the most brilliant witches of our time. I'm sure that you know that already."

Barbie's smile faltered.


*~*~* May 30, 2006*~*~*

Looking out her artificial window, the rain poured in sheets outside. Hermione sighed. It was too wet and cold for her to go on her usual run, so she headed to the Ministry's gym instead of heading home.

She was surprised to find the gym only half full, save for a few Aurors lifting weights. Setting her bag down, she started stretching, noticing Harry lifting a barbell in the far corner.

Walking over to a treadmill, she started a warm-up. Her eyes occasionally drifted towards Harry. His form was off as his back lifted off the bench, and his knees went up. The other Aurors were noticing, too, shouting at him to keep his knees down while doing chest presses.

Hopping off the treadmill, Hermione walked over to him, "Need some help, Potter?"

Harry looked at her, sweat trickling down his forehead, "I think my back is too stiff. I can't keep my knees down."

Hermione smirked, straddled his lap, and settled on his thighs, "Now try."

Harry's eyes widened in surprise, but he adjusted his grip on the barbell and began the chest press. This time, he could do it perfectly with Hermione's weight, keeping his knees down. She leaned over and gently rubbed his chest, encouraging him, "See, there you go. Much better."

"Thanks, Hermione," Harry smiled at her as he put the barbell on the rack.

She stood up with a grin and grabbed her bag, "See you at home."

As she walked away, she heard the other Aurors laughing and teasing Harry, "Looks like you've got a hot personal trainer now, Potter!"

Hermione felt a warm flush on her cheeks as she walked out.


Harry walked through the door that evening, hot and sweaty after a long day. Taking off his robes, Hermione looked up from her book, unable to look away as Harry peeled away each layer of clothes going down to his boxers and undershirt.

Harry noticed her staring, "Are you breathing?" he asked, smirking.

Hermione nodded, causing Harry to chuckle as he walked over and stood before her.

"I'm not sure you are breathing. I think you need some mouth-to-mouth," Harry said playfully.

.

Hermione squeaked out, "Yes!" Harry leaned down and passionately kissed her lips.

Harry's hands wandered as they kissed, slipping under Hermione's tank top. Hermione gasped and pulled back, "Harry, wait," she said, panting.

Harry frowned, "What's wrong?"

"We can't do this on the couch," Hermione told him, "Luna and Ron may bring Teddy home at any moment."

"Of course," Harry smiled as he picked her up like he would a feather and carried her into the hallway. Pushing her against the wall and then setting her down. Striping off his clothes, Hermione couldn't help but stare as he removed his shirt to be only in his boxers.

Pressing his lips to her neck, he slid her yoga trousers down her legs.

"Fuck, Harry," She breathed out as his hand slid under her tanktop and then down to her knickers.

Harry smirked as he teased her and finally slid a finger inside her as he took a nipple into his mouth through her tank top.

Grinding against his hand, Hermione's orgasm hit her hard, and she cried out, digging her nails into Harry's bare shoulders. Harry pulled back as he pulled his boxers down and her knickers. Hermione's eyes widened as she saw his hard cock, "Fuck Harry."

Harry picked her up and settled between Hermione's legs. Pressing against her entrance, teasing her, she moaned, grabbing his shoulders. Thrusting forward, he buried himself within her, and Hermione cried out, wrapping her legs around Harry's waist as she tried to hold onto the wall behind her as he thrust hard in and out of her.

Clinging to him, she begged him not to stop as she fell over the edge, clenching down on him, causing Harry's orgasm to hit him hard. Legs giving out, they sunk to the floor, panting heavily.

Harry kissed her, "I love you."

Hermione whispered, resting her forehead against his, "I love you too."

"Hermione, are you okay?"

Opening her eyes, Hermione looked up from her spot on the couch where she had fallen asleep with a romance novel on her chest to see Harry, "Fuck. I fell asleep."

Harry sat down. "It must have been a good dream," Harry said, grabbing her feet and rubbing them.

Hermione inhaled, and her eyes fluttered shut, "Yes, it was,"


A/n: This is like the third smutty scene in the story, and things will soon be...changing in 2007. This doesn't mean that the story will turn to all smut in the future; it will just be more frequent where it works in the story. 2007 will be in two weeks, and the ball will get moving.

I wrote a short called the 1, in the Enchanted/Story of Us universe last week. Click on my bio to visit it. It's just Hermione's perspective on Harry and Meredith's relationship. When I thought of Meredith, she was the one I thought of for the healthiest relationship Harry gets to be in before Hermione.

Thank you for last week's new followers: hmbrz, wrathofmom, nattyJ-Ice, amygomochristen, and Samb1988. Hope you are enjoying their tale.

Also thank you Alix33 for the review!


Preview of Chapter 35: Closure

When they returned to the group, Harry came over concerned, "Hermione, are you drunk?"

Hermione laughed, "I'm not drunk. Can I drunk person do this?" She asked, waving her hands.

Harry stared at her, "You aren't doing anything."

"But I am. I sent you my love," she hiccupped. "Did you not get it?"

Harry couldn't help but laugh as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, "Come on, let's get you some water. I think swearing off alcohol has turned you into a lightweight."

Hermione sat down and patted his face, "I can't wait for the room to stop spinning so I can focus on your face again."