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 said remember this moment.
In the back of my mind
The time we stood with our shaking hands
The crowds in stands went wild.
We were the kings and the queens.
And they read off our names.
The night you danced like you knew our lives.
Would never be the same
You held your head like a hero.
On a history book page
It was the end of a decade.
But the start of an age
Long live the walls we crashed through.
How the kingdom lights shined just for me and you
I was screaming, "Long live all the magic we made."
And bring on all the pretenders.
One day, we will be remembered.
I said remember this feeling.
I passed the pictures around.
Of all the years that we stood there on the sidelines
Wishing for right now
We are the kings and the queens.
You traded your baseball cap for a crown.
When they gave us our trophies
And we held them up for our town.
And the cynics were outraged.
Screaming, "This is absurd."
'Cause for a moment, a band of thieves
In ripped-up jeans, got to rule the world
Long live the walls we crashed through
How the kingdom lights shined just for me and you
I was screaming, "Long live all the magic we made."
And bring on all the pretenders, I'm not afraid.
Long live all the mountains we moved.
I had the time of my life-fighting dragons with you.
I was screaming, "Long live that look on your face."
And bring on all the pretenders.
One day, we will be remembered.
Hold on to spinning around.
Confetti falls to the ground.
May these memories break our fall
Will you take a moment?
Promise me this
That you'll stand by me forever
But if God forbid, fate should step in.
And force us into a goodbye.
If you have children someday
When they point to the pictures
Please tell them my name.
Tell them how the crowds went wild.
Tell them how I hope they shine
Long live the walls we crashed through
I had the time of my life with you.
~ Long Live by Taylor Swift
*~*~* March 22, 2001 *~*~*
The music in the background of the bar Hermione was sitting in, started to pulse in her head. Hermione fanned herself, trying to cool the rising heat on her cheeks. Harry patted her leg, making her heart race as the side of his body rubbed up against hers in the close quarters of their booth.
"You alright?" Harry leaned in, whispering to her ear. She swallowed hard as his lips skimmed the rim of her ear.
"Yeah, it's just getting really hot in here," Hermione told him as she grabbed her glass of wine, which splashed out onto her hand.
The dimly lit bar was pulsating with music that coincided with the beat in her head.
"Want to get out of here?" Harry asked innocently, but Hermione's brain could not help but think of alternatives where he would have said those words that only happened in her wildest dreams.
She felt her cheeks grow more flushed as she nodded.
Harry grabbed her cardigan and exited the booth, "We are going to get out of here a little early!" Harry yelled at the rest of their study group, who remained at the table, "Can you tell Josh?"
Hermione slid into her cardigan as Harry held it out to her, then unsteadily made her way to the exit.
"I'll go hail a cab. You wait here," Harry told her as he hurried past her.
Hermione opened the door and breathed the cool, welcoming air on her burning skin. Seeing Harry catching the cab, she started walking down the stairs, and the heel of her shoe caught on a step, making her lurch forward. Her slightly tipsy and uncoordinated self suddenly was slipping down the stairs.
Out of nowhere, Harry darted in front of her and pulled her into his arms, the rail of the stairs cutting into her back as he hovered over her, "Are you okay?"
Hermione's cheeks flushed even brighter as she could not help but lean into his embrace to steady herself. Licking her lips, she looked up at him, "Thank you, Harry," She murmured, "Always my knight in shining armor, aren't you?"
Harry kissed her forehead, "Let's go get Teddy."
"Hermione?"
Hermione looked at Harry's voice on the couch, "Teddy finally asleep?"
Harry nodded as he sat beside her, "Took him long enough."
Hermione put her bookmark in her book, then shut it, placing it on the coffee table. She ran her fingers through his hair as he leaned against her. "I had fun tonight. We should do it more often."
"I agree," Harry sighed, his breath hot against her neck.
Hermione tried not to moan as it seemed to heat her whole body. Harry's lips grazed her skin, and Hermione felt as if he had lit her body on fire and could not help but moan.
"Hermione," Harry groaned, "I can't do this any longer."
"Do what?" Hermione squeaked out.
"Deny this," Harry grabbed her face and pulled her lips to his.
Hermione moaned as she moved to straddle his lap. Her body felt as if it was on fire as Harry started kissing down her neck.
Hermione's eyes shot open at Harry's snore, and she saw Harry's sleeping face, only four inches from hers. Her hand and his were nearly touching. Trying to calm her racing heart, she focused on him and how young he looked. While they had slept in the same bed every night since they had got their dorm, they would rarely ever breach each other's sides of the bed during the night. Looking at his sleeping face, Hermione suddenly realized that there was nothing that she wanted more than to wake up face-to-face with him every morning.
"I can hear the gears in your mind turning."
Hermione tried not to gasp as he opened his eyes, and his beautiful green eyes gazed at her. And despite being fully dressed, she felt wonderfully naked.
"Can't sleep?"
Hermione shook her head as she cleared her throat, "I'm going to get a drink of milk and check on Teddy. Go back to sleep."
Harry nodded sleepily and closed his eyes, drifting back to sleep.
Getting out of bed, she slid her slippers on and, with a glance back at him, left their bedroom.
*~*~* March 23, 2001 *~*~*
"How many?"
"Table for four, please," Hermione told the waitress.
The waitress grabbed three menus and led them through the crowded restaurant. After seating them and taking their drink orders, Juliet turned to Hermione, "I wish you two wouldn't have taken me out to dinner. I would have been fine with dinner at home."
Hermione smiled as the waitress brought over a booster seat for Teddy. Harry picked him up, "Someone needs to use the potty. We will be back."
Juliet looked at Hermione, "So how are things with Teddy?"
Hermione smiled, "Great honestly," Hermione told her, "I get him ready in the morning while Harry gets breakfast together. We eat, and then whoever has a class later in the morning takes Teddy to the college's childhood center. Harry always ends his classes earlier than mine, so he picks him up and returns to our dorm to prepare dinner. Tuesdays and Thursdays are my late days at the library, so Teddy is usually already bathed and fed, but they wait for me to return. It's my thing to read to him every night. After Teddy is asleep, Harry and I study or work on things."
Juliet smiled, "Sounds like your routine works well for the three of you. How is it being a mother?"
Hermione looked at her wide-eyed as the waitress brought back their drinks, "I'm Aunt Hermione," Hermione stated.
"Is that why he called you, Mom, when we got out of the car?" Juliet asked as she took the wrapper off her straw.
"He had a Mum, a great one. I wish he would be able to know her. I don't want to take that away from him," Hermione told her sadly.
"It's not taking away. It's adding to his life. If he calls you and Harry, his mum and dad, let him. Embrace it," Juliet said as they finally saw the boys returning from the bathroom, "You two will bring so much to his life. Don't fight it. He loves you both."
Harry placed Teddy into his booster and sat beside him at their booth's side, "What have I missed?"
"Just catching up about Hermione's studies. How are your classes this semester, Harry?" Juliet asked.
Harry put Teddy's straw into his cup, "This is the most challenging semester I've had so far, but it worked out well," Harry told her.
"What classes are you taking?" Juliet asked.
"Legal History, Intelligence: Law, Strategy, and Ethics, Politics of Administrative Law and Wizarding Ethics and Professional Responsibility," Harry said, whispering the last class as Hermione took the end from her straw wrapper and then waited until Harry was distracted, "It's the most enjoyable. We get into curse-breaking and a bit of potions. Much better than we had at school," Harry stated as suddenly a wrapper hit him between the eyes.
Hermione grinned, "Need to be more constant in your vigilance, Potter."
"What are you taking in the summer, or are you taking time off for once?" Juliet asked, smiling at the two of them.
Harry laughed, "Getting her to take a semester off? No, she will graduate at the end of the summer."
Juliet looked at Hermione, surprised, "Already?"
Hermione nodded, "And all my courses are offered here, so I can take them for the summer semester and then graduate in August. That way, I can start my Master's course in the Fall."
Juliet frowned as the waitress brought them a basket of breadsticks, "You aren't taking a semester at least off between your degree and starting your master's?"
"I plan to have my master's finished by the time that Harry graduates," Hermione told her as Harry started ripping pieces of breadstick up for Teddy, "When I start at the Ministry, I don't want to start entry level, I want to make a difference." She looked at Harry, "You don't have to tear them into small pieces. He will be fine."
"I know, but better to be safe than sorry," Harry said, putting the pieces on a plate before Teddy.
*~*~* March 24, 2001 *~*~*
Hermione knelt before Teddy, "Now Teddy, Nana is very excited to see you but is still very tired. So we have to be quiet and not run onto her bed," Hermione explained, glancing at Harry.
Andromeda had finally been moved to the long-term care facility on the top floor of St. Mungos. While she was off most of the potions and no longer contagious, her heart had sadly been affected by the poison. She was weak, much weaker than doctors had expected, and only in the last couple of weeks had she finally been able to get out of bed with help from her trusty Minster of Magic's help. Yet another development was her relationship with Kingsley. After weeks of hearing him on the other side of their phone calls to her every night, she confessed that she and Kingsley had been seeing each other since Halloween. After they had taken Teddy, Kingsley had been a frequent visitor at St. Mungos. He was also the reason that she had a private suite.
Holding her hand out to him, Teddy took it within hers and took Harry's hand in his other as Hermione opened the door to Andromeda's room. In the bed, she was sitting up and reading a book with a bubble around her. Upon seeing them, she waved her hand, and the bubble burst away, "Teddy!"
"Hi, Nana," Teddy said shyly, "Mommy Mione said you are tired."
Andromeda looked at Hermione, who gave her a slight smile, "I am very tired, but I am so happy to see you, my little boy. Come here, I need a Teddy bear hug."
Harry lifted Teddy up and set him on the bed next to Andromeda, who hugged him, "Oh my sweet, sweet boy. How Nana has missed you so."
After less than a half hour of Teddy excitedly talking her ear off, combined with naptime back home, Teddy fell asleep in Andromeda's embrace.
"How are you really, Andromeda?" Hermione asked, moving her chair closer to Andromeda's bed.
"I'm better, but I'm not nearly there. The brain fog is horrid, and I often get short of breath. You saw the oxygen bubble. It helps," Andromeda explained, rubbing Teddy's back, "I'm getting out of bed in a chair, but not quite up to walking yet."
"Is there anything we can do?" Hermione asked.
"You are doing everything you can," Andromeda coughed, "I heard the Mommy Mione."
Hermione blushed, "I've been trying to get him to call me Aunt Hermione instead. He doesn't understand and gets upset when I try to change his vernacular."
"Don't, let it be. We will just say Mummy Dora and Daddy Remus," Andromeda stated as she looked at Harry, "You've been very quiet."
"Just tired," Harry told her with a smile, "Coming back home each month is exhausting. So far, nothing has happened, but," Harry sighed, "We are going to a new restaurant in Diagon Alley tonight. It just gives me anxiety."
"It's not getting better like you thought it would?" Andromeda asked.
"It's slightly better, but they don't see us all month or for multiple months. Ron said it has died down for him finally because his life is boring. He works with George, his brother. He is shopping and going to lunch, and nothing interesting happens outside of being seen with the occasional date. So they grew bored of him," Harry crossed his arms over his chest as he sat back, "I guess it will take that for us. Just being seen and letting it all blow over."
"While I don't wish the attention on you at all, it might take that," Andromeda stated as she looked at Hermione, "Isn't that what your friend said?"
Hermione nodded, "We control the narrative by coming out prepared and when we want to so that they see us and realize we really are quite boring."
"When do you think you will head home?" Harry asked.
Andromeda sighed, "I have to speak with you about that, Harry. There are so many things about that house that I still don't trust. They had curse breakers return and found things about it that we missed the first dozen times. Unless we were to gut it down to the studs, I don't think the vileness of that house will ever be gone."
"So, what is your plan?" Harry asked.
"We hire a team. There is a group of house elves that decommission old homes. We have them clear out everything. Gut it from the roof to the basement. They will save what is worth saving, catalog all they do save, and put it into my vault. Then we seal the house," Andromeda stated.
"Seal the house? For good?" Hermione asked, surprised.
"I don't want it to be Teddy or one of you two next time that stumbles into something. That house fights all that aren't Pureblood Blacks. So we wash our hands of it. Sirius hated that place, but it was my family home, so I thought I'd give it another chance. When it tried its best to kill me, I don't trust it anymore," Andromeda told him.
Harry looked at Hermione, "What do you think?"
"I agree with Andromeda. That place will never be without a level of darkness. What if it was Teddy next time?" Hermione asked, "We know how he is always so curious."
Harry nodded and looked back at Andromeda, "If you think that is what is best, then yes. We will seal off Grimmauld Place as soon as it's cleared out. I'll pay for the House Elves myself using what Sirius left. He would have said to burn it down, but muggle homes are attached."
"If we gut it and seal it. One of us will become its secret keepers. From there, it will be condemned until the homes around it are leveled or the keeper dies," Andromeda stated, "I think it's the best for everyone."
Hermione pulled her coat closer as she stepped out of her Dad's car in the parking lot of the cozy Muggle restaurant where they were to meet Ron and Ginny. Looking over the top of the vehicle at Harry as he shut his door, she looked around, "How did Ron say he was coming here?"
"He didn't," Harry told her, holding his arm out for her as they crossed the street. Opening the door for her, they entered the establishment.
"Let it be known for once that I arrived first," Ron stated when he saw them.
"Hell has frozen over," Harry said as Ron hugged Hermione first, kissing her cheek, and then they hugged each other quickly.
"Ginny will join us when she finishes the post-game stuff," Ron explained as Granger was announced. They were led through the seating area, and the warm aromas of garlic and tomato sauce surrounded them.
As they settled in their seats, Hermione grinned, "It's nice to be back home. It has gone better than I expected."
Ron picked up the menu, "I'm glad you picked this place. Neville and I came here once last year," Ron told them, "Not that I don't enjoy working with George, but sometimes I do miss the excitement of being an Auror and stakeouts and the lunches."
The waitress set their drinks down and said she would return for their orders. Hermione looked over the table at Ron, "The shop near campus is opening next month. We haven't seen George this month since Lee came over. How is he doing?"
"He's George. Sometimes he scares me with his ideas, and why they didn't get a higher OWL score is beyond me," Ron sighed, "But I love working there and talking to people. I have great people skills, according to Mary."
"And who is Mary?" Hermione asked as Ron's ears turned red, "What happened with Lavender?"
"Nothing has happened romantically between me and Mary, George's assistant, or non-romantically between me and Lavender. We are just taking things slow," Ron told them. "So, how is Teddy?"
Harry's face lit up, "He's doing amazing. He knows all his colors and shapes, knows most of his letters too."
"He loves reading too," Hermione said with a smile, "Even if he isn't actually reading yet."
"So being basically parents hasn't been weird?" Ron asked.
"Not really," Harry shook his head, "It's been nice. We don't know how long we will have custody of him until Andromeda recovers, but it is good practice for the future."
"How is she doing? I haven't seen her since it happened," Ron said as he sipped his water.
Hermione sighed, "She is doing better, but her heart was affected. She is weak and stuck in bed. We are returning in June; hopefully, she is nearly done with her recovery by then."
Harry's mobile rang, and he got up to take the call outside. After a quick answer, he hung up, "Ginny is on the way."
"Brilliant! I can't wait to hear about the match!" Ron said as Harry sat back down.
A few minutes later, Ginny breezed in, greeting them all with hugs before sitting next to Harry.
"Sorry I'm late," She apologized, "The victory celebration went on for longer than I expected."
Harry smiled at her, "No worries. We were just catching up."
The waiter walked over to their table to take her drink and food order while Ginny talked about the game, play-by-play. Hermione leaned back in her seat and sipped on her wine. Smiling behind her glass, she realized that they had made it. Ginny was a professional Quidditch player. Ron was working with George, and she and Harry were at uni to better the world. Neville was at Hogwarts, and Luna was traveling abroad. They were officially grown up and on the path to their futures.
"What are you grinning at?" Ron asked, looking at Hermione.
"I just," Hermione bit her lip, "Can you believe we are at this point? When camping and on the run, did you ever think we'd be here after our jobs or schooling catching up on the days or weeks we've had?"
Harry sat back, "I didn't think we'd survive, much less get here."
Ron nodded, "I'm surprised that the mushrooms didn't kill us."
"Hey!" Hermione said, affronted.
"Oh, come on, you know it's true," Ron stated, "Now look at us. I'm helping George run his shop, and he asked me to become a third part owner by taking over Fred's share."
Ginny frowned, "Third part owner? Who is the third?"
Harry had just taken a sip of his tea and coughed on it, causing Hermione to look at him. "Oh my God! Oh my God," Hermione said, looking at Harry in shock, "That's why George keeps coming to you! They got all the money after the Triwizard tournament. You gave them your winnings!"
Ginny looked at Harry wide-eyed, "You did what?!"
"No wonder they got me new robes!" Ron said, shaking his head.
Harry scratched the back of his head, "I didn't want the money. I was basically blood money; it was tainted, and I didn't want any part of it. So yes, don't tell your Mum, but I gave it to Fred and George, knowing we would all need a laugh with everything that went down that night. It paid off, didn't it?"
*~*~* April 11, 2001 *~*~*
Hermione glanced back as Harry exited their bedroom, "I'm trying to make pancakes like my Mum always made me for my birthday."
Harry looked at the skillet, "What is that supposed to be?"
Hermione stared at him, "A pancake. What did you think it was?"
"Not pancakes," Harry said as Hermione hit him with the spatula, "Hey! I'm just saying that it's more like a flat doughnut or Swiss cheese. There shouldn't be holes in it."
Hermione huffed and handed off the spatula, "I'm going to shower before he wakes up."
After a quick shower, sans washing her hair, Hermione exited the bathroom and walked out into the living space to the bedroom. Pulling her towel closer, she glanced over at the kitchen only to run into Harry, "Shite, I'm sorry."
Harry's hand shot to her chest as the towel started falling. He placed a finger to her lips, and her hand shot up to join his at her chest, "Teddy is still asleep," Harry whispered.
Harry removed his finger from her mouth, and she licked her lips, "I forgot my clothes," She explained as she pulled her towel closer. Harry put his hands on her shoulders and moved her so she was inside the bedroom, and he was outside, "I'll let you get dressed."
Hermione bit her lip as she shut the door behind her. Closing her eyes, she tried to calm her racing heart. Quietly as possible, she dressed and gathered their laundry when Teddy's eyes opened.
"Aunt Mine," Teddy said sleepily.
"Happy Birthday, Teddy Bear," Hermione said as she picked him up out of bed and hugged him.
"My is birthday today?" Teddy asked, rubbing his eyes.
"Yes, today is your birthday!" Hermione said, resting him on her hip as she opened the bedroom door.
Harry looked up from where he was setting breakfast on the kitchen table, "Teddy, my man, happy birthday!"
"Can I see breakfast? Is it pancakes?" Teddy asked as he wiggled, and Hermione let him down.
"Uncle Harry made you pancakes, and I cut up some bananas," Hermione said as she got him settled in his booster, then went over to the counter to get the cut fruit.
Harry's mobile phone rang, and Hermione opened it since she was closest, "Harry's phone."
"Hermione? Wasn't expecting you to answer," Andromeda stated.
"I was just closer," Hermione told her, "How are you feeling?"
"I'm not dead. So another step in the right direction," Andromeda coughed, "I'm doing better every day. I'm up and walking, albeit slowly, but I'm starting to move around. Is the birthday boy up yet?"
"Just sat down to have breakfast. Mr. Teddy, this phone call is for you," Hermione said as she turned the speakerphone option on.
"Happy Birthday, my love, happy birthday, my love, happy birthday to Teddy. Happy Birthday, my love," Andromeda sang.
"Nana! Thank you! I am three now!" Teddy said loudly.
"Oh, how big you are now. Auntie Hermione said that you were having breakfast," Andromeda said.
"Pandicakes and nanas," Teddy said as he took a bite of bananas, "So tasty."
"What are the plans for today?" Andromeda asked.
"Hermione is playing hooky from classes today, so we are taking him to the Central Park Zoo," Harry said as he set two plates on the table for him and Hermione.
Teddy's face lit up, and his hair turned bright blue, "The Zoo!? Uncle Harry, are we going to the zoo?"
Harry smiled, "Yes, Teddy, we are."
Holding their hands tightly in his own as he walked between them, Hermione smiled as Teddy skipped and bounced between her and Harry as they walked through Central Park from the Magical Express stop towards the zoo. The sounds of the city seemed deafened as they walked through the newly greening trees. Their leaves danced in the slight breeze.
As they neared the entrance, it was busy with families and children of all ages as they excitedly discussed the various animals held within the gates. Teddy's eyes widened so much that Hermione feared his metamorphic abilities enlarged them as they entered the gates. After paying their admission, they walked through the entrance. Ivy and greens hung from the arched canopy they walked under, reminding her of Hogwarts with a slight pang in her chest.
Together, they took the path to the right to see the sea lions. Teddy giggled in delight as he watched the creatures glide through the water, play on the rocks, and dive into the water. Harry leaned over to whisper in her ear as Teddy's hands were placed on the glass, nearly nose to nose with a sea lion at one point, "Thank goodness people are a little freer with their kids now. A few kids have colored hair, so Teddy's blue tint isn't too weird."
Hermione nodded as she leaned over, "The dampener potion helped. He has been doing a great job controlling it lately, though. He is just so excited." Taking her camera out of her bag as a seal lion jumped out of the water and put his flippers on the glass in front of them, she took a picture of Teddy only a few feet from the sea lion that was showing off for Teddy and the small group of kids that had come over to join them.
Tearing Teddy away from the sea lions, they wandered down the walking path toward their next animal encounter.
"We could have brought the stroller," Hermione fretted, "Do you think he will get tired?"
Harry laughed as Teddy looked up at her, "I'm not tired."
"I'm not saying you are sweetheart. I just don't want you to get too tired," Hermione explained as she squeezed his hand as Harry opened the door to the Polar Seabirds building.
Venturing over to the penguin enclosure. Teddy quickly mimicked their movements as they waddled clumsily on the stone surface, his arms flapping wildly.
"You know, Teddy, penguins are one of only a few species where the Daddies watch after the eggs, and the mummies go to hunt for food for the family," Hermione told him.
Harry looked at Hermione, "Really?"
She nodded.
Teddy took her hand, "Look, Mommy! They are jumping!" He said excitedly as multiple birds jumped into the water.
Hermione felt her heart skip a beat. He had called her Mommy a few times but had stopped when they explained that he had a Mummy and Daddy, but they were in heaven. When sleepy, he would slip and call Harry his Dad a few times. Now that he was three and understood, calling her Mommy felt different. She glanced at Harry, who gave her a slight smile. Harry took her hand in his and squeezed it. Maybe her mother was right. She should just go with it.
After finishing the Central Park Zoo, they went to the Children's Zoo before Teddy got tired. Hermione bit her lip as they let Teddy run slightly ahead of them. Harry held her hand while they walked between the various animals.
They reached the petting zoo area, and Hermione knelt next to Teddy as he gently reached out to pet a goat.
Teddy giggled as the goat licked his hand, taking the food Harry had purchased from his hand. Hermione glanced up when she heard the camera's shutter. "When did you take my camera?" Hermione asked, surprised.
"I'm sneaky like that," Harry said as he knelt beside them, "Do you think there are petting zoos back home?"
"I'm sure there are," Hermione told him as Teddy giggled as another goat nudged his hand, "Luna was thinking about making a zoo for special animals in the future."
Harry thought about it momentarily, "Her animals or real ones?" He asked, making Hermione laugh. "Real ones," Hermione said.
"Do you want a family picture?"
Hermione glanced up at an older woman and smiled, "Sure."
Harry handed the camera to the woman and got closer to Teddy. Just as she went to take the picture, the goat popped its head next to Teddy's shoulder, making Teddy squeal with joy.
"That was adorable," She said as she returned the camera to Harry.
"Thank you so much," Hermione said as he handed the camera back to her, "I need to invest in one of those digital cameras soon."
After washing their hands in the handwashing station, Hermione led them to the picnic area that overlooked the carousel. Laying out their lunch of sandwiches and veggies, Teddy was excited as he took in the bright and colorful carousel near them.
"Can we ride, Uncle Harry? Please, pretty please?" Teddy begged, tugging Harry's hand as he bounced on his knees.
"Teddy, you need to finish your lunch first," Hermione told him, "And please sit on your bottom so that you don't fall."
Teddy grumbled a bit but happily munched on his sandwich and cut veggies. Hermione and Harry smiled as Teddy rambled about the animals they had seen and what he thought they had been doing. As soon as he was finished, he swallowed and showed Hermione his empty mouth, "Can we go now, please?"
Hermione laughed as she got up and cleaned up their mess, "Yes, let's go!"
Teddy took Harry's hand, and the music grew louder as they got closer. Hermione paid for three admissions, and they waited at the entrance for their turn to ride. The attendant took their tickets and then let them inside.
"Which one do you want to ride, Teddy?" Harry asked.
After picking three different horses and then changing his mind, Teddy finally settled on a beautiful white horse that he yelled looked like a unicorn. Lifting him onto it, Harry fastened the belt across Teddy's waist and climbed aboard the other black horse to Teddy's left. Hermione put her foot into the foothold and lifted herself onto the matching horse to Teddy's. Hermione glanced at Harry, "You know that looks like a thestral."
Harry looked at it, "It does. Can you see them now?"
Hermione looked at him sadly, "Who can't after the final battle?"
Teddy's laughter became contagious as soon as the carousel began to spin. As it whirled around, the lights seemed to flash as his squeals of delight filled the air, causing Harry to look over at her. Harry reached over to rub Teddy's back, and Hermione reached over to hold his leg, but he slipped a little towards her. The familiar hum of Harry's magic seemed to be flowing through Teddy to her. Closing her eyes momentarily, she tried to use her magic to siphon some of the extra magic from Teddy to keep him calm. Opening her eyes, she looked at Harry, who was staring at her.
"What?" Hermione asked.
Harry shook his head, "It's nothing."
*~*~* April 14, 2001 *~*~*
Juliet Granger stepped through the floo with Hermione's assistance, and her senses were immediately assaulted by the excitement surrounding the Weasley home. Molly Weasley and a blonde woman that Molly addressed as Fleur were bustling around the kitchen. Many different smells filled the room that they had entered. Many redheads and various others filled the room laughing.
"Harry, dear, could you set the table, please?" Molly called out.
"Of course, Molly. How many do you think we will need?" Harry asked as he appeared through a doorway and opened a cupboard.
"Oh, set the table for twenty to be safe," Molly told him as she saw Hermione and her Mum, "Hermione! You made it!"
"Sorry for the delay, Molly," Hermione said as Molly quickly pulled her into a hug, "I'm not sure if you remember my Mum, Juliet? Mum, this is Molly."
"Of course, it's so good to see you, Juliet," Molly said as she hugged Juliet, "It is a bit crazy. The redheads are my own. Harry put Teddy down for a nap upstairs. Make yourself at home."
"Do you need help in the kitchen?" Juliet asked.
"Of course, come join me," Molly told her as Hermione went over to the table and took the silverware from Harry as he handed it to her.
"That went better than I thought it would," Harry said, glancing at Juliet and Molly working together in the kitchen. Juliet had washed her hands and was tasked with cleaning vegetables.
"Mum was a little worried, so I'm happy that Molly didn't tell her to stay out of the way," Hermione whispered to him, "Part of my fault, but she feels that Molly sort of stepped between us and tried to become my magical Mum."
Harry glanced in Molly's direction, "She did for both of us in a way."
"Is Ginny able to come?" Hermione asked.
"It's an early game. I think it started at noon," Harry said, nodding toward the sitting area. "That's what is happening there." A cheer erupted from the sitting area, "Who scored?"
"Ginny," George answered as he walked into the expanded dining area, "Man, too bad it is raining outside. I don't think this table could get any bigger."
Hermione accepted George's hug and kiss on her cheek, "Hey, George. When will you be back?"
"I'll stop by at the end of the month to see how the manager is doing, but I fully trust the wizard in charge," George said, setting glasses at every place, "But aren't you two leaving soon?"
Hermione sighed, "Yeah, we are moving back in mid-May."
"Not ready?" George asked.
"It's time to face the music," Hermione told him as there was another cheer from the sitting area, "Sorry, muggle phrase. Harry and I both agree we are done hiding. We won't visit the magical side of London unless we can control the narrative, but we aren't hiding from the muggle side."
"We hope that by being seen more, eventually the craziness will wear off," Harry shrugged.
The floo lit up, and Ron exited with Lavender coming out behind him. Bill rose and greeted them. Charlie stood up from his spot in the sitting room as Harry went to greet them, watching Hermione folding napkins to place beside the tables, "You okay?"
Hermione glanced up at him, "Why wouldn't I be?"
Charlie glanced back at the sitting room to Lavender, "Because she is here."
Hermione smiled and laid her hand on his arm, "I'm fine, Charlie. I'm well over Ron. I've even dated someone already. Thank you for your concern, though. I just," Hermione pursed her lips, "Lavender and I didn't get along well then, much less now. For Teddy's sake, I don't want things to go bad today."
The backdoor opened, and Luna waltzed in with Neville following her, "Hermione! Oh, what are we worried about? The Wrackspurts are all around you right now."
Neville hugged Hermione, "How are you, Hermione?"
"I'm good. Everyone is in the sitting room. We are just waiting on Ginny, but she will be here after the game," Hermione said as Luna walked into the sitting room to greet everyone.
"Is that Lavender? He brought her?" Neville asked, surprised.
"They've been together for a few months now. I'm happy for them," Hermione said as he put his arm around her, "Everyone thinks I'm going to fall apart, but I'm the one that ended it for good."
"Because you were never in love with him," Neville told her, "Anyone could have really known that."
Lavender looked over at her, "Hello, Hermione."
Hermione smiled at her, "Hello, Lavender, how are you doing?"
"Not too bad. I hear you are putting Harry to shame," Lavender said as Harry groaned, "What? Ron said that she is graduating this summer."
Percy looked at her over the couch, surprised, "You finished your whole coursework in two years?"
"I need the summer, and my internship will give me the last credits," Hermione said as Molly announced that the food was ready, "Pays to know the Minister of Magic."
"I wouldn't brag too much about that connection, Hermione. Some might think I give you preferential treatment," Kingsley's voice boomed out of the kitchen.
Hermione slipped from Neville's arm and went into the kitchen to see Kingsley and Andromeda in a wheelchair, "Andromeda!"
Andromeda smiled as she looked up at Kinglsey, "I got him to agree I've been on my best behaviour and should be released on parole."
Harry came up beside her, "Oh, Teddy is going to be so happy."
"Where is he?" Andromeda asked.
"Napping. He woke up early because he was so excited, so he and Victoire went upstairs to nap at noon." Harry looked at his watch and said, "It's nearly three."
"Let's go wake up the monsters," Bill told Harry, patting him on the back.
Andromeda looked at Hermione as Kingsley entered the sitting room to greet Arthur, "I just had a thought when Bill said the little monsters. Teddy and Victoire are the only two children we know of whose parents were afflicted by Greyback. What if there are more?"
Hermione knelt beside her, "When I get into the Ministry, that is one of the first things I want to work on changing. The stigmas about the Werewolf community. Kings and I have already discussed it. I can only do so much as an intern in the Regulations department, but I can understand how things work and who makes things work the fastest. Network early before I start in the department. I can start working on real change when I'm officially in the department. I want to start with werewolf families because that will be easiest. Then, help the afflicted to create a sanctuary for them. Once a month, a place where they can go to get wolfsbane and transform in a safe environment."
Andromeda grabbed her hand, "Thank you," She said, choking up as everyone else approached the kitchen.
Teddy caused the sink to nearly overflow as his burst of accidental magic made the sink start flowing at his excitement of seeing Andromeda. Hermione sent Kingsley a grin as he sat beside Andromeda across from Teddy, and Juliet sat beside him. When they finally pulled Teddy away from Andromeda and sat down at the table, Harry sat next to Hermione at his right, with Teddy in his enlarged booster seat between her and Andromeda, who was at the end of the table in Molly's usual spot. There was a space to his left next to Harry in case Ginny arrived since their game versus the Bangers had just ended, with the Holyheads unfortunately losing.
Hermione glanced at the other end of the table to see Molly and Arthur sitting holding hands, Ron and Lavender to Arthur's right, George and Angelina to the left of Molly and Bill, Fleur and Victoire in her high chair to the left of the empty space left for Ginny. Percy had already engaged her mother in a discussion as Luna sat listening to Neville and Charlie, and they chatted next to her.
Molly cleared her throat, "Andromeda, would you take the honor?"
Andromeda nodded, "Thank you, Molly. Thank you, everyone, for being here for Teddy's special day today. We had no idea how things would turn out when he was born three years ago. We lost so much, but we've also gained so many in the process," Andromeda said as she took Kingsley's hand, "Thank you, everyone, for being here for him tonight. Let's raise our glasses to Teddy."
"To Teddy!" Everyone said as the little boy laughed and raised his glass of pumpkin juice, splashing the contents onto the table.
The celebration lasted through the afternoon and evening when Molly brought a cake for everyone to sing Happy Birthday. Andromeda insisted that Harry and Hermione stand beside him as he blew out his candles. As the sun set, Ginny arrived just as George started the fireworks show.
"Hey," Ginny said as she walked over to where Harry, Hermione, and Teddy were sitting in the backyard. She leaned over and kissed him, "I'm going to say hi to Mum."
Teddy cuddled into Harry's side, wedged between him and Hermione, cuddling his favorite present, a stuffed wolf cub that Hermione had found when she and Julia had gone to a mall shopping and found a place called Build a Bear. The small wolf howled like he had heard Remus do back in his third year.
Hermione ran her fingers through Teddy's hair as the fireworks lit up the backyard. "He seems to be happy," she said softly.
Harry nodded, "He deserves all the happiness in the world," Harry said as he rubbed Teddy's back and looked at her, "You both do."
Harry's green eyes seem to sparkle with the fireworks dancing within them. Ginny sat beside Harry, breaking the moment, "Merlin, I'm so exhausted. I think that was the hardest game I've played yet." She stated as she leaned against Harry.
"Sorry you didn't win," Harry said, clearing his throat.
"There will be other games," Ginny said, watching the fireworks as a little wolf cub appeared in the sky.
"Harry, Hermione," Kingsley said as he pushed Andromeda over to them, "We are going to be going.
Harry pulled himself out of the pile of Ginny and Teddy and then helped Teddy stand up. Teddy climbed into Andromeda's lap, hugging her as Hermione stood up and saw Ron walk over.
"Good, you are all here. Harry and Hermione, will you be available on the 28th of April?" Kingsley asked.
Hermione frowned, "That is our DA meetup weekend, so we should be. Why?"
Kingsley looked at them and down at Ginny, "I've held off the Wizengamot long as I could, but they motioned for you all to receive Orders of Merlin this year."
Harry groaned, "Really?"
"We haven't awarded any since McGonagall, and Remus posthumously received theirs after the battle. We were still cleaning up the Ministry, and there was no ceremony. Ron, Hermione, and Harry are all receiving first class, as well as Neville, for his actions in the final battle," Kingsley informed them.
Harry glanced at Ginny, who shook her head, "I didn't do anything in the battle that others didn't do. I don't deserve one."
Harry swallowed hard and looked at Kingsley, "On one condition."
Kingsley nodded, "Name it."
*~*~* April 27, 2001 *~*~*
Hermione sighed as she looked in the mirror. "Dear, it's not going to get any longer the more you stare at it," The mirror informed her.
"Big help you are," Hermione grumbled as she stepped away from the mirror and adjusted her headband.
Hermione left her bedroom and went downstairs to where Harry and her mum were talking. "I don't know how long this will take. It's more of a formality."
Juliet glanced up and spit her tea out onto the table, coughing.
"It looks that bad?" Hermione asked, biting her lip.
"What did you do to your hair?" Juliet asked, standing up.
"Teddy got gum into it, and magic can't cure everything," Hermione told her, "It looks horrid, doesn't it?"
"No, I just didn't expect it. When did you cut it?" Juliet asked.
"It happened last night," Harry told her, "Teddy wasn't supposed to have gum, and someone at the daycare gave it to him. We didn't know until it was already in Hermione's hair and was in a large section of it."
Juliet looked at her, "Actually, I think it's very becoming for you."
Hermione gave her a slight smile, "Thanks, Mum. I'll be back."
Hermione walked the halls of the first floor of the Ministry of Magic. Walking past many offices, some were labeled with names that she recognized, and all were empty, but the one was at the end. Taking a deep breath, Hermione knocked on the doorframe, "Mr. Minister?"
Kingsley looked up from his desk and sat with two wizards in front of him, "Miss Granger, thank you for coming." The two wizards stood up and looked at her, "I'd like you to meet Arnols Peasegood, the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and Mark Sheel, who is the head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures."
Both wizards shook her hand.
"Please have a seat, Miss Granger. It is an honor to meet you," Mark Sheel motioned to his chair.
"Thank you," Hermione said as she brushed her dress forward as she sat down.
"Miss Granger has notified me that to finish her degree, she needs an internship," Kingsley stated, "She wishes to be in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures in the future."
Mark Steel looked at her surprised, "You do? We'd gladly have you. I'd give you a job now."
Hermione tried not to appear surprised, "Thank you, but I have one more semester of my undergraduate degree to go before I graduate. After that, I plan to work towards my graduate degree to obtain my master's."
Mark leaned against Kingsley's desk and looked at Kingsley, "She would be the most educated person in my department."
Kingsley nodded, "But it's where her aspirations lie. She had a drive at Hogwarts called SPEW."
"Excuse me for interrupting, but my organization was the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare," Hermione stated, "We intended to promote house-elves rights to better their lives from their abusers, to secure wages and fair working conditions."
Mark just stared at her, "Where'd this idea come from?"
"My friend, Harry Potter, befriended a house elf named Dobby. He was a house elf for the Malfoy family, and he risked his life to warn Harry about the Chamber of Secrets. To repay his kindness after Harry saw how he was made to punish himself repeatedly for his actions, Harry tricked Lucius Malfoy into freeing Dobby," Hermione informed him.
"Wait, my son was in Hogwarts at the time. Weren't you two in the second year, then?" Mark asked, surprised.
Hermione nodded, "After Dobby was free, he went to work for Hogwarts, and Dumbledore paid him just a galleon a week and a day off a month, but it was progress. In my final year, for the Child Rearing Project, I raised a house elf from birth. When they come of age at three in elf years, they are eligible to be given to a family or work for the family. I believe that elven children should be given the chance to be educated. They care for our families and are treated as dirt, so why not give them an education?"
Mark looked at Kingsley, "Put it on record, when she comes in an official capacity to the Ministry, she is mine."
Kingsley laughed, "Done but to the point of today. For her internship, I want her to see both of your departments. So, from June through August, Hermione will be interning here at the Ministry three days a week. The first half of the month is in Regulation, and the second half is in Law Enforcement. Her internship title is a specialist researcher for both departments. She will do any research for cases or reports. I also want her to be involved in how each department runs. We have made great progress in cleansing the ministry in the last three years, but much more is still to be done. I believe that Hermione and Harry Potter, too, when he gets here, are the two that will lead the charge."
"Then I can hire her in September?" Mark asked.
"What am I? A dragon's liver?" Arnols finally asked, "What if she does well in my department?"
"Come September, we will meet again and decide. Until then, Granger, I need you to go to the Employee Resources office. It's the first door in our corridor. The witch in there is waiting to take your picture for your badge," Kingsley told her.
Hermione stood up, "Thank you, gentleman."
They all shook her hand.
"I will see you tomorrow," Kingsley stated.
Hermione nodded, "Tomorrow."
*~*~* April 28, 2001 *~*~*
Hermione groaned as Harry and Ron walked into Kingsley's office, "That is what the both of you decided to wear?"
Ron frowned as he looked down at his jumper, t-shirt, and jean trousers, "What's wrong with this?"
"We are going to be photographed, Ron! There is a huge presentation, and that is what you wore!" Hermione hissed as she looked at Harry, "At least Harry wore a plain black shirt and jacket. My God, Ron!"
"Since when have you cared about what we look like?" Ron asked as Hermione huffed and Neville walked in wearing his finest wizard robes, "Way to go, Neville."
Neville looked at him, confused, "What did I do?"
"You have decorum. He doesn't," Hermione told him, rolling her eyes.
Neville looked at her, "Why did you cut your hair?"
Hermione sighed, "Teddy got gum in it." Hermione looked at Harry and sighed as she ran her fingers through his rapidly growing hair, "I should have cut your hair last night."
Harry put his hand to his head, "I think we learned during the hunt that you shouldn't cut hair, Hermione."
Hermione huffed, "It wasn't that bad." Hermione sighed, looking at the boys, "Let's just remember this moment. Not many people get this honor."
Kingsley entered his office, "Hello, everyone, here is the plan. We are going down to the Atrium, where the presentation will occur. I'll give a short speech, and then some reporters will ask questions. Only if you wish to answer them. Then you are all free until seven tonight."
Hermione frowned, "What is at seven?"
Kingsley looked at them wide-eyed, "I forgot to tell you about the gala in your honor?" He said sheepishly.
Hermione's heart rate soared, "What?"
"Tonight will be a gala here in your honor. The tickets have been sold for months to go towards the families of those lost in the war," Kingsley told them.
Harry took her hand, and she took a breath. "Playing dirty with it for charity," Hermione grumbled.
"Everyone ready?" Kingsley asked.
"Like we have a choice," Ron mumbled as she reached for his hand. Neville followed Kingsley as he exited his office.
As they neared the lift, Hermione felt a sense of calm. Ron was on her right, his sweaty palm within her own as his thumb rubbed against the back of her hand. Harry still had her left hand in his, their fingers interlaced. The three of them giving each other strength after all these years. They entered the lift together, moving to the side without communicating. Ron and Harry moved closer to her as they used their free hands to hold the braces on the ceiling. With Harry and Ron bracketing her, she remained steady when the lift lurched, even on heels.
Stopping at the Atrium, flashes started as Kingsley then Neville exited the lift. Ron led the way, not letting go of her hand. She and Harry followed, still holding hands. They followed Kingsley onto a stage and sat in the seats with their names on them. Only when seated did they let go of each other's hands. When Harry and her hands disconnected, her core seemed to pull towards him, trying to will her to get in contact with him again.
Hermione took in the environment that they were in. Many reporters with large cameras were in front. Various people were sitting in chairs around where the statue used to sit, which was thankfully removed from the wishing pond that used to sit in the middle of the Atrium. There was a new base, but nothing had yet sat on top of it.
The room erupted in applause as Kingsley rose to his feet and walked to the podium. With a hand raised, the crowd was brought to a hush.
"Today, we gather to honor the bravery, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the cause of the light," Kingsley began, "These four individuals behind me have exemplified these virtues in the face of unimaginable adversity for even the most talented wizards and witches, and doing so as mere teenagers. They stood firm against the forces of darkness, fighting not just for themselves but for the future of our world."
Hermione looked around and spotted the Weasleys. Augusta Longbottom was noticeably in the front with her loud outfit, and Hermione suddenly thought that it was no wonder Neville had originally gone for Luna. His Grandmother and Luna both had their own unique styles.
"Now it is time to recognize their extraordinary contributions," Kingsley's voice boomed, breaking her from her thoughts, "For their valor and selflessness, for their unwavering courage in the darkest hours. I bestow the Order of Merlin, first class."
The audience came to their feet applauding them, and Hermione felt a lump come to her throat as he motioned for them to stand.
"Neville Francis Longbottom," Kingsley stated as he approached Neville and took the gold medal with a green ribbon from the velvet case. Putting it over Neville's head, he shook Neville's hand and handed him the case.
"Ronald Bilius Weasley," Kingsley stated as he did the same for Ron, shaking his hand and handing his case to him.
"Hermione Jean Granger," Kingsley announced as he came to stand before her, "Congratulations Hermione." He placed the medal around her neck, and they chuckled as he caught her earring. She shook his hand and accepted the case.
"Harry James Potter," Kingsley stated to the crowd's cheers.
As Kingsley's hand left Harry's, he reached out for her own to help center himself. Hermione took his clammy hand in her own as the edge of the cool medal touched the skin on her chest over her dress.
As the applause waned and the crowd returned to their seats, Harry glanced at Hermione, catching her eye.
"These four individuals entered our world together at Hogwarts one decade ago this September. They have come a long way since their days at Hogwarts, but their journey is far from over. Neville Longbottom will become the new Herbology professor at Hogwarts after a short internship under Madam Sprout. Ronald Weasley is now part owner of the multi-million galleon franchise Weasley Wizard Wheezes. Hermione Granger will be graduating from New York University this summer. She will be starting her graduate degree this Fall to become a solicitor. Harry Potter is also studying law enforcement at New York University. Together, they are working to better the future of our world. Together, with their friends, they will work to face whatever challenges lay ahead, drawing strength from the bonds of friendship that have seen them through the darkest of times," Kingsley stated, "We are lucky to have them as part of our world, and again, I congratulate them."
Together, they held up their Order of Merlins, and the crowds applauded.
Kingsley looked back at them, "Long live the magic you make. I have one more Order of Merlin to present if everyone could sit. This one is Posthumorously."
Hermione glanced over at Kingsley, confused, and then looked at Harry, who squeezed her hand.
"The Order of the Phoenix was a secret organization organized by Albus Dumbledore to organize those in the light in defense of the war. Many witches and wizards died valiantly during both the first and second wizarding wars for the cause. One in particular, we feel deserves the most recognition. This wizard was a double agent. He was entrenched deep within Voldemort's inner circle and fed information to the Order. In the First War, he fed the information that Voldemort was after the Potters and the Longbottoms. The Potters hid, saving Harry until that fateful day when their best friend, Peter Pettigrew, betrayed them. The Longbottoms thought they were safe after we thought Voldemort was no longer. Until they were found. They would have been tortured to death if not for the spy, who told Dumbledore and he captured the Lestranges to bring them to justice," Kingsley stated, "Severus Snape-"
"This is absurd!" A wizard yelled as various witches and wizards protested, "Four teenagers receiving the Order is one thing, but to give it to Severus Snape!"
Hermione watched as he spit on the ground.
With a motion, Kingsley had the wizard escorted out of the Atrium. "Severus Snape, at great cost to his own safety, relayed information to the Order in the Second Wizarding War after Voldemort returned. When Draco Malfoy was tasked by Voldemort to kill Dumbledore, he and Dumbledore made a plan together to save Draco Malfoy from that fate."
Hermione listened to the crowds murmuring between themselves.
"Severus Snape killed Albus Dumbledore on Dumbledore's orders. To save Draco Malfoy and to solidify his place as a spy. He then protected students by giving them potions, safe passage to safety, and protection from the other Death Eaters within Hogwarts during the year he was headmaster. In his final moments, he gave Harry Potter information that Dumbledore had been safeguarding and was instrumental in winning the war. Without his sacrifices, we would not be standing here," Kingsley stated, "As Severus Snape has no remaining relatives, Harry Potter and I have come to a decision with Headmistress McGonagall that his Order of Merlin will be displayed at Hogwarts. The money he would receive for his Order will be going to start the Prince Snape Foundation to help Muggleborn wizards and witches who would struggle to afford Hogwarts."
Harry nodded towards Kingsley as he glanced back at them. "The four recipients will be available for a quick photo and questions. Tonight, they will be at the gala held in their honor here in the ballroom near the courtrooms downstairs."
Hermione tugged down her dress as she looked in the mirror, "This is the last time I let Ginny and Luna buy me a dress. There is no way this is my size."
Juliet sat on her bed, "At least there were tiny shorts to go under it."
"Because the first time I bent down, my bum would show!" Hermione told her in hysterics.
Juliet got off the bed, "Hermione, honey, we raised you too conservative. You have an amazing figure, and you are young. It is okay to show it off a bit. This isn't even really a dress, more of a romper."
Hermione looked at her in disbelief, "I can see my bra through it! And the feathers covering my lower privates!? Feathers?!"
Juliet walked over and opened the bedroom door, "Harry? Are you out there?"
"One second," Harry replied from his room, and she heard Harry's footsteps coming closer.
"Now, ignore the fact you are her best friend. She is self-conscious about the dress Ginny and Luna purchased for her," Juliet told him as she opened the door.
Hermione groaned, "Mum."
Harry entered her bedroom wearing a light blue dress shirt and navy blue trousers and stopped in his tracks.
"See! It's outrageous! I'm not going," Hermione stated.
"You look amazing," Harry told her finally, "As a bloke, I'm being honest; if I wasn't with Ginny, I'd fall flat to the ground in your presence."
Hermione blushed, "Really?"
Teddy looked at Hermione at Harry's voice, "Mommy Mione, you are pretty."
"See, even Teddy thinks so," Harry said as he approached her.
Hermione swallowed hard under his gaze, "But it's see-through."
"So some old wizards will have a heart attack at us breaking old traditions. I'm wearing a suit, not robes. Ron is wearing his suit, too." Harry stated as he looked at her, "What shoes are you wearing?"
Hermione walked over to her bed and pulled out a pair of heels, "Death traps."
Harry chuckled, "They look like they'd make you as tall as I am."
Hermione used his arm and slid them on, "I'd fall over and kill myself in these."
Harry looked at her outfit, "It makes your legs look ridiculously long."
Hermione glanced at herself in the mirror, "Do you promise to make sure I don't fall?"
"I'd never let you fall," Harry promised.
As they reached the top of the steps for the lowest basement floor, Hermione looked at Harry, "Why did they have to use the lowest level that doesn't have lift access for this?!"
Harry looked at her, "Remember, I won't let you fall."
Hermione took a deep breath and took his hand in hers. Slowly, they descended the stairs. Ron and Ginny were at the foot of the stairs with Neville and Luna. Hermione smiled through her fear of falling as flashes signaled the press. As she finally reached the base of the stairs, Ron kissed her cheek and offered his arm.
"Thank you," Hermione said, taking it as they walked into the ballroom together. Ginny on Harry's arm and Luna on Neville's.
"Miss Granger! Over here! Are you and Mr. Weasley together? This is for Witch's Weekly!"
Hermione paused and turned towards the reporter, "No, Ron and I will forever be great friends. We are no longer together. I am single, but I can always rely on my best friends for a hand. Ron just knows that he needs to watch his toes today if we share a dance."
Ron laughed, "More like Hermione needs to watch her toes with me." Causing the reporters in the area to laugh.
Hermione rested her head on Neville's shoulder as they danced into the night, "Thank you for being my dance partner for tonight, Neville."
"It's been a pleasure. You look amazing, Hermione," Neville told her, "I'm glad to be able to be one of your many dance partners tonight. You are a popular lady."
At one point, Hermione had danced with nearly every Weasley in attendance, Harry, Neville, and even Kingsley. A few other wizards had asked for a dance, and she politely said yes. Usually, to be rescued around halfway through the song by Harry or Neville.
"So, what are your plans after tonight?" Neville asked.
Hermione sighed, "We return to New York to finish the semester and then come home."
"Where is Teddy?" Neville asked.
Hermione smiled, "With his Grandmum. My Mum is loving it, and he is calling her Grandmum."
"Makes you want to have your own?" Neville inquired.
"Not yet, not before I'm 30," Hermione stated, "I need to get my career set and with a stable foundation first."
"You will do amazing," Neville said as he spun her into Harry's arms, "Your turn."
Hermione looked up at Harry breathlessly, "Did you two plan that?"
Harry chuckled, "No, but it was great timing," He told her as he put his arms around her waist.
Hermione looked around the ballroom at the photos of the four of them throughout the years, courtesy of Dennis and Colin's family. Hermione bit her lip, "It is the end of a decade, isn't it?"
"Hard to believe we've almost officially known each other for ten years," Harry said with a smile, "I couldn't imagine my life without you and Ron."
"Fourth and Fifth year, when no one believed us. Who would imagine that we'd be here now? We moved mountains and fought against actual dragons. Literally broke down so many walls. I would have thought that I would have been afraid of the future, but after everything, we have survived. I'm not," Hermione said as something similar to glitter or confetti suddenly started falling from the ceiling. Wiping it from her face, she looked at Harry, "Can you make me a promise?"
Harry looked at her as he wiped it from his glasses, "Anything."
"That you'll be by me forever, no matter what happens?" Hermione said, swallowing the sudden lump in her throat.
Harry licked his lips, "Always."
"And… if something happens, and we fall apart," Hermione blinked back her tears, "When you and Ginny have kids, I'm not going to be part of the Weasley family. When they ask about me, make sure you tell them about me."
Harry froze, "Look at me, Hermione. You will be there, right by my side, where you belong. Are you thinking about leaving?"
Hermione shook her head, "No, but come on, Harry. We've been by each others' sides for ten years. Nearly every single day. Look how it is with Ron and us since we are in America, and he is here. When we leave school, you and Ginny will eventually get married, Teddy will go back with Andromeda, I'll be in the Ministry, and you'll be off saving the day. We are never going to be as close as we are now."
Harry took her face in his hands, "I won't let that happen. You hear me?"
Hermione swatted away more confetti, "Promise?"
"I swear to God, Merlin, my parents, Sirius, and whoever else. You are stuck with me for life," Harry told her.
Hermione nodded as she rested her forehead against his, "Thank you."
When the confetti finally cleared, Hermione excused herself, and Harry went to find Ron.
"What's wrong?" Ron asked, stuffing something in his mouth.
Harry bit his lip, "We need to watch, Hermione. I… I'm worried. She…" Harry trailed off as he took his glasses off and pinched his nose, "For some reason, she has it in her head that we are all going to fall apart. We can't let that happen, Ron. Even if you two never get back together. We can't fall apart."
Ron swallowed, "Of course not."
Hermione made her way over to them, and Harry could tell she had done a refreshing charm on her face.
Ron hugged her, "Whatever is going on in your big brain, don't listen to it. You are stuck with us for life."
Hermione let out a watery chuckle as she pulled Harry into their hug.
a/n: So definitely no chapter next week. It has been a long week. I fell and I'm all bruised up, but still working (No subs were available either :( So I ended up having two or three students having sympathy back pains this week lol) Next week is Memorial Day weekend so I hope to write a lot more. I will be MIA next week though, so no chapter next week.
Keep commenting so I know what you guys liked!
Preview of Chapter 21- A Place in this World
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 horribly late."