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 wait by the door like I'm just a kid.
Use my best colors for your portrait.
Lay the table with the fancy shit.
And watch you tolerate it
If it's all in my head, tell me now.
Tell me I've got it wrong somehow.
I know my love should be celebrated.
But you tolerate it

~ Tolerate It by Taylor Swift

*~*~* December 7, 2001 *~*~*

Harry appeared in front of Hermione as she sat in the Cambridge library. Hermione yelped, missing her chair as her bottom hit the floor, "Harry!"

"Sorry! I didn't mean to scare you," Harry said as he took her hand and pulled her up as people started looking.

"Harry, we are in a Muggle library, and you apparated here? You could have been arrested," Hermione scolded quietly.

"I know, I was just so excited that I thought of you, and I was here," Harry blushed, "I didn't even know where you would be."

Hermione frowned, "I was supposed to have class, and it was canceled," Hermione looked around, "At least it looks like no one noticed. What are you excited about?"

"I found a house," Harry confessed, "Blagric and I were going through the ledgers, and there was a home in Cornwall that was a Potter property. It was being used as an investment and being rented. The tenants left last year, and the caretaker hasn't found a new tenant yet. I went there and… Hermione, it's it. Come on!"

Hermione gasped as he grabbed her backpack and pulled her towards the stacks where no one was. Holding on to her, he disapparated to the backyard of a small home.

"It's not much; the trees are overgrown, and this garden hasn't been taken care of at all," Harry said as he took her hand and led her to the back door. Opening it, Hermione found herself in a small but spacious kitchen with plenty of counter space, a microwave, a refrigerator, and a range. A wall divided the kitchen in half with more counter space, a sink, and a washer and dryer on the other side of the wall. The wall next to the refrigerator was open, so you could see the small dining room with a table for six. Pulling her through the dining room, he took her into a hallway, and she got a quick glance at a large sitting room with space for couches and a television. She loved the large bay window she could envision expanding into a reading nook.

Harry pulled her up the stairs to the second floor, "This house has four bedrooms."

Hermione looked at him surprised, "Four?"

Harry nodded as he opened the doors, "This could be my room. Ron could be in this bedroom," He said as he opened and shut the second bedroom, "Then it's a bit small, but Teddy could have this room. He doesn't need much space right now."

Hermione looked at the stairs, "What is upstairs?"

Harry pulled her to the stairs and up to the third floor. Harry opened the door, "Then this would be your bedroom."

It was a simple bedroom, much larger than the previous three as she entered the empty room. On the far side was a simple wardrobe, but many shelves lined the walls as if waiting for a small "A library," Hermione breathed out.

"Again, this isn't much, but we don't need-" Harry told her as she threw her arms around his neck.

"It's perfect, but Harry," Hermione said as she looked up at him, "You should have this room."

Harry smiled, "No, you need more space for your books so you can have it. The best part is I didn't show you the basement."

Hermione looked at him, surprised, "There is a basement?"

"Yes, and it's furnished," Harry said as he led her down the basement stairs and opened the door, "We don't need this space. I thought we let Holly and Swift make it into their home."

Hermione pressed her hands into her face to hide her tears.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked, moving her hands from her face.

"We can bring her home," Hermione cried as she buried her face in his chest.

*~*~* December 8, 2001 *~*~*

Harry opened the front door to the house, "Now, if you don't like it, Ron. Please be honest," Harry insisted, "I told the caretaker that I want to take it back over, but that doesn't mean you have to live here too."

Ron rolled his eyes, "Like I am going to make you two have to pay for this whole house on your own. Mum doesn't live here, and it's not a flat above a noisy store. I'm sure this will be perfect."

Harry opened the door to the sitting room, "Sitting room is here."

Ron frowned, "One problem."

Hermione crossed her arms, "First room, have you already found a problem?"

"There is no fireplace," Ron told her, rolling his eyes, "No fireplace, no floo."

Harry walked over to the mantle and looked up inside, "Shit, they sealed it off."

"There is a stack on the roof; it exists, but they sealed it off inside," Hermione said, pushing them to the side and pointing her wand up so the bricks would fall away. Hermione lit her wand and looked up, "I see the sky. We just need to update it."

"Come on, let's head upstairs, and I'll show you your room," Harry told Ron, leading him to the stairs.

Hermione motioned for Ron to go first and followed both men up the stairs.

"Here it is. Now, it is not much. A little larger than your room at the Burrow," Harry said as he opened the door, "But it will be yours."

Ron walked in and looked around the empty room, "I can do whatever I want with it?"

"Yes, if you want to move in, this room is all yours," Harry told him.

Ron looked at Harry, "How much do you want?"

"The caretaker said the old tenants paid 1750 pounds monthly for this place, including utilities and rent. I own it already, so utilities with gas and electric, taxes. Let's just say 750. We divide it by three, in galleons 25 galleons a month?" Harry asked.

Ron narrowed his eyes, "You are pulling one over on me. There is no way it would be that cheap. Harry, George pays me well. I'll give you 50 galleons a month. Final offer."

Harry sighed, "Fine. Deal," Harry said, shaking Ron's hand.

Ron grinned, "When can we move in?"

Hermione sat at her kitchen table as Juliet stared at her, "What is it, Mum?"

Juliet chewed on her lip, "When are you two… three, moving out?"

"It will be a few weeks. Deciding what to keep from the previous owners, what we need," Hermione told her, shrugging as Harry returned after refilling his plate.

She nodded, "Look, I received an invitation from Mame. It has been years since she wanted us there for Christmas. Would you go? You and Harry and Teddy, of course."

Hermione looked at Harry as he sat down, "I'm sure Harry has plans."

"No, Harry does not. We are spending Christmas Day with Andromeda and Kingsley. Other than that… no," Harry told her as he looked at Juliet, "As long as we can take Teddy. What day is it?"

"The 22nd, just staying the night there after dinner, then I'll drive us home the next day," Juliet told them.

Harry looked at Hermione, "I don't see why not."

Juliet grinned and jumped up, "I'll go phone, Mame."

Hermione groaned as she put more green beans on Teddy's plate.

"Why do I think that you aren't happy about this?" Harry asked Hermione.

Hermione sighed, "Because my Mum's side of the family used to be the side of my family that I was closest to. Before magic and in my first couple years, we'd go skiing, and it slowly became awkward. Mum and Dad went without me one year, but Mum hasn't been back since."

Harry grinned, "We can show them. You are going to Uni. You graduated with top honors and are working on your graduate studies already. We are raising our godson and will officially own a house by then."

"You will," Hermione corrected.

"Nope, we. I put you on the deed. The whole civil partnership thing. It was better to have the both of us," Harry told her as Teddy yawned, "And with that, I think it's time for your bath, little man."

*~*~* December 22, 2001 *~*~*

Hermione looked at Harry as Juliet drove them closer to her Grandparents' home, "There is something I have to tell you."

Harry looked at her over Teddy's car seat, "Is it the fact that every house we have passed for the last few minutes has a gate in front of it?"

Hermione bit her lip and nodded, "My grandmother was a Cartier before she married my grandfather."

Harry just stared at her, "Is that royalty or something?"

Juliet chuckled, "More like famous jewelry, honey."

Harry looked at her in the rearview, "Jewelry? Rings and stuff?"

"My great-grandmother was born a Cartier, Helene Cartier. My grandmother was named Suzanne after her favorite author's daughter. Who named her daughter, my mother, Cassandra, after another Shakespeare name. Mum named me after Juliet, and I named Hermione after a character from Shakespeare as well," Juliet told him, "While we are not direct descendants of the rich side of the family, my parents did well for themselves. My father was a solicitor, and my mother ran a charity for underprivileged and underserved children."

Harry grinned at Hermione, "No wonder you have your motivations like you do."

Hermione blushed as Juliet slowly pulled up to a gate. Rolling her window down, she pushed a button.

"It's Juliet," She stated, and the gates started opening. Driving through the gate, Juliet pulled her car up on the side of the driveway behind a Mercedes Benz, "Nothing screams the black sheep of the family more than parking my Honda Civic behind a Benz."

"There is sheeps?" Teddy asked.

Juliet turned the car off and looked back at them. "Teddy, sweetheart, Grandma's family doesn't know about magic."

"Holy Merlin," Harry said in awe, looking at the house.

"It's an old house, but it's where I grew up," Juliet said as they exited the car.

Harry unfastened Teddy and looked at Hermione as he put Teddy on his hip, "You okay?"

Hermione sighed, "Just mentally preparing myself for today." The front door opened, "And here comes the firing squad."

Putting on a fake smile as she opened the car's boot, Hermione grabbed their suitcases with Juliet's help and started setting them on the ground.

"Juliet, darling! I am so glad to see you!" Hermione's grandmother, Cassandra, yelled as she came closer.

Juliet set her bag down and walked over to Cassandra, "Maman! Oh, how I've missed you."

Cassandra Wilkins hugged her daughter, "I am so glad you are home. Where is Daniel?"

"Maman, he won't be joining us. He stayed in Australia when I moved back," Juliet told her.

"Oh, Juliet, sweetheart, what happened between you?" Cassandra asked in disbelief.

Hermione looked at Harry and bit her lip. "Here, take Teddy, and I'll get the luggage," Harry told her as he passed Teddy off to her.

Cassandra watched the exchange, "My word, Hermione, darling, is that you?"

"Hello, Grand-Mere," Hermione said with a smile as Cassandra came over, hugged her, and kissed her cheeks. "You look wonderful."

Cassandra's wrinkled hand touched Hermione's cheek, "Oh darling, you look magnificent. I can see why, too. Who is this handsome man and this adorable child?"

Hermione reached for Harry's hand, which he took, lacing his fingers in hers. Her eyes fluttered shut with the feel of his magic caressing hers, "Grand-Mere, this is Harry, Harry Potter, and our Godson, Teddy."

Teddy held out his little hand, "I am Teddy Lupin. Thank you for meeting you."

Cassandra gushed, "Oh, aren't you adorable. Come here, you darling boy," Cassandra said as she took Teddy from Hermione, "Let's get you some cookies."

Juliet watched her mother take off towards the house with Teddy, "Well, that went better than I thought."

Hermione laid in bed on her back with Harry on his side next to her as she stared at the ceiling. Harry's light snores calmed her anxiety as Teddy snored in symphony with him. Glancing at the door as it opened, her curly-haired cousin Bianca walked in. In the last five years, she had learned to tame her hair, and their similarities were noticeable.

Sitting up, Hermione looked over at Harry, who was still sleeping. Putting her finger to her lips, Hermione led the shorter girl out of the door, shutting it behind her, "Hey B."

Bianca threw her arms around Hermione, "I was so scared, Hermione."

Hermione frowned, "About what?"

"When you disappeared, and they were trying to kill you," Bianca told her as she looked at the door, "Are you really with Harry Potter?"

Hermione gasped, "Bianca, are you magical?"

Bianca nodded, "I started at Beauxbatons when I turned 11. I'm in 5th year. Gabrielle told me about what happened in our first year, then the battle at Hogwarts. Our second year, her sister had to go into hiding."

Hermione nodded, "Fleur did."

"That is her name, but then Gabrielle said there was a big war, and you were part of it?" Bianca asked.

Hermione sighed, "I was. Harry defeated Voldemort. If you heard about him," Hermione glanced down the hallway, "Does anyone else know about me? About us?"

Bianca shook her head, "No one, well, other than Mere. Grand-mere doesn't even know. Could you imagine?"

Hermione sighed, "Honestly, no." The door next to Harry and Hermione's room opened, and Juliet walked out, "Mum, Bianca is like me."

Juliet asked her, "Do you mean goes to the same school?"

"No, the French school that Ron's brothers' wife went to," Hermione told Juliet as her cousin Christina entered the hallway to see them and started laughing, "Hello, Christina."

Christina walked over and hugged her. "It was so hard not to tell everyone what was really happening. I'm so glad you are alright."

"How are the boys?" Juliet asked Christina.

"It's nap time," Christina said, "Henry is five now and Tony is 3. Rich is already here, too. If you can believe it, Darren is 10, Rachel is 6, and Little Nicky is 4. Danny isn't able to make it. His girlfriend is expecting their first in the next couple of weeks."

The doorbell rang through the house, and Christina smiled, "Let's go see which snobby cousins are joining us now."

Hermione shook her head as Christina intertwined her arm with Hermione's. Leading her through the home, they went to the sitting room to see their Aunt Jolene and their cousins Jessica, Lynn, and Sue.

Sue looked at them as they entered the room, "Oh, you two are here. I thought that we were here first. Should have known the Honda was one of yours, I just merely thought it was one of the help's cars that forgot their place."

Aunt Jolene stood up, looking at Sue, "Hello Christina, Hermione. It has been too long."

Hermione hugged her as she came over to hug her, air kissing her in a way that weirdly reminded her of something that Purebloods would do.

"How are the children?" Aunt Jolene asked Christina.

"Terrors," Christina joked as Bianca laughed, "They keep me on my toes. Bianca spoiled me."

"So Hermione, you have been MIA for the last few years. You graduated from that fancy boarding school just now, right?" Her cousin, Jessica, asked.

"Oh yes, in 99. I already have my bachelor's degree, and I've started on my Master's in Juris," Hermione informed her.

Sue's manicured eyebrows raised, "You graduated in two years?"

"Yeah, she worked her ass off for it too."

Hermione smiled as Teddy ran over to her, and she picked him up, "Hey, Teddy bear, did you have a good nap?" Teddy buried his face in her curls, and she kissed his forehead.

A pair of arms found their way around her waist, "He woke me up when you got out of bed by sticking his finger in my nose."

Hermione snorted as Teddy laughed and picked his head up, looking at her, "I was checking for Daddy's bogeys. He snoring."

Hermione looked back at Harry, "You were snoring."

Harry rolled his green eyes behind his lenses, "Like you two don't."

"And who is this?" Sue asked, surprised.

Harry held his hand as he walked around Hermione, "Harry Potter. Nice to meet you."

"Hello Harry, how did you and Hermione meet?" Aunt Jolene asked.

"We went to boarding school together. We were in the same house, and without her, I wouldn't have made it to graduation," Harry said, looking at Hermione with a smile, "She has been stuck with me for 11 years now."

"Mommy, I have to potty," Teddy stated.

Juliet held her arms around, "Grandmum will take you."

Teddy hopped into her arms and told her about his dream where Crookshanks was chasing a mouse.

Cassandra smiled, "Harry, did you have to take off work to be here with us?"

"No, I'm at Cambridge University, just like Hermione. Hermione works at a bookstore, and I take care of Teddy," Harry told her.

"What degree are you going towards?" Cassandra asked.

"Law enforcement. I am hoping to be a detective in the future," Harry stated, "My father was killed in the line of duty by a suspect, so I want to be what he could not."

A man came to the doorway, "Madam, hors d'oeuvres have been served in the dining room."

Cassandra smiled, "Well, let's head to the dining room until the rest of the family comes."

After dinner, Hermione sipped her wine, watching Teddy play with her younger cousins. Her cousins were all trying to one-up each other with stories of their love lives and jobs. Harry sat beside her, squeezing her knee, "How are things?"

Hermione sighed as she set her wine glass down, "I feel like I am never good enough with them. I hate it."

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

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

"Oh, we-"

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

Hermione looked at him wide-eyed in surprise.

"How old is Teddy?" Mary-Beth asked.

Hermione sighed as Harry winked at her, "He will be four in April."

Mary-Beth stared at her, "You have raised him while going to school and graduating in only two years?"

Hermione shrugged, "I couldn't do it without Harry. I can't see myself doing this with a better partner."

Hermione stepped out of the bathroom after changing into her pajamas only to run into Juliet, "Hey, Mum."

"What was all that today?" Juliet asked.

Hermione bit her lip, "Honestly, I don't know. Harry just said things, and I went for it. He hasn't said anything. He put Teddy to bed, and I got ready for bed."

"No! I don't want to!" Came from Christina's room as the door disappeared.

Juliet and Hermione looked into the room. Christina stared at them, surprised by them from inside the bedroom.

Hermione stepped inside and looked at her cousin, Henry, who was red-faced and nearly had steam coming from his ears, "Well, Christina, looks like he is magical."

Pulling her wand out, Hermione made the door reappear. Juliet opened the door and closed it behind her. "Hermione's first magic was making books come to her. We thought she was just very fast."

"Teddy, conversely, can change his hair color," Hermione explained, "So at least you don't have to deal with that in daycare."

Christina looked at her, surprised, "How do you keep him from doing it?"

Hermione sighed, "It's been hard, but when he was younger, there was a potion that he could take to keep his hair brown. He can control it now that he is older."

Bianca looked at her wide-eyed, "Is he a metamorphmagus?"

Hermione nodded, "That he is."

"Is there a school for magical children? Before Beauxbatons and Hogwarts?" Christina asked Hermione.

Hermione shook her head, "No because Pureblood traditions have always had house elves and tutors teaching the children at home. I'm sure those with first-generation wizarding parents also get tutored by their parents and see things at home. Muggleborns get the disadvantage. If you have any questions, you know where to find me."

Christina hugged her, "Thank you."

"Now, I am going to bed. See you all in the morning," Hermione said as she yawned.

Juliet hugged her, "Goodnight, sweetheart. Love you, and sleep well."

"Love you too, Mum," Hermione said as she went into her bedroom, which she was sharing with Harry, to see him reading a book as Teddy lay on his stomach.

Harry looked up at her from his book, "Everything okay?"

Hermione pulled the covers back, "Henry just vanished the door to their room in anger."

Harry's eyebrows raised, "That's two more magical people in your family."

Hermione laid back and pulled the covers up to her chin, "Makes me wonder about my Dad's side. I never really saw that side. We didn't get together like this family. They are so much older than I am. They know nothing about me. I know nothing about them, really."

Harry set his book on the bedside table and turned the light off, careful not to jostle Teddy, "Do you want to reach out to them?"

Hermione sighed, "I don't know. The only time I ever saw them was at their weddings and funerals. Occasional birthday or anniversary party."

"So they could have hid being magical," Harry stated.

"Then why not come clean if they get the Daily Prophet?" Hermione said, "We've been in the prophet since fourth year.

Harry sighed, "Not everyone gets it?"

Hermione shook her head, "I'm tired. Goodnight."

"Night Hermione."

*~*~* December 25, 2001 *~*~*

"Harry said that you both went to France with your family."

Hermione looked away from Harry and Teddy before the Christmas tree to look at Andromeda, "We did. We spent the night and then headed home the next day."

Andromeda sipped her tea, "How were they with Teddy?"

Hermione bit her lip with a smile, "They loved him. My cousin has two boys around his age, and her oldest son did his first bit of accidental magic. She is my favourite cousin, so she asked if they could play together more."

Andromeda set her teacup down, "I am glad they got along well with him. Hey Harry, could you come here?"

Harry looked over the couch, "OK. Go ahead and keep building, kiddo." He got up and walked over to them, sitting beside Hermione, "What do you need?"

Andromeda folded her hands in front of her, "Kingsley and I wanted to speak with you, but of course, he was called in. I am feeling much better. My energy is getting there. Now that you two are back in England, Kingsley and I discussed it, and I would like to start having Teddy again slowly."

Hermione's heart lept into her throat as she reached for Harry's hand under the table.

"What do you want to do, Andromeda?" Harry asked, "We just bought a house, and I was able to expand his bedroom. If you are worried about that-"

"I am not talking about having him back full-time right away. He has been with you both for a year. I won't do that to him. I'm talking about a Saturday with Kingsley and me, as I feel better, maybe on the weekends. When both of you get solidified jobs, I could take him during the week, and when you are off for the weekends, he could be with you both."

*~*~* December 26, 2001 *~*~*

Hermione stood in the doorway to Teddy's future bedroom. A blue bedspread lay on the tiny bed, waiting for the small boy to sleep in it. Hermione sighed, "What are we going to do without him?"

Harry came up next to her, leaning his back against the door frame. "She only wants him one day a week until she feels more than 100%, and then for a weekend."

"For now," Hermione sighed, "Eventually, he will be there full time, and we will be where he visits."

Harry squeezed her shoulder, "Come on, let's get all we can do with him at Andromeda's. We have three days until Ron moves in."

Hermione ran her hand over her face, "There is so much we still need to buy, Harry," Hermione said as she looked up at him, "A bed for each of us for one, couches for two. I'm glad we have his room all set, at least."

"I'm sure there is a department store downtown where we can find everything," Harry suggested as he looked at the watch the Weasleys had given him. "It is Boxing Day. You know there will be sales. We have hours before we have to be at dinner at Kingsley and Andromeda's house."

Hermione looked at him, "Are you volunteering for shopping? Because I wasn't thinking of new, I was thinking more antique stores."

Harry shrugged, "We can go see what we can find."

Walking out of the antique store Got Legs in London, Hermione's anxiousness was starting to ease. They had purchased a nice brown leather recliner chair that Ron would love. Multiple bookshelves for Hermione to fit all around the house. They had also found a tan loveseat and sofa with an ottoman that also turned into a sleeper sofa in case a guest wanted to stay over. A rustic rectangle coffee table that would sit in the middle of the sitting room was also added to their purchases. The only thing they had not found for the sitting room was a TV console.

Hermione had also found and fallen in love with a decorative antique Victorian parlor table that cost nearly as much as the loveseat, recliner, and sleeper sofa combined. Still, Harry had told her they had to get it as Hermione had run her hands over the cool marbled surface that reminded her of Grandmere's house.

Hermione had found a small oak roll top desk for the dining room that they could share when working on reports at home. Harry thought she was too picky on the dining room table, saying, "We are just going to eat on it." So that was one purchase they still had to make, but Hermione was looking for a six-seat dining room table for the trio, Teddy, and any guests they may have. Harry found a gorgeous buffet sideboard and china hutch that was on sale for 220 pounds despite having no China. They had seen some China in his grandparents' vault. They planned to visit it for kitchenware, China, and maybe a dining table.

What Hermione loved the most was the antique black iron and brass queen-sized bed that she found. Upon seeing the headboard, it brought some dirty fantasies from the naughtiest books that she had ever read to her mind. Not that she had immediate plans for that reason, but she had put down 300 pounds to purchase it and another 300 pounds for a pair of black marble bedside tables that could double as small dressers. Which would give her more room for bookshelves, of course.

Harry had found a simple wooden bed frame for a full-sized bed with a cheap matching bedside table. Nothing fancy. They would both look in his vaults to see if they could find wardrobes. Harry's room was smaller than hers, so less was more. With what they had purchased, the house was now livable. When the delivery truck came to the house on Saturday, they had to move everything inside. Thankfully, sending a message through their coins, Seamus, Dean, Lavender, George, and Angelina were all offering to come over. Dean would paint a mural in Teddy's room of the Marauders on their monthly adventure. The drawing Dean had shown Harry had been perfect, and Hermione couldn't wait to see it on the wall behind where they would put his bed.

Harry exited the store beside her and bumped her, "You seem lost in thought."

Hermione smiled at him, "I'm just realizing we are adults. We have a house, well you do-"

"We do," Harry stated.

"We are taking care of a kid. I've graduated, and you are close to it. We made it, Harry," Hermione said in awe.

Harry flung his arm around her neck and kissed her head, "Couldn't have done it without you."

They started walking towards their car. "So I was thinking, that painting of the flowers-" Hermione said as Harry interrupted her. "Hermione, that was no flower. That was a… you know."

Hermione tried not to laugh as she looked at Harry with as straight of a face as she could, "I don't know what? It's a beautiful flower by a famous artist named Georgia O'Keeffe."

"Hermione, that is…" Harry swallowed hard, "A vagina."

Hermione laughed, "That is called the vulva, Harry. Also, it is widely speculated that they are exactly what they should look like."

Harry looked at her wide-eyed, "Seriously? Merlin!"

*~*~* December 29, 2001 *~*~*

Hermione was listening to some 70s rock off one of her father's favorite records as she sat on the floor in her new bedroom, organizing her books that had become disorganized when Seamus had dropped the books after trying to carry it without magic. Hermione sighed as she started the romance genre pile, throwing the book aside.

"What did that book do to you?"

Hermione glanced up, "Hey Ron, get your room all set up?"

Ron sat down on her bed, "Dean told me that all the orange was hurting his head, but I didn't bring much. It's the same furniture I've had in my bedroom at home. I need to go to Diagon Alley and get some."

Hermione set more books on her non-fiction stack, "Did Lavender already leave?"

Ron grabbed a book and opened it up, "Yeah, she has work early in the morning."

Hermione stared at him, "Everything alright?"

Ron sighed, "Yes and no. Yes, things are still going well, but no, we have been fighting."

Hermione turned towards him, "About?"

"Me moving in here with you and Harry. She feels that by us living together, old feelings will return," Ron stated.

Hermione stared at him and then laughed, "Seriously?!"

Ron glared at her, "Go ahead and laugh harder."

Hermione sighed as she got up and sat beside him, "Ron, take no offense. I love you, but we were terrible together, and you know it. You hated me putting my career and ambitions first. You need someone who puts you first and someone who can take care of you. Does Lavender make you dinner?"

Ron smiled, "Yeah, she does. She knows when I get off work, and she is there or brings me dinner late at night."

Hermione bumped his shoulder, "See, that's not me."

Ron grabbed her hand, "But what do you need, Hermione?"

With a sigh, she shrugged, "Harry, you, Teddy, and my career. Anything else, it's just extra."

*~*~* December 31, 2001 *~*~*

Harry popped into Hermione's bedroom as she was fussing with her hair. Hermione glanced at him through the reflection, "Nervous?" Harry asked her.

Hermione turned around and bit her lip, "What if she doesn't remember us?"

Harry pushed off her doorway and walked over to her. Pulling her into his embrace, Harry rested his head on hers, "If she doesn't remember us, we make new memories."

Ron knocked on the door, "You okay?"

Hermione quickly wiped the tear falling down her cheek, "Today, Harry and I get to go to the Elf Relocation office to claim Harmony, Swift, and Holly."

Ron's eyebrows raised, "Wait, we are going to have house elves?"

Hermione pivoted, "They will not be at our beck and call! We will make a contract and discuss what they want to do in the house. This will be their house as much as it is ours."

Harry nodded, "What she said."

Hermione sniffed, "Don't forget, Ron, that our rent is due on the 2nd. With the holiday, Gringotts will be open tomorrow."

"If you are late, it's okay," Harry said, rolling his eyes.

Hermione frowned, "Harry, I know you own the house, but you can't just let us have it easy since we are your friends. We are your tenants. You need to hold us liable."

"Solicitor Granger on the case," Ron said as Hermione hit him, "Hey! That hurt!"

Hermione took a deep breath and looked at Harry, "We mustn't be late, Harry."

Harry nodded and looked at Ron, "Will you be okay with Teddy?"

Ron looked at him, "Seriously? I'm fun Uncle Ron to Victoire. Luna said she was coming over to show what she had discovered on this trip. They made a big discovery, and she may not be completely loony."

Hermione nodded as they walked down the stairs, "She is unique, Ron. She never was completely crazy. She is a bit clairvoyant, is all."

Harry laughed as they walked over to their newly installed floo, "You used to think she was nuts, let's be honest, Hermione."

Hermione huffed, "We all believed things when we were younger that we learned better about. Are we going to go or not?"

"Teddy, we will be back," Harry said as he kissed the top of Teddy's head where he was playing with his animals.

"Bye Mommy Mione, Bye Daddy Harry," Teddy said, not even looking up.

Hermione took a handful of floo powder and threw it into the fireplace. She stepped into the green flames and yelled, "Ministry of Magic!"

Closing her eyes at the awful sensation of floo travel, she jumped out into the atrium. Walking towards the atrium, Harry climbed out of another fireplace and walked up beside her. Staring at the memorial to the fallen wizards and creatures, Hermione smiled, "I'm glad you recommended Dobby's likeness."

Harry grinned, "Imagine what he would think of it."

Hermione chuckled, "Oh, Harry Potter, sir, the great defender of wizards. Dobby be not worthy of a great wizard like Harry Potter."

Harry put his arm around her as they walked towards security and squeezed her shoulders, "He'd be proud of Miss Grangy too."

Hermione bit her lip, "He and Winky are the reason I am going in the direction of my life as it is."

They submitted their wands and went to the lifts. The doors opened, and Mark looked up, "Miss Granger, it's a pleasure to see you again. Starting back a week early?" Mark Sheel asked, looking at her over his file.

Hermione blushed, "No sir, I will still see you on the 7th. We are here to bond with our elf from our Child Rearing Project."

Mark nodded as he held his hand out to Harry as the lift moved, "Mark Sheel, head of Regulation and Magical Creatures."

"Harry Potter, it's nice to meet you, sir," Harry said, shaking his hand, "Hermione has had many positive things to say about you."

Mark smiled, "She is a very bright witch, and no offense is wasting her potential. Of course, I want to officially have her on my staff."

"Level Four"

The gates opened, and Harry stepped out first. Mark nodded at Hermione, "I'm going up. See you next week, Miss Granger."

"You as well," Hermione said as she led Harry out of the receiving area down to the Being Division of the DRCMC.

Opening the door, Hermione smiled, "Hello Linda."

The witch behind the desk looked up, "Hermione! Are you back?"

"No, not yet. Next week, I will be interning again. Linda, meet my friend Harry. Harry, this is Linda," Hermione said, leaning against Linda's desk.

Harry shook her hand, "Nice to meet you."

"Pleasure is mine, Mr. Potter. Go ahead down to Angela Watson's office. She is ready for you," Linda told them.

"Thank you, Linda," Hermione said as she grabbed Harry's hand.

Harry took in the doors they walked by, "Is this where you are when you are here?"

"I bounced between here at DMLE for my last internship. I shared a small office in the back to do my research for them. This time, Mark says I'll be helping all the divisions to see where I work best. More research and helping them write papers, as well as legal research. At least as a non-employee, hopefully, I will get that out of the way, so after graduation, I can go right into a position," Hermione told him as she knocked on the door.

The door opened, and a tall, older blond witch stood on the other side, "Hermione, should have known you would come with Mr. Potter. Hello sir, it's a pleasure to meet you, sir," Angela Wilson said as she shook his hand, "Please come in."

Hermione followed Angela and caught her breath as she saw three already there. Swift and Holly looked the same, wearing the Hogwarts uniforms as they had the last time they had seen them. Beside them was a smaller elf swinging her little legs in the chair, wearing a cute pink dress. When the door shut, six eyes looked over at them. The little girl grinned and jumped off her chair, running over to them, "Harry, sir! Hermione ma'am! Harmony is happy to sees you!"

Hermione crashed to her knees in front of her, "Hello, Harmony."

Harmony's little hand approached her face, "I missed you."

Hermione took her little hand as Harmony's face became blurry through tears, "I missed you too, Harmony, so much."

Swift jumped off his chair, "Mr. Potter, sir. You have a home for us now?"

Harry nodded, holding his hand out for Swift to shake, "Yes, Swift. It's not much, but Hermione, our friend Ron, myself and our godson are there. We have room for all three of you if you are willing."

"But you won't be just bonded to us. You will be part of the family. We want to pay you. You will be free to do what you want. We want to come up with an employment contract detailing payment, days off, and any conditions that you want," Hermione told him and Holly, "Also, Harmony, if she can take on her former appearance, we want her to have an education."

Holly gasped, "An education? Like schooling?"

Hermione nodded, "A fellow elf friend told us that house elves can change their appearance if their… owners approve. Our godson attends a nursery and we would love to pay for Harmony to go as well."

Holly jumped off the chair and hugged Hermione, "Yous are amazing, Miss Granger."

Hermione swallowed hard, "I want to change how elven kind is treated. With your help, I wish it to start with your family."

Holly looked up at Angela, "Whats do we need to do?"

Angela smiled, "It is relatively easy. A small enchantment. Headmistress McGonagall has already broken the bond between yourselves and Hogwarts. Harry must complete the bond acceptance, and you can all go home."

Hermione opened the door to the basement and turned the lights on, "You are free to decorate this whole space for how you wish."

Harry brought up the rear behind Hermione, Swift, Holly, and Harmony, "I'm sure through your magic, you could remodel this space even. Whatever you need, just let us know. Like Hermione said, this is your space to do what you wish. Our home is your home. There is a storage room you can make into a bedroom or even separate bedrooms. Obviously, you are free to come upstairs, but we figured you should also have your own space. Kreacher, my godfather's elf, had only a cupboard for himself. I refuse to be that way. If there are ever any issues you both have, please bring them to our attention." Harry swallowed hard, "It's been a couple years of therapy, but my family treated me like a house elf. I would have to cook and clean for them and care for the outside of the house, all before I was at Hogwarts. This is why we wanted to have the contract, and once you are settled in, we can sit down and amend it. Holly said she would help with cooking and cleaning and Harmony's schooling until you feel she is ready to go to nursery with Teddy. We want to ensure we all know the responsibilities, so none are overstepped."

Hermione nodded, "Like Harry said earlier, you are not just his employee. You are now part of our family. We will let you all get settled in."

Harry handed Swift a small Gringotts bag, "As we agreed, your compensation is 10 galleons a week. I wish you would let me give you more."

"No, Master Potter, sir. That's is plenty, sir," Swift stated, "With this room and dinners with the… family, we's don't know what we will dos with even 10 galleons. House elves know how to make do."

Harry nodded, "And please, it's just Harry. She is just Hermione, Ron is just Ron, and Teddy is just Teddy. Because you are bonded to me and my home, that does not mean I am your master. You are free to discuss and do what you choose."

Holly squeezed her little hands before her, "Such an honor to work for you both."

Hermione picked Harmony up and gave her a hug before setting her down. "We will let you all get settled. We will be upstairs."

Hermione glanced at the fireplace as it lit up green, and then Ginny stumbled out. "Hey, Ginny."

"I made it! Three parties and still got here with," Ginny looked at her watch, "Twenty minutes to spare!"

Hermione tried not to let the look of disappointment cross her face, "You went to three parties?"

"Yeah, two of my teammates had parties, then Seamus and Dean told me about one in Muggle London. Those Muggles know how to party," Ginny said as she kicked her heels off, "Where is Harry?"

"Putting Teddy to bed. He tried to stay up and finally crashed about 10 minutes ago," Hermione told her as Ron and Lavender walked into the room and paused when he saw Ginny.

"When did you get here?" Ron asked her as he kicked her legs off the coffee table to walk over to the recliner so that he could sit, and Lavender sat on his lap.

"Just a second ago, hey Lavender, how is Gringotts?" Ginny asked.

Lavender shrugged, "Wouldn't know. I quit," Lavender sighed as Ron rubbed her arms, "Too many Purebloods were coming in and making a stink about me being there."

Hermione frowned, "Seriously? And they fired you!?"

"No, I left. Madam Malkin hired me," Lavender told them as Harry entered the room, "You know I've always liked fashion. I just thought I'd try and see if she was hiring. She wants to expand, so she asked for some ideas."

Hermione opened the bottle of wine on the table as Harry sat down next to Ginny and kissed her cheek. Pouring a glass for everyone as the countdown was down to eight minutes, Hermione got up.

Harry grabbed her arm, "Where are you going?"

Hermione looked at her arm, then at him, "To get another glass for Ginny."

Harry nodded as he let go of her hand. Hermione walked into the kitchen and sighed as she leaned against the counter.

"Are you okay?"

Hermione looked up at Harry, "Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" Hermione reached up and picked another glass, "I just came in for the glass and some biscuits."

Harry grabbed the jar with biscuits she had made, "Come on, we are going to miss midnight."

Walking back into the sitting room, Hermione sat down on the couch. Setting the glass in front of Ginny, Hermione picked up her own and downed the remaining amount.

"Thirty more seconds until 2002!" The announcer stated.

"I think 2002 is going to be a big year for us," Ginny said with a smile as she squeezed Harry's hand.

"10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1, Happy New Year!"

Hermione refilled her glass as she watched Ron and Lavender kiss. Unfortunately, she heard Ginny and Harry kissing beside her. As Ginny climbed onto Harry's lap, Hermione tipped back her glass and gulped down her wine. Standing up, Hermione walked to the stairs and went to her bedroom.

Turning the light on in her room, she saw a small pile of books, baby blue bedsheets, and fluffy pillows on her bed, not put there by herself. Hermione couldn't help the tears that fell down her face as she turned the lights off and climbed into bed, pulling the fluffiest pillow to her. Squeezing her eyes shut, she pledged to herself that she would move on this year. Even if it was not to meet Mr. Right for her plan, she would put herself out there and date.

*~*~* January 13, 2002 *~*~*

Sitting in the sitting room with some of her files surrounding her, Hermione attempted to organize the mess of the organization system at the Spirit division when Holly said, "Hermione, I have the new books that were delivered for you."

"Thank you, Holly. Did you get the books for Harmony?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, thank you," Holly said as she cleaned the coffee table.

Hermione sat back against the recliner, "Holly, other than house elves, do you think any other creatures could benefit from schooling? I was thinking centaurs, of course."

"Goblins," Holly suggested, "Fairies, possibly gnomes."

Hermione chewed on her lip, "There needs to be a wizarding primary school. One safe for accidental magic that will be friendly for magical creatures and wizards alike." Jumping up, Hermione went to the fireplace and threw floo powder inside. Kneeling before it, she yelled, "Hogwarts HeadMistress office!"

When everything stopped spinning, she saw McGonagall sitting at her desk, "Hermione!" She stated, surprised.

"I am so sorry to interrupt, but I have an idea, and I want to sound it off to you," Hermione stated.

"Come on through," McGonagall stated.

Hermione stepped through and dusted herself off, "So Harry bonded with Harmony."

McGonagall smiled, "Glad to hear that. You two had a wonderful relationship with her."

"That's the thing, I don't want her just to be another servant or slave. I want more for her," Hermione said as she started pacing, "Then I think of Teddy and his abilities. We constantly worry that he will relax too much and change his appearance at school." Hermione stopped and looked at McGonagall, "What if there was a primary school like Hogwarts? At first, just for Purebloods and Half-bloods that know about magic already and magical creatures that could benefit from a real education," Glancing at Minerva, Hermione smiled, "But what if, in the future, once established the school can introduce magic to students BEFORE Hogwarts? When do they first experience their accidental magic?"

McGonagall took her glasses off and looked at Hermione, "Muggleborn students appear in the book of admittance at the moment of their first showing of accidental magic."

"And the book is here? Correct?" Hermione asked, leaning on McGonagall's desk.

"Yes, I confer with it every year for the list for the new year," McGonagall stated as she sat back, "This is bigger than us though, Hermione. We need Kingsley's approval and, more than likely, the Wizengamot to vote on it. You need to figure out a board to oversee the decisions. I will be on it, obviously." McGonagall smiled at her, "Do you know who would be great for this and has all the time to help you?"

"Who?" Hermione asked, confused.

"Molly Weasley."

*~*~* January 14, 2002 *~*~*

After spending the morning typing up people's reports on a typewriter, Hermione was already exhausted. Stopping down at level eight for the Ministry's cafeteria, she ordered a coffee and a salad.

Taking the text she had borrowed from the Ministry's library about the legal cases about ghosts in dwellings, Hermione started scanning for instances where the spirit had been removed, as was the case in which the wizarding solicitors were trying to fight. She was just about to put a forkful of salad into her mouth when someone sat across her.

"I feel like I've flashed back into the past. Five years and nothing has changed."

Hermione looked up to see a familiar-looking wizard. He had hard brown hair and steel blue eyes, with a bit of a five o'clock shadow already covering his face. Hermione realized she knew this wizard, "Wait, Theo Nott?"

"About time Granger. So, you finally gave in to the Ministry," Theo stated.

"Do you work here?" Hermione asked him.

"In the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes," Theo told her as he waved to someone, and a woman with long silky blonde hair came over near them, "Do you remember Daphne Greengrass? She works in the Department of International Magical Cooperation."

*~*~* February 23, 2008 *~*~*

"Hold up, wait a second. Why is meeting Theo and Daphne for the first time central to your life story?" Luna asked, snapping Hermione out of her memory retelling.

Hermione opened her eyes, looking over at her from lying on her couch, "Sorry, what?"

"You are telling me about meeting Theo and Daphne for the first time. Yes, they are our friends now, but why do you feel they are central to your book?" Luna asked.

"Because they were the first snakes to invade our lives," Harry said as he came into the office with a tray and set it on the desk, "How are things going?"

"We are up to when I started my second internship at the Ministry in 2002," Hermione told him as she sat up and groaned.

"Are you okay?" Harry asked, kneeling down next to her.

Hermione smiled as she touched his face, "I am fine, just a little tired."

Harry leaned forward and kissed her, making her body sing, "No wonder, you two have been in here since Luna got here this morning, and it's," Harry glanced at his watch, "Three in the afternoon, and you are only at January of 2002."

Hermione tucked a piece of stray hair behind his ear, "I want to ensure that Luna has enough material. I know she will weed out most of it. Daphne and Theo's internship in their departments when I was in my final internship at the DRCMC and becoming part of our friends' group was the start of many things for the future. Theo's relationship wouldn't have happened, and Daphne and Blaise named me Gabrielle's godmother. Should would have thought once a Mudblood, now a Snake godmother."

Harry looked at Luna, "Tie it up before dinner, alright? Don't let her tire herself out. She gets tired so easily anymore." Harry kissed her forehead, "I'll be downstairs if you need me."

Hermione poured the teapot into a cup, "Wait, tea? I thought it was coffee," Hermione said as she turned to look at him.

Harry looked back at her with a grin as he put his hand on the doorframe, "Less caffeine is better for the baby. I can read too, you know. I found your What to Expect When You Are Expecting book. I'm researching and will make sure that baby is the healthiest baby ever."

Hermione turned back to Luna as Harry shut the door.

"At least he wants to be involved with your pregnancy," Luna stated.

Hermione smiled, "Yeah, this is true. Now, the only other important area of January was…"

*~*~* January 19, 2002 *~*~

Hermione walked into the sitting room where Harry was watching TV, "Hey Harry, when I was researching the education bill that went through the Wizengamot last, your grandma Potter was on the board for it. So, is it okay if I pop into their house and talk to her portrait?"

Harry looked back at her, "Sure, I'll go with you. I need to talk to them about what they want done with the place." Harry stood up, grabbing his phone.

Hermione looked at him, "Waiting for a phone call from Ginny?"

"She told me she'd call me after the game. The Bangers are who they are playing, so hopefully, it's a fast game," Harry told Hermione.

Hermione grabbed her beaded bag and slipped her boots on, "Alright, I'm ready."

Harry opened the door and headed out first. Turning the lights off, Hermione heard Harry yell out. Heading to the door, Hermione saw Harry lying on the ground, "Oh my goodness, Harry! Are you okay?" Hermione asked as she stepped outside, suddenly knowing why Harry was on the ground. She felt her feet lose traction and fell forward directly onto Harry.

Harry groaned as he grabbed her, but she still fell directly on him.

"Sorry!" Hermione stated as she looked down at him.

Harry laughed as his head hit the cold snow under him, "Jesus, Hermione, this brings back memories of our third year."

Hermione snorted as she rested her head on his chest, "I forgot about that," She laughed.

Harry touched her forehead, "Your forehead is red."

"Your chest is harder than it was back then since you aren't scrawny anymore," Hermione said as they heard the pop of someone apparating into their yard, and she looked up to see Ginny.

"What the hell?" Ginny asked, seeing them.

Harry looked back at her as Hermione scrambled off Harry, "Hey Gin, did you guys win?"

"No, they caught the Snitch in ten minutes. One of the quickest games in history," Ginny said as Harry stood up, catching himself on Hermione as he nearly slipped again, "What the hell did I pop in on?"

"We fell, Ginny," Harry said.

Ginny bit her lip angrily, "You and me inside, now."

Hermione looked between them, "Um…I'm going to go now. I'll let you two… talk things out." Hermione looked at them, nodded, then walked to the area of their yard that they had cast the notice me not charms on then disapparated to Potter Manor.

Opening the gates, she walked across the bridge to the house, amazed that the bridge was cleared of snow. When she reached the front door, they opened, and Beeky stood inside, "Miss Hermione, please come in out of the cold."

"Thank you, Beeky," Hermione stepped inside, dusting the snow off her coat and wiping her shoes off the welcome mat.

"Is Master Harry coming?" Beeky asked, taking her coat.

"He was going to, but I think he is otherwise disposed. I just wish to confer with Mrs. Potter if that is alright," Hermione told Beeky.

"Right through here," Beeky stated, leading her to the room where the Potters' talking portraits were now displayed together.

"Hermione!" Euphemia exclaimed as she saw her, "What a pleasant surprise."

"Hello, Mrs. Potter, Mr. Potter," Hermione said as she sat on the couch before the fireplace they were displayed next to.

"Darling, it is Euphemia and Fleamont," Euphemia told her, "Is Harry with you?"

"No, ma'am, just myself. I actually wish to pick your brain about an idea of mine," Hermione told her.

Fleamont laughed, "Pick your brain. Is that a muggle saying?"

Euphemia looked at him, "Fleamont Henry Potter!"

"Sorry dear, continue Hermione," Fleamont stated.

"I wish to open a school for magical children before they reach eleven, but I don't want it to be only for magical families. I also want it to be for magical creatures like elves, goblins, and centaurs. Any magical creature that would be interested in attending will be welcome. I already talked to Minerva McGonagall, the headmistress of-"

Euphemia gasped, "Minnie is the headmistress now?!"

Hermione nodded. "We discussed that the school's ledger will be notified when Muggleborn students have their first accidental magic. We could identify Muggleborn students earlier to introduce them to the magical world. I want to include the parents early, so they don't feel excluded like my parents were."

Euphemia disappeared from her frame and appeared within Fleamont's frame, "Harry doesn't want to live here, Fleamont. Why don't we have him use this place? It was too big for us and James. It was a waste."

Hermione looked at them, surprised, "Have the school here?"

Euphemia smiled, "It's one of the biggest properties outside of Hogwarts, and it is as it is. Why not? You and Harry can expand it if necessary. As long as it hadn't been sold off, there were many acres to use. A Quidditch pitch. All I ask is that my rose garden stays."

Hermione looked at her, "Your rose garden?"

"Out back, follow the gravel path to the cherub statue. Place your hand on its cheek, and the gates should appear," Euphemia stated, "Even if it is the winter, you must go see it."

"Thank you, ma'am. I will discuss this with Harry and get back to you," Hermione nodded.

Walking out of the house, she followed the gravel path and found the said statue. Placing her hand on the cheek of the cherub, a gate appeared covered in flowers that should have been impossible in the winter. Reaching out, the gate opened on its own accord as if it were inviting her inside.

Tall hedges surrounded the little garden, and Hermione spun around in awe at all the roses of various colors surrounding her. A swing moved in an invisible breeze as if it were calling her. Walking over to it, she sat down and pushed off to sway.

"Hmmm… you don't seem to be a Potter, but I sense the Potter magic in you."

Hermione gasped as the statue in the middle of the small pond spoke, "I'm sorry, you startled me."

"My apologies, I am Linfred of Stinchcombe, the first of the Potterers, now the Potters," His voice stated as a ghost appeared from behind the statue, "I sense a bond in you."

Hermione stared at him, "Ghosts can sense bonds?"

"I have been but a spirit for many years, protecting and watching over my family," He stated, "It has been some time since a human has come to this place. What year is it?"

"2002," Hermione stated as the ghost glided back, "I am Hermione Granger. My best friend is Harry Potter."

"You are soulmates. If you were not, you would not be able to enter this garden, for I was buried here. For centuries, Potters have come here for solace and clarity," Linfred stated.

Hermione stood up and walked closer, "I have a question for you. I wish to turn this place into a school. I want the school to be available to all intelligent creatures and Muggleborns before Hogwarts age."

Linfred smiled, "You will be the best of us, Potters. Not even one of us, and already fighting for our family motto."

Hermione asked him, curious, "What is the Potter family motto?"

"Legacy never dies for that it lives in us," Linfred stated, "Each Potter has left their unique mark on the world. When your time comes to be a Potter, you will as well."

"That is if I become a Potter," Hermione stated, "Each passing day, it becomes less likely."

Hermione kicked her shoes off as she entered the front door of their home, "Harry? Ron? I'm home!"

Ron came to the dining room doorway as Hermione set the bouquet of roses she had brought from the garden, "Hey, Hermione," Ron slurred.

"Oh Ronald, you've been drinking?" Hermione stated, disappointed.

Ron scoffed, "If you think I'm pissed, you should see Harry. Ginny broke up with him."

Hermione put her coat on the rack and followed Ron into the dining room. Harry threw bottle caps in some obviously improvised game that he and/or Ron had created with the at least ten bottles she could see, "Harry honey, are you okay?"

Harry looked at her, "Ginny broke up with me," Harry sighed, "She said she needed time and space. Then Lavender broke it off with Ron, too. You didn't break up, did you too?"

Hermione sat down next to him, "I would have to be with someone to do that," Hermione looked at Ron, "Is there anything I can do?"

Ron shrugged, "Lav said she was tired of me being controlling. You, then her, bloody hell, I must do it. I don't think I do."

Hermione looked at the clock to see it was nearly 11pm and that she had spent almost six hours at Potter Manor discussing ideas for the school with Linfred and the Potters, "I think you both need to go to bed, sleep off the impending hangovers and wake up with a new perspective."

Ron moved his chair backward and knocked it over, "Ah shite, everything just moved."

Hermione stood up and looked at Harry, "You stay here. I will take Ron upstairs and be back for you."

Harry huffed, "I'm not a child." He stood up and nearly tripped over his feet, "Maybe I'll just sleep down here."

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Come on, Ron, let's get you upstairs."

After getting Ron safely up the stairs and into bed, Hermione returned to the stairs to get Harry. She sighed as she saw Harry slumped over his head down on the table. "Harry, let's get you upstairs before you pass out."

Harry groaned, looking at her with glazed eyes, "Let me just drown."

Hermione shook her head, "No, you don't. Come on, up." Ignoring the swear words, he drunkenly mumbled, "Harry, you must go to bed."

Harry swallowed hard as he looked at her with sorrow filled eyes, "Hermione, she's gone, and it's all my fault."

"It's not your fault," Hermione replied, "But sitting here and drowning yourself in beer won't bring her back. Let's get you to bed. Tomorrow is a new day."

Harry tried to stand, and his legs wobbled, so Hermione quickly moved to the side. Slipping an arm around his waist to support him, they slowly made it up the staircase to his room, Harry stumbling over his feet with each step. Finally, they reached the small room, and Hermione guided him to sit on the edge of the bed. When he attempted to pull his shirt off and struggled, Hermione guided him out of his shirt.

Harry looked at her with sudden focus, "You are the only one I can ever depend on, Hermione," He slurred, "The only one that understands me."

Hermione swallowed hard, "I'm always here for you, Harry," she said softly as she assisted him in lying down and pulled his blankets over his body. As she tucked him in, his hand reached out and touched her face, his thumb brushing over her cheek, sending a shiver down her spine as her body reacted in a way that betrayed her.

"Harry," Hermione said as he pulled her towards him and leaned up to kiss her, causing her to feel as if her heart were exploding.

The kiss was soft and hesitant but set her body alight with a fire she had never felt before. Her mind suddenly went quiet, but the moment was short-lived as he pulled back, his eyes heavy with sleep.

"Goodnight, Hermione," He mumbled as he rolled over.

Her mind raced suddenly as fast as her heart as she tried to make sense of the moment, but all she could focus on was the phantom feeling of his lips finally on hers. Standing stunned, staring at him, she finally snapped back into focus when his drunken snores filled the room.

With a shaky breath, she walked over to his door and looked back at him, "Goodnight, Harry," She whispered as she turned the lights off and then quietly shut his bedroom door.

*~*~* February 23, 2008 *~*~*

"I did what?"

Hermione glanced over at Harry standing in the doorframe, then looked at Luna, "And needless to say, he didn't remember it."

"What the fuck, Hermione?!" Harry said as he walked over and knelt before her, "Why didn't you tell me that morning?"

"Because you woke up hungover and in a terrible mood. I said I'd give it a couple days, but then you never mentioned it. You were depressed over Ginny, and I wasn't going to go and get slapped in the face if you just did it because you were drunk. I told myself I'd give you a month, and then after a month, I'd tell you what you did," Hermione told him sadly.

Harry sighed as he ran his hand over his face, "I'm an idiot."

"I think that is what the book should be subtitled. Kindred Souls: How Big of an Idiot Harry Potter Really Is," Luna suggested as Harry glared at her.

A/n: I am blown away by the response from the last chapter. Thank you, thank you, thank you for following, subscribing and for those who review! FYI some already do, but you can follow me on TikTok PrincessWinter and on Tumblr siriuslyprincesssarah. I post when I update this story and on Tumblr I will be giving sneak peeks as well!

With that a special thank you to this week's new follower: lordwitherdale

And reviewer- Yaw6113: Thank you for reading and reviewing!

So from the beginning I have been thinking about this being "narrated" by Hermione as she tells their story to Luna. One of the tags in fact is about Hermione being an unreliable narrator. I decided to bring it to the surface of the story as a way to include Harry at points as well. It won't be all the time, but as Ted in How I Met Your Mother narrated his story to his kids, Hermione is narrating it to Luna as is seen in this chapter.

One more week until my staycation starts and I cannot wait to just do nothing, but write (I hope)!

Preview of Chapter 24- Castles Crumbling

"Pepper Up potion and a hangover remedy," Hermione stated as she ran her hand over her face, "But like I said, why are you guys here. I thought we talked all this out yesterday."

Juliet looked at Dan and then sighed. She looked at Hermione, "There is something we need to tell you. We should have told you years ago, but it changes nothing," Juliet told her.

Hermione frowned, "What?"