a/n: I continued this story on that other fanfic site. I'm moving the chapters over here now as I pick this story back up. I'll also be posting the drabbles from this universe.

Chapter 6: Ad meliora ~ Toward better things

The warmth of the sun hit Hermione's face. She felt the soft pillowcase press up against her cheek. Burying her head further into the pillow she felt her swollen bruise protest. The sharp pain brought back the memories of the previous day. Had it all happened in one day, she wondered. That must have been a dream. She was so convinced it had been, her mind was ready to see the inside of the tent when she opened her eyes. Despite the lack of smell from the old, beaten up canvas, that had to be the answer. Everything from Malfoy Manor to the battle at Hogwarts was all made up in her sleeping mind. Part dream and part nightmare. That also meant she and Harry hadn't shared their first kiss, their first time. Hermione desperately wanted that to be reality. She had to open her eyes and either let the dream fade away, lost to her subconscious, or embrace her new world. Finally, her eyelids fluttered, the familiar room came into view. Twelve Grimmauld Place. A smile pulled at the corner of her mouth. It was real. Voldemort was dead, the Death Eaters defeated, Harry loved her. All of it. Rolling onto her back, she assessed her situation. She was alone. Running her hand along Harry's side of the bed, it was cold. He'd been up for a while. Likely wanting to let her sleep in. A dark thought crossed her mind, wondering if he'd regret anything now that the threats were gone and the heat of battle wasn't forcing them to think any day could be their last. If the war was over, would he rethink his choices.

Then it hit her. Delphini. They had agreed to adopt an infant. What did they know about caring for a baby? That thought had her sitting up. She needed books. So many books. Her ribs warned her not to move so fast. Slowing her pace, she grabbed her vine wand from the nightstand and summoned her clothes. She had removed the dirt and blood, still they needed a good cleaning. Or a burning. Summoning her beaded bag turned up nothing. Strange. Maybe it was downstairs. She knew she had it when they apparated away from the school. She had it at the table when they realized the deathly hallows were together. Glancing at the elder wand on the night stand, she still wasn't sure what to make of it. Padding over to the dresser, she found the extra clothing Harry wore while they were staying at the house the previous year. No bras, she'd have to address that problem later. Slipping on the smallest pair of briefs, a drawstring pant, and a cozy henley she wondered at how the simple act of donning clean clothes could make someone feel more human.

Reaching up, she felt the mess of her hair. A hair tie was doing a valiant effort holding it all together. Removing the elastic band, she ran her hands through the tangled curls a few times before pulling it up again into a messy bun. It was a good thing she and Harry had seen each other at their worst. He wouldn't bat an eye at her messy appearance. At least she didn't have to worry about making herself up for him. Intentionally avoiding a mirror, Hermione made her way to the top of the stairs. She listened. Trying to figure out where Harry had gotten off to. The sound of dishes clanking against each other echoed from the kitchen. It was likely Kreacher. She could use a coffee. Walking slowly down the steps, she was only half way down with the front door opened and the obnoxious defenses announced the arrival.

Her wand was up until she heard Harry's voice cursing the visage of Dumbledore and the hysterics of Walburga. Suppressing the laugh, she held her position on the middle step.

"Kreacher! We need to move this painting. If that means we have to move the wall so be it," he said and stopped short. "Hey you. I was afraid that nonsense would wake you." He gave one last scowl to the entryway and took the steps two at a time to meet her where she was at, kissing her as soon as they were close enough. When he pulled away, he searched her eyes. "Maybe you can move Dumbledore too? Or we can just make a new front door and seal that up for good."

He wasn't just in a good mood, he seemed relaxed and playful. Relief washed over her. Placing her hand on his chest, she leaned in and kissed him deeply. Feeling his body respond, he pressed her against him, they both reveled in the moment. They were breathless when they pulled away. "Good morning," she said, her eyes flitting from his eyes to his mouth.

"Good afternoon," he countered. Taking her hand, he looked up and down the steps. Trying to decide if he was going to take her back to bed or down to get some lunch. "We have a lot to do," he explained with some regret and pulled her down the steps and into the dining area. He pulled out a chair for her as food appeared in front of her.

Hermione's stomach growled at the sight. Grabbing a piece of toast she watched Harry produce her bag from an inside pocket. "There it is. I couldn't find it and had to grab something from the dresser.

"I noticed," Harry said, and opened the bag. His hand and forearm disappeared, pulled out a few parcels.

"You went shopping?" she asked in confusion. It seemed so very normal. They could just go out and buy things.

"I stopped at Gringotts first. Made sure my account was right. It seems the Goblins took their jobs seriously. Not a single knut out of place," he explained. Pulled out another brown wrapped bundle and handed them directly to her.

Curious, Hermione set her fork down and unwrapped it. Tears pricked her eyes. "You got me books," she said.

Harry looked on in concern. "The muggle woman said they were really useful for her when she adopted her first."

Her hands traced the titles. Parenting books. They were really doing it. The weight of the decision made her fears grow. They were going to be parents. By the end of the day.

"Narcissa sent an owl, they'll be ready for us after five. They're going to meet us in Hogsmeade, at the Hog's Head," he continued. Struggling to pull out some bulky items he quickly had the table and floor covered with boxes and bags.

Hermione sat dumbfounded.

"She included a list of things Delphini would need. I only got the things we would need the first week. I didn't want to buy too much without you," he said and finally looked at Hermione. His uncertainty was evident.

Hermione stood and walked around the table to survey the items. Diapers, formula, a crib, a stroller, a bouncy seat, blankets, clothes, bottles…. The inventory seemed endless. Pulling a Quidditch themed mobile from a nearby bag, she looked incredulously at Harry. "Just the things she'll need this week?"

"She needs stimulation," he argued.

She wrapped her arms around his bicep and leaned her head on his shoulder. "What if she doesn't like Quidditch?"

He flashed her a look of horror. "Why would you say that? I'm not saying she needs to be a seeker or anything."

"A beater would be okay," she said through a laugh.

"A respectable position. Maybe we should get her a bat," he wondered aloud. The silence descended as they each considered what they were about to do. "It's okay I bought this without you, right? You really needed to sleep and I thought it would be more stressful sorting it out once we had Delphini."

"Of course," she answered. She didn't think she knew enough to have an opinion about anything they needed.

Harry looked up at her, studied her. His fingers brushed the bruise on her cheekbone.

Hermione took his hand. She knew he still had guilt over the things he did to her when he was possessed. "I'm okay. Really." Returning to her seat, she opened one of the books to the table of contents, trying to decide what chapters would be the most useful.

Harry pulled a parchment from the bag and set it down on top of the book. "Narcissa sent this to you. Just to you. I didn't open it," he explained, used his want to levitate the supplies, sending them up to the second floor. "I'm going to set this up in the room across from ours."

She nodded as she stared at the letter. "Sounds good," she said absently and then unfolded the note.

Miss Granger. Hermione. I know there are no words I can say or write that would excuse the abuse you've endured. There is a reckoning coming. That may be of little comfort to you now. Perhaps it should give you hope. Hope is all I have. Hope that Draco will not be judged for my family's sins. Hope that redemption will be possible. Hope that Delphini can avoid the mistakes her parents made. I understand this may be viewed as incredibly selfish when considering the world my sister wanted for muggleborns. Your willingness to want a better life for Delphini… to not just want it but to be the one to give it to her proves my hope is not misplaced. Being a mother is the best thing I have ever done, despite my obvious failures to protect him. I am guessing this morning you may have doubts. When I was pregnant I had months to tackle my fears and self doubt. I can't imagine coming to terms with everything overnight. I know you won't look at my life and think I could be a source of parenting advice so I will spare you the platitudes. I wanted to write this and tell you as a mother your job is to intend to do what's best for your child. You've proven that by deciding Delphini didn't deserve a world where she would be judged for her parent's crimes and she didn't deserve thinking her parents didn't want her. You've done the hardest thing a parent can do, disrupt your world, change your future to do what's best for them. You're already a mother. Never doubt that.

I also wanted you to know you will never have to worry about interference from my family in your life or Delphini's. We will watch from a distance, root for your success and celebrate her accomplishments. I would make an unbreakable vow to prove this to you if I thought that's an area of magic you would be amenable toward. We have set up an anonymous trust for Delphini in your name at Gringotts. All gold in the vault was gained legally. Draco insisted we needed to assure that was the case. You will have access until she turns 17, then it will transfer to her. You will find the amount will be more than enough to ensure Delphini is raised well and will have no wants. Draco also informs me you may see value in having some wants.

We owe you and Harry a debt that can never be repaid.

Narcissa Ursula Black

Hermione sat with the words for several minutes. There wasn't much about the Malfoys she thought she would ever want to emulate. And yet, she would always be linked to them through this secret. It left her wondering how fair it would be to Delphini to keep that secret from the child. She'd have to discuss that with Harry. He'd have more insight into the damage done by not knowing about his past sooner. Guessing that would be a problem at a much later date, she set the note aside and walked up the stairs to find Harry. Stopping in the doorway of the bedroom she saw him struggling with the crib. "What are you doing?"

He looked up, wiped his brow with his shirt sleeve. "Trying to figure out these instructions," he said, waving the paper around.

"With tools?" she asked, pulled out her wand and righted the mess.

Harry stood up and joined her at the door. "I thought it was something I should do with my hands."

"We'll have plenty of challenges that can't be solved with magic. I think we can take the easy wins," she told him.

Tossing the small allen wrench into the empty box, he took her hand. "You're probably right. I was going to change the color of the walls in here. Grey doesn't seem like a nursery color."

"You want to paint it yourself or can we just transfigure it?" she teased.

Motioning for her to cast the spell, he said. "I was thinking yellow. Like a goldenrod."

At that she laughed. These were things she never thought they'd have the time or opportunity to talk about. It never occurred to her that he would have opinions about decorating a house, let alone their house. With a flick of her want, the grey was transformed to a happy goldenrod with cream trim. They had the crib, changing table, and dresser. It was a start. Stepping inside the room, she found the mobile and attached it to the head board. The players spun happily around three hoops. A golden snitch flitted about as a game played out on a loop.

Harry wrapped his arms around her from behind. Watched the toy. "What did Narcissa have to say?"

"They've set up a vault for Delphini at Gringotts. We'll have access to it until she turns 17. And she promised no one from her family would interfere with us, with Delphini."

Harry waited, sensing there was something on her mind.

"I think one day we should tell her who she is. I don't want to lie to her. That seems worse than the truth."

Taking a small breath, he hugged her tighter. "That's not something we can put back in the bottle once it's out," he said. "And we won't know how she'll take it until we tell her."

Hermione wasn't expecting him to resist the idea. Turning in his arms, she leaned against the railing of the crib. "I'd defer to you. You know how it feels to find out your family had been lying to you for years about your parents."

His eyes narrowed as he considered her words. "I'm not sure this is the same thing. The Dursley's weren't keeping the truth from me to protect me. It was to protect themselves. I think we can wait and see how she grows up. What she needs from us. If she can handle it."

"You're right. I know. I'd hate for her to find out some other way than from us. Secrets like this don't stay secret."

"I think it's a conversation we keep having until we have a clear answer," he encouraged her.

"Deal," she agreed and moved toward the door. "I need a shower and should change. I don't want to meet our daughter wearing your underwear."

At that his eyebrows went up and his eyes looked down at her. "You're wearing my underwear?"

"You had my bag and all my clothes," she said with an eye roll at his look of arousal. "Will you stop? How is that sexy?"

"I want to see," he said, following her down the hall to the bathroom.

~~/~~

The pair apparated to Hogsmeade hand in hand. Harry could tell Hermione was nervous. Her palms were sweaty and she kept adjusting her grip as they headed for the Hog's Head Inn. He stopped her at the entrance. "If you're not sure about this, we can ask for another day to think it over," he told her. Surprised to find he had no doubts, he wouldn't fault her if she had second thoughts.

"It's not that. What if she doesn't like us?"

Her question was so earnest, Harry did his best not to laugh at her. "She's a baby. I'm not sure she's that discerning."

"You know what I mean. What if she's better off with a pureblood family," she said, her voice conveyed a tone that told him she didn't really believe what she was saying.

He turned her toward him. Studying her eyes, he saw so many emotions swirling within. "Do you think that's true? Do you think she'd be better off with the Malfoys or the Lestranges?"

Her eyes fluttered as she processed the thought. "No. But maybe she'll think that. Maybe she'll be embarrassed by a mudblood mother."

These doubts ran much deeper than the question of parenthood. Harry could give her a minute to deal with her insecurities. After all, she just spent a year targeted over her blood status, being told by the Ministry of Magic that she was inferior. And years before that, by the Malfoys no less. "Pureblood supremacy is taught. She's going to grow up seeing what a talented, powerful, competent witch you are. There is no way she will believe someone who tells her that her mother is less than anyone," he told her, not sure if he was getting through. "The reason we're doing this is because if people knew who her real parents were, both with direct connections to the sacred twenty-eight, she would be condemned to a life of hate and ridicule."

Hermione wiped at her eyes. "I'm overthinking."

"It happens to the best of us," he joked, rubbed his hands up and down her arms. "I am one hundred percent sure I want to do this and that I want to do this with you. We can wait until you're one hundred percent sure." Harry didn't know where his certainty came from. Maybe it was the relief that Voldemort was gone and they could live their lives free of the threat that had loomed over them for so long. Or maybe it was the opportunity to give Delphini the opportunity he hadn't been given. It was hard not to compare himself to the orphan.

"I'm sure," she told him, chin up, eyes clear.

Taking her hand in his again, Harry opened the door and turned toward the rooms. "Kingsley has reserved nearly all the rooms here as they put the pieces back together. He arranged for us to meet in room 205," he explained as they ascended the stairs, filling her in on the details of the letter she hadn't read yet. Arriving at the designated door, he motioned for her to knock. A part of him wanted her to lead, to make sure he wasn't moving too fast for her.

She straightened her shirt, ran a hand through her hair. Harry smiled, the preening wasn't for the Malfoys' benefit, it was for the baby. He chose not to tease her. When she finally knocked, he felt his stomach tingle with the feeling of butterflies. He was about to meet their daughter. When that door opened, their lives together would start.

A click at the door signaled the occupants were there. The pause between the lock disengaging and the door opening was either the result of similar nerves or security ensuring it was Harry and Hermione and they were alone. The ruse they would all have to maintain would require the strictest of secrecies. Lucius finally appeared as the door opened wider.

Not wanting to linger in the hall long enough for another guest to appear, Harry and Hermione hurried inside. Harry was surprised Kingsley wasn't there. Then again, the Ministry would no doubt be in chaos. This wasn't a matter that required his physical presence. Standing near the bed was Narcissa rocking a quiet bundle. She offered him a sad smile. It hit him how hard this choice must have been for the witch. Her family was clearly the most important thing to her. More important than Voldemort. Even more important than her sister who had threatened her world. To give up the baby was a sacrifice. His respect for her grew a small measure.

"The paperwork is here. It's been enchanted with the most powerful seals and will be kept in ultimate secrecy," Lucius instructed, pointed to a folder on the desk. "Once you both sign it, she will be bound to you."

"Bound?" Hermione asked. "We're not interested in treating her like property."

Harry heard the tone she often took when discussing S.P.E.W. and house elf rights.

Lucius held up his hands. "It's a familial bond. As far as magic will be concerned, she will be your daughter. A bond stronger than simple flesh and blood. No one will challenge her lineage."

Hermione looked nervously at Harry. "There's no way this bond could be used to hurt her? If someone tried to challenge it? Like an unbreakable vow?"

Narcissa stepped up, shook her head. "They are not the same. Kingsley recommended this protection. It's meant to give you security. Not even Bellatrix would be able to challenge your rights."

Harry didn't pretend to understand the magic they were discussing. He didn't blame Hermione for her suspicions.

She stepped up to the desk, opened the file and started reading every word. Then she reread it. "This can be done without the permission of her parents?"

"Normally, no. When Bellatrix died, we became her guardians. We have the authority to do this," Narcissa explained, hugged Delphini tighter.

It didn't go unnoticed by anyone that the baby's father hadn't been mentioned.

"Why were you the guardians? Why not Rodolphus?" Hermione continued to press.

Lucius laughed despite the tense situation. "Miss Granger, may I recommend a career in the Wizengamot? We can ask the Minister to send a barrister. It's another person who will know the truth."

Harry studied Hermione. He could tell she very much wanted a legal opinion.

"I've seen enough," Narcissa interjected. All eyes turned toward her.

Harry thought she was about to call the adoption off. He suddenly felt a loss at the thought. Hermione's face paled.

"You can take the paperwork with you. Sign it whenever you're satisfied," the older witch said, stepping toward Hermione. She held out the Delphini, encouraging Hermione to take the baby.

Without hesitation, Hermione took her, cradled her close. "We can take the paperwork?" she asked, trying to make sense of the development. "And Delphini?"

"You've demonstrated a genuine concern for Delphi. And a shrewd assessment. I trust you to do what's right by her." Narcissa wrapped her arms around herself as if suddenly cold at the loss. "There's a baby carrier here. She needs to eat in an hour. You got the formula?"

Harry stepped closer to Hermione, pulled a corner of the blanket away from the sleeping baby's face. "Yeah. We're all set."

"Her schedule is all in the letter. If we left anything out, send an owl to Kingsley," Narcissa continued through tears that started to fall.

Lucius comforted his wife, led her toward the door.

Hermione looked between Harry and Delphini. "We'll care for her like she was our own," Hermione called out. "Your sacrifice won't be forgotten."

Narcissa paused, but didn't look back. As the door closed Harry found the quiet unusually loud. "Do you want to stay here and let her sleep or apparate home?" he asked.

They didn't have to wait long to consider their options. Delphi's brow furrowed as she squirmed in Hermione's arms. Letting her comfort the baby, Harry gathered the folder, the carrier, and the bag Narcissa left behind.

"Should we apparate with her?" Hermione asked, seeming to suddenly realize she'd never considered such things.

"I don't think the Malfoys walked here, do you?" he asked, set the carrier down on the bed. "We can put her in here to make sure she doesn't get banged around."

Hermione eyed the device wearily. Finally realizing her apprehension was illogical, she put Delphini in the seat, let Harry buckle her in. "How do you know how to do this?" she asked him.

"There was a demonstration at the shop when I was buying the crib," Harry explained, checked the buckles. "We should probably apparate separately. Do you want to take her or should I?"

"I don't want to splinch her," Hermione admitted. It was an unusual display of self doubt.

Harry's eyes narrowed. "Ron's injury wasn't your fault."

The declaration had her standing straighter. "That's not… I don't think…" she tried to articulate her thoughts and failed.

After everything they'd accomplished, everything she accomplished, there was still doubt. "Hermione. You basically, singlehandedly ended the war. You faced off against Voldemort. Twice–"

"I didn't end the war on my own, Harry," she objected. "There are so many things I don't know. Doesn't that scare you?"

"That you don't know something? Merlin, yes." That earned him a small laugh. "You haven't had time to read those books I got you," he continued, trying to break through her anxiety.

She stepped closer to him, she wrapped her arm around his, and looked down at the baby who was sitting peacefully, staring up at both of them. "I just met her and all I can think about are the ways I know how to protect her and the things I can't protect her from."

Harry kissed her temple. They just spent a year on the run. Hunted. He had found it traumatic to simply apparate to Diagon Alley in the daylight. They had a lot of healing to do. "Listen. Today is the first day since the war started that someone isn't actively trying to kill us. I think we can forgive some hypervigilance. Rebuilding a normal life is going to take time."

Her head nodded, accepting his words. "I'll take her. I'll apparate with her."

Harry wasn't sure if she was changing her mind for his sake or hers. He'd trust her to work it out and bring him into the process when she was ready. He gathered up bag and files and let her lift the carrier, adjust to the weight. Their wands out, Harry nodded his head and they spun on the spot.

Arriving on the front step of 12 Grimmauld place, Hermione was instantly checking on Delphini. She was crying. Hermione set the carrier down and was frantically removing blankets to check for injury. Harry was pretty sure the baby was reacting to the uncomfortable sensations associated with apparition, still he let Hermione check.

"She's okay," she announced, gathered Delphini up in her arms.

"I'll go in first. We don't need to scare her with the welcome party," Harry offered, added the carrier to his armload. When he entered the entry way, Dumbledore swooped toward him but Walburga's screeches were absent. Walking forward he was shocked to find a large hole in the wall where the painting used to be. "Kreacher?" he called out, looked back to see Hermione was through the front door.

The house elf appeared at his feet. "Kreacher moved Lady Black as requested."

"Brilliant. Where did you put it?" he asked, fearful it was somewhere even more inconvenient.

"The attic. Kreacher wondered if he could move up there?"

"You don't want to go back to Hogwarts?" Hermione asked.

The house elf's chin went up. "Kreacher is needed here. A baby is very demanding," he didn't wait for further discussion. Pulling out an envelope, he handed it to Hermione. "Master's witch received an owl while she was out."

Hermione shifted Delphini to free up a hand. The baby continued to cry despite Hermione's gentle bouncing. She looked at the front of the letter. Harry could see the Ministry seal on the back. He took the baby from her to give her time to focus on the letter. "Shh," he said, patting Delphi's back and swaying, his attention divided between the two. Watching Hermione's face as she scanned the parchment, whatever it said wasn't good.

"I've been summoned to a hearing before the Wizengamot. Tomorrow," she explained, showed him the formal request. "To provide a full accounting of my actions."

Confused, Harry took the letter.

"It says I won't require representation," she continued.

"Well, that's not going to happen," he countered, glad Delphini's cries finally stopped. A knock at the door had them both turning. "Maybe McGonagall can help," he said, not knowing who else would have the knowledge needed and could be trusted.

Hermione was opening the door to reveal Remus and Tonks. She was ushering them in before shooting him a questioning look. At that moment only Narcissa, Lucius, and Kingsley knew about the baby.

Harry offered an encouraging nod. They might as well get used to the explaining that would be required.

"Kingsley sent us," Lupin was explaining before giving Harry a double take. "Uh, sorry, we're interrupting." He looked around, clearly expecting to see additional visitors that could account for the infant.

Swallowing, Harry wished he and Hermione had had time to discuss so many things. What their story would be. Would they change Delphini's name in case it was a family name that would give away her parentage? What if Death Eaters overheard the name. "You're not interrupting. Err, Hermione. Let's ask Kreacher to make some tea. You two can make yourself at home."

Not really sure what Harry wanted, Hermione didn't question as she followed into the kitchen.

Once the door closed behind them, Harry leaned in to whisper. "We'll need to tell them her name."

Whatever Hermione thought Harry wanted to talk about, her expression told him this wasn't it.

"You think we should change her name?"

"You knew her name because you overheard Bellatrix and Narcissa. What if you're not the only one? What if Delphini is some family name?" Harry said quickly.

Her brows furrowed as she considered the situation. "This isn't really something we should just decide. Is it?"

"We could trust them and tell them it's complicated and not explain. I mean, what are we going to say about her? Where she was born. Where we hid her when we were at Shell Cottage…" Harry trailed off.

"I think we should keep her name. I've taken everything else from her. Should we take her name away too?"

"Hermione. You didn't take anything away from her," he started to argue. He realized that wasn't the most immediate issue to address. "Do you know what Delphini means?"

At that she rolled her eyes. A common occurrence when they tried to study together at Hogwarts. "It's from the constellation delphinus. It's latin for dolphin."

Vaguely remembering it from their astronomy star charts he nodded along. "That's definitely a Black family tradition," he said, not entirely comfortable with the connection. "Maybe we change that to her middle name. Change her first name?"

"Kreacher, could you make a tea service? We have company and need a setting for four," Hermione said after catching sight of the house elf. "Let's keep her first name, settle on her middle name and we'll call her that. It gives her the choice when she gets older."

Relenting that not changing her name was apparently important to her, he looked down at the sleeping girl. "Could we call her Lily?" he asked, a lump forming in his throat.

"Is that what you want?" Hermione asked, stepping closer. "What if you have your own girl?"

Harry didn't look at Hermione. "She is my girl. She's ours."

"Lily," Hermione repeated.

"Delphini Lily Granger-Potter. Or Potter-Granger?" he asked, and finally looked at Hermione.

"She's a Potter," Hermione answered.

They both knew what that meant, neither really ready to address the speed at which everything was happening to them. They had agreed to be listed as the parents. Just because neither thought about the ramification of that to their relationship didn't mean that neither one wasn't certain their future was together regardless of their marriage status.

Pulling away, considered the other questions. "We don't have to explain where she was. I need to find my parents and restore their memory. Maybe we can tell people they were taking care of her. We need to make sure I can find them–" her voice cracked with emotion.

Harry pulled her close to him with his free hand and rubbed her neck. He hadn't considered her parents. When did either of them have time? "We'll find them. We'll bring them home."

"They're safe," she said with a deep breath in. "Okay. We'll call her Lily and if they ask about when she was born and where we hid her, we'll tell them it's complicated and will explain later."

Harry nodded. It was a start. Kreacher was putting the finishing touches on the tray. "Let's see how this goes over."

Hermione held the door open for Harry and Kreacher. She followed them to the dining room table where Remus and Tonks were bent over whispering to each other. Harry took her hand and cleared his throat, once he had their attention, he jumped off the cliff. "We're glad you're the first to meet our daughter. Lily."

Remus' face transformed from confusion to surprise and then pure joy. He leapt to his feet and met the couple where they stood. "You daughter? Harry…" he started and looked from the intertwined hands of the two. "Your daughter," he corrected. "Lily…"

"We kept her a secret for obvious reasons," Hermione said, looking from Remus to Tonks. They would understand the need to protect a child.

"This isn't how we intended to tell you," Harry continued.

Remus motioned to the table. "Understandable. Congratulations," he said, pulled chairs out for Harry and Hermione before taking his seat again.

Hermione had her wand out and summoned the rocker from the nursery. Setting it on the table in front of Harry, she turned back toward Lupin. "You were saying the minister sent you? About the summons?"

The joy slipped from the older wizard's face and he turned serious. "Kingsley wanted to be here himself. He's dealing with several emergencies and he's now the presiding wizard on the Wizengamot until a new Chief Warlock is appointed."

"Am I in trouble," Hermione asked as she sat down.

Lupin shook his head. "No. That's not the purpose of this, but there is a concern that some members might not limit their questions to matter at hand."

"What is the matter at hand?" Harry asked, taking his own seat once he was satisfied Lily was secure.

Tonks took the moment to interject. "No one has the full story about Voldemort's demise. There's a concern he's not really gone. They need an official account."

"Why not take a statement? Why does she need to appear before the full Wizengamot?" Harry asked. He was concerned she was being set up despite Kingsley's leadership. "And why wouldn't they need my account too?"

"You have every right to be concerned," Remus agreed. "There's no tolerance to railroad the boy who lived, but as you can imagine, there are a host of ministry employees scrambling to shift blame away from themselves."

"And on to Hermione," Harry read between the lines.

"She's a convenient opportunity," Tonks said with disdain. "Kingsley can't overrule the majority who demanded answers. He can intercede during the hearing."

"But you need a representative who understands the law," Remus said. "Kingsley asked me to fill that role. I'm not sure being represented by a werewolf will help your case."

Hermione's back went up. "If someone has a problem with you representing me, they can get the answers they want from someone else."

"You're very kind. Unfortunately, they've made it a point to categorize this as a hearing and not a trial. If they find your representative unqualified, they can dismiss me and you'd be on your own," Lupin explained.

"There's no one else I trust," she countered. "I'll let the minister deal with the objections if they're made."

Shifting uneasily in his seat, Harry trusted very little of what happened in the Ministry of Magic, regardless of who the Minister was. "Can we ask for more time? We have less than a day's notice."

"The longer this is put off, the worse it will be. It's in your interest to set the record now before someone else does," Remus advised and set a messenger bag on the table. "It might be a late night. I need to know everything."

Everything. That was going to be a significant amount of time, Harry thought. He stood and poured the tea for everyone. "I'll ask Kreacher to make dinner for four. And Lily needs her bottle soon."

"Do you need help?" Hermione asked, pushing back from the table.

Harry stopped her. "I've got it. You can get the next one."

Tonks stood. "I'll help," she announced, trying to give Hermione and Remus privacy. She slugged Harry on the arm as they headed for the kitchen. "You're a dad, Harry. I can't believe it."

"Neither can I," he admitted before changing the subject. "Is Hermione in trouble?"

"I think there are two outcomes. She'll either leave that courtroom a hero or a scapegoat. With Kingsley presiding, she stands a chance."