Disclaimer: I own nothing. Thank you J.K. Rowling for creating this magical world for us to play in.

a/n: Hello all you beautiful people! First off, I want to thank each and every one of you for the wonderful reviews. Life has been incredibly crazy lately, and all of your kind words has helped lift me from a very dark place. I go back and read your reviews when I am having a difficult day and it gives me hope.

Now then, this next chapter is sort of a filler and has a bit of a time jump with some foreshadowing. We also have a little peak into a certain family meeting. As always, my mail box is open to anyone who needs someone to talk to, or if you have a few ideas for my stories that you would like to share. I hope you all enjoy!

Chapter 30
"Normal speech"
thoughts
'mental conversations'

Time skip/jump- Longbottom Manor-

Time seemed to drag on since all this started. No one was able to get Harry to leave Hermione's side for very long, and everyone knew better than to try and force the matter. Both Healer Tonks and Madam Pomfrey came by to check on the two multiple times a day and always had the same answers, it was too soon to tell anything. A few days later, both healers deemed Hermione fully healed, and that the rest was now up to her. Narcissa was looking after Emma, Amelia had to return to work but came back every chance she got while Sirius took to helping Draco, Luna, and Neville with whatever they needed, Augusta was busy working on Sirius's case and working closely with the Goblins and Ted Tonks, while Remus and Dora worked closely with Bill Weasley in developing their plans for the upcoming school year. Susan worked closely with Minerva and occasionally Augusta going over the financials for Hogwarts as well as potential scholarship candidates.

As day seven was coming to an end, Harry was resting his head on the bed while holding Hermione's hand. Seven days he was without his heart, essentially an empty shell. Susan seemed to be the only one to speak to him, or at least the only one he would somewhat listen too. "Harry, I had some supper brought up for you to eat." Seeing that he didn't budge she added, "You need to eat something Harry. We both know that Mione will smack us about if we don't take care of each other. She'll wake up, she has you to come back to after all."

Harry lifted his head to look at Susan and missed the fact that Hermione twitched her hand. "I'm not really hungry at the moment, but I'll have a bite in a bit. Do you want to talk about the scholarships?" He went to move over so that Susan could fit on the love seat with him when he felt something tickle at the back of his mind and a small tug on his heart. Harry's head sapped back to Hermione's sleeping form. He reached out to their bond and for the first time in a week, felt a tiny flicker. "Sue, go and get the others. I think Hermione is finally waking up."

Susan sent her patronus out, not wanting to leave Harry for a moment. She saw his frown and asked, "What is it Harry? What's happening?"

Harry ignored Susan's question and jumped up from his seat, the quickest he has moved all week, and gently took Hermione's face in both hands. Hermione's hand twitched again, this time brushing against Harry. "Hermione… Sweetheart, it's time to fight. You have to come back to us love." Harry felt the fuzziness begin to fade and their bond started gaining strength as he felt his love finally coming back to them… to him. The bond wavered briefly and Harry pushed all the love he could at it while he continued to call, "Maya… It's time for you to come home to us… to me. Please Hermione, please come back to me. You promised you would fight." Harry leaned forward and gave her the softest kiss possible.

After only a moment, he felt her shift and pulled back just in time to see her eyes begin to flutter open. As the world began to come into focus, Hermione whispered in almost a croak, "Harry?" She tried to move, but found that she was incredibly stiff. "Water." She begged.

Susan was by her head within a blink of an eye, helping her sit up just enough as Harry held a glass of water to her lips. Pulling the glass away, Susan lowered her back as Harry said, "How are you feeling?"

"Stiff. Very stiff." Hermione replied, her voice only slightly stronger. "How long?"

"A week love." Harry said, but was interrupted as the door slammed open, revealing a worried Emma.

Hermione turned her head and gave her other an exhausted smile. Emma quickly crossed the room and gently scooped her daughter up and held her close. "Thank the Lord you are ok. I have been so worried about you. Do you need anything?"

Narcissa came forward and put a hand on Emma's back as she said, "Andy and Poppy want to quickly examine you. It's good to see you awake Mione. How are you feeling?

Hermione smiled at the two and replied, "Stiff… and exhausted."

"Well, then we will wrap this all up as quickly as possible so that you can rest." Poppy said as she was marshalling everyone to where they needed to be.

Poppy and Andy made quick work with their exam and diagnostics between the two of them before they headed off to the corner to review their findings. Emma and Narcissa took the love seat, while Harry crawled on the bed to hold Hermione, and Susan sat at her feet. Meanwhile, the rest of their family slowly streamed in. "Welcome back to the land of the living." Draco said as he came bursting into the room, followed by a quick shove from Neville who had Luna on his arm. Just as Draco and Susan were getting closer, so were Luna and Neville.

Hermione smiled and said, "What have I missed?"

"Everyone can fill you in tomorrow." Poppy said as the two came over. "You are completely healed, but require rest. All other matters can wait. Everyone in this room can clearly see that you are exhausted. I will be back tomorrow morning to check on you." Poppy pointed a finger directly at Hermione and added, "I expect you to stay in bed for the rest of the evening. If you feel that this will be an issue, I will cast a sticking charm so powerful, Merlin himself won't be able to counter it." As Poppy stood and readied herself to leave, she added, "I'm glad you are back. Perhaps Minerva will now stop badgering me with her worries. She will most likely be joining me tomorrow. For now, rest Lady Potter. Lord Potter, a word if you please."

Harry reverently kissed Hermione's forehead, and gave her a loving smile, before gently extracting himself to join the healers at the door. "Is everything alright? Do we need to worry about anything else?"

"Breath Harry." Andy said while trying to give him a warm smile.

"I must be getting back to Hogwarts. Lady Potter has spent the last week fighting to repair her body and then coming back to us. I feel a small burden has been lifted off all our shoulders. But I feel the need to stress that Lady Potter must rest. She will most likely sleep for the rest of the evening and possible most of tomorrow. I just didn't want you to be alarmed. Send word if you need anything. Though I doubt you will need me with Healer Tonks and Narcissa here." A very relieved Poppy said.

As Poppy reached the door, Harry softly said, "Thank you Poppy." He turned to Andy and the two slowly made their way back to the rest of the group. "I can't thank you enough for all you have done for us. Will you be staying much longer or do you need to return home? How is Ted doing?"

"You helped bring my sister back to me and for that I am forever indebted to you. Ted is keeping himself busy working on Sirius's case as well as the case he is building against Dumbledore and Fudge and is barely home at the moment." Andy replied. "Besides, this gives me a chance to spend time with my sister and potential sister in law."

Harry stood at the foot of the bed and gazed at hiss beautiful wife. Before he climbed onto the bed to hold his wife he said, "I hope Ted is being careful with what questions he is asking. Fudge may be a fool, but it's his staff we need to be wary of, as well as Dumbledore. He is the most dangerous of all. I'll see if we can have someone keep an eye on him."

Andy just shook her head as she watched Harry climbed on the bed and took great care as he gathered Hermione in his arms while she listened to Emma tell her about her amazing date with Narcissa. It warmed her heart to see her so happy. Seeing Hermione's eyes begin to become heavier and heavier, with a heavy sigh she said, "I hate to be the one to break this party up, but it's time for Hermione to get some rest. I'm staying here for the night, so if you need me, just shout."

"Thank you Andy." Hermione replied as she snuggled into Harry's arms. Barely able to keep her eyes open by this point, she looked at her mother and said, "I'm sorry for all the trouble I caused Mum."

Emma gave Hermione's hand a gentle pat and replied, "All that matters now is that you are well." She leaned over and kissed her forehead and added, "Get some rest my little humming bird. Love you."

Hermione smiled at the gesture and felt her heart warm slightly. "Love you too mum. Please don't be upset with Harry or me. I be…"

"Don't worry about a thing Hermione. We can discuss everything in the morning. Get some rest sweetie." Emma said as she interrupted her daughter. With another quick squeeze of Hermione's hand, Emma and Narcissa said their good nights before heading back to their rooms. The two were quickly followed by Augusta, who gave her Grandson a pointed look as she walked out the door.

Neville let out a shakey breath as soon as his grandmother was out of the room. With sending an elbow at Draco to nudge him, the two quickly said their goodbyes and Draco added, "I'm glad you're alright Mione," before disappearing out the door.

Susan moved to stand and said, "We can talk about the scholarships tomorrow. Auntie and the others should be back soon, and I'll let them know that you are well and sleeping. We wouldn't want Sirius, or should I say Padfoot to come bounding in here like he owned the place. Besides, this gives me a chance to go over the latest financial report I received earlier today."

By this point Hermione was already barely able to keep her eyes open and mumbled something that could only be assumed as good night, earning a chuckle from Harry and Susan. "Good night Susan, and thanks for keeping the others out of here for now. I'll see you tomorrow."

Susan smiled as she gathered up her files. Not only was she thankful for Hermione being well and awake, but was grateful that Harry was finally looking better, as if the giant void was finally filled. "Don't forget to eat Harry." She said just before walking out the door, leaving the two reunited lovers wrapped in each other's arms.

Harry chuckled slightly as Susan left. The past week had been hell for him, and Susan had done exactly as she promised, stuck by his side. With Emma barely speaking to him, and the others tip toeing around him, Susan turned into his rock. He felt Hermione shift slightly and heard her say "Go eat Harry, I can hear you stomach from here. I'll be here when you've finished."

Harry gave her a soft laugh at this and replied, "Not even awake for more than a few hours and you're already giving me orders." Seeing Hermione's smile stilled his beating heart for just a moment. "Susan brought up a try for me. Can I get you anything?"

Hermione gave him a small shake of her head and said, "Eat. Then comeback to me. I have missed feeling your arms around me. I have so much to tell you."

Harry put a soft finger on her lips to silence her and said, "That can all wait love. You can barely keep your eyes open. Get some sleep sweetheart, I'll be here when you wake. We can tackle everything tomorrow."

The Burrow-

The Weasley Family -minus Charlie- were all seated around the table as Arthur read the letter from the Ministry. Everyone knew better to say anything at the moment. You could almost see the family magic rolling off the Head of the House. As their father stood from his chair, they saw their mum attempt to visibly shrink further back in her chair. In a very strong and determined voice -very unlike the normal mild mannered, soft spoken man everyone knew- said, "There are going to be quite a few changes to our lives over the next few months. Due to certain… events, we will each have to pull our own weight. Bill has already agreed to help out as much as possible. Percy, I know you have recently started working at the Ministry and would like to speak to you privately. Fred and George, we need to find you a job to help pay for not only school, but possibly with some of the household needs."

"Ginny and Ron, you both are too young to really work, so I expect you to help around the house. Your Mum will be brewing potions for Hogwarts and St. Mungo's. Since our vaults are empty and will remain that way for the next few months, I had to sell our tickets to the World Cup in order to make ends meet. As it stands, I have a meeting with the Deputy Headmistress to discuss your futures at Hogwarts."

Ron was ready to explode, but before he could Fred asked, "Is this because of what happened at Gringotts?"

"Is Mum being Formally charged?" asked George.

"Yes and yes. As for you two, Bill has some odd Jobs you can help with, but we may need to find something else as well." Arthur replied as he kept a close eye on his youngest son.

Ron finally lost it and sneered, "This is all Granger and Potter's fault! What they didn't take, those bloody goblins did! Now you tell us that we may not be able to go back to school, and that we can't go to the World Cup?" Not that Ron really cared about his classes, but how else were the scouts going to see his awesomeness as a Quidditch player.

"SIT DOWN!" Screamed Arthur. "Everything that has happened is your mother's fault. Now, Harry and Hermione are your friends and you know that they would never wish us harm."

"But…" Ron started to say before he was silenced with one look.

"The Weasley Family are Vassals of House Potter. It is well within Harry's right as Lord Potter to take all of this back from us and leave us all on the streets." Arthur paused to make sure his words sunk before adding, "Tomorrow's paper will have a public apology from your Mum to not only Lord Potter, but also to Lady Dagworth and Dowager Dagworth."

"Who is the Dowager and Lady Dagworth?" Ginny asked as she shifted uncomfortably in her chair that was close to Bill's side.

"That would happen to be Hermione and her Mum. Apparently they are both Pure Bloods after all, but that last bit doesn't really matter. Hermione is still the same person you've all become friends with." Arthur gentle replied to his daughter, missing the greedy look in Ron's eyes.

Arthur took a moment to look at everyone at the table before saying, "If no one has any other questions, I recommend everyone head to bed. Ginny, Bill has mentioned having you over for the night. If you really want to go, I would say you should head upstairs and pack your things. Percy, I would still like a word with you. I won't keep you long, I know you have to be at work early tomorrow for a meeting."

Ginny jumped up from the table with a squeal and leapt onto her father to give him a hug before running upstairs to gather her things. She was followed by Ron who was muttering darkly under his breath as he stormed up to his room. Percy came over next and Arthur asked, "I won't beat around the bush… I want to know if you would be willing to help us financially over the next few months. This whole fiasco has taken two months salary away and I fear more is to come."

"I'll have to think about it. As you know, I have been saving for my own flat. Add into the implications of this matter, this could seriously harm my standing within the Ministry." Percy replied with a slight air of arrogance.

Percy turned to leave and heard Bill say, "Family should always come first." He waited for Percy to be half way up the stairs before pulling his father away from his mum and said, "I plan on taking Ginny to see a mind healer tomorrow. Don't worry about the cost. As for their schooling, something is in the works, so try not to stress too much about it." Seconds before Ginny came bounding down the stairs he looked to the twins and said, "I expect you two to come prepared to work tomorrow morning. Dad will wake you early, and make sure you get to my flat safely before heading in to his office." Seeing a red fire cracker flying towards him, he gave his father a warm good bye and barely looked at his mum. Ginny was oblivious to the tension and with a quick goodbye to her parents, was happily skipping out of the house on her favorite brother's arm.

Arthur waited to be alone with Molly before he said, "If I find out that your meddling goes any deeper, you will quickly find yourself not only out of this house, but out of this family." He turned and headed to his shed, leaving a thoroughly stunned Molly sitting at the table. Unbeknownst to either of them, their entire conversation was recorded on the twin's device.

Hogwarts- Minerva's private quarters-

Minerva waited patiently for Poppy's return- well as patiently as possible that is- hopefully with good news. Eventually giving up all pretense of works, she poured herself another dram. She has been having to put in some very long days to get caught up with the financials. Snorting to herself she said, "Gain experience." Half way through her third glass that evening, her private Floo flared and Poppy stepped through without calling ahead. Minerva was instantly on her feet and asked, "Is everything alright?"

Poppy motioned for her long time friend to take a seat. "She's fine. I will be heading over tomorrow morning to run a few more tests, but for now she is resting."

Minerva raised her glass and said, "Thank the Gods for that. How is Emma?"

Poppy helped herself to a glass of Minerva's excellent scotch before taking a seat beside the weathered witch. "Relieved. Hopefully she will start speaking with Harry again."

"I have a funny feeling that all three, if not four of them will be having a long discussion about it tomorrow." Minerva replied while sitting back in her chair. "I can understand both sides of their arguments, but in all honesty, I would have made the same decision as Harry. He is going to need all the help he can get, I'll be coming along with you tomorrow."

"Well then," Poppy said with a raised glass, "tonight, we drink to their health. We can deal with the upset pregnant mother tomorrow."

Minerva raised her own glass and added, "Merlin knows that we are going to need all the help we can get."

Narcissa and Emma's room-

Even though Emma was only a couple of months pregnant, her feet swelled to twice their normal size due to the insane heat they were experience this summer. The two women walked back in complete silence. Once they were changed and situated on the sofa, Narcissa pulled Emma's legs up by her ankles so that they were going across her legs. As Narcissa started to massage her feet, Emma let out a deep moan that ran straight through Narcissa to her core. "That feels amazing. What did I do to deserve you sweetheart?" Emma groaned, causing Narcissa to shiver slightly.

"Do you want to talk about how you're feeling?" Narcissa softly asked. All week she had been trying to get Emma to open up to her and each time Emma tried skirting around the question. That first night was tense, and it took almost the entire night to get Emma to listen to what she had to say. Even then, Emma kept herself guarded behind any and every wall she could build. Seeing that despite Emma being completely at her mercy, she was watching those walls begin to climb and Narcissa knew she had to act quickly. In one swift move, she positioned herself between Emma's legs and gently cupped both sides of her face, forcing her to look deep into Narcissa's eyes. "Emma darling, please stop shutting me out. Talk to me sweetheart."

Emma tried to close her eyes to escape, but was then pulled into a passionate kiss. When she finally was able to pull back, she rested her forehead against Narcissa's for a moment before she said, "I feel as if this giant weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I can't begin to describe how thankful I am that my daughter is awake and healthy."

Narcissa pulled back enough to look at Emma's face while still cupping it. "But your heart is still heavy and, despite your little humming bird being well, you cannot bring yourself to forgive Harry… Not fully."

With tear running down her cheeks, Emma wrapped herself around Narcissa. "How can I? I feel as if I have no control over my life anymore, or my daughters. Ever since we have been introduced to this world, my daughter has been slowly pulling away, and I cannot stand it. This world has been nothing but trouble."

Narcissa didn't attempt to hide her pain when she said, "Is that how you really feel about everything that has happened? Are you telling me that's how you feel about us?"

Emma pulled back as if she had been slapped. "You know that's not true. I love you… I've never stopped loving you."

Narcissa gripped Emma's shoulders so that she could easily read Emma's face when she said, "And I love you. Surely you know how it sounds though when you say things like that. If you want out of this world, out of our… relationship then please tell me. I could never say no to you, and you know that. Should you decided that is what you truly want, I want you… no, I need you to know that I will always wait for you because there will be no one else for me." Narcissa waited for a sign… any sign that Emma at least heard her. When none came, the heartbreak became almost unbearable.

Narcissa closed her eyes briefly and a lone tear streamed down her cheek. She jumped slightly when she felt Emma's thumb brushing away the tear. Keeping her eyes closed, she leaned her head into her hand and was pleasantly surprised when she felt Emma's soft lips lightly touch her own. They both slowly deepened the kiss, and the next thing they knew, were locked in a passionate embrace. When they pulled back, Emma was straddling Narcissa while resting their foreheads against the other and panting heavily. "Forgive me… Please. I just feel so lost, and you always seem to have a way to help me find my way."

Emma leaned in to kiss Narcissa one last time, and when she pulled back, was rewarded with a warm and loving smile. "It's getting late." Narcissa said. "We can talk about everything tomorrow. Let's go to bed." Emma reluctantly nodded her head and allowed Narcissa to help her down and over to the bed. She waited for Narcissa to be comfortable before curling into her body. Both held the other close and fell asleep intertwined in the others arms.

Study at Longbottom Manor-

Susan spent the rest of the evening going over all the information Ragnok sent over while waiting for he Aunt and Sirius to return. After an hour and a half of staring at one particular ledger, Susan pinched the bridge of her nose as a small headache was beginning to form. "You really should be in bed." Called a voice from the door way. Looking up, Susan saw her Aunt and Sirius standing there.

"I wanted to wait for you two before I headed up." Susan said as she went over to give her auntie a hug. She motioned for the two to come in and have a seat. Amelia raised her brow but said nothing while Sirius shrugged his shoulders. "I wanted to let you both know that Hermione woke up earlier this evening."

Sirius jumped to his feet and went to run out the door but was stopped by Amelia who quickly put a hand on his arm and said, "Is she alright?"

"Both Andy and Madam Pomfrey examined her and said she was healed. Mione is resting comfortable. My worry is for tomorrow. Emma is barely speaking with Harry. From what Narcisa as told me, Emma quickly changes the topic whenever she brings the topic up." Susan leaned forward and continued, "I have a strong feeling that we are going to need your help tomorrow when we try to sort all this out. Mione is most likely asleep and we have been told that she may sleep for most of tomorrow."

Amelia smiled at her niece and said, "We will be here. Now, why don't you head up to bed for the evening." Susan quickly said good night and gave her a hug. Amelia waited for her niece to leave and turned to Sirius and said, "What a relief. At least it was good news."

Sirius stood and tried to give her his most dashing smile as he said, "Since that is settled… Perhaps we should follow your suggestion and head to bed ourselves Amy." He scooped her up bridal style and said, "I hope you're not too tired. I think you need to be reminded as to exactly how much I worship you."

Neville and Draco's room-

Surprisingly to all in the house, Neville and Draco have become close friends over the last week. It took them only a few minutes to complete their evening routines and head for their beds. Getting himself set in bed Draco said, "I know you and Susan have grown up together, and always thought you two had feelings for each other. What happened?"

"We realized that we are more like brother and sister really." Neville replied as he pulled back his blankets. "Besides, it looks like you two have taken a shining to each other. Are you really that insecure to think that she would rather be with me?" Neville wagged his eye brows at Draco and then ducked his head as a pillow was flying towards his head.

"Very funny. Besides, you have been getting close to Luna." Draco said as he caught his pillow. "Susan is different. She sees me, not the Malfoy money or title. She's a good person who is also funny, brilliant and beautiful. She deserves someone better than me."

"Draco mate, don't you think that is Susan's choice to make?" Neville replied. Draco just shrugged his shoulders and turned off the light. Neither of them knew that Susan was standing on the other side of the door and heard everything they said.

Dumbledore's office-

Albus Dumbledore stared out his window at the moment in an attempt to organize his thoughts. His desk was currently covered with several rolls of parchment as he worked on his final drafts of the new laws he was planning on pushing through the Wizengamot. If everything goes according to plan, then Harry would be completely at his mercy and he would finally be able to access all the Potter Vaults. The second potential law came about because of the incident with the Goblins. With an evil grin worthy of the devil himself he thought, I'll show those disgusting creatures what happens when you mess with Albus Percival Wolfric Brian Dumbledore. What everyone will soon be reminded of is that I always gets what I wants. Not only do I know what is best for the wizarding world, but it is for the Greater Good after all.