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

a/n: Hello all you amazing people! I am so sorry that it has taken me so long to post the next installment. Unfortunately, my life has recently been turned upside down, and I have been having a hard time trying to cope with it all. I had wanted to post this before I left for my vacation/honeymoon, but it was not in the cards.

I feel that I need to warn you that it may take me even longer to post the next chapters. My wife and I recently found out that she may need an additional two surgeries on her back. We are also looking into moving overseas to be closer to her family in Scotland.

Chapter 31
"Normal speech"
thoughts
'mental conversations'

The Potter's Bedroom-

Hermione gradually woke to warm sunshine on her face and as she went to roll over to curl into Harry, she found that his side of the bed was cold and empty. "He's outside." Said a female voice from the side of the bed. Hermione slowly rolled over and was pleasantly surprised to see a smiling Susan Bones sitting in a chair next to the bed. "Morning Mione. How are you feeling?"

Hermione returned her small smile as she stretched and replied, "Morning. I'm just a little stiff. Any chance you could help me to the toilets? It would be the perfect time for you to tell me where my husband has run off to."

Susan gave a light chuckle as she got up to help her friend. Seeing that Hermione was unsteady, she had her put her arm around her shoulders while putting her own arm around Hermione's waist for additional support. They slowly made their way across the room and Susan went on to say, "Harry has taken to fencing. He needed something to help him through this past week. I've tried to help as much as I could and usually sat with you while he was out. He's been a little withdrawn lately and I seem to be the only person he would open up too."

Susan gave Hermione some privacy as she used the bathroom, but was called back in to find Hermione struggling to come back out the door. Hermione frowned slightly as Susan helped her over to the window seat when she said, "Is it safe to assume that my mum hasn't been speaking to him?" She dropped her head slightly just before they got to the window and asked, "Mum is blaming him for everything isn't she?"

Susan gave her waist a small squeeze and replied, "Don't worry, we will fix everything. Now then, no more of this depressing crap. If taking a look at your incredibly sexy husband doesn't cheer you up, then I may just have to steal him from you." Susan wagged her brows to emphasize her words, making Hermione playfully shove her, which happened to make herself stumble due to her unsteady legs.

Hermione thumped onto the cushion, thankful for the bay window being so close. Her jaw dropped the moment she looked out, and for the first time in what seemed like a very long time, she felt her desire course through her from just a simple glance at her delectable husband. Harry was working on his forms, and it appeared as if he was dancing to some unknow tune. Since he was working up quite a sweat, he was gracefully moving with no shirt on, and the sweat was glistening in the morning light as the beads trickled down his beautifully chiseled ab's. Hermione unconsciously licked her lips as her eyes hungerly devoured every inch of her beloved.

"I'm pretty sure you aren't supposed to be out of bed yet." A voice called from just behind them. Andy stepped closer and peered over their shoulders to see Harry in all his glory. "I'd get up to admire that as well. Let's get you back to bed before Poppy gets here. I'm sure no one wants to deal with her wrath first thing in the morning."

Hermione and Susan giggled as Andy helped Hermione up. Thankfully her strength had returned slightly and she wasn't as unsteady. The trio was halfway across the room when Poppy and Minerva came walking into the room. The trio looked up with wide eyes and Susan said in a staged whispered, "Busted," causing Hermione blush as she snickered.

Minerva's lips twitched as she fought the urge to smile. "I'll just head down to speak with Lord Potter."

Poppy frowned slightly, but decided to at least wait for Hermione to be safely tucked in before berating her. "I believe I told you to remain in bed."

Hermione ducked her head as she replied, "I needed to head to the toilets. Susan helped me the entire time."

"Lay back and no talking." Poppy said as she pulled the blankets back. "This will only take a moment."

The Garden-

Harry was coming towards the end of his secession when Minerva came walking out and gave a small cough to bring him up short. "Poppy is checking Hermione over now, and I figured this was a good time to see how you were holding up." This was something Minerva did every morning since all of this started. Someone needed to look after this lion, it might as well be her.

Harry slowly walked over and picked up the towel that Dobby had left for him. He passed the towel over his face and said, "I'm okay." He saw that Minerva raised a brow at this and he added, "My wife is awake and well, that is all that matters."

Minerva waited for Harry to put his shirt back on before she asked, "And does Emma still blame you for withholding all of it?" Harry's shoulders dropped, but he didn't respond. Minerva pulled him towards some chairs so that they could sit for the rest of their conversations. "You all will work through this. What you have to remember is that so much of Emma's life has changed in such a short amount of time. Hermione may be your wife, but she is one of the last things to remind her of her previous life and her husband. We all know you had a difficult decision to make. Personally, I think you made the right one, and you made it for the right reasons. I know the one thing you have always wanted is to have a family that loves you, and you have that now. What you fail to realize is that it is completely normal for families argue and fight, but that doesn't change a thing. At the end of the day, they will still love you unconditionally."

'She's right love. We will get through this.' Hermione softly said.

"It may have been the right decision, but that doesn't make this any easier." Harry replied. "You're right, all my life I have wanted to be a part of a family that loves me. What I fear now, is that one day I will wake and all of this will have been a dream. That I will be woken by Dudley jumping on the stairs and my aunt pounding on the door to my cupboard. Now I wish I could just steal away with Hermione and just be free. Free to live our lives with no worries."

"I think you two need some time to yourselves. Due to certain circumstances you both may be adults, but technically speaking, you both are still only starting your Fourth year and so much has changed for you both." Minerva said as she put a comforting hand on his. "The people around you are here to help you. You don't have to do everything on your own Harry." Minerva pulled Harry in for a rare hug and added, "I know it's difficult for you to trust us, but you need to know that you can and that God willing, we will continue to be by your side for whatever you need."

For the first time since all of this has begun, Harry finally broke down and clung to Minerva with all the strength he had left. Thankfully everyone in the house was either still asleep or had enough sense not to disturb the two. After several long minutes, Harry was finally able to pull himself together. "I'm sorry Professor. I guess I have been holding that in for too long. You're right, I'm not comfortable with going to others for help. Growing up, every time I went to someone for help, it was either ignored or I was locked away for being a freak and a liar. Everyone within our world knows I turn to Hermione for everything. She is absolutely brilliant and I have been so lost without her. Susan has been great but…"

"She isn't Hermione. Aye, I understand ye fine. She is ye other half, so quite being so daft." Minerva replied as she finished his sentence, attempting to keep her emotions under control- which failed spectacularly. "If ye think yer up for it, we should head up to see Hermione." Minerva was helped to her feet by and Harry, and as he turned to head inside she said, "I may have let ye down in the past my laird, but I promise ye no more. Ye have me and my wand for as long as ye have need of it."

Back inside-

"You're as healthy as they come Lady Potter." Poppy said as she fixed Hermione's blankets. "But you have the strength of a flubber worm. Now then, you do have to get out of bed and move around, but I do not want you too overdue it." She pointed a finger directly at Susan and said, "I am holding you and Lord Potter responsible. Only Merlin himself knows why. I am going to leave some strengthening draughts for you to take three times a day, and will leave the rest of your care to the more than capable Healer Tonks."

"Thank you Madam Pomfrey… for everything." A drained Hermione replied. That little trip out of bed really zapped her strength.

Poppy smiled at Hermione and replied, "Your welcome dear." Just as Poppy was leaving, Harry and Minerva came in. The smile that lite up both of their faces was priceless. Before she walked out the door she added, "I have already told Lady Bones this and I will tell you the exact same thing… Lady Potter is not to tax herself and take Strengthening draughts three times a day. I am holding you responsible."

Harry gave an over dramatic bow to the healer and simply said, "As you wish." Poppy just shook her head at his antics and Hermione's giggle at the reference. "I shouldn't be surprised that you knew what that meant." He said as he crossed into the room, followed closely by Minerva. Harry leaned in to give Hermione a soft kiss and said, "Good morning love, how are you feeling?"

Hermione gave him a tired smile as Harry took the seat next to her while keeping a hold of her hand. "Good morning Sweetie, I'm just a little drained from getting up. How was training? What have I missed? What happened after we left the vault? How has everyone else been? Tell me everything."

Harry smiled at seeing the old Hermione that was shining through, but Minerva interrupted them as she said, "The others can catch you up on everything later. I only have a few minutes available before I need to head back to Hogwarts. I have a few home visits to prepare for. Any thoughts on the scholarships? It may wise to hold off for now. You three will be incredibly busy this year and I don't think you will be able to take on this additional responsibility. You also need to consider the fact that you three want to hide that you are the Founders Heirs. For that fact alone, I would think this would be the wisest course of action. We wouldn't want any of you to spread yourselves too thin."

"Have you had a chance to look over the financials yet?" asked Susan as she shuffled through her folders. "I must admit, it is a little confusing and was hoping you would have a better idea of what to make of them."

Minerva's lips twitched as she looked at the clock. "I am almost finished with them. I'm sure Lady Potter would find them… amusing and a very interesting read. Send me an owl when you've finished." She went to stand and added, "I'm relieved that you are well Hermione. All that is left is to put your family back together again." Minerva went to leave and when she turned, she saw Emma standing in the doorway. Noticing the guarded expression on her face, Minerva turned to Susan and said, "Why don't you show me out Susan, we can discuss some of your findings on the way."

Susan quickly got to her feet to follow. Turning to Harry and Hermione she said, "I'll be back later to check on you." As she passed Emma who was halfway across the room she said, "Good morning" before rushing to catch up to Minerva, leaving the three to an awkward silence. The tension in the room was so thick, you could cut through it with a knife.

Harry went to move over so that Emma could sit next to Hermione, but stopped when Emma motioned for him to stay as Hermione gripped his hand tighter. "Good morning mum." Hermione said with a shy smile, as if she just got caught with her hand in the biscuit jar.

Emma tried to smile as she replied, "Good morning Hermione. Harry."

Harry did his best not to cringe at the somewhat cold greeting, but Hermione saw it and felt his guilt through their bond. "I'll go check on breakfast." Before Hermione could object, Harry was already out the door.

She tried to ask him to come back, but got no response. She looked at her mum and asked, "Was that really necessary? Do you even know how guilty he feels?"

Emma's temper was already close to the surface. "He should feel guilty. He didn't even have the decency to come and speak with me before… I'm your mother for Christ's sake and I should have had a say in what happened to you." Emma looked right into Hermione's eyes as she continued, "I could have lost you. I already lost so much to this world and I can't lose you too."

"There wasn't any time mum. If he didn't act when he did or how he did, I wouldn't be here or be healthy. Do you have any idea what this did to him? I begged him to kill me if he couldn't fix this. He did not have a choice. Before you say that it wasn't his to make, he is my husband and my King." Hermione said as passionately as possible due to her exhausted state.

"We should have never agreed to send you to Hogwarts. Ever since then, we… I have been slowly losing you to this world. I don't think I can forgive him. The young lady raised would never ask for someone to end their life, no matter how bad it was. Do you have any idea what that did to me? None of this would have ever happened if you never came into this world or ever met Harry, and your father would still be alive."

Hermione swung her legs off the bed and grabbed both of her mum's hands and said, "I felt as if my body was being slowly ripped apart, as if I was being quartered. Nothing was working on my pain and it was gradually getting worse as it was literally eating away at me. I was in complete agony and my husband did the only thing he could to help. In the process he ripped out his own heart. I know how you feel mum, I realized that eventually I would most likely leave the muggle world last summer. We both know I've always been different, and life would have been worse if I never left. The truth is, I have found somewhere I belong. I now have friends who are just like me, and know you and dad have seen a difference. There is no way to tell if Daddy would still be alive. Would you give up what you have with Narcissa for that chance? What of my brother? What your saying is that you want me to give up who I am and everything I stand for because of a little danger. I'm telling you right now, I won't do it. Not for you and not for any one. That would be as if you were forced to turn your back on Narcissa and forget everything about her."

Emma looked as if she had been slapped. "That's not what I'm saying and you know it. I would never turn my back on Narcissa, it's as if she completes me. I just can't stand by and watch as you constantly put yourself in the line of fire. I know there is no way to bring your father back and am offended that you even think I would give up those I love just to be with him. Harry took away my choice and almost cost me my daughter. He could have spoken with me. We could have decided what to do together. He should have told me what you were going through. Has our relationship become so strained that you couldn't talk with me?"

"Mum, it's not that I didn't want to talk to you, I physically couldn't. The only reason Harry knew what was going on was because of the bond we share. He not only heard my silent screams, but physically felt the unprecedented amount of suffering I was going through. I need you to forgive him. Please, I beg you. Do it for me." Hermione all but begged while trying to keep her tears from spilling over.

Emma dipped her head slightly and quietly replied, "I don't think I can. At least, not yet. What he did, well you don't do that to family, you don't just keep something like that to yourself."

Hermione sense Harry coming to the door and said, 'Just give me a moment love.' She took a deep breath before she said, "I know you remember what Harry's life was like before all of these changes started. Do you want to know what his biggest fears are? That we'll be taken from him and I don't just mean kidnapped. He is under the assumption that EVERYONE that he loves will die because of him. The second is that this has been nothing more than a dream and when he wakes, he will be with those pigs who are his relatives. That he truly is a freak, just like he has been told for his entire life by them." Harry and Narcissa both chose that moment to enter the room as Hermione finished, "Don't make me choose mum. I'm telling you now, I choose him, and no matter what you say, I always will. I have not asked you to give up what you have with Narcissa, and I never would. Please don't ask that of me, we will both lose in the end."

Harry went over and helped Hermione out of bed without saying a word. Narcissa went over and sat with a shell shocked Emma and the two watched as Harry helped her into the on-suite to change. Once the two witches were alone Narcissa asked, "Is all this worth losing your daughter? Is it worth the possibility of losing me? This is your world now too, and the only way we are going to make it any better is if we fight for it. But in order for us to do that and win, we must stick together. It starts with those two. They will be on the front lines of this war. They will be battling not only for change, but for justice as well." She inched forward and put a hand on Emma's abdomen and continued, "They will make this a better place. Not only for us but for those who come after us." Before Narcissa could say or do anything else, the bathroom door opened and Harry was helping Hermione walk out.

Just when the two were across the room, Emma stood and all but ran from the room. Hermione looked hurt by her mother's actions but Narcissa said, "She just needs to process all of this…. She'll come around. Right now she is just a little lost, and terrified of the possibility of losing you. She has been given a second chance at life, and she is still grieving for your father… even if she says other wise." Narcissa stood and helped Hermione get back into bed. "While we are waiting for your breakfast, perhaps now would be a good time to discuss the Balls we need to throw. I have a few ideas that we should go over."

"Wait a minute… What Balls?" Hermione asked Narcissa before turning to Harry and saying, "What did I miss?"

Harry chuckled at Hermione's confusion and nodded for Narcissa to continue. "There will be one before the next Wizengamot to introduce you two and Emma to society, then there is to be another Ball for the King and Queen and then the coronation itself. I was thinking that for the first ball to be held at the Surrey house, this way we can keep the Potter Properties under concealment. We can make it a joint affair. It will be the ball of the century. I will put together the final details for you to review since it is only a week away."

"What do you mean only a week away?" Hermione asked with widen eyes as she tried scrambling to sit up. This was the sight that greeted Susan as she pushed the door open without knocking and carrying a tray with Hermione's breakfast.

Ignoring Hermione's stunned face, she went over and carefully placed the tray down and said, "Take the potions first then eat up."

Seeing that Hermione was overwhelmed by everything at the moment, Narcissa stood and said, "I'll just leave you three alone, and go check on Emma."

Hermione waited for Narcissa to close the door before she demanded, "Alright you two, I expect one of you to start talking."

~Page break~

Narcissa made her way back to their rooms quickly and found that Emma was leaning against the railing of the balcony, gazing off into the distance. Waiting till she was through the door way she asked, "Emma darling, are you alright?"

Emma continued to gaze upon the gardens, completely absorbed with her own thoughts. She felt Narcissa's arms wrap around, making her lean back as she replied with her own question, "Have I been a complete fool?"

Narcissa seemed to wrap Emma up even tighter as she pulled her closer and kissed the side of her head. "I think you have been lost and terrified up to this point. What do you say to going back to Surrey? We can leave this afternoon for home."

Emma snuggled a little further into Narcissa's arms and sighed deeply. "That sounds lovely. What about Hermione? I'm not sure if either of them want me around. I've been a bloody fool."

"Of course they would want to come. It's their home too. You're her mum and she loves you. You'll work everything out, it simply starts with you apologizing. Since we will be back at home, we can finalize everything for the up coming party."

Emma turned around to face Narcissa, and with a warm smile said, "You just want to show me off to the rest of the Wizarding World. Just for the record, I adore the way that sounds."

Narcissa smiled back and replied, "The way what sounds darling?"

Emma leaned in to give Narcissa a soft and loving kiss. Pulling back, she said, "Home."

A/N 2: I just wanted to drop all of you another quick little note. Please remember that no matter what cards life has dealt you, someone will always be there to listen. I recently had my own little break down and find my depression is running rampart and the current stress in my life is not helping. If any of you ever need someone to talk to, I want you guys to know that I'm here. You can send me a message and don't have to worry about the possibility of me judging you. The hardest part of getting help is admitting that you need it.

Thank you all for keeping my world bright.