A/N: I do not own any character references by JK Rowling in the Harry Potter series or agree with her comments. This story is a product of my pure imagination.

It only hurts this much right now.
Was what I was thinking the whole time
Breathe in, breathe through.
Breathe deep, breathe out.
I'll be getting over you my whole life.
You know how scared I am of elevators.
Never trust it if it rises fast.
It can't last

Uh oh, I'm falling in love.
Oh no, I'm falling in love again.
Oh, I'm falling in love.
I thought the plane was going down.
How'd you turn it right around?

~Labyrinth by Taylor Swift

*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*

Hermione turned the page in her journal and looked at Luna, "We've made it to three years ago. Looking back so much has changed. I can't believe this was only three years ago. Honestly, I wish I could tell old me things would work out."

"You were with Draco, though, and you seemed pretty happy," Luna told her.

"Oh, I was," Hermione nodded, "But while I preached to Harry about him and Ginny, about how their relationship was mostly sex and lack of communication? Draco and I communicated only a little just breaking the surface. We would sit down and just read, enjoying the time with each other. As much as my head was saying, move on from Harry, and I had something good developing, a part of my heart was already given to Harry."

Luna looked at her, "Did you end your Civil Partnership?"

Hermione nodded, "We filed the paperwork in March, the second or third week of the month. Whatever date it was, the statements for the motion of dissolution were right after Harry's birthday. So yes, we did end up going to start the process. I pushed for it because," Hermione took a breath. "If they had changed their minds, they'd have been able to. I knew he wouldn't change his mind, though."

"So you were with Draco, Harry was getting over Ginny. Everything was much better for you," Luna stated.

"Well, not completely," Hermione told her.

*~*~* March 6, 2005 *~*~*

Hermione stared at her phone early on her father's birthday. Juliet approached her and set a cup of coffee before her, "Do you think it will blow up if you use it?" Juliet asked as she sat down opposite Hermione.

Sighing, Hermione set her phone down, "Today is Dad's birthday."

Juliet took a sip of her tea and then set it down, "Have you talked to him since you got the invitation?"

Hermione flinched, "Just to call him and tell him that it would have been nice to hear about her and his engagement instead of the invitation. He said she sent them. Otherwise, no. He has tried to call a few times, though. Harry said he sent some letters to the house, too," Hermione sighed.

Juliet bit her lip, "Look, Hermione, you don't have to be this way towards him for my benefit."

Hermione looked at her, "No, Mum. This is only partly because of you. It was just like a slap in my face that I didn't even know about her. We talked every Sunday night, and he never mentioned her to me?"

"It is his birthday. I don't agree with some of what he is doing, but you still should call him," Juliet told her as she got up and left the kitchen.

Finishing her coffee, she washed the mug and then put it away. Walking upstairs to her bedroom, she sat on her bed and saw the picture beside her bed of her and her parents in her Hogwarts uniform the day she left for her first day. The weight of missing her father, even if he wasn't biologically her father, weighed heavily on her.

Opening her contacts, she pulled up 'Daddy' and hit send.

The phone rang a few times before she heard his familiar voice, and it nearly made her cry.

"Hello, Hermione baby girl, is that you?"

"Hi, Dad. Happy birthday," Hermione said as a tear ran down her cheek,

She could hear him sigh on the other side of the line, "Thank you, baby girl. It's so good to hear your voice. How have you been?"

Hermione bit her lip, "I've been busy. I'm writing a new law. It just needs to go through the processes and be voted on."

"That's wonderful. I'm so proud of you," Dan stated, "What's the new law about?"

"I'm trying to amend a former law and give more protections to werewolves to guarantee them better pay as well as provide them with a potion that aids in their transformations to make them less painful," Hermione told him, "It's been a long time coming, and I hope it passes."

"Werewolves?" Dan asked, surprised, "They are real?"

"Teddy's father was one," Hermione stated.

"Talking about Teddy, how are he and Harry doing?" Dan asked.

"Teddy is keeping us all on our toes. He is growing up too fast. As for Harry, well, he and Ginny called the wedding off. They broke up," Hermione informed him.

"How is Harry holding up?" Dan asked, concerned.

"He has his days," Hermione stated, "It's been tough, but he's gone through much worse. We are trying to distract him, and Draco says he is his normal self at work."

"Draco? Why does that name sound familiar?" Dan asked.

Hermione chewed her lip, "You might remember me mentioning him before. We went to school together, but we didn't exactly get along in school. But he's changed. He's different now, and I really like him," Hermione stated, "I could see a future with him."

"How long have you been with him?" Dan asked.

"Since December, I know it's not long, but… I don't know how to describe it, Daddy," Hermione told him.

"You've always been a good judge of character. If you see something special in him, I trust your judgment. Just be careful, okay?" Dan told her.

Hermione smiled, "Thanks, Dad. That means a lot to me."

"Draco could come with you to the wedding," Dan offered.

Hermione closed her eyes, "I'll think about it. Look, I have to go. I'm having lunch with Harry and Teddy this afternoon since Harry won't attend the Burrow lunch. I don't get to see Teddy enough as it is now that Harry and I trade off days."

"Why are you trading off days?" Dan asked.

"I moved out of Harry's house. I'll call you next week, Dad," Hermione told him.

"Love you, baby girl," Dan told her.

"I love you too," Hermione squeaked out as she hung up and let the tears fall.

*~*~* March 7, 2005 *~*~*

Hermione was sitting at her office and had just kicked her shoes off, flexing her feet under her desk as she looked over the final draft for the Remus Lupin Law that would be going to the Wizengamot this week to be decided on.

Her door opened, and Hermione looked up to see Opal pop her head inside the door, "Yes, Opal?"

"Kingsley just sent a note that he wishes to see you in his office," Opal said as she entered to hand her the note.

Hermione looked at the note to see no particular reason listed, but when the Minister of Magic requests you, one must go. Sighing, she slid her feet back into her shoes and smoothed down her shirt as she walked around her desk, "Whoever started the pain is beauty nonsense; it had to be a man."

Opal laughed, following Hermione out of her office, "You don't have to wear heels, ma'am," She stated, familiar with Hermione's often complaint.

"I want these men to know I mean business, and I'm short," Hermione told her as she grabbed her blazer off the coat rack, "If you need me, you know where to find me."

Walking briskly to the lift, she rode it up to level one. Greeting the receptionist, she walked back to Kingsley's office. With a knock, he greeted her to come inside.

"Hermione, thank you for coming," Kingsley stated, motioning for her to sit.

"Of course, Kingsley," Hermione replied as she sat down, "What did you need me for?"

Kingsley leaned back in his chair, "I've been thinking a lot about modernizing the Ministry for a year now. For over a century, your department has had three separate divisions under one umbrella. However, we must make changes to reflect the intelligence and independence that some of these creatures have, specifically beings and spirits."

Hermione sat up, eyes widening, "Are you suggesting that we separate the Being and Spirit Divisions from the Beasts Division?"

Kingsley nodded, "Exactly what I am proposing. They should be treated with the respect of the autonomy that they deserve. It is time we recognized their unique contributions to our society."

Hermione stood up smiling, "This is incredible, Kings! It's a huge step forward for the Ministry and Wizardkind."

Kingsley smiled, "I knew you'd feel that way, but I must implore you, this won't happen overnight. The new department will slowly be developed and created within the next year or so. We need to get the Wizengamot on board and find the right people to make this transition smooth."

Hermione sat back in her chair, "Sir, I'd be honored to be part of this."

"And I want you to be," Kingsley stated, "With your passion and dedication, it is exactly what we need for this department. When the time comes, you will work alongside the Auror program to help manage cases. For now, if the Aurors need your help with a case, they'll call on you as a consultant."

"Of course," Hermione nodded.

"Speaking of change, I have been talking to some Wizengamot members, and I think the Lupin Law will likely pass. You've done a fantastic job, Hermione," Kingsley told her.

Hermione felt as if she was floating, "Thank you, Kingsley. That means so much."

"Keep up the good work," Kingsley told her as he stood, and she stood with him, "Now, I know I probably pulled you away from something, so I'll let you get back to it."

"Thank you for this opportunity, Kingsley. I won't let you down," Hermione told him, holding her hand for a handshake.

Kingsley laughed as he shook her small hand, "Get out of here."

Smiling, she left Kingsley's office. Making her way back to the lift, she hit the level two button instead of her own. Riding down one level, she walked straight inside instead of leaving like she typically did to the archives. While Harry and now Draco's offices were past the Auror office doors, she had never ventured within before, not wanting to disturb them at work.

Opening the doors, the auror cubicles were bustling with activity. Hermione felt a bit of nerves creeping up as she let the doors close behind her. Feeling a familiar pull of magic, she followed it in the direction it was coming from. The closer she got to it, the more she heard Harry and Draco discussing the Falcons, and she had to roll her eyes.

Leaning against the outside of their combined cubicle, Hermione smiled as they both looked at her simultaneously.

"Hermione!" Harry exclaimed with a smile, "What are you doing here? Is everything okay?"

Draco rolled his eyes, "She's got a smile. Of course, she is okay," Draco said as he stood up and leaned on his desk.

"I thought it was time to see where you two work," Hermione said, "I just got out of a meeting with Kings, and I thought I'd drop by."

Draco raised an eyebrow, "Oh, Granger, have you been a bad girl?"

Hermione blushed, "Shut up, Draco, he just wanted my opinion. I'll tell you about it later. I don't want to interrupt your work."

"Nonsense. We are talking Quidditch. Nothing is going on," Harry said as he stood up and hugged her, "We can always use a break to see your face."

Hermione smiled as she took in their desks and cubicles. Harry's was covered with suspects' pictures and pictures of her and Teddy and Teddy's drawings. Glancing at Draco's there were also suspects and lists similar to how she organized her thoughts, but there was a picture of them that Theo had taken as well, "Want to go get lunch? I know it's not Tuesday, but-"

Draco grabbed his Auror robes, "Gladly," Draco said as he put his robes on, and Harry grabbed his own.

Harry put his arm over her shoulders as she walked towards the lift, "How is the bill going?"

Hermione grinned at him, "Kingsley is very positive about it."

Draco pushed Harry, making him stumble. Draco took her hand to walk beside her and said, "Everyone knows it should pass."

"Knowing and happening are still two different things, Draco," Hermione said, laughing as Harry came over to her other side and took her right hand, "You are in a good mood today."

"I feel good," Harry told her with a smile as the lift opened.

*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*

"So Harry and Draco were getting along," Luna remarked.

"Yes, which made me more torn, honestly, but I felt like I was falling for Draco," Hermione told her, "So quickly that it kind of scared me."

****If you want to see the Draco and Hermione portion of the chapter, see Snow on the Beach- Daddy, I Love Him- March short for March 11th*****

*~*~* March 12, 2005 *~*~*

"So what's the gossip?" Susan asked as she walked up to Hermione, and they both exited their cars.

"On what?" Hermione asked, locking her car while holding onto her newly purchased yoga mat.

Susan grinned as she bumped Hermione's shoulder, "On you and Draco. According to Witch Weekly, they suspect that he won't be one of the two eligible bachelors for much longer. What do you have to say about that, Ms. Granger?" Susan asked, putting an imaginary microphone in front of her.

"Quit it and be real. Draco and I are nowhere near that. I haven't even told him that I love him yet," Hermione stated, opening the door to the yoga studio, "Who is the second?"

"Harry, of course, and do you?" Susan asked.

Hermione paused, looking at her, "Do I what?"

"Love him?" Susan asked.

Hermione looked at her wide-eyed, "I don't know, I have feelings for him. I am very infatuated with him, but I don't know if I love him yet."

"There you guys are!" Pansy stated as she motioned them over to their claimed area, "Class will be starting soon.

Hermione laid her mat next to Daphne, "How are plans going?"

Daphne looked at her, "I may kill Blaise's mother before the wedding happens."

Hermione snorted as she started stretching, "That bad?"

"She loves to remind me that their family has more money than we do, even though the Greengrass family is well off and a member of the sacred twenty-eight," Daphne stated.

Stretching, Padma nudged Hermione as the instructor entered the room, "Wow, I think I might come to yoga more often now."

Hermione glanced up to see a dark-haired man who was very attractive and nodded, "Definitely easy on the eyes."

Pansy glanced at Hermione, smirking, "I'm surprised to hear that opinion from you, of all people, Hermione. What would Draco think?"

Hermione rolled her eyes, "I can look but not touch. There is no ring on this finger saying different."

Class began, and Hermione was glad that back in New York, she had taken a few yoga classes herself as she knew most of the moves without having corrections. Whispered conversations between her and the girls were happening throughout the session, as well as laughter.

Partway through, Ginny arrived, noticeably late because of practice. Hermione glanced over at the girl she hadn't seen since the rehearsal. She watched Ginny unroll her mat, not even looking towards them.

After the class ended, the girls started rolling their maps and gathering their things. Discussing what they wanted to do with dinner, the conversation pulled everyone in, even Ginny, who had kept her distance but was glaring at Hermione.

Suddenly, Ginny approached Hermione, her face obviously angry. Ginny spat in Hermione's face before anyone could say anything to her.

"This is all your fault!" Ginny shouted in Hermione's face, "Harry broke up with me and called off the wedding because of you! If you had only kept your mouth shut, none of this would have happened!"

Luna pushed Ginny backwards sending her flying onto the floor, "That's fucking enough Ginny! It's time for you to grow the fuck up and realize this is all your fault in the first place. Don't condemn Hermione for your actions!"

Ginny glared at Luna, "She's got you brainwashed too now?"

Luna grabbed Ginny's shirt pulling her up then pushed her towards the door, "Ginny, let's go home. I think you are tired, and you are going to regret what you say later and I don't want to hear your shite."

Hermione wiped her face as Luna pulled Ginny out of the studio, "I didn't break up their engagement. That's insane. Why would she think that?"

Parvati placed her hand on Hermione's shoulder, "Ginny is hurt. On some level, she probably thought that with Harry's history, he'd take her back. She didn't expect him to grow a backbone. We all saw it. She was jealous of your relationship. Now she doesn't have Harry, and you and Harry are still fine."

Hermione sighed, "I never wanted to come between them."

"Weasley just needs someone to blame," Pansy stated, "How about we all head back to my place. Get some takeaway, and I'll let you all try on some designs. How about that? Also, can we talk about how I didn't think Luna had it in her to push Weasley to the ground like she did?"

*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*

"So you never suspected that Harry said anything about you when they broke up?" Luna asked, "Because I know it made me wonder."

"No, because why would I think that? They broke up because of Ginny's infidelity. Not me," Hermione told her.

**If you want to see the Draco and Hermione portion of the chapter, see Snow on the Beach- But *****Daddy, I Love Him- March short for March 19th*******

*~*~* March 23, 2005 *~*~*

Hermione was pacing back and forth in her office, her hands shaking as she rehearsed and reviewed her notes. After being delayed for two weeks, the hearing in front of the Wizengamot was finally held today. Today, the Remus Lupin bill could become a law. As long as enough people voted for it.

Taking a deep breath to calm her fluttering nerves, she was about to gather her things to head down to the courtroom early when a knock was on her door. Harry smiled, "Hey, are we still taking Mum out to dinner tonight?"

Hermione nodded, "Yes. Hopefully, by then, I won't be so nauseous."

Harry sat down and looked at her, "Are you nervous?"

Hermione sighed, leaning against her desk, "I am. So many innocent werewolves lives are on the line with this bill. If it passes, werewolves, Harry, can be treated at St. Mungo's for the first time in over 100 years. They'll have more protections in the workforce, guaranteed minimum wage pay in the wizarding world, protections at the time of the full moon from the threat of being fired, plus the stipend for Wolfsbane at a cheaper cost."

Harry frowned, "Do you think Wolfsbane could ever be free?"

Hermione sadly shook her head, "Not yet. I need to find investors and sponsors, an apothecary willing to produce it at no cost before I even consider making it free."

Harry nodded as she started gathering her things, "So… do you want to move back in yet?"

Hermione glanced at him, biting her lip. Her mind flashed to him and Ginny together, and she worried that Harry might take her back. "I need a little more time, Harry."

Harry's face fell, but he nodded, "I understand. Just know that you always have a home with me."

Hermione glanced at the clock and realized she needed to get going, "I have to go. Wish me luck."

Harry stood up and pulled her into his arms. Inhaling deeply, she noticed he was wearing her favorite body spray. Her heart and her body betrayed her as her pulse quickened. Reluctantly, she pulled her way, and they parted in the lift. Harry went to level two, and Hermione went down to level nine.

She took a deep breath and opened the door to the Wizengamot's courtroom. She nodding at Kingsley, and she took her seat.

A short time later, Kingsley brought the session into order. Two people were brought in to plead their innocence over Dark activities. Harry's boss presented evidence of their crimes. Both were taken to the newly improved Azkaban.

Kingsley nodded in her direction, then addressed the Wizengamot, "Hermione Granger will now take the podium."

Hermione nodded at him as she took his spot and looked over the crowd of mostly well-to-do wizards with a few witches between them, "Thank you, Minister. Today, I come before you with the Remus Lupin bill for Werewolf rights."

With a steady voice, she provided statistics about werewolves detailing their struggles and the injustices they faced. She spoke about Remus and how he was forced into the Muggle world to find jobs in the workforce. She stated that he was Hogwarts's best defense teacher throughout her schooling, as evidenced by that year's OWL and NEWT scores. She noted that during the war, nearly 50 new werewolves were created by Greyback, innocent people who were victimized, and their lives had been forever changed. One of her friends was fired when a few wizards questioned whether or not she should even be there when she was not a full werewolf, as Greyback was not transformed when he attacked her.

Closing her notes, she looked at the Wizengamot and saw Hannah in the Abbott seat. She gave her a wink and a grin, and Madam Longbottom was also there in her famous hat.

Daphne's father expressed his concerns about the program's costs, which she refuted with answers that a fund had been set up. Harry had started it in Remus' name using inherited money from Sirius.

Madam Longbottom stood, "How much money could this save in Azkaban costs?"

Hermione's eyes met hers, "Last year, five werewolves were sent to Azkaban for non-threatening offenses. These werewolves would have taken Wolfsbane if it were available. Many more have been threatened and killed by their misguided defense. This law could prevent those tragedies and reduce unnecessary incarcerations. It is not just the incarcerations this law would prevent but the perceptions of those inflicted. I have a friend who was bitten and nearly killed by Greyback in the final battle. Her life was spared because he was not transformed that night. It was not a full moon, but she does have side effects. People see her scars and look down on her. She was fired because of judgmental witches and wizards that forced the issue of her employment. Without these protections, she was fired. She isn't a werewolf. This law would benefit her and so many others in our world."

Kingsley stepped forward, "Thank you, Miss Granger. I now call on you to think about your vote. We will be casting the vote in two minutes."

Hermione sat holding her breath as the Wizengamot members started talking between themselves. When Kingsley stood, the yeas clearly outweighed the nays.

The room was silent as the results were tallied. With a broad smile, Kingsley said, "The Remus Lupin Law has passed with an 85 to 15 margin."

Hermione felt a wave of relief and joy wash over her. She had done it. Remus' law had passed as Kingsley signed the parchment before her. Quickly, she made her way out of the courtroom and saw Harry leaning against the hallway.

"You did it!" He exclaimed as he hugged her tightly,

Hermione smiled, "We all did it. Thank you for believing in me."

****If you want to see the Draco and Hermione portion of the chapter, see Snow on the Beach- Daddy, I Love Him- March short for March 25th*****

*~*~* March 26, 2005 *~*~*

The moment Hermione stepped out of the floo into the Leaky Cauldron, she was met by a wave of warmth. Nearly everyone was gathered for their monthly meetup, including the newest members, Theo, Draco, Daphne, Blaise, and Pansy, who were also in attendance. Hermione smiled, glad her new and old friends were getting along.

Seamus spotted her first and raised his glass, "Hermione is here! Congratulations on the new law!"

Lavender rushed over and nearly knocked Hermione over, pulling her into a tight hug, "Thank you so much for everything you are doing. I am so sorry for how I treated you back in school."

Hermione returned her hug, "The past is the past, Lavender."

Glancing over Lavender's shoulder, she saw Harry standing at the bar, smiling, "Alright, everyone! In Hermione's honour, a round of drinks on me for her incredible work and dedication!"

Hannah handed out glasses of wizarding champagne, and as everyone raised their glasses in a toast, a hush fell over the room, and a shimmering lynx patronus glided into the bar. Hermione grabbed Draco's arm, and as he stood beside her, everyone who had attended Bill and Fleur's wedding froze, gasping in memory.

Kingsley's deep voice echoed through the pub, "Harry and Hermione, Andromeda has had a heart attack. Molly has Teddy. Your presence is requested at St. Mungo's."

Draco turned to Hermione, "Go, Hermione. I need to go inform my mother. I will meet you there."

Harry and Hermione hurried to the fireplace and flooed to St. Mungo's. Cleaning themselves of ash, the receptionist told them what floor to go to. Once they arrived, the waiting room was sterile and tense. The few witches and wizards gasped, seeing them as Harry and Hermione found a seat. They sat for nearly an hour without any news. Wizards coming and going, some in lime-green robes. The minutes dragged on as Hermione paced, finding various magazines to try to bide her time.

Finally, Draco arrived with the ever-impressive Narcissa Malfoy nee Black. Draco walked over to Hermione, "Any word?"

Hermione shook her head, "Nothing yet."

Draco nodded as he turned to Narcissa, "Mother, I'd like to formally introduce you. This is Hermione Granger and Harry Potter."

Narcissa inclined her head, "Mr. Potter, it is a pleasure to formally meet you properly. I apologize for the past and what went down in my home all those years ago."

Harry smiled at her, "You saved my life, Mrs. Malfoy. I can never repay you for that."

Narcissa turned to Hermione and took her hands, "Thank you, Miss. Granger for making my dragon happy."

Before Hermione could respond, Narcissa asked, "How is my sister?"

Hermione shook her head, "No word yet. Please, let's have a seat."

Together, they took seats in the waiting room, and an elf with the Malfoy crest on its person appeared, bowing low, "Mistress, is there anything that you need?"

"Please bring a tea service," Narcissa requested.

After the elf reappeared, tea was served with finger sandwiches. Hermione had just finished her cuppa when Kingsley entered the waiting room.

He looked exhausted but sat beside Hermione, "Andromeda will be okay. She is weak, but she will survive. The heart attack did more damage to her already weakened heart, so she will need to take it easy."

Hermione put her hand on his shoulder, "I'll move back in with Harry until Andromeda is well. We will take Teddy back full-time. You don't need to worry about Teddy."

Kingsley nodded, "That's a relief. Thank you, Hermione. She won't like it, but she needs rest."

Narcissa looked at Kingsley, "Any way I can help my sister, please let me know."

Kingsley looked at her, surprised, "I will tell her." He sighed as he stood up, "There is nothing else for you all to do tonight. She cannot have visitors until tomorrow at the earliest. Go home, get some rest, and I'll let you know when she can have visitors."

"Is there anything that you need, Kingsley?" Hermione asked.

Kingsley gave her a small smile, "Thankfully, she is still with me."

*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*

"So you moved back with Harry and Ron. Things were getting interesting with Draco. That had to be awkward at the house," Luna stated.

Hermione shook her head, "No, one of the main things for me to move back in was that Harry, Ron, and I sat down together and discussed rules for our significant others. If we were going to be with our significant others, it had to be in our rooms. Silenced was a must. I still kept to Draco's flat, mostly when we were romantic. Fridays were our date night. Harry and Ron knew that was the one night a week that I was probably out of the house. Saturdays were for friends, and Sunday was at the Burrow. Harry and I hadn't returned since he and Ginny broke up. Needless to say, they knew where to find me if they needed me. Which created an awkward situation in which Draco and I nearly killed Harry when he brought my Dad to Draco's. When Dad came to beg me to come to his wedding."

**If you want to see the Draco and Hermione portion of the chapter, see Snow on the Beach- But Daddy, I Love Him- March short for March 29th**

*~*~* April 2, 2005 *~*~*

Standing in Harry's house, Hermione grabbed Teddy's wolf. She knelt before him, "Now Teddy, remember Nana will be very tired. You need to be careful with her."

Draco touched Hermione's back, "Mother will be there. She has barely left Aunt Andromeda's side since she came home."

Hermione nodded as she stood up and looked at Harry. "We will meet you and Ron at the movie theatre."

Harry nodded as Hermione entered the floo, pulling Teddy through with her. Draco quickly followed behind them, appearing at the Minister's house.

"My Dragon," Narcissa said as she stood up, seeing them.

"Hi, Nana!" Teddy said as he slowly walked over to her

Hermione tried not to laugh, "I told him that he had to be careful with you."

Andromeda motioned for him to sit next to her on the couch, "I'm so glad you are here tonight, Teddy. How about we eat mac and cheese, watch a movie, and have ice cream?"

"That sounds fun!" Teddy said as he sat next to her.

"Be good, Teddy," Hermione said as she took Draco's hand and looked at Narcissa, "If you need us, Andromeda has my phone number."

"We will be fine," Narcissa smiled at her.

Hermione let Draco back through the floo to the Leaky Cauldron. Hannah wasn't at the bar tonight, so Hermione led Draco to the back of the Leaky so they could apparate to the cinema. Once arriving at the cinema, they walked inside the building after buying their "Miss Congeniality" tickets. Harry was at the concession stand, and he guided Ron through ordering snacks.

"You'll love the popcorn, Ron, and get a drink," Harry suggested.

Ron eyed the options on the board, "What's a pretzel?"

Hermione laughed, coming up behind them and putting her arms over their tall shoulders, "It is just twisted bread with salt on it. You'll like it."

Walking over to Draco as he stared at the menu, he leaned down, "Hermione, what is a hot dog? Is it… an actual dog?"

Hermione tried not to laugh, "No, Draco. It's almost like a sausage in a bun."

After they purchased their snacks, they went and found their seats inside. The lights dimmed, and the movie began. Ron, unfamiliar with cinema etiquette, nearly immediately commented loudly about the volume.

"Shhh… Ron, quiet," Hermione stated.

"Blimey, did you see that?" Ron exclaimed, earning shushes from Hermione and other people around them.

"Ron, you have to be quiet!" She whispered urgently.

Despite the interruptions, they all seemed to enjoy Sandra Bullock's comedy. Hermione looked at Draco as the credits rolled, "Thank you for coming, Draco."

Draco leaned over and kissed her cheek, "We're bound to hang out with the Weasel occasionally, but at least Potter's here too. We at least get along now."

As the four parted ways, Draco headed home, Ron and Harry headed back home, and Hermione went to pick Teddy up from Nana's house.

Teddy was passed out after a sugar crash when she arrived. After visiting a bit with Andromeda, Narcissa, and Kingsley, Hermione attempted to wake Teddy. When the soon-to-be 7-year-old didn't move, Hermione realized she would have to pick him up.

"Hermione," Narcissa scolded, "You will hurt yourself darling."

Hermione adjusted Teddy's dead weight, "I'm used to it. He's getting bigger, but he can fall asleep anywhere." Hermione smiled, "Just like his father, that's how we met Remus the first time. He fell asleep on the Express coming to Hogwarts. Didn't wake up until halfway through the trip with the dementors came aboard the train."

"Probably had been a full moon the night before. Teddy will be taller than you soon. You won't be able to pick him up much longer," Andromeda stated.

Hermione chuckled quietly, "I know, but it's hard to let go."

Carefully, she threw floo powder into the fireplace and stepped inside, "Prongslet's Manor."

Stepping out on the other side, thankfully, Harry was waiting as she nearly stumbled out with Teddy. Harry quickly took Teddy from her arms.

"He is growing up too fast, Harry," She said sadly.

Harry nodded, adjusting Teddy in his arms, "In four years, he'll be off to Hogwarts."

"Um… no, five years. Don't rush it. He won't go until 2009," Hermione said as she followed Harry upstairs to put Teddy to bed. Together, they tucked him in. Harry sat on the bed as Hermione leaned against the doorframe.

"He is growing up too fast," Harry told her.

"We just have to cherish every moment," Hermione told him.

*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*

Hermione looked at her journal, "After seeing Narcissa at Andromeda's, I guess she requested dinner at Malfoy Manor."

**If you want to see the Draco and Hermione portion of the chapter, see Snow on the Beach- Cardigan - April short for April 8th**

*~*~* April 9, 2005 *~*~*

The music pulsing surrounded Hermione as she stepped into Crave for their monthly girl's night. Smiling at the bouncer, she walked through the crowds towards the VIP section. Pansy was waving her over. Only Luna, Padma, Pansy, and herself could come tonight, and Ginny could possibly arrive after her game. The club had added a disco light to the middle of the dance floor, casting a colorful glow over the crowd as Hermione climbed into the VIP section.

Sitting next to Pansy, she winced as she sat down. Pansy stared at her suspiciously, "What?" Hermione asked.

Pansy grinned wiggling her eyebrows at her.

"Shut up," Hermione stated, making Pansy laugh as cheers echoed from the crowd. Hermione saw Ginny smiling as she signed autographs, making her way to the VIP section. Walking up the stairs, Ginny paused when she saw her.

Approaching Hermione, Ginny looked at her, "Hermione, I owe you an apology," She told her, "I know that our breakup wasn't your fault. Harry and I had issues that we were ignoring for years. Eventually, I started resenting you because you and Harry just got along so well."

Hermione stared at her, then sighed, "Ginny, it's okay. Relationships are complicated, and it's easy to misplace the blame of issues."

Ginny sat down and hugged her causing Hermione to frown over her shoulder as she did not hug her back, "I just hope we can be friends again."

"I think this deserves some shots!" Pansy yelled, "Hey, waiter boy!"

Hermione enjoyed one shot of what Pansy called the Panty Dropper. Soon, they all found their way to the dance floor together. Hermione and Luna were dancing together when Hermione felt her phone vibrate within her bra. Glancing at it, she saw Harry was calling her and that she had just missed it. Going to tuck it back in her bra, Harry called again.

Feeling worried, Hermione leaned closer to Luna, "Harry is calling. There is no way that I can hear him. I need to step away for a moment!"

Luna nodded, and Hermione walked towards the lavatories, trying to find a quieter spot. Before she could even get there, Harry called a third time, and she quickly answered.

"Harry?"

She barely heard him as she moved closer to the lavatories, "Harry, I can't hear you. I'm at Crave. You need to speak louder!" She shouted over the music.

Barely audible over the music, she heard Harry's voice, "Hermione, get Luna and come to St. Mungo's! There's been an accident!"

"An accident?" Hermione yelled.

"Yes! Rolf was attacked by one of their animals!" Harry yelled.

Hermione's heart dropped, "We'll be right there!"

Hanging up, she returned to Luna, "Luna, we need to go."

Pansy danced over to them, "What's wrong?"

"We need to go to St. Mungo's. Rolf's been hurt," Hermione yelled.

Luna's eyes widened more than Hermione had ever seen them, "Let's go."

After informing the rest of their group, Hermione and Luna hurried out of the bar.

"Did Rolf call?" Luna asked rubbing her chest.

Hermione shook her head as they headed to the Leaky Cauldron, "No, Harry called me. He didn't give me details. He just said that one of the animals attacked him."

Using the floo at the Leaky Cauldron, they quickly arrived at St. Mungo's. The sterile smell and bright lights seemed to worsen Hermione's anxiety. Harry was waiting by the desk.

"How is he?" Luna asked him.

Harry took them to the lift, "They wouldn't give me many details, just that it was a serious attack. He is in the best hands," Harry said, pushing the first floor.

Hermione squeezed Luna's hand as they approached the first-floor medi-witch's desk, "This is Luna Scamander. Her husband Rolf was brought in."

"I will send a healer to you with an update," The medi-witch stated.

Hermione led Luna to the seating area, and Harry sat beside her. "I saw Newt come in when I got here. One of his assistants brought Rolf in. Where are the boys tonight? They said he was at the preserve," Harry stated.

"My Dad has them tonight," Luna stated as a healer came into the sitting area and she stood up.

"Luna Scamander?" He asked.

"That is me. How is he?" Luna asked.

"I am Healer Landon. Your husband was brought to us with injuries after being attacked by a Graphorn. Many internal organs were damaged, including his heart," The healer stated as Newt walked into the sitting area supporting a woman who must be his wife.

Hermione grabbed onto Harry as the woman sobbed.

Newt swallowed hard, "Luna."

Harry barely caught Luna as she went down.

"No! No! He can't," Luna cried, sobbing into Harry's shoulder.

Sighing as Harry and Hermione made their way into the house, Ron jumped up when he saw them, "Ginny called, how's Rolf?"

Hermione swallowed hard, "Rolf's dead."

"What?" Ron asked, surprised, "No, no. They know how to deal with those animals."

Harry rubbed the back of his neck, "He was training a new assistant. The assistant upset one of the Graphorns, and it charged at the assistant. Rolf got between the assistant and the Graphorn, he threw a spell up, but their hide is so strong. It speared him multiple times."

"He had a bit of a chance. The assistant put a stasis spell on him and disapparated him to St. Mungo's. By the time he got there and they lifted the stasis spell, he bled out faster than they could regenerate his blood," Hermione said sadly.

"Bloody hell," Ron said as he sat down, "What is Luna going to do?!"

Hermione shook her head, "Not a clue. Not only the boys, but the preserve, too?"

*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*

Hermione looked at Luna, "I don't want to bring up bad memories."

Luna smiled sadly, "Memories of my Rolf were never bad. We shared a short and wonderful marriage."

Hermione looked at her, "I wondered something after the fact. Everything I read said that when you are magically bonded when your other half dies, your magic feels it. Did you know?"

Luna nodded, "I felt it when we arrived at the Leaky Cauldron. It was like a rubber band snapped and hit me in the core. Not only did I suddenly have my full magic, but I also had some of his. Before we stepped inside St. Mungo's, I knew he was gone."

Hermione nodded with a sigh, "After that, I was pretty much just with you. Ron and I took turns, as you know, staying with you. Harry helped out where he could with us having Teddy. Then, of course, the raid happened."

*~*~* April 12, 2005 *~*~*

Hermione was sitting in Ministry Munchies talking to Daphne and Theo when an alarm went off inside the canteen. Red lights that she didn't realize existed in the ceiling flashed.

"What's going on?" Theo asked as people in auror robes within the canteen jumped up and rushed out of the canteen.

"Not a clue," Hermione said as she looked at someone, "What does the red lights mean? Is there an attack?"

"It's a signal for all the aurors to report immediately. Something had to have happened," The wizard told her.

Hermione chewed on her lip, feeling dread, "I hope Harry is okay."

Daphne shook her head, "I'm sure he's okay. I bet they spotted another death eater, so they needed all hands-on deck. So, how was Teddy's birthday yesterday?"

Hermione smiled, "He had a blast yesterday. We took him to Muggle London, to this kid's play centre. He ran around with other kids, having the time of his life."

Glancing concerned, a group of Aurors yelled for everyone to move as they ran through the atrium to the fireplaces. Clearing her throat, Hermione said, "I'm returning to my office."

Theo waved as he and Daphne went on to talk about a Quidditch match. Walking to the lifts, Hermione rode to her floor and into her office. Sitting behind her desk, Hermione closed her eyes and dropped the occlumency shields she had been working on to help her block the bond with Harry. While it didn't block everything, it helped her feelings through the bond go from an 8 or 9 down to a 2 or 3. Relaxing, she didn't feel anything.

Returning to the work she had been working on before lunch, she was making notes on a case in the spirit division when suddenly it was as if something punched her in the stomach.

Gasping, trying to catch her breath, her head hurt, and then her leg started burning as if it were on fire before it spread to her whole body. Falling to the floor, the pain was so intense Hermione passed out.

When she came to, she did not know how long she had been out, but the pain was less intense, just below the surface of her skin. Forcing her occlumency shields in place, she pushed herself to sit up in her chair as Ron rushed to her office.

"It's Harry, isn't it?" Hermione asked, "Please tell me he is okay."

Ron nodded, "He's okay. He is in pain and hurt, but he's okay. It was Carrow, the woman Carrow. She surprised them and got Harry from behind with a spell, then shattered his leg. He was under the cruciatus curse briefly before Draco took her down. She is headed to Azkaban. You are still listed as his first contact, but you weren't responding."

Hermione grabbed her bag and her wand, "Let's go."

a/n: I am excited to share that I have made it to 2007 in the story and I am currently writing close to the prologue. There some big reveals coming up, so stay tuned!

Thank you for the new followers: Andrew Wean, gamergal16, 22, Samb1988,alix33, Tobiassss, j0swr1tingstudio and gemstarlet!

Reviews: Alix33: Thanks for catching up and reviewing.

DDNT.07: Thank you so much. Draco will be around after their relationship is over since he is Harry's partner.

Preview of Chapter 32- Whose Afraid of Little Old Me?

Harry turned to Robards, "Sir, I want to put Hermione under protective custody."

"No! I'm not running away, Harry. We need to make a plan. It won't stop her from coming after me. If she can't find me, she will go after Teddy or, heaven forbid, Mum," Hermione told him.

Ron looked at Harry, "You know she's right. We need to be proactive."

Draco sighed, watching the two Death Eaters be taken away to the Ministry, "What about my Aunt. That house has what? Ten rooms? It's unplottable. It is protected."

Robards looked at him, "Who is your Aunt?"

Draco grinned, "The Minister's girlfriend."