A/N: I do not own any characters referenced by JK Rowling in the Harry Potter series and do not endorse her comments. This story is entirely my imagination. I do not profit from it and will not pay for any art commissions related to this story.
Through all my hard talk, I'm still just a daddy's girl.
In this hard shell, there's tiny cracks from a big world.
And there's still monsters in my closet,
And they want to come and play.
There's still sounds in the dark, I wish they'd go away,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I'm a big girl now.
I know, I know, I know, I know, I better work it out.
I've got a little girl of my own, and she looks at me,
Like I'm a bad-ass, and you know that I wanna be.
And now there's monsters in her closet,
And they wanna come and play,
And I start looking for my dad to come and make 'em go away.
I know, I know, I know, I know, that it's my job now.
I know, I know, I know, I know, I better work it out.
~ Circle Game by Pink
~*~ 18th September 2003 ~*~
Hermione knelt in front of Rosella as the school bus crept down the road, "Have a wonderful day and play nicely with your classmates."
Rosella threw her arms around Hermione's neck, "I will. Love you, Mumma."
"Love you too," Hermione told her as the bus slowed to a stop.
Hermione walked her to the bus door. "Hello, Miss Mallory," Hermione greeted the bus driver.
"Hello, Hello Rosella," Miss Mallory said as she got up, led Rosella to a seat, and helped her fasten her seatbelt.
Hermione stepped back as the doors closed and the bus started to pull away, and she waved. Pulling her cardigan closer to her, she walked back to the house, looking down the road to see if MacKenzie was coming yet. Walking back to her house, she closed the door and walked into the kitchen to start some more sausage when the front door opened.
"Are you decent?"
Hermione laughed, "Don't you know that as soon as Harry goes to work and Rose goes to school, that it becomes pants-off time for me? I'm in the kitchen!"
MacKenzie walked into the kitchen, shaking her head. "Honestly, that sounds fantastic. I think we should just make naked time a thing." She dropped her purse beside the table and collapsed into one of the chairs. "Some pants-less time sounds awesome," she sighed. "I haven't had sex in years."
Hermione looked at her as she poured her a cup of coffee. "Years?"
MacKenzie nodded. "Hell, I think the last time was when Annie was conceived. The moment we found out I was pregnant, he wouldn't touch me again."
Hermione sat down across from her as MacKenzie wrapped her hands around the mug. "So, what happened?"
MacKenzie stared at her coffee for a long moment. "We had a fight."
Hermione sipped her own coffee, waiting to see if there were details.
"It started small… like they always do," MacKenzie stated. "Money, schedules, Annie having trouble sleeping, and wanting to climb in bed with us. The usual things that turn into something bigger when you're both exhausted." She bit her lip. "Then it stopped being about those things. It was stupid stuff that I never could do right."
MacKenzie took a shaky breath. "He said he couldn't do it anymore, that he felt like he was living with strangers. That Annie… he could tell she wasn't normal."
Hermione's jaw tightened.
"He said I was always making excuses for her weird behaviour." MacKenzie let out a humourless laugh. "And maybe I was. Maybe I've known all along that she was magical."
She rubbed her forehead. "But I was afraid to tell him about my brother. So, I told him that she was a child. That whatever was going on, we would figure it out." Her fingers tightened around her mug again. "But he got angrier, started yelling. Said he didn't sign up for a weirdo kid."
Hermione's stomach sank as MacKenzie looked up at her.
"And then he tried to hit me."
Hermione gasped.
"I don't think he realized what he was doing," MacKenzie stated, "But he did, and Annie saw it." MacKenzie sat back. "She was standing in the hallway, and we didn't know it. I didn't realize she'd come downstairs." She raised her hand, then froze it in mid-air, "And his arm just stopped like there was an invisible wall."
Hermione sighed, "She froze it."
MacKenzie nodded, "Completely stopped him." She let out a shaky breath. "He looked at his arm, then at Annie, then at me." She trailed off.
"What did he do?" Hermione asked.
"He said…" she paused. "I can't do this. Between you and her… this has been too much for too long."
Hermione felt the anger burning in her chest.
"He told me that he got a job offer in America," MacKenzie told her.
Hermione's jaw dropped. "What?"
MacKenzie laughed a hollow laugh. "He'd apparently been interviewing for months."
Hermione got up, "Without telling you?"
MacKenzie nodded as Hermione pulled a bottle of wine out. "And he said he is taking it. Well, he took it."
Hermione set wine glasses in front of them. "He already left?"
MacKenzie nodded as she poured two glasses of red. "Two days later."
"Oh, MacKenzie, I'm so sorry," Hermione said.
MacKenzie exhaled as she gulped down her wine. "For the first few days, I honestly thought he'd come back. Say he overreacted. But he hasn't even called."
Hermione sipped her wine. "And how is Annie taking it?"
MacKenzie laughed, "She said she turned him into a statue and that he was mean to me, so he had to move away."
Hermione refilled her glass, and MacKenzie grinned, "If you want me drunk, I do have to work this afternoon."
Hermione grinned over her own glass. "I'm not 100% positive that it will work on a Muggle, but we have a sober-up potion for that."
MacKenzie's jaw dropped. "Seriously?"
Hermione grinned, "Wipes the alcohol clear out of your system."
"Shite, you wizards need to market that," MacKenzie stated, then sighed. "Annie wanted to know if she was the reason."
Hermione's heart clenched. "What did you tell her?"
"That she protected me, and that there had been issues for a long time," MacKenzie stated. "I got the papers two days ago." She downed the rest of her wine. "Well, enough about my failed marriage, we need to talk about your happier future marriage. Where is the dress?"
Hermione laughed, "Come on, it's upstairs in the guest room."
Together, they walked upstairs to the guest room, and Hermione opened the wardrobe. "I have to go back in a couple of weeks to have it fitted, but I was able to bring it home with minimal adjustments."
She hung it up on the door, then unzipped the bag.
MacKenzie's eyes widened. "That had to have cost you a fortune."
Hermione grinned, "It was on the clearance rack, if you could believe that. I didn't think it would be what I wanted in a million years, but my friend Luna knew it immediately."
MacKenzie tilted her head, "Luna? She's magical, isn't she?"
Hermione nodded. "Yeah."
MacKenzie folded her arms, "You've all known each other a long time, haven't you?"
Hermione smiled. "We went to school together."
"Hogwarts," MacKenzie stated.
Hermione nodded. "We fought a war together, survived together." She sighed, "It builds a relationship that… can't be replicated."
MacKenzie stared at her. "You really fought in a war."
Hermione bit her lip. "Harry didn't have a choice." She swallowed hard. "And when he didn't have a choice… I couldn't abandon him."
MacKenzie smiled. "You got really lucky, Hermione."
Hermione looked at her dress and thought about all that they had been through together, then nodded. "That I did."
"Hermione?! Are you here?"
Hermione groaned, "Shite, Charlie! I forgot he was coming over."
Hermione ran down the stairs with MacKenzie following her, "Come on through, Charlie."
Charlie stepped through the floo, dragon leather jacket, long tousled hair, worn work boots, and his tall presence made MacKenzie freeze.
"It's okay, she knows," Hermione told Charlie.
"Is that flooing?" MacKenzie asked, surprised.
"Yes, wizards can travel between different locations through the floo system," Hermione told her as she turned to Charlie, "Let me go get that book for you." She walked to the doorway and pointed at him, "Don't you dare scare her."
"How would I scare her?" Charlie asked, confused as he turned to MacKenzie and held out his calloused hand. "I'm Charlie Weasley."
MacKenzie stared at him before slowly taking his hand, "What the hell do you do?"
Charlie laughed, "I raise dragons."
MacKenzie's jaw dropped, and she looked at Hermione, "Dragons are real?"
Hermione hurried upstairs, hearing MacKenzie introducing herself and explaining who her brother was.
"I may have seen him, he was in the twins' class, I think," Charlie explained.
"Twins? You have brothers? Did they all go to Hogwarts, too?" MacKenzie's voice floated upstairs.
Charlie laughed, "I am one of seven."
"You're poor mother, wait… is Ron your brother?" MacKenzie asked.
Hermione started searching the guest room for the boxes of books she used when she was starting the store.
"You've had the pleasure of meeting him? He's a git," Charlie stated.
"So… dragons? I cannot believe they are real. Next thing you will tell me is that unicorns are real too," MacKenzie stated as Hermione found the box.
Charlie's laugh echoed up to the room. "They are, in fact, real, ma'am."
"Don't tell me werewolves, too."
"Ask Hermione, one of her professors was one, a centaur too," Charlie told her.
"Are you pulling my leg?" MacKenzie asked as Hermione shrank the box and carried it downstairs.
"No, he is right. Professor Lupin was a werewolf, and he was one of Harry's adopted Uncles too," Hermione told her, walking down the stairs.
"A werewolf named Professor Lupin? How ironic," MacKenzie stated, "So you raise dragons… dangerous and brave, huh?"
Charlie just winked at her.
Hermione set the box down and enlarged it. "So, what do you need all these books from when I started the store for?"
"Michel and I are starting a project, and I knew I could rely on you to help with it," Charlie said, "Is it okay if I use the loo?"
"You know where it is," Hermione stated.
Charlie walked away, and MacKenzie looked at her, "Oh my god, Hermione."
"Mac, you are wasting your time," Hermione stated.
"Why?" MacKenzie asked.
Hermione whispered, "He's gay."
MacKenzie groaned, "Of course he is, but hey, a girl can flirt."
Hermione groaned, "You're impossible."
~*~ 19th September 2003 ~*~
Hermione woke slowly to the quiet rustling of movement.
Rolling onto her side, she squinted in the dim room to see the shape of Harry at the foot of their bed, bent over as he put his socks on.
"Going out for a morning run?" she mumbled.
"Did I wake you?" Harry asked.
Hermione pushed herself up onto one elbow and smiled, "No, I was waking up on my own."
Harry walked back to the bed and sat on the edge of their mattress, then leaned down to kiss her. "I don't have to run. Come with me."
Hermione looked towards the window. "The sun isn't even up."
Harry grinned, "Exactly, birthday girl. I had a plan for a bit later, but this is even better."
Hermione reached for her glasses on the nightstand and slid them on, narrowing her eyes at him. "What did you do?"
Harry just stood and held out his hand. "Come with me."
Hermione took his hand and slid out of bed, following him out of their room. The moment she stepped into the hallway and froze. "Harry…"
The ceiling was covered in vines that stretched from wall to wall, draping as if dripping down from the ceiling. Hanging from them were dozens of delicate flowers.
Hermione stared at them in disbelief. "They're beautiful."
She reached up and touched one, and instead of a soft petal, it was rough like paper. "Wait, these aren't flowers."
"Don't be mad," he said quickly, "They're made from old books. Luna found this paper-folding class, and the library had just donated these books that were being discarded. Pages were loose, and covers were ruined. I thought maybe we could save them and use them for decorations and-" Hermione threw her arms around him. "Oof!" Harry grunted, catching her. "You're not mad?"
Hermione pulled back and looked at the ceiling, seeing the watercolor-painted blooms. "If they were going to be destroyed anyway, no Harry, they're gorgeous."
The paper flowers moved gently with the light breeze coming from the open window at the end of the hall, their pages barely illuminated by the early morning dawn.
"I know you said your parents used to decorate your room with balloons on your birthday," Harry said, "But when I saw that Luna made these, I thought you might like them more."
"I love them. We need to save them for our centrepieces." Hermione gasped, "We could make each table a themed table if I can find the right books."
"Hermione, honey, we've got time," Harry said, kissing her cheek. He took her hand and led her down the stairs. When he opened the front door, Hermione noticed a small pile of blankets stacked on the steps. "Have a seat."
She sat down, and Harry wrapped an extra blanket around her shoulders. She shivered as the cool, early autumn morning air hit her skin.
"The sun will be coming up soon," Harry said, looking toward the horizon. "There is already some colour in the sky."
Hermione looked out over their front garden. The sky was still dark, but the faintest streaks of purple and blue were beginning to stretch along the horizon, and the stars had already faded.
Harry kissed the top of her head. "Sit here, I'm going to go get you some coffee." Harry smiled, and she pulled the blanket tighter around herself while he went back inside.
She leaned against the side of the house and listened as the world slowly awoke around her. Crickets were fading out as the birds began their early conversations, chirping softly from the trees. A breeze rustled through the leaves. Somewhere far off, a car rolled down the road.
Hermione closed her eyes, smiling.
When Harry came back out, he held a steaming mug in each hand. "What are you smiling about?" he asked as she opened her eyes and took her mug.
Hermione wrapped her fingers around the warm ceramic. "Not that I'd want to get up this early every day," she said as she blew on the top of the mug. "But it's calming." She looked out at the brightening sky. "I can see why you like running at this time of day."
Harry sat beside her and stretched his legs out. "There were a lot of mornings at the Dursleys that I'd sneak out early," he told her quietly, "Just to walk for a while."
Hermione leaned over and kissed his shoulder.
"It helped me reset," he told her, "After a rough day, before the next one started."
Hermione rested her head on his shoulder. They sat together in silence as the sun finally crested the horizon. Brilliant streaks of orange and pink spread across the sky, chasing away the last traces of the night.
Hermione took a slow sip of her coffee, and a small smile grew on her face. This was the perfect way to begin her birthday.
Hermione looked up from the checkout as the door opened and smiled. Rosella skipped inside first with Harry, still in his dress clothes from work, right behind her.
"Mumma!" Rosella called as she saw her.
"The princess is here!" One of the regulars announced, "Hi Princess!"
Rosella waved, "Hi everyone! It's Mumma's birthday today."
Hermione walked around the counter and bent down in time to catch Rosella. "How was school?" Hermione asked, hugging her tightly.
"Good!" Rosella said. "We learned about maths, and it was SO easy. Annie is better than me, though."
"Well, honey, we can't be great at everything," Hermione told her.
"Pot calling kettle black," Harry stated as he leaned against the counter. "Ready to go, birthday girl?"
Hermione smiled, "Just about, I'm covering Megan's break. Just give me-"
Megan hurried over, "I'm here, I'm here. Viv is coming too."
"What is…" Hermione trailed off as Vivian walked over, carrying a white box tied with a ribbon.
"Don't forget this," Vivian said, handing it to Harry.
Rosella gasped, "You made cake!"
Vivian laughed, "I wasn't going to have your daddy poison you all. Plus, it's made of all the cake flavours that I can do for the wedding cake. I know you are going to see your uncle, so there are four pieces of each cake."
Hermione groaned, "Vivian, I have to fit into my dress, you know."
She laughed, "You'll be fine."
Hermione slipped on her coat and grabbed her purse, "All right, let's go see Uncle Sirius."
The canteen at St. Mungo's was quieter than usual when they arrived. There were a few healers scattered at tables with cups of tea as they chatted, and Sirius was already there looking out the window.
Rosella spotted him first. "Uncle Dogfather!"
Sirius turned himself, bursting out laughing as Hermione let go of her hand and Rosella ran over to him. He opened his arms, "I love that, it is my new name."
Rosella climbed easily into his lap.
"How's my favourite niece?" Sirius asked.
"Good, school was good. I learned new maths. Mrs. Vickers had me teaching stuff," Rosella stated. "I guess I am her helper."
"That is a big job," Sirius said as Hermione slid into the booth.
"We brought cake," Hermione told him, "I hope you're up for it."
"What? Cake?" Sirius asked, "Who isn't ever up for cake?"
Harry set the box down on the table and untied the ribbon. "There are four slices for each of us of each different flavour."
Sirius wheeled himself closer. "They have me eating rabbit food here. Give me a piece the size of my head."
Rosella giggled.
"Each slice is the same," Hermione said diplomatically.
Sirius gasped, "Wait!"
Everyone looked at him.
"We have to sing," Sirius stated.
Hermione shook her head. "No, no… we do not."
Rosella's face it up. "Yeah, Mumma!"
Hermione groaned. "Rose-"
Sirius was grinning, "Ready, my flower?"
Rosella nodded, "Ready!"
Hermione shook her head, "No-"
"Happy birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday, dear Mumma (Hermione)
Happy Birthday to you!"
A few people in the canteen turned to look at them, and Hermione covered her face.
"You're supposed to sing when there are candles," she said, "We don't even have-"
Harry snapped his fingers, and between his thumb and pointer flickered a small flame.
Hermione stared at him, and he held it in front of her. Then she leaned forward, blew gently, and he extinguished it with another flick. "Where'd you learn that one?"
Harry shrugged. "I saw Dumbledore do it once."
Hermione shook her head as Rosella climbed onto the bench beside her. "If we draw a crowd. I'm blaming you."
Harry leaned back in his chair. "No one will bother us here."
Sirius took an enormous bite and closed his eyes. "Merlin help me, this is the best thing I've eaten in years."
Rosella laughed, taking a large icing-covered bite as she got it on her nose.
After leaving St. Mungo's, they came back home, and Hermione looked at her watch. "Here, let me make you a snack, then we will worry about dinner."
Hermione froze, looking at Harry, as Rosella sat down at the table when she heard the floo flare to life.
"Anyone home?"
Rosella gasped. "Uncle Ron!"
Hermione barely had time to step back before Rosella tore through the kitchen. Ron appeared in the doorway just as Rosella launched herself into him. The force knocked him completely to the floor.
Ron burst out laughing, hugging Rosella to him. "Well, I think you might have missed me. Ready for date night?"
Rosella sat on his legs. "Mumma and Daddy are going out on a date?"
Ron stood up, "Yes, they are, but what about an Uncle Ron and Rosie date?"
Rosella's eyes widened. "Just us?"
"I was thinking pizza," Ron said, "And ice cream, maybe the park before it gets too dark. When Aunt Luna finishes work, she'll come join us, and we'll have a sleepover."
Rosella started jumping up and down.
"And tomorrow morning, we need help picking a cake flavour. Think you can help us with that?" Ron asked.
"Pizza, ice cream, and more cake?" Rosella asked as she took his hand. "Bye, Mumma! Happy birthday!"
Ron laughed as she started dragging him toward the fireplace, stumbling after her. "Wait a minute! You need clothes and-"
"I packed her bag last night," Harry stated. "It's the pink unicorn one."
Rosella let go of Ron and bolted for the stairs.
"WALK!" Hermione shouted, then shook her head as she sighed. "I don't know why I even try. She never listens."
Footsteps thundered up the stairs, and Harry moved over to the bottom of the stairs as Rosella came rushing back down. "Rosella Lily Potter, your mother told you to walk. You are going to fall down these stairs and get hurt."
Rosella slowed and carefully stepped onto the last step. "I'm sorry," she said quietly.
Harry glanced at Hermione. "I'm not the one you should be apologizing to. You haven't been listening to Mumma."
Rosella walked over to Hermione and wrapped her arms around her. "I'm sorry for not listening. I'll walk."
Hermione kissed the top of her head. "Thank you, I just want to keep you safe."
Rosella nodded, then looked at Ron. "Can we go? I'm hungry."
Ron laughed, grabbing her bag with one hand and her hand with the other. "Can't argue with that. Did you know I'm always hungry?"
"Isn't that the truth?" Hermione muttered.
Harry snorted.
"Bye, Daddy!" Rosella called. "Be nice to Mumma on her birthday!"
"Oh, I'm sure he will," Ron said with a grin. "Have fun."
Hermione watched the two of them disappear through the floo and turned to Harry, "Our best friend is incredibly annoying. But I love him anyway." She grinned, "But I've got to say… I've never found you as attractive as I do right now."
"Oh?" Harry asked.
Hermione touched his chest, "The way you made her listen to me and apologize…" Hermione bit her lip.
Harry grinned, "As much as I'd love to continue exploring that topic, we have dinner reservations."
Hermione blinked, "We do?"
"You go get dressed in something very nice," Harry told her. "I'm going to change my shirt. A kid threw up on me earlier, and I evanescoed it, but… I'd still like to change."
Hermione looked at his shirt. "For sure. What should I wear?"
Harry stepped closer and tried to wrap his arms around her, and she held him away. "Right… vomit. Wear something nice enough that you can move in it. After dinner, I found a place that has dancing lessons."
Hermione looked at him, "Where are we going to eat?"
"That nice Italian place downtown," Harry stated.
Hermione looked at him, wide-eyed, "The one with the cheese-filled garlic breadsticks?"
Harry nodded.
Hermione grinned, "Oh, hell yes." She started walking backward towards the stairs. "Want to help me get ready?"
Harry laughed as he ran at her and scooped her up, tossing her over his shoulders as she squealed. "We have 45 minutes."
"Well, we're going to have to make it quick then," Hermione stated as Harry rushed up the steps.
Once inside their room, Harry set her down, and she kicked their bedroom door shut. Hermione watched him as she pulled her shirt over her head, and he unbuttoned his shirt. She bit her lip as he reached behind him, pulling it over his head, and leaned down to look at the various undershirts in his wardrobe. The landscape of his back led to the dip of the muscles at the base of his spine, which made her mouth go dry.
Harry turned around and grinned. "You're staring."
"Can you blame me?" She asked, unfastening her bra.
Harry's hands stilled as they unfastened his belt buckle to tuck his new undershirt in. "I know I said we had 45 minutes, but Hermione… you're trying to ruin our plans. Not even we can be that fast."
Hermione grinned, "I'm trying to improve them." She told him as she stepped out of her knickers.
Harry dropped his trousers and crossed the room to pick her up again, making her giggle. Glancing at the clock, "We have 40 minutes. I'm going to make you come so hard, you will forget your name, and we are still making our reservation."
Hermione's back arched, and her fingers tangled in the sheets as his mouth lapped at her clit. "Promises, promises."
The warm glow from the restaurant windows spilled onto the street as Harry held the door open for Hermione.
"We were so late. I told you that we should have called ahead," Hermione grumbled.
"They had a table for us. It all worked out," Harry told her, opening her door.
Hermione looked over at him as he got into the car, "What time is the lesson? Are we running behind on that, too?"
"It's just down the road," Harry assured her. "Relax, it's a group lesson. We can just jump in when we get there if we are late."
Hermione laughed, "You sound so confident for someone who has never taken a dance lesson."
Harry looked over at her. "I did, in fact, you were there. McGonagall gave us lessons."
Hermione snorted, "That wasn't true dance lessons. That was just a recipe for avoiding disaster in front of the other schools."
Harry grinned, "Well, I survived Voldemort, I can survive a little dancing."
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Those are not comparable."
After a short drive, they found the dance studio. The music was already pulsing as Harry held the door open for her. Walking into the studio, they found eight other couples already gathered on the polished floor, hearing an older woman giving instructions before she saw them.
"Hello back there! Welcome! Come on in!"
Hermione squeezed Harry's hand as they walked closer to the group.
"Welcome, is this your first time?" The instructor asked.
Hermione nodded, "We want to brush up on our dancing skills before our wedding in November."
"Perfect, I am Melody, and we will start with a beginner Latin routine, and then we will do a slow waltz that would be perfect for you," She stated as she looked at the gathered group. "Now, everyone and their partners spread out."
Harry and Hermione went to a corner where they could still see, but where they weren't front and centre. Harry leaned in, "Latin? That sounds more intense than I thought this was going to be."
Hermione looked up at Melody and took his hands, mirroring her pose with her assistant. "You wanted dancing."
The music started, and Melody demonstrated the basic steps first. Harry placed one hand on Hermione's waist. For the first few minutes, they focused on not stepping on each other's toes while following Melody's guidance.
"Left," Hermione stated.
"I did step left," Harry whispered.
"Well then, you must have two left feet," Hermione told him.
Harry laughed, "Cannot disagree with that."
Melody walked over to them, "You two are doing great. Get closer, feel the rhythm."
Hermione moved chest to chest with Harry as they shifted with the music. Harry spun her out, then back into him again, her leg between his.
Hermione grinned, "Feeling a little… sensual?" she whispered, feeling him hard against her thigh.
"With you? Always," Harry said, leaning down to give her a quick kiss.
Hermione fanned herself as they left the studio, and the cool night air hit her. "I don't know about you, but I am so hot."
Harry snorted, getting into their car, "I knew that a long time ago. I didn't expect that dance class to be so… sexy."
Hermione slid into the passenger seat. "Neither did I."
Hermione was quiet as Harry guided them out of the car park and onto the road. Reaching over, she rubbed his knee. "Thanks for doing this," she told him, "I had a fabulous night. I feel more prepared for our reception."
Looking out the window at the streetlights blurring past them, Hermione ran her hand gently over his leg subconsciously. Frowning as Harry turned them into a closed store's car park, she looked at him, "This store is closed. What are you doing?"
Parking the car, he turned off the engine. He grinned as he reclined his seat. "I thought we could have a little snogging session in the car that we never got in school."
Hermione grinned, "Push your seat back, I have one better." Reaching under her dress, she hooked her thumb on her knickers, pulling them down, never leaving his eyes. Tossing them onto the dashboard, she turned over the shifter and straddled his lap.
"Hermione," he hissed as she reached between them and unfastened his belt.
"I can't wait," Hermione told him, rubbing against him.
"Fuck, you are so wet," Harry told her, grabbing her hips.
Hermione unzipped his pants, "And you've been hard since we've been dancing."
Harry lifted his hips to pull his trousers down and hissed as she freed him. Stroking him once, she positioned him at her entrance, then slowly sank onto him.
Harry groaned as she began to ride him, grabbing the back of his seat as her pace quickened. Grabbing her arse, he pulled her harder onto him.
Her head fell back, nearly hitting the steering wheel, "Fuck, Harry. Don't stop, I am so close."
Reaching between them, he rubbed her clit, "Come for me, Mummy. I want to feel you squeezing me so hard."
Hermione tensed as she cried out. Grabbing her hips, he thrust up twice before filling her. Collapsing against him, she gasped out, trying to catch her breath.
Harry kissed her, "I love you."
Hermione bit her lip. "What do you think about trying to have a baby?"
Harry looked up at her, "Seriously?"
Hermione nodded, "I mean, we are good at the practice of making one," she teased, rolling her hips, "Why not stop preventing it? We are getting married in a little over two months, and Rosella is just getting older-"
Harry pulled her down for a kiss, "I think we are damn good at practice, and you are a damn good mum. I'm all for it if you are."
Hermione kissed him, "Well, then… let's get home and throw tonight's dose of my birth control out."
~*~ 20th September 2003 ~*~
Harry put their car in park next to his car at Hermione's parents' cottage, "I still think we should have done this at our house."
Hermione looked at him, her hand on the door handle, "Mum wanted to do this for us. They don't have many friends here either anymore, so it was a way to invite those they do know to celebrate us."
Harry looked at her over the car after they got out. "Have the Aurors on speed dial. Between Rosella and Annie, or even Teddy, I just think something is going to go wrong, and we'll need an oblivator squad."
Walking around to the back garden, they found her parents with Molly, Arthur, and Bill organizing long wooden tables spread across the grass. Fleur hung lanterns on the branches of the trees, preparing for the coming sunset.
Camillo looked up from his place next to the grill, "Hey, honey, you two came early."
Hermione walked over and kissed his cheek, "Figured you two might need help, but didn't realize Molly and Arthur were coming early."
"Your mother is inside. She might need help," Camillo told her as he looked at Harry, "Harry, my boy, have you ever grilled before?"
Harry shook his head, "Can't say I have."
Camillo looked at Hermione, "At least if Harry helps with the food and it burns, we can say it was him being a newbie."
Hermione walked inside the house, "Hey Mum, need any help?"
Briar Rose looked over at her as she plated a veggie tray, "No, what are you two doing here? I told you to come in thirty minutes."
Hermione walked over to the sink. "I didn't want you and Dad to do it all."
"Where is Rose?" Briar Rose asked.
"With Ron and Luna," Hermione told her, pushing up her sleeves, "Now what can I help with?"
Hermione looked up as the garden gate opened and Ginny and Neville walked in, "Hey, guys. How are you feeling, Gin?"
"I'm over being pregnant, and it's not near the end yet," Ginny told her as Neville hugged Hermione, then handed a bouquet to her.
"Thank you," Hermione said, smelling the flowers, "They are beautiful. Come on in, so far, it's mostly some of Mum and Dad's friends."
Fifteen minutes later, Fred, Angelina, and George had arrived, along with Andi and Teddy. Teddy's disappointment at Rosella's absence was short-lived when Ron and Luna came with Rosella.
"Teddy!" Rosella yelled, running to him and ploughing him over.
"Rosella!" Hermione scolded.
Andi laughed as the kids laughed, "She is fine. Congratulations, excited for the big day?"
"Every day, more things fall into place, and I feel better about it all. Narcissa has been a huge help," Hermione told her, "Words I never thought I'd say about a Malfoy."
Hermione looked as the gate opened again and MacKenzie walked in holding Annie's hand, "I'd like you to meet one of my Muggle friends," Hermione told Andi quietly as she motioned MacKenzie over, "Her daughter was in Rose's nursery school, and she is magical."
Andi looked over, "Is that Annie?"
Hermione nodded as MacKenzie came over, "Hey, Annie! Rosella and Teddy are over there playing with Victoire. You can go join them."
Annie looked at MacKenzie, who nodded, and she ran off to join the rest of the kids.
"Mac, I'd like you to meet Andi, she is Teddi's grandmother," Hermione explained.
"Nice to meet you, Andi," MacKenzie stated, "Teddy is so cute. Harry brought him over for dinner one night, and it was a riot the three of them together."
"I can just imagine. Hermione says that your daughter is magical," Andi said quietly.
MacKenzie nodded, "I knew it was going to be a possibility. My brother went to Hermione's school. Did you go as well?"
Andi nodded, "Many moons ago."
"Andi! Could you help me for a moment?" Molly yelled from the back door.
"Nice meeting you, we can exchange information later if you have any questions about raising a special child," Andi offered as she headed toward the house.
MacKenzie let out a breath, looking out at the gathered guests, "There are quite a few redheads. Ron and Charlie's family?"
Hermione nodded, "Molly, the lady who called for Andi is the leader of the circus. She is the mother of all of them." She said, looking over at Rosella to make sure she wasn't getting into too much trouble.
"My lord."
Hermione turned to see what MacKenzie was looking at and saw that she was staring at Charlie and Bill talking.
"Oh, Bill's scars?" Hermione whispered, "He was attacked by a werewolf outside of the full moon then-"
"No, I know he's gay, but Charlie's muscles. Has he gotten more?" MacKenzie asked.
As if he could feel eyes on him, he looked over at them and, with a dazzling smile, waved.
"Holy shite, it should be illegal to be that hot. My lord, he is coming over here," MacKenzie stated, turning towards Hermione. MacKenzie pouted. "Why are all the good ones gay?" which made Hermione laugh.
Charlie walked up to them, "Should I be worried?"
Hermione grinned, "No."
"Hey Hermione!"
Hermione looked toward Harry as he called out for her as he talked to Arthur, "I'll be back."
She walked over to Arthur and Harry, "I may have to go save Charlie later."
Harry took her hand, "Arthur has an idea for us."
Arthur adjusted his glasses. "I wasn't going to make a huge speech, but I wanted to show how happy I am for both of you. You have been part of our Weasley family, even if you are not blood. Now that I am the Minister, I have certain privileges. If you would allow it, I would be honoured to officially officiate your magical ceremony."
Harry squeezed her hand, "That would mean the world to us."
Hermione nodded as she hugged him, "I honestly planned to ask you anyway."
"Are we talking about officiants?"
Hermione turned surprised, "Professor McGonagall!"
Their former professor stood before them, not in tartan, but in a warm sweater dress, her hair still tightly wound in a bun on her head. "You are no longer a student, Hermione. As I have stated in the past, please call me Minerva."
"Habits," Hermione mumbled.
"Thank you for coming, Minerva," Harry stated.
She ran her hands down her dress, "Well, there are not many students that I have kept up with other than this group gathered. When Molly sent me the invitation, I could not refuse. Hagrid wished to come as well, but…" she looked out at her parents' friends that were gathered.
"We understand. We appreciate him considering it," Hermione stated as she looked at Harry. "We need to be sure to invite him to the ceremony at your grandparents' house."
"You are having an additional ceremony, is that correct?" Minerva asked.
Harry nodded, "We thought it would be nice for Hermione's parents, their families, and friends. It is at Signet Library, up near the school."
Minerva nodded, "Do you have an officiant for that ceremony?"
Hermione shook her head, "Many we have contacted want us to be members of their church."
Minerva nodded, "I do not mention my family much, but in that case, my brother Malcolm is a pastor. I have spoken to him, and he is free that day."
Hermione looked at Harry in disbelief, then back to Minevra, "That would be amazing."
Minevra smiled, "I will contact him."
Hermione watched as her dad went and lit the lanterns one by one, filling the back garden with golden light, while his boombox filled the air with music.
Teddy was chasing Annie, Victoire, and Rosella around the lawn, their laughter rising above the music as Hermione sat beside Luna, watching over them.
"Just think, we will be adding to the chaos soon," Luna said.
Hermione glanced over at her and bit her lip, "I mentioned to Harry about possibly trying."
Luna smiled, "Well, of course, our kids will be born soon after each other."
Hermione stared at her, "Sometimes I wonder if you are crazy or crazy perceptive."
Luna laughed, "Just wait and see." She pointed toward Charlie and MacKenzie, "What is going on there?"
Hermione glanced over toward where MacKenzie was sitting with Charlie, talking, "Turns out that Mac has a fascination with dragon romance novels. I warned her that Charlie was gay, not to set her heart up for disaster. I think it's more a fascination with dragons."
Luna studied them for a moment. "I don't think Charlie is as gay as you think he is."
Hermione blinked, "What?"
"Not my thing to say," Luna said as Harry walked over.
"Budge up."
Hermione stood up, and Harry sat down, pulling her down onto his lap. "Well, Mr. Cook, Ron and Ginny got into a fight for the last of your burgers, so I think you did well."
Harry kissed her shoulder, "I think this may have been the least stressful party that we've ever attended."
Hermione leaned her head back into his shoulder with a relaxed sigh. "No one is trying to kill us."
Harry snorted, "Give it time, Rosella might stage a revolt with all the sugar she has consumed. Either she is going to crash or turn feral."
Ron wandered over and sat down on the ground at Luna's feet. "What are we talking about over here?"
Luna ran her fingers through his hair, "Hermione and I were discussing future children and dragons."
Ron raised an eyebrow at them, "Already thinking of adding another sprog? I think your first one turned out pretty well."
"Nothing set in stone," Hermione said, playing with Harry's fingers on her belly, imagining a swell there as their child moved beneath his fingers.
All four heads pivoted as a guttural scream echoed through the backyard as Rosella screamed, running after Teddy with the other girls following her.
Hermione jumped up as Harry did, "Yep, feral. She's turned feral. I'll get her, you get Teddy."
Harry shook his head, "No, you get Teddy. I'll get her."
Ron burst out laughing, "Watch out, Harry! When she is high on sugar, she tends to have elbows and legs swinging!"
Hermione scooped up Teddy as he ran to her, and Harry wrapped his arms around a flailing Rosella.
"Rosella Lily! Calm down!" Harry shouted, then groaned as her heel caught him in between the legs, "Stop! What is this about?"
"Teddy said that girls can't be dragon keepers!" Rosella yelled, catching him again, this time in the stomach, making him wince, "I said they can too!"
"I think you are done with sugar tonight. How many cupcakes did you have?" Harry asked, "Tell Teddy sorry."
Rosella rolled her eyes dramatically, "I'm not sorry. I could be a dragon keeper if I wanted. Uncle Charlie said so."
"I thought you wanted to be a princess," Hermione reminded her.
Rosella blinked at her, "Why can't I be both?"
Harry laughed, "All right, settle down. You are right, you can be whatever you want to be. Is there a reason to go after Teddy with a stick, though?"
Rosella rolled her eyes, "It's a sword, Daddy."
Harry glanced at the broken stick now on the ground. "Is that really safe?" Harry asked her.
Rosella sighed, "No, fine. I'm sorry, Teddy."
Harry set her down, and they ran back off after Victoire and Annie.
Ron shook his head, grinning as they returned. "And you want to add another to this craziness," Ron joked.
"Maybe our next one won't be so sensitive to sugar," Harry stated hopefully.
Hermione snorted, "With your genetics for sweets? Highly doubt it."
Ron stood up, taking Luna's hand and leading her over to Bill and Fleur as Hermione sat back in Harry's lap. "She's too quiet." She told him.
Harry snorted, "Enjoy it while it lasts."
Hermione yawned, "Five minutes. I give it five minutes."
Lying her head back on his shoulder, she thought about all the things she needed to do in the next week for the wedding.
"You're thinking again," he murmured.
"I do that sometimes," she informed him.
He pressed a kiss below her ear. "It's a dangerous habit of yours."
Opening her eyes, she looked over at Fleur and Dominque as she started tracing the back of his hand with her fingertips. "Time is a funny thing. It doesn't seem that long ago that we were hiding in forests and ruins, wondering if we'd even survive."
Harry tightened his arms around her. "I got so very lucky."
Hermione looked out over the garden as Molly shooed the kids away from the dessert table. Arthur was talking animatedly to her father and Andromeda. Charlie was still talking to MacKenzie. "Now we are here."
"Yeah, we are," Harry said, simply.
"Are we crazy?" she asked.
"Well, I think we've established that a long time ago that we aren't completely sane, but what exactly about this time?" Harry asked.
"About wanting another baby? You have St. Mungo's, the wedding, my store, Rose… they are tearing down Godric's Hollow next week, then you go to the board about the Potter Hospital soon… do we have too much on our plate to add something more?" Hermione asked.
Harry didn't answer her immediately. Instead, he ran his thumb over her stomach. "Every night when we put her to bed, I think about it," he admitted.
Hermione looked back at him, "And?"
Harry smiled, "My hours aren't too bad at St. Mungo's. The wedding will be over before we know we are pregnant. Even if we start seriously trying soon, and it happens relatively fast. The girls are always glad to help at the store. As for our big projects, nothing says we have to do them fast. Godric's Hollow is honestly my priority over the hospital. That is just part of my five-year plan." Harry sighed, "As for Rosella, I think she'll be excited when the time comes. She will teach them to be a dragon before they can walk, though."
Hermione laughed, "That is a very real possibility."
"But when she is asleep, I think about moments like this. The kids running amok, Molly trying to be Nana, the noise," Harry stated.
"And?"
Harry kissed her shoulder, "It is what I came home for. It feels right. If you told me in May, this is where I'd be, I would have told you to pinch me. This is the life I only dreamt of. You and Me. I thought I'd lost that chance after Ron returned. Now I can't imagine my life any differently."
Hermione turned in his lap and kissed him, holding onto the back of the chair.
"Plus," Harry said, rubbing her hips, "We probably should try before Rosella gets too much older."
Rapid footsteps pounding the ground made Hermione brace herself against Harry as Rosella jumped onto Harry's legs, sending the chair backwards onto the ground.
"UNCLE CHARLIE SAID I COULD HAVE A DRAGON!" she yelled into Hermione's ear.
Hermione jumped up as soon as Rosella rolled off her, "CHARLIE WEASLEY!"
"Shite!" Charlie yelled as taking off, making MacKenzie laugh.
"I ONLY MEANT A STUFFED ONE!" Charlie defended, standing behind poor Molly, "Dragons don't exist, obviously."
Molly moved away from him, "I am not getting in the middle of this one. You are on your own, Charlie."
"Thanks a lot, Mum!" Charlie pouted.
"You are lucky that my parents' friends have already all left. Don't go putting ideas into my daughter's head," Hermione told him, poking her finger into his chest.
"It's more of a figurine. You know, like the ones that they gave Harry and Fleur in the Triwizard tourney," Charlie told him.
"It breathed fire!" Hermione admonished.
"Did it? I may have forgotten that detail," Charlie said, rubbing the back of his neck.
Rosella looked up at her, "So can I, Mumma?"
"Only a toy one," Hermione told her, glaring at Charlie.
A/N: Ghost is back! I am actively writing the final chapters. I think it will end around chapter 56, maybe a short epilogue for chapter 57.
In other news, if you haven't discovered it yet, my newest story for the HP Daddy Knows Best fest is actively posting! It is called Guilty as Sin, and of course, it's a bit angsty (I am the Princess of Angst and Slowburns after all), but I really enjoyed writing it. It will be 20 chapters, as I wrote it entirely in two and a half months. I will be attempting to post it on Wednesdays as regularly as possible. You can find it on my profile!
Here's the summary:
After her father's health scare, Hermione decides to take charge of her future and pursue motherhood on her own. When Harry learns of her plan via an accidental text, he offers to be her sperm donor. What could go wrong? After all, he's only helping a friend, and neither of them have feelings for each other… right?
Preview of Chapter 51 – My Person
"I am not a bloody baby," Sirius mumbled under his breath.
"Then stop acting like one. You are acting worse than Rosella. If you supposedly aren't acting like a child, don't act like a rude bitch," Hermione stated, not looking up from her rune translation that she was currently working on.
"Want to say that to my face, Granger?" Sirius asked.
Hermione glanced up, "Come over here, and I will happily repeat it to your face."
Teresa bit her lip not to laugh, and Hermione glanced up at him in her peripheral vision to see Sirius drag his left leg, clenching his teeth together. He grunted as he lifted his right leg, then repeated the process three more times to come stand before her. Sweat shining on his temples and brow.
"Want to say that to my face now?"
Hermione looked up at him and took her glasses off, "No."
Sirius smirked.
"Because you finally quit bitching and did the work," she stated, "Want a gold star? Or a lolly?"
Sirius glared at her, "I could use a lolly. Dry mouth is a bitch."