Chapter Text

Chapter Six

~ September 12th, 2008 ~

“This is the parlour room,” Harry explained as he showed Hermione to a room already warm from a roaring fire. The couches were soft leather and the walls painted dark blue. “Through the doors on the left is my bedroom. To the right is yours.” He turned to her and shrugged. “Tetwell Estate was designed for when couples still kept separate bedrooms.”

Hermione raised her eyebrows at him. “You do realise this isn’t an estate, it's a castle , right?”

“I mean, it’s a small one?”

Hermione huffed a short laugh. She turned to the double doors on the right and Harry quickly opened them for her. The bedroom on the other side was done up in soft colours, decorated with flowered curtains and a large, soft bed. He’d had it redesigned in sixth year, after he’d gotten to know Hermione and learned that she was his magical match. He’d designed it specifically for her and having her there now, standing amidst the room he’d once imagined her staying in over a school break was surreal.

“It’s beautiful,” she said, voice soft.

“I’m glad you like it.”

She handed him Hugo and opened up her little beaded purse. With a quick wave of her wand, a crib appeared from the depths of the purse and grew to size. It was placed against the wall beside the doors that led back into the parlour.

“We do have a nursery, if you like?”

Hermione shook her head. “I’d feel more comfortable with him close by.”

“Of course.” 

“ Come on, darling. It’s past your bedtime now, ” she soothed to the baby in French. 

Hermione took Hugo back and sat down on a low cushioned bench at the end of the bed. 

“Mama,” Hugo whined.

She gently bounced him in her arms as she got him settled at her breast. “ I know ,” she crooned softly. “ It’s okay, my love. Everything’s okay now. ”

Harry sat beside her as she began to nurse her son.

“I’m sorry,” she said into the sudden stillness of the room, “about Ronald and the fight.”

“I’m happy I was there. I don’t like the thought of you facing his temper alone.”

She rolled her eyes, a hint of amusement in the twitch of her lips. “I can handle Ronald’s temper. He could never handle mine .”

Harry’s mouth stretched into a small grin. “Duly noted.”

“Thank you, though,” she added after a moment. “For staying when you saw him and… for not getting involved in the fight.”

“Like I said, I’m happy I was there. I’ll stand by you as long as you want me there.”

Hermione’s eyes teared as she shook her head. “I don’t know what I want. Ron was just… I had to do everything on my own when I got pregnant with Hugo. It was terrifying. It was- thinking about how I’m pregnant again now, I just… I’m scared.” She turned to him with watery brown eyes and flushed pink cheeks. “I don’t know you,” she whispered. “Not really. Not the way I should, considering the circumstances.”

Harry nodded slowly. “I understand. And I imagine that me simply telling you I’m not going anywhere isn’t going to be enough.” He leaned forward and gently cupped her cheek with his hand. “But I promise to try to show you with my actions how devoted to this I am. To you, to Hugo, and to our baby too.”

Hermione surprised him when she grabbed his tie and tugged him forward for a kiss. He didn’t hesitate to reciprocate. She pulled away a second later, far too soon for Harry’s liking but he held back. He licked his lips and savoured the tingle of her magic on his tongue.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Harry smiled softly. His eyes traced her features. She truly was the most beautiful witch he’d ever seen. Every time he saw her, she defied his memory. The thought of her was nothing in comparison to the reality of having her there in front of him, only a hair's breadth away. 

Harry leaned in slightly and when Hermione did the same, he could barely control his excitement. His lips barely brushed her own again when his signet ring warmed. Harry pulled back with a sigh.

“What’s wrong?”

Harry raised his left hand and looked at the Potter heir ring on his pointer finger. “My father is calling me.” He looked up at her. “Will you be okay for a few minutes?”

“Of course, you need to go. Is he far?”

He shook his head. “Just in his study. Do you need anything before I go? I can grab a changing table or-”

“-I have everything I need.”

She hesitated and Harry raised an eyebrow. He ignored the second warming on his ring. His father rarely called him a second time and never so quickly after the first. 

“But?” Harry pressed.

“Do you think I could owl my… grandfather when you get back? I’d like to tell him what’s happened with Ron. Ron doesn’t know I’ve figured a way out of things but I don’t really want to risk it.”

Harry’s chest tightened with worry. He nodded. “That’s a good plan, I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll be in the parlour once Hugo’s down.”

Harry nodded again before jumping up and heading out into the hallway. His ring warmed for a third time and Harry twisted it nervously. He rushed to his father’s study and didn’t bother to knock on the door as he entered.

“Dad? What’s- Miss Weasley?”

“Harry!” Ginny exclaimed. 

She raced across the room and threw herself into his arms. Harry stiffened. He shot a confused look over her shoulder to his parents, neither of which looked very impressed with him. What the hell was going-

“-The dinner,” he remembered suddenly. 

Ginny pulled back but kept her hands on his arms. She met his gaze with obvious concern. “You didn’t show up and I was worried, since you really aren’t known for just disappearing. I thought…” She blushed and smiled in a self-pitying way. “Well, honestly, I thought maybe you had cold feet after the implications of our dinner-”

“-There were no implications,” he cut her off.

“Harry,” his mother interjected with a warning tone. 

He swallowed and stepped back until he was out of Ginny’s reach. “I’m sorry I worried you, Miss Weasley, but something came up that took precedence,” he lied easily. “Of course, I should have owled you. I apologise.”

“It’s fine, Harry,” she stepped forward and touched his arm again. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”

Harry wrapped his hand around her wrist and gently pulled it off his arm before letting go. “It’s Healer Potter,” he reminded her and watched as her cheeks flushed red.

His mother was glaring at him, shaking her head at his attitude. He didn’t care. It was entirely inappropriate for Ginny to just come to his home and tell his parents he was missing . 

“I appreciate your concern, Miss Weasley, but next time I’d rather you owl my department rather than come to my family home and worry my parents.”

Ginny’s blush darkened. She drew her shoulders back as she valiantly tried to save face. “Sorry– Healer Potter. I did really think it was cold feet-”

“-We agreed to have dinner,” Harry cut her off. He was not entertaining any of her fanciful thoughts. “I don’t appreciate you trying to turn that into more than it is, especially in front of my parents. There was no implication that I was going to marry you and implying there was in front of my parents won’t get you a proposal.”

His mother dropped her face into her hands while his father outright glared at him.

“I’m sorry,” he said to the room at large, “but I don’t want there to be any misunderstandings here.” He turned to Ginny and stared directly into her eyes. “I have made my decision, Miss Weasley, and I’m not going to marry you.”

Ginny blinked quickly. She looked down at her hands. “Right. Sorry.” She cleared her throat. “I should go.”

“Mum, will you see her out?”

Lily shot him a look. “Honestly, Harry,” she scolded as she headed to Ginny’s side. 

She wrapped a comforting arm around the witch who was beginning to quietly cry. Harry looked away with a twinge of regret. He hadn’t wanted to make her cry . 

“Come on, dear.”

The door snicked shut behind them and Harry turned to face his furious father.

“Do you want to explain before or after I start?” James asked.

Harry didn’t have time to respond before James began ranting.

“You’ve got be fucking with me! How many times do I have to tell you, this is your future . This is your life . I understand you don’t want to get married but-”

Harry unbuttoned his jacket and tossed it over the end of the couch as his father continued his rant. He went and poured three glasses of scotch and handed one off to his father even as he continued his tirade.

“-I mean, honestly, could you have been any ruder? Witches talk, you know!” James took the glass. “Thank you,” he said before continuing. “No one wants to marry a bloke who’s so callous and rude. When did you become so callous? Who taught you that?”

Harry sat back in his armchair with a sigh and sipped his scotch. He watched his father idly until his mother returned. She closed the door behind her and joined Harry.

“Scotch for you,” he told her in a low voice, so as to not disturb his father’s rant.

“Thanks, love.” She picked it up before grabbing a seat at the end of the couch closest to him. She leaned towards him and whispered, “How long has he been going?”

“Since you left.”

“I’m sorry,” James interrupted, “am I bothering you two? Would you like a charcuterie to go with your drinks?”

Lily brightened. “That’d be lovely.”

James gestured wildly at Harry. “You can’t condone this behaviour.”

“Oh, not at all. But he’s also not a little boy and if he wants to make his own life more difficult, that’s his decision.”

James tipped his head back. “Argh!”

“In other news,” Harry cut in, “I’m getting married.”

His parents’ heads whipped around to him. Harry sipped his scotch and grinned at them.

James looked less than pleased. “You signed a contract without me? Harry? What the hell did you agree to?”

“No contract, well, I’m sure there will be a very in-depth one later.” Especially considering Lord Nott was going to be involved.

“Right, I’m sorry. I thought we were working this out together? All of us?" James gestured, almost spilling his drink as he did. "Who is this witch?”

Harry looked down at his glass as a smile touched his face. He could barely contain his excitement as he met his father’s eyes and said, “My magical match.”

His mother gasped. “Harry!” she exclaimed. She nearly dropped her glass in her haste to set it down before rushing to his chair and pulling him into her embrace.

Harry laughed and wrapped his free arm around her waist. She kissed the top of his head.

“You found her?” his father confirmed. James sat down at the edge of the coffee table, happiness and no small amount of wonder on his face. “After all this time?”

Harry squirmed in his seat. “I always knew who she was. She was just with someone else.”

“Oh, Harry,” his mother soothed. She ran her fingers through his hair and kissed his head again before pulling back. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart.”

“It’s alright, mum. It’s worked out now, hasn’t it?”

“She’s agreed to marry you?” James confirmed.

Harry nodded. “She’s also in the program. Her ex signed their son up and it means she’s got to get married. He tried to manipulate her into thinking that meant she could only marry him .”

James’ eyes narrowed. “Where do you come in?”

Harry released a long breath. “She’s pregnant with my child.”

James’ eyes widened. Lily raised a hand to her heart.

“You’re sure it’s yours?” his father pressed.

Harry nodded. “She’s exuding Potter magic.”

“How far along is she?”

“About five weeks.”

James eyed Harry curiously. “Her name?”

“Hermione Granger.”

James didn’t look surprised. Lily, on the other hand, made a small gasp of shock. 

She grabbed her son’s shoulder. “Please, tell me you aren’t joking.”

Harry’s brows drew together. “Why would I be joking?”

“Hermione Granger is brilliant!” Lily exclaimed. “She’s a magical prodigy. Have you read her papers? Her last one on-”

“-Lils,” James sighed.

“As if you don’t also think she’s brilliant. Remus loves her – practically wants to adopt her.”

“What I think is she’s in a very serious situation, pregnant with Harry’s child whilst also already having had the son of a wizard from an important magical family. I don’t think Ron Weasley is going to politely bow out of this fight.”

Lily’s eyes widened. “Weasley?” She shot her son with an annoyed look. “So, you decided to go and make an already difficult situation worse by making his only sister cry?”

Harry scowled. “I didn’t mean to make her cry. And no,” he snapped, turning back to his father, “I don’t think Weasley is going to be all that polite about any of this. But he wasn’t being too polite in the first place when he drugged her with fertility potions.”

That shut his parents up for a moment. Finally, James asked, “Do you have proof of this?”

“Me? No. But it’s Hermione, so I suspect so. Her grandfather is handling the case.”

James titled his head. “Lord Nott?”

Harry raised an eyebrow. “How’d you know that?”

“The only other reasons Lord Nott would pay for a random witch’s medical bills were if she were his illegitimate daughter or mistress. Clearly, she isn’t his mistress, so…” He shrugged.

Harry scowled at the thought and ran a hand down his face. “Please, don’t ever mention that in front of Hermione. Draco Malfoy already said as much to her face. She’s really not handling the secretly not a muggle-born thing well, I don’t think.”

Lily nodded. “I’d probably have a mental breakdown. You spend your whole life fighting the system, proving you’re not just good enough to be here but possibly even better . If I found out I wasn’t a muggle-born, I’m not sure I’d be able to face it, honestly.”

James reached over and took his wife’s hand with a soft smile. “You would. You’d face it brilliantly.”

Lily smiled back lovingly.

Harry couldn’t help but watch his parents, warmth and love shining in his chest. He wanted to one day have his own children watch on, while he stared lovingly into his wife’s eyes. He was going to get that chance now. The reality of it crashed over him and he sucked in a breath. 

He was going to marry Hermione Granger. His hands were shaking. He fought down the tears that threatened to overwhelm him.

“How long do we have before she has to get married?”

Harry took a deep breath to collect himself. He looked up. “Less than two weeks. We said we’d do a handfasting this weekend, but I think we should do it tonight.”

Lily frowned and shifted in her seat on the armrest of his chair. “Why? What’s happened?”

“Miss Weasley was here,” James guessed. “One Weasley is trying to marry you and the other is trying to marry Hermione.”

Lily nodded. “I’ll grab Pandora tomorrow. The two of us will do some espionage at the ministry.”

“I’ll ask Sirius to dig around as well. He’ll claim it’s for a client or something.”

Harry nodded. “Hermione wants to owl Lord Nott, so we might as well call him here too.”

His parents raised their eyebrows at him. “Is she here now ?” his father wanted to know.

Harry tried not to cower back in his chair like a naughty schoolboy. “Yes? And Hugo, her son.”

“That would have been nice to know,” James drawled.

“Weasley was on her doorstep when we got there. They got into a big fight.”

Lily turned to James. “Can the Weasleys push the wedding date up?”

He shook his head. “Not in the middle of the night, no. But once the ministry opens up, with their family’s standing, and the fact that one of his brothers is a well-respected ministerial worker? Probably.” James stood with a sigh and headed to his desk. “I’m owling Lord Nott now. We need to have a contract assembled as quickly as possible. I’ll have Sirius come and represent our family for the contract discussions.” He paused and hummed. “I wonder if we can have Lord Nott become our new family solicitor? He’s ruthless,” James finished with delight.

Harry rubbed his eyes. “Great. We should also owl Remus and Rose, come to think of it. I think she'd appreciate their support. But, I'm pretty sure they have no idea what's going on.” 

“About the baby?”

“About any of it. I saw Remus earlier. He has no idea Hermione has been entered into the program.”

James sighed and rubbed his forehead. “I don't want to be the messenger,” he whined. “Remus always kills the messenger.”

Lily rolled her eyes. “ I'll go get Remus. Cowards,” she hissed at her husband and son as she moved to leave.

“Love you, Lils.”

“Thanks, mum!”

“Oh, wait!” Harry called after her before she could leave. “Can you take a look at this too?” He handed her the coin he’d found at Hermione’s flat. “It was being used as a conductor at Hermione’s flat, but she’s never seen it. I think Weasley put it there and I want to know what it does.”

Lily nodded and took the coin. “I’ll take a look. We’ll hand it off to Lord Nott when he gets here, if it’s relevant to the Weasleys.” Lily turned and made her exit.

James clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Harry, congratulations.”

He couldn’t help but smile at his father’s words. “Thank you.”

“You’re going to be an incredible father and probably husband, just don’t be an arse.”

Harry grinned. “I’ll just do the opposite of what you do with mum.”

“ Oi .”

~ * ~

~ September 12th, 2008 ~

Hermione stared down at Hugo's sleepy face at her breast. His eyes were closed and he was definitely asleep. She should transfer him to the crib, but the very thought of letting go of him after her fight with Ron was too much. 

Her eyes teared as she remembered the cry Hugo had made when Ron had tried to take their son. Her baby. 

She thought about the plans she and her grandfather had laid. All the various options they would have to consider if plan A or B fell through. She didn't like the idea of having her and Harry blood adopt Hugo, but she would do it if it came to that. The Weasleys could sue for it, but Lord Nott had waved it away, claiming he'd happily pay the fines. 

Her reluctance came from the all-encompassing aspects of the spell. Hugo would look different. His magic would be different. The version of her son in her arms wouldn't exist anymore and the very idea of it broke her heart. He was too young to make a decision about it himself. She'd be basically forcing him into being someone else.

Lord Nott had tried to explain it wasn't quite like that, but it felt like it to Hermione. She didn't want to do it, not unless they had to.

A knock came at the door before opening. Hermione's head shot up and her eyes widened when she saw Rose's familiar face.

“Rose!” Hermione exclaimed in a loud whisper. 

Rose smiled lovingly. She entered and Remus came in behind her. Hermione gently pulled herself free from Hugo and fixed her top. Remus gestured and Hermione handed the baby over with a flash of unease, still upset about everything that had happened earlier. Her unease all but disappeared with the way Remus gently cradled the baby in his arms. He pressed a loving kiss to Hugo's head before placing him in the crib. 

Rose took Hermione's hand and the three went into the parlour room. Remus closed the door behind himself and turned to Hermione. He and Rose raised their eyebrows.

“You're in so much trouble,” Rose scolded her gently.

Hermione cringed. “I'm sorry.”

“You should have told us."

“I didn't want Remus to kill Ron.”

“I wouldn't have gotten caught,” Remus responded darkly.

Hermione laughed. “I'm aware. That wasn't why I didn't want you to do it. He's still Hugo's father and as shitty of a partner as he is, he's a good dad.”

“Good?” Remus gestured. “He's never even around.”

Hermione rolled her eyes. “Fine. Half decent. He's not bad .”

“Hermione.”

“He hadn't done anything to warrant killing,” she finished.

“I beg to differ,” Remus scoffed.

“Rose,” she sighed, hoping the older witch would take her side in the face of Remus’ obstinance. 

Rose wrapped her hands around Hermione’s upper arms as she stared seriously into the younger witch’s eyes. “We just want you safe. Happy. And healthy. We love you so much. You and Hugo both.”

Hermione nodded quickly as she fought down her tears. “I know.”

Rose gently stroked a lock of curls back from Hermione’s face. “Please, don't hide things from us.”

“I'm pregnant,” Hermione blurted out.

Remus’ head shot up. Rose blinked. “What?”

“Relax, it's Harry's.”

Remus rubbed his face tiredly. “And how do you feel about this?” he asked, voice weary.

“Terrified. I didn't exactly have a lot of support the last time around. Hugo is still so young. I mean, we're getting married but-”

“-What the fuck?” Remus exclaimed. He closed his eyes and raised his hand. “Sorry. Excuse my language.” He took a breath and stared at her. “What the fuck?”

Hermione frowned. “What did you think was happening?”

“All Lily told us was that Ron showed up and that he'd had you entered into the Magical Matches Program against your will. You fought about it and now you're here.”

Hermione raised her eyebrows. “Oh. Uhm.” Harry had been gone a while so it made sense that he told his parents what was happening. Hermione wasn’t sure how she felt about not being included in that conversation. “That happened a few weeks ago,” she explained lamely.

“Hermione…” Remus sighed.

“I'm sorry! I just…” She gestured as she began to ramble. “I was trying to find a way out of it. And then I realised I was pregnant and the baby belonged to someone else and I sort of spiralled.”

“I knew something was wrong,” Rose sighed. “I just thought you'd fought with Ron about the usual, though. I should have pressed it.”

“It's not your fault. I'm an adult. I chose not to tell you and I'm sorry. You two have been there for me when- when no one else was,” she finished as she began to cry. 

Rose pulled her into a warm hug. 

Hermione rested her head on the other witch’s shoulder. “I'm just- my head is spinning. So much is happening.”

“Your head is spinning?” Remus teased. “A minute ago you had a one-off with Harry and now you're getting married. Can we get a bit more of an outline about how this all came about?”

“How long have you two been together?” Rose added.

Hermione blinked and her cheeks burned as she pulled back. She rubbed the tears on her cheeks away. “Uhm. We're not? It was just a… I mean I would have owled him. But… Ron showed up and sort of derailed things by putting us into the Matches Program. But I have to marry someone in the program and Harry does too and I'm having his baby.” She gestured.

Remus raised his eyebrows. “You're having the Potter heir.”

“Well, yes,” she replied lamely. “There's a lot of reasons.”

“What about wanting to? Do you want to marry him?”

“If it means not marrying Ron-”

Remus waved his hand. “-Take Ron out of the equation.”

“I can't. He's there. He always will be.”

And it was true. He was the father of her son, for better or for worse. The only way out of that would be to blood adopt Hugo. It was still on the table, but she didn’t want to do it. Not because she wanted to keep Ron in her life, but to keep Hugo in her life the way he had come into it. Making a choice like that should be Hugo’s , not her own.

Remus sighed. “Hermione, don't rush into something just to run away from something else.”

“I have to marry someone in the program. It would be ridiculous to marry someone that wasn't Harry. I'm having his baby.”

Rose shook her head. “That wasn't enough reason to marry Ron.”

“Ron and I had massive issues. Look, I'm not saying I'm not scared. I am. I think this has a very high likelihood of going bad fast, but… I'm also not alone. I know that if Harry and I don't get along, Remus and you will protect me. My- my grandfather will too.”

Remus raised his eyebrow. “Your grandfather?”

She nodded. “Lord Nott. I met him recently and he was… odd. Very kind and reaching out a lot. Theo, his son and my friend, encouraged me to take the help. I eventually went to him for legal advice about all of this. As it turns out, he was reaching out because he's my grandfather. Surprise?”

Remus raised his fingers to his forehead as he released a long, heavy sigh. 

She winced visibly. “I'm sorry. I'm happy you're here though.”

“There is no place we'd rather be, love.” Rosemerta pulled Hermione into her arms again. “Come on, Harry told us to bring you to the library when you were ready.”

“He owled you?”

“Lily apparated over. It’s faster.” Remus headed for the door and opened it for them. “Come on. Place a spell on Hugo's crib and we can go see how the negotiations are going.”

“Negotiations?” she asked even as she moved to do as Remus said. When she was finished placing a simple alert charm over Hugo's bed, she joined them in the hallway.

“You're a Nott marrying into the Potter family,” Remus explained as they headed through Tetwell Estate. “Moreover, you're marrying the heir. You're going to be the Lady of the House one day. You're already carrying the heir. It's not going to be a simple marriage contract.”

Hermione frowned. She felt a little overwhelmed when Remus put it like that. “We don't need a contract.”

“All marriages are contracts,” Rose told her.

Hermione supposed that was true. “It's not going to be terribly antiquated though, will it?”

Remus shrugged. “James’ and Lily's wasn't. But your grandfather is very traditional, I've heard. I'm sure he has a dowry set aside for your own person.”

“Like… To give to the Potters?” She wrinkled her nose.

Remus grinned at her. “No, wizarding dowries are for the wife. It's to ensure you have your own money and don't remain dependent on your partner. It's also a standard way of passing down heirlooms.”

“Oh.” 

That didn't sound too bad. She wondered if her grandfather had anything that belonged to her father. Or perhaps even her late grandmother that she looked so much like.

They reached the library to find a small congregation of people sitting together around the fireplace. Harry and his father were sitting side by side, looking closer to brothers than they did father and son.

Sirius Black was lounging in an armchair, a glass of whiskey in his hand. Ted Nott was sitting in the armchair opposite, hunched over a long parchment like a commander at war giving final death orders. Theo was standing to the side at a desk with Lily Potter and Neville Longbottom.

“Neville?” 

Everyone looked over. Hermione felt her face flush as everyone turned to her. Everyone in this room knew she had a one-night stand with Harry Potter on his birthday and got pregnant. She was related to two of the people in this room and Harry related to the others.

Hermione cleared her throat even as her blush deepened. She headed across the room to Neville, Lily, and Theo.

Neville shifted on his feet. “Hey.”

“How are you?” Theo asked seriously as his eyes flickered across her.

“I’m fine.”

“Harry said you and Weasley fought.”

She shook her head. “It was just verbal. We both have nasty tempers. We usually keep it away from Hugo. He was distressed.”

“He’s alright?” Theo asked.

She smiled, thinking of the horror on his face when she’d dumped Hugo into his lap weeks ago and now he was asking after the baby. “He’s sleeping.”

“Did you have everything you needed for him?” Lily asked.

Hermione turned to the witch and swallowed. She was a huge fan of Lily Potter and her numerous charms papers. She and her husband had done incredible work for muggle-born rights in the Wizarding World since they got married.

“I- yes, thank you. It’s a lovely room.”

Lily grinned. “Harry will be happy to hear you like it.”

Hermione tilted her head at that response. 

“Lils,” James called from where the others were sitting, “we need your input.”

“Coming!” Lily gently touched Hermione’s arm. “We’re happy to have you here with us, Hermione. We’ll have tea tomorrow. I desperately want to discuss your latest paper.”

“Oh.” Hermione blinked widely. “I’d be honoured.”

Lily’s smile widened. She was an utterly stunning witch. Tall and beautiful, she towered over Hermione. She had long, soft orange hair and bright green eyes that her son had clearly inherited. She had a gentleness about her that was accentuated by the softness of her magical aura. It was rare to so clearly feel a magical aura around a person. It was normally the sign of a very powerful magical. It didn’t surprise Hermione at all to learn that muggle-born witch Lily Potter was extremely powerful.

Lily squeezed her arm once and then practically glided over to the others. Theo touched her shoulder in support before following her.

Hermione turned to Neville with wide eyes. “She’s like an angel,” she whispered.

Neville’s amused grin widened. “I think Harry will be upset if you start crushing on his mum.”

“Start?”

Neville covered his mouth as he snorted in amusement. 

Hermione grinned softly. “What’re you doing here?” she asked and hoped it didn’t sound as accusatory as it felt. 

Neville shifted on his feet again. He always did it when he was nervous. He gestured to a set of two comfy-looking armchairs by a large arched window. 

Hermione took a seat and turned to Neville expectantly. He still hadn't responded to a single letter she'd sent him since they spoke at the pub weeks ago. She was mad at him. Before, it had been her own fault. Now, she felt he at least had to admit he was being a git.

Neville cleared his throat and straightened his shoulders. “I'm going to be representing you against your ex.”

Hermione stared at him. “Are you?”

“Theo asked me to.”

Hermione stared at him. “You couldn’t have sent an owl?”

Neville sighed. “I did.” He pulled something from his pocket and held it out to her. It was the coin from her flat. “Auntie Lils looked at it. She called it a conductor?”

“Yes,” Hermione responded quietly as she took the coin. “It’s used to hold a spell for a continuous amount of time. It only falls when the conductor is removed.” She looked up at Neville expectantly.

“It's a mail ward,” Neville explained gently. “It's designed to stop all outgoing and incoming mail from selected recipients.” Neville shrugged. “I’m not surprised that Ron didn’t consider me good company. He takes offence to my dislike of quidditch.”

“And you take offence to him being a braggart and a bully.”

“Well, yes.”

Hermione’s lips wobbled as she tried to hold herself together. She stared down at the coin, forced to reevaluate all of her previously conceived opinions about her ex. The fertility potions had been a shock and betrayal. Baby trapping her in the hopes she’d marry him was ghastly, but she could at least rationalise it alongside what she knew of his extremely traditional upbringing. It was a huge breach of consent to her, but it wouldn't have been taught similarly to him. But this coin was different. This level of control and manipulation was abusive . It wasn’t a word she’d previously thought to attribute to her ex.

“Are you okay?” Neville asked, voice hushed.

Hermione shook her head. “How could I be so stupid?” she whispered back, fully aware that if she spoke any louder she would cry. 

“You’re not stupid,” Neville immediately responded, anger in his voice. “Hermione, you are a lot of things but you are not stupid. You were depressed. You lost everything and I wasn’t there for you. I- I should have stuck by you regardless.”

Hermione shook her head. “My mistakes are not your fault.” She raised the coin. “I am smart enough to figure this out.”

“How? He isolated you. We stopped talking before you even left Hogwarts.”

“I know,” she responded quietly.

“Hermione, you needed me. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have abandoned you.”

She sighed and shook her head again. “I get it. If you'd turned around and dated Pansy Parkinson, I probably wouldn't stick around too long either.”

Neville huffed loudly. “Merlin, I'd rather eat a blastended-skrewt.”

Hermione laughed. “Same.” She sniffed and brushed a tear away. “Is there anyone else affected by this charm? Anyone else I’ve been barred from?”

Neville shook his head and shrugged. “I don’t know how to figure that out. Auntie Lils and I only figured out it was affecting me because my letters never made it to you or yours to me.”

Hermione turned the coin over in her hands. “Can I keep this? Or do you need it for the case?”

“Auntie Lils wrote up the report on it already. It should be fine. Just don’t use it as a conductor until the trial is over.”

She shook her head. “I won’t.” She looked up from the coin again. “Why do you think he did it? We already weren’t talking.”

Neville shrugged. “From what Lord Nott has explained to us about the note from Mrs. Weasley, it's entirely possible Ron didn't do it – or at the very least, didn't know what it would do.”

Hermione blinked. “Oh.”

Neville was implying that Mrs. Weasley had him do this. She did this. Would Ron put a magical coin in her house without even asking what it would do? She wasn't sure and that was such a gutting realisation. She didn't know what he would have done. And even if he had done the bare minimum to ask what it did, would he have ever been able to tell if it was the truth or not? No. The answer to that was unequivocally a no.

“Did Mrs. Weasley ever talk about me?” Neville asked.

Hermione raised her eyebrows. “Uhm, no? Not that I can recall? Ron would get annoyed when I talked about you though. Or when I got upset about you for not responding to me. Why?”

“I just wondered if it was because…” He tilted his head.

Because he was bisexual.

Hermione shook her head. “They don’t know. And I never would have told them, Neville. I think it was just because we were friends. You were my support system.”

“Now Remus and Rose are,” Neville said. He glanced over to where the werewolf and his wife were sitting with the others. Hermione looked over too and immediately caught Harry’s eye. He looked concerned. She gave him a wobbly smile.

“I wonder why they aren’t in it?”

Hermione turned back to him. “What?”

“You owl with them, right? There have never been issues?”

“Uhm, no. But we live down the street from one another. It would have probably been much more noticeable.” She tilted her head. “And I don’t think Mrs. Weasley even knows how close I am with them. Ron knows they babysit sometimes. He might just think we’re friends.”

“Not family.”

She nodded.

Neville hummed. “Interesting. Okay. Good to know. Ah, here comes your overprotective baby daddy.”

Hermione blushed and glanced towards Harry who was heading across the study. “Shut up,” she hissed.

“I think he might fancy you,” Neville teased.

Hermione poked his arm. Neville stood with a laugh. He clapped Harry on the shoulder as they traded places.

“Alright?” Harry asked, green eyes flickering across her form as he took the seat his godbrother just vacated.

Hermione nodded. “Feeling a little low about myself,” she admitted as she raised the coin in explanation. “But otherwise… fine.” She looked up at him. “We’re getting married tonight, aren’t we?”

He nodded. “Ginny Weasley was here earlier. That’s why my father called me.”

Hermione frowned. “I… am confused. Why was Ginny here?”

“I agreed to have dinner with her before you showed up.”

Hermione’s eyebrows raised. She looked out the window. “Oh.”

“You weren’t on my list,” he gently explained. “I would have contacted you immediately if-”

“-Harry, you don’t need to lie. I get it. I’m having your heir . It’s a big deal-”

“-No. I mean, yes, it is. I won’t lie. But I also wasn’t lying when I told you I wanted you. I do.”

Hermione’s cheeks turned pink. She glanced at the others. She knew Remus could hear them with his canine hearing. She also knew James Potter and Sirius Black were registered as animagus and could undoubtedly hear them too. 

Hermione swallowed and tucked her curls behind her ears in a nervous gesture. “Harry-”

“-Nothing about this is exactly ideal. I get that. I understand you’re worried and frankly, so am I. We don’t know each other as well as either of us would like. But we’re going to be okay, Hermione. I can’t tell you why, I can’t tell you how – not yet… but we will be okay.”

Hermione stared at him. “If you tell me you’re psychic , the wedding is off.”

Harry smiled widely. He shook his head. “Magical families have gifts, ours is not considered to be the Sight.”

“Considered?” Hermione pressed.

Harry looked over at the others. Hermione followed his line of sight and saw James Potter give his son a flat look. Harry shrugged. James rolled his eyes and waved his hand before turning back to the others.

“Harry?”

He turned back to her. “Potters have the ability to know who their magical match is.”

Hermione blinked slowly. “You’re serious.”

He grinned and shrugged.

“And you think we are-”

“-I know. I’ve known since we were teenagers.”

Hermione’s brows drew together. She leaned forward. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Because you are a person and you are able to make your own choices. And you don’t strike me as the type of person to enjoy learning that anything about your life might be predetermined.”

“I’m not,” she immediately agreed. She frowned. “Sorry, I just… I just learned the only long-term relationship I’ve ever had was riddled with manipulation and lies. I’m… not sure I can believe you.”

“I know. I’m not offended.”

She raised her eyebrows.

“I’m upset,” he admitted. “But it’s more on your behalf. I’m not offended.” He shrugged. “I’m pretty sure you won’t believe in this magic even ten years from now.”

“I probably won’t,” she admitted. “That’s why you think we’ll work out?”

“It’s why I know we will. Magical Matches are a lot less rare than you’d think. That’s why the Magical Match Program is being so well received. It’s about magical resonance. Magical compatibility, if you will. That can be measured and quantified nowadays.”

“But things like that can be skewed by a number of-” Hermione narrowed her eyes “-you said I wasn’t on your list.”

He shook his head. “No, but I assume that’s because Ron registered you after I received my list.”

“He registered me on your birthday," she corrected.

Harry shook his head. “What? No. That-” he turned in his chair to face the others. “Oi!”

Their hushed conversation cut off as heads turned in their direction.

“Does Hermione being registered through Hugo negate her from being made a part of the general matching process?” he asked the room of mostly lawyers.

Ted Nott sat back in his seat. “No. She would have received a list the same as anyone else.”

“I did,” Hermione stated. “Harry was on it.”

Harry's head whipped around to her. “I was?”

“Lad?” James asked.

Harry stood and held out a hand for Hermione. She took it and he led her back over to the others. She took a seat on the couch between Rose and Remus. Harry leaned his hands on the back of the couch.

“Hermione was never on any of my lists. That’s suspicious, isn’t it?”

“ Harry ,” James warned.

Harry shrugged unrepentantly. “This is important.”

“Be that as it may, it’s not information that can go to court.”

Ted and Theo glanced between James and Harry curiously. “Something we’re missing?” Ted asked.

James turned to Ted, mouth twisted in distaste. “Are you agreeing to become our family solicitor?”

“I am,” Ted intoned.

“Potters have the ability to know who their magical match is.”

“Most old families do,” Ted stated.

“They have ways of figuring it out,” James agreed. “Potters know . Love at first sight. We know. We always know exactly who it is.”

Ted’s head tilted. Theo’s eyes widened. “That’s… powerful,” Theo said.

“Yes, and a family secret . One we don’t want getting out,” James stressed as he levelled each of the Notts with a heavy look, Hermione included.

“It’s about magical compatibility, right?” Hermione asked. “The whole magical match thing?”

“It’s more intrinsic than that,” James explained. “But for the ministry, yes. That’s what it boils down to.”

“Then why wasn’t I on Harry’s list?” she asked.

“Maybe you’re not his match,” Ted stated.

“She is,” Harry snapped.

Ted raised an eyebrow at Harry and didn’t say anything.

“But I am pregnant,” Hermione said into the silence that followed. “I am pregnant with Harry’s baby. I have been through this whole process. If I’m generating Potter magic from the baby, then I should be at the top of Harry’s list. Right? Or am I generating Nott magic?”

Ted shook his head. “You are a Nott. The baby is a Potter. Potter magic has the sneaky ability to always win out during pregnancies conceived out of wedlock.”

Hermione raised her eyebrows. She looked behind her at Harry. “Is that a magical trait?”

“More of a quirk,” he admitted. “It’s because we’re prone to accidental pregnancies.”

“Yes, thank you,” James groused. 

Harry grinned and shrugged.

Sirius sat forward as he considered Harry and Hermione. “Little witch is right though. You should have been on Harry’s list. I’m not sure that helps us with custody or even the lawsuit against the Weasleys for the baby trapping. But it does imply there’s more going on here and Harry is involved in it.”

Ted nodded to Neville. “See if you can get a hold of those lists. The ministry should have them on file. They might help with your case.”

“What are they after?” Theo wondered aloud.

Remus raised an eyebrow at him. “After?”

Theo shrugged. “They've gone so far as to knock Hermione up and then trick her into thinking she had to marry Weasley, all this on top of separating her from her friends.”

Sirius shrugged. “All signs of a stereotypical abusive partner.”

Theo tilted his head. “And trying to get his sister to marry Harry? That’s a part of it? What do the both of them have that the Weasleys could possibly want?”

“I mean,” Hermione began weakly, “everyone knows the Weasleys have money problems. But I don’t make nearly as much money after getting pregnant. And Ron was very clear that he just wanted me to be a simple housewife after we married. It was one of the main reasons I told him no.”

Lily shook her head. “I don’t know if Ginny Weasley is really that involved. Or Harry, actually. They didn’t know Harry and Hermione had been together, right?”

Harry and Hermione shared a look. Harry shrugged. “We were both fairly drunk. Blaise and Cormac knew I slept with her. I mean, it wasn’t exactly a secret.”

“No,” Hermione said. “Ginny was surprised when she saw me at your office. I told her I had questions for you about a paper I was working on. She didn’t ask more about it and she didn’t look suspicious or upset at seeing me.”

Lily gestured to Hermione from her perch on the arm of James’ chair. “I don’t think Ginny is involved in this. She was genuinely distraught when she left earlier.”

“She was here?” Ted demanded.

Harry rolled his eyes and sighed heavily. “She wants to marry me. We’re in the program. I agree with mum, it’s not related. Ginny has always had a crush on me.”

“And you never pursued that?” Ted asked, disbelieving. “A young, attractive witch? Throwing herself at you?”

Harry glared at him. “No,” he snapped. “I took offence to the fact that her brother was fucking the witch of my dreams.”

Hermione bit her lip as her cheeks turned rosy. She turned and pressed her face into Remus’ arm. Remus’ body shook with quiet snickers.

“Is there a point to this line of questioning?” Harry continued, irately.

Lord Nott stared at Harry as he said, “Just want to ensure you aren’t more involved than you’re letting on.”

“Fuck you, Nott.”

“Alright!” James interrupted, hands raised for peace. “Harry. Settle. Ted, there isn’t much I can promise you about my idiot son, but I can promise you that he is as romantically faithful as any Slytherin.”

Ted tilted his head. “Well then, we need to figure out what the Weasleys are after.” He turned to Neville. “We don’t want any surprises with this. We aren’t risking them taking Hugo away.”

Neville nodded. “I’ll look into the Magical Matches Department. And while you lot move forward, make sure you’re aware of any Weasleys in and around your business.”

“What about we talk to the twins?” Harry asked. 

“The Weasley twins are estranged,” James responded.

“Yes, but that’s mostly from their parents. They’re still in touch with a few of their older siblings. It might be worth it to see if they’ve heard anything about what’s going on or know about anything that might have brought this about.”

Neville nodded. “I’ll go talk to them tomorrow.”

Theo looked up. “I’ll go with you.”

Neville agreed before making his goodbyes. He stopped by Hermione last and they shared a sad look.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

He shook his head. “ You have nothing to be sorry for.” He squeezed her arm. “I’ll be back tomorrow and I’ll bring Frank.”

Hermione nodded. “Thank you.”

Neville pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Have fun,” he whispered with a little smirk at her and Harry.

Harry laughed while Hermione scowled, cheeks red. “Everyone can hear you,” she hissed and valiantly ignored the way Sirius and Remus were chuckling.

“I’ll walk you out,” Lily offered. She and Neville left together.

James gestured for Harry to take a seat. “Come one then. We’re discussing your marriage, after all.”

Hermione couldn’t help but feel nervous. She didn’t know much of anything about marriage contracts. Rose took her hand and squeezed it in support. Hermione released a nervous breath. She felt infinitely better knowing she had Rose and Remus on either side of her.

She nodded at James and her grandfather. “Let’s get started.”