Love's Battle Revisited

Chapter 15 - New Lives

Just two days after the end of the honeymoon, in fact, was the day Harry and Ginny had to report to the Order meeting for induction. Barely enough time to settle back in (and by this time, they had magically enlarged Harry's quarters in order to accommodate Ginny and her belongings, and the third nine-year-old girl managed to get a room of her own, to the consternation of her two half-sisters). Ginny hadn't had the chance to warn Harry about their own daughter's temper; it was that of her paternal grandmother all over again.

In fact, it made even the other Lily's temper pale by comparison, since Rose thought nothing of telling off her half-sisters when they complained that she got her own room while they had to share. But after Rose was through with them, they never complained again. At least not in her hearing--and not if they knew what was good for them. Of course, it wasn't just from Lily Potter that her granddaughter got her temper--it was from her mother's side as well. Both Ginny Weasley-Potter and Molly Weasley had tempers that could rival Lily Potter's any day of the week and twice on Sunday. The only way Harry was able to manage was due to the fact that he had gotten a healthy share of that temper too, although one rarely saw it these days unless he was provoked beyond endurance.

Even at that, the three half-sisters ended up very close, which was what mattered. But something happened that bothered Ginny no end ... David and Daryl had approached her with the proposal that they live with their father full-time and give her visitation rights. Ginny was convinced that Draco had to have been the one who put this idea into their heads, but finally reluctantly acquiesced, since magic could only go so far in accommodating people in a small space.

Even wizard space wasn't limitless, and the boys liked to have their own large room to themselves with all their favourite toys and such near at hand, things that working-girl Ginny couldn't give them but that their rich father could. He had to have bought their love, pure and simple ... or at least that was what she wanted to think--and it was going to be tricky enough adjusting to three girl children in the same household without having two boys in the same age group thrown in. And Malfoy Manor was far enough away that she'd do better to stay in a hotel nearby when she wanted to visit the boys. It didn't help matters that Draco was preparing to marry Pansy and she was just a few months away from giving birth, so they would not only have a father but a stepmother and a new sibling.

Harry understood Ginny's fears of losing her boys and suggested she get it in writing that she have a designated amount of visitation time with her sons and that if Draco infringed on any of Ginny's rights as a mother, he, Harry, would step in and act in her behalf. What's more, he would likely bring Hermione and Ron along with him for reinforcement purposes. Malfoy'd give in for that reason alone, if nothing else, in order that neither he nor his business be subject to undue, albeit unsavoury, publicity because of any sort of legal proceedings Harry might decide to bring against him.

But all this was in the future. Right now it was time to get to the Order meeting and their induction ... and as before, they were in for yet another surprise.

* * * * *

After the official induction, Harry and Ginny were stunned to learn that Remus and Tonks had planned a party to celebrate not only the two new members but their marriage and the success of the Order's international recruiting drive, which had already netted several new members who either kept in touch with them via owl post or Patronus. There was even a rumour that Viktor Krum had joined his local branch of the Order and completed several successful undercover assignments for them.

He was still best known for his Quidditch skills, but after age 25 (Viktor was close to thirty), one was considered too old to play such a dangerous game any more, so he had retired and divided his time between teaching Quidditch and working for the Bulgarian Order.

Mad-Eye Moody enjoyed Harry's stories of working for the American branch of the Department of Mysteries, not to mention the stories he and Ginny had of their teaching so far. He was so enthralled, in fact, that Harry and Ginny couldn't help but be reminded of some of their more enthusiastic second- and third-year students. By this time, Ginny had managed to get Harry to come and demonstrate how he created his Patronus, then take various questions from the class as to technique. Some were proving to be almost as proficient as he was; others would need considerable help, although Harry believed there was hope for them as far as eventually mastering the art was concerned.

During the party, of course, Ginny kept an eye on Harry and made sure he didn't overdo it on the drinking, although she was at least fairly sure that he knew when to stop. She also couldn't help noting how reluctant he was to talk about personal things, especially regarding his time with Hermione. Other than his work, he loved talking about his and Ginny's daughters, particularly their intention to have their Lily (aka Rose) checked for both Legilimency and clairvoyance, not to mention their plans for the future and possible further children, but anything else he tended to shy away from.

It was almost as if he preferred not to discuss it unless absolutely necessary--and even then, only with those closest to him. If certain Order members such as Moody insisted on details, however, Harry gave the bare minimum. Any more than that, he would usually say, "I'm trying to put that part of my life behind me, so it would be appreciated if you didn't ask me any further questions on the subject." Usually the ones he said it to didn't argue, but nonetheless made a mental note to see if they could get anything out of Hermione regarding their time in America.

* * * * *

It was several days later that something else strange happened. After their customary kiss of greeting and in the midst of their discussion about their classes and certain students, including speculation of what their own children were likely to be like when they started Hogwarts, Ginny came out with the last thing Harry had ever expected--but upon calming down, was looking forward to the happening she mentioned, which was likely to be good for both himself and Hermione, albeit in different ways.

"When did you learn this, Gin?" he asked between bites of food and swallows of pumpkin juice, not to mention occasional kisses with his wife.

"Just yesterday. 'Mione said she got an owl from Viktor about a week ago, that he intended to come visit her--I personally think he heard of you two breaking up and wants to try his luck with her again--and if it happens, that would be good for both of them. I'm even given to understand that he'd told her he'd never married, that he could never find anyone he wanted to get serious or settle down with ... and I can't help believing that it's because of her.

"It might even be that while he was here in fourth year that he'd fallen in love with her but couldn't bring himself to tell her, which was why he gave her his address and told her to write him, as you know she did--at least for a while. But if what she said yesterday is any indication, it may be starting up with them all over again--especially if she told him that Ron told her that he intended to stay married to Luna, particularly since she was pregnant again and that their love had been rekindled with all the crises they had endured together.

"Ten years of marriage isn't something most people give up easily, even if they want to or choose to, as you and 'Mione did. And Luna's been good for Ron, loves him and their children dearly. Can hardly wait to see which gender their child is this time. Weasleys generally have sons, but if I can break tradition by having a daughter, so can he. Have another daughter, I mean. Also, once I get pregnant again, I hope we have a son. I love our girls and the boys I had with Draco, of course, but I would really prefer to have at least one son with you, if not more."

"If we're meant to, we will, luv." Harry smiled tenderly and raised her hand to his lips, then placed it on his cheek after kissing it. "For the time being, let's just enjoy being married and being with the children we currently have."

"Oh, I am, I assure you," Ginny crooned, this time raising her husband's hand to her lips and kissing it before placing it on her nearest cheek. "Now we'd better finish our meal before it gets cold."

The look in Harry's eyes told her that it didn't matter to him whether it did or not, but he didn't argue with her, the pair resuming eating and drinking only moments later. Even as Ginny made a mental note to see what else she could get out of 'Mione regarding Viktor's latest communication, she told herself to make sure to spend some quality time with both Harry and their girls before going to bed tonight. Of course, it was just as likely that they would share even more "quality time" once they were finally alone, behind closed and locked doors (not to mention Locking and Silencing Charms).

It would take longer than overnight to make up for ten years' separation, but Harry and Ginny were already well on the way to doing so, and had no intention of stopping any time soon ... if ever again. At least not for longer than absolutely necessary to do their jobs and look after their other everyday obligations, such as their friends, home and children.

* * * * *

Meanwhile, a guest was arriving at the school--or more accurately, in McGonagall's office--by the name of Viktor Krum. He did his duty by checking in with the Headmistress first, of course, but his main purpose in being here was to meet with Hermione, the girl he had never forgotten, not in thirteen years. He had, in effect, burned his bridges behind him when he left Bulgaria, resigning from his teaching position and the Bulgarian branch of the Order.

The best he could do for the moment was to meet with the London branch; maybe they could give him a place to crash for a while after he left here. If he left here. How long he stayed depended on how Hermione responded to him. For the time being, though, he would be content to stay in the guest quarters here at Hogwarts as he had before. Once he got settled in, he intended to seek her out and see if she would be willing to meet and speak with him, not to mention spend time with him. If that worked out, he could go from there.

With any luck, his stay here would work into a permanent job, if not at Hogwarts, somewhere else. Preferably somewhere as near as possible to Hermione. He wasn't worried about her ex-husband, Harry Potter, since the slayer of Voldemort was reportedly happily re-married to his first love, Ginny Weasley, reportedly the former wife of Malfoy Enterprises CEO Draco, who was also due to re-marry. This time, it was to his old girlfriend Pansy Parkinson, who was reportedly at least six months pregnant. He had also learned that Ginny had borne Draco twin boys, not to mention a daughter by former fiancé and now-husband Harry. He even found out that Harry and Hermione had had twin girls, then divorced after ten years of marriage and life in America.

From the sound of it, they would be all too busy with their own lives and loves to bother with him and thus he would be able to pursue Hermione without interference. From what he understood, even Ron Weasley, the bloke Hermione had left to run off with Harry, was happily married with two children and another on the way. But then, Weasleys tended to procreate like rabbits, so that didn't surprise him. Just the same, he had half expected to hear that Hermione was dating Ron again. It was a surprise, to say the least, to learn that she was basically free as a bird, unattached to anyone. All the better for him.

* * * * *

After unpacking, showering and changing clothes, Viktor, armed with the knowledge of Hermione's classes for the day--and this time, teaching them rather than being taught--began his campaign to win her upon leaving his quarters. He was oblivious to all the stares of the young witches as he passed by, intent on only one thing ... or more accurately, one person. McGonagall had given him detailed directions to the Transfiguration classroom, and he made his way there like the proverbial homing pigeon, allowing nothing and no one to get in his way. He was polite to anyone who might approach him, of course, but that was as far as his courtesy extended.

His trek seemed endless, yet at the same time, Viktor knew it was also the shortest he'd ever taken, because even after thirteen years, he still wasn't ready to face Hermione again, even as much as he wanted to see her. He doubted he ever would be, frankly, but also knew if he didn't make himself approach her now, he'd never have the nerve to do it again--and she had haunted his dreams for far too long to just brush her aside, especially now.

He made sure to stay in the shadows upon reaching the Transfiguration classroom; even at that, he stayed close enough to hear her sweet, musical voice. What he most wanted to see, however, was how she looked after thirteen years. Did she look like a human butterball, or had she remained slender and beautiful with her hair as brown and curly as ever? Perhaps she was even a combination of the two.

He checked his watch and noted that there were only ten minutes left of her class. In spite of himself, his heart began to pound hard and fast at the prospect of seeing her come out that door and picturing himself frozen in awe at her beauty, unable to speak or move. But he couldn't allow that to happen if he ever expected to make any headway with her, either now or later--so he had to pull himself together ... and soon!

After all, he was the best Seeker the Durmstrang Quidditch team had ever had, not to mention the best teacher of same for the Ospreys, the top Quidditch team in all of Bulgaria, headquartered in the capital of Sofia for five years, upon graduating from Durmstrang, then the Kingfishers in his own home town of Korprivshtitsa. However, everything Bulgarian now seemed to pale next to the beauty of England and Scotland, and not only the countries themselves but the females therein--or more accurately, one female in particular, Hermione Jane Granger. He would have included Harry's last name at the end but wasn't sure if she was still using it or not.

The next thing he heard was a gradually increasing volume of voices of various students, both male and female, as they spoke among themselves about what had happened in class, too engrossed in their conversations to notice him, which suited him just fine. He made sure that the classroom was entirely empty except for Hermione before he dared to look in and saw her busy scratching away on student parchments at her desk at the front of the room.

For a long time--he had no idea just how long--he stood in the doorway, half afraid Hermione would look up and notice him and half afraid she wouldn't. He was reluctant to speak for fear of frightening her, but as the seconds stretched into minutes, Viktor was increasingly tempted to speak to her, whatever the risk. Then, just as he was psyching himself into speaking, she finally lifted her head. "Yes? May I help you?" she asked, seeming to look right through him for a time, until recognition finally crossed her face. "Viktor, is that you?"

"Hermi-own-ninny?" she made himself say, feeling himself blush for the first time since he was ten years old. "It is bery good to see you again. May I haff a butterbeer vith you?"

"If you don't mind my bringing my lesson parchments along. I've got to get these all corrected by tomorrow, then hand them back to my students--and there are at least six classes' worth here."

"As long as ve can be togezzer," he replied with a smile, offering his arm once she had gathered all her things together, including the lesson books and parchments, shrinking them down so they fit into her backpack in order to have her arms free. She put her backpack on, then linked her left arm through his right and they walked out of the classroom together.

* * * * *

Of course, if Viktor thought he'd gotten stared at before by himself, it was nothing to what happened when he showed up in the staff room with Hermione on his arm. Naturally some students recognised him on the way; mostly the older ones who had older siblings who had attended Hogwarts ten years before and had told them about him and his legendary Quidditch prowess, both playing and teaching. But he only allowed half an hour of autograph seekers, then politely turned down everyone else who approached him--at least until the following day. He was here to see Hermione, not to sign autographs, and nothing and no one was going to deter him from his sworn mission. "Please, everyvun!" he finally said. "I cannot sign any more autographs today. I am returning tomorrow. I vill do some more then. For now, all I vant to do is talk vith my friend Hermi-own-ninny."

However, if the students in question had stuck around a little longer, they would have seen something that was definitely not friendly. Instead, it positively smacked of potential romance. Viktor raised Hermione's hands to his lips and kissed them. "Hermi-own-ninny, it is vonderful to be vith you again. I haff missed you bery much and haff not had a more pleasant day in a bery long time."

"Nor have I, Viktor," Hermione assured him, having blushed at the feelings prompted by the warmth of Viktor's lips on her skin. She was unable to help wondering how they would feel on other places on her body and because of this, her face seemed to grow hotter with every passing moment. How could she feel so strongly for someone she hadn't seen for ten years? Not even Harry had ever made her feel like this.

"May I go vith you back to your flat? Ve must talk. I haff something bery important to say to you."

Hermione was hesitant at first, then smiled and agreed, even though technically she should have turned him down and concentrated on correcting her students' lessons. However, the lack of companionship other than her female friends and her children every other weekend had begun to wear on her big-time. She had thought she'd known loneliness in America and during the Final Battle before she and Harry had gotten together, but knew that it was nothing compared to what she was feeling now, with virtually everyone she knew pairing off--Ron with Luna, Harry with Ginny again, Draco with Pansy again and Remus with Tonks.

And now, to have Viktor show up just when she most needed someone ... well, it was as if her prayers had been answered by Someone from Above. And who's to say that they hadn't?

* * * * *

Upon reaching Hermione's flat, she and Viktor seated themselves on her couch and began to talk, each updating the other on what they'd been up to the last ten years. After a time, she even fixed him a meal. Hermione was a good cook; it was just that she was generally too busy to do more than give herself sustenance. The vast majority of the time they had been in America, Harry had been the cook in the family. Over his time with his nasty Muggle relatives, he had had to learn to cook as soon as he was old enough, both for them and himself, otherwise he rarely got any decent food, having to owl for money to buy it himself since the Dursleys were rarely inclined to do so, at least for him. Looking back now, she recalled how he had once remarked that it had seemed like a nightmare he had actually lived, and he was thankful beyond words that it was all behind him.

But she put that out of her mind almost as soon as she'd thought it; their life together was in the past and she intended it to remain there. This was here and now, and if she played her cards right, Viktor would be her future for many years to come. The only part of her past life she intended to deal with was the children she had borne ... and even then, only when absolutely necessary. Not that she didn't love them, but she loved her career just that much more. Her twice-monthly weekend visits with the girls were a great sufficiency; the rest of the time she was quite happy to have Harry look after them. And now that he had married Ginny, who also had children both by him and Draco, and who had always been very maternal, they wouldn't lack for a mother figure when she was unable to serve as such.

"You are a bery good cook, Hermi-own-ninny. Vhy did you not cook more often vhile you vere in America?"

"I was too preoccupied with my work, pure and simple," she had to confess. "I was also more concerned with teaching children than raising them. I left that to Harry."

"Vas that not hard on him to have to raise your children vhile still having a career of his own?"

"Not really. He took a leave of absence to raise them. He had a large inheritance left to him from his parents and late godfather, Sirius Black."

"You also said that the reason you and Harry decided to return to England vas to break up your affair vith the ... principal of your school." Hermione nodded, definitely not proud of her betrayal of her then-husband. "Vhy did you ... cheat on him?"

"I don't know. Harry did nothing to deserve it. It was really my fault for being so busy all the time that I was never able to spend sufficient time with him. I had no idea I'd missed male attention so much until I had already begun my affair."

"I hope you do not intend to do that again should you ... become involved vith anyvun else."

"I assure you, I don't. And I doubt I'll ever be able to apologise to Harry and my girls enough, because they actually caught me with my lover once. Can you imagine how I felt when they asked him, 'Daddy, who's that with Mummy? Why is she not wearing any clothes?' I just couldn't meet their eyes then ... nor can I now."

"Did you actually ... loff the man you had an affair with?"

"No, come to think of it. The main thing I wanted from him was attention ... but he got the wrong idea. However, I was foolish enough to agree to sleep with him that one day, and that was the day Harry and the girls caught us when they came home early from school and work. He went back to work once the girls became old enough to go to school."

"Did you ... truly loff your husband?"

"I thought I did at the time I married him ... but as it turned out, I eventually realised that I only loved him as a friend. I still do, and always will--but ended up apologising for using him. He's always been too forgiving for his own good, so he ended up forgiving me ... but I doubt I'll ever forgive myself. Either for using him or lying to everyone else who once loved us and covering up, pretending we had died in order to run off together--then magically concealing our true features all those years we were in America. I swear, neither of us ever meant to hurt anyone. We truly believed that it would be best for everyone if they thought we'd died. We know that was wrong now, and can only hope those we've wronged eventually forgive us."

"One last question. Vhy did you stop vriting me?"

"Harry, Ron and I were too busy preparing to go away to fight the Final Battle ... then in the midst of it, Harry and I decided to run away together."

"Vhere was Ron? I assumed you loved him rather than Harry."

"Strange ... I can't recall. Only that he hadn't been around for some time, likely fighting elsewhere or something. Couldn't say for sure. I don't think Harry really remembers, either."

"That does not sound right at all. I am told the three of you were bery close. How could you ... simply misplace him like that?"

"I don't know. I only know he wasn't around--and for a long enough time that Harry and I were inclined to ... spend romantic times together quite often before Ron--made his way back to us. Then after Harry defeated Voldemort, we ... somehow, inexplicably, got separated again."

"I can vell imagine how everyvun reacted upon your return."

"Oh, we were ostracised for a long time, that was for sure. Harry was even disowned by his surrogate godfather, Remus Lupin, who took over after Sirius was killed in Harry's fifth year. Neither would any of the Weasleys have anything to do with him. Only Luna, Ron's wife, was anywhere near friendly to either of us for a long time, even babysitting our girls for a time, although we had to use a Disguising Charm on them to keep Ron from guessing who they really belonged to. It made me sick when Harry told me later that Ron had gone through a tough drying-out after becoming an alcoholic. He still has counseling and takes antidepressants. Luna and everyone around him keeps a sharp eye on him to see that he doesn't have a relapse--but I blame myself for his setback. If I'd not left him, it would never have happened."

"You had no idea how he vould react," Viktor tried to soothe her.

"I knew him for years. I should have known," Hermione berated herself. "Luna once said he'd never stopped loving me, but since her latest pregnancy, Ron has decided to stay with her, because she truly loves him and has always been a good wife and mother. I don't blame him for doing it, and frankly expected it, but it hurt nonetheless."

Viktor could well understand that, and even as much sympathy as he felt for Hermione and her troubles, he realised that they were of her own creation and that she had deserved whatever repercussions had resulted from them.

Even at that, he knew that she was the one he had always loved and would always love, for as long as he lived. What he didn't know for sure was just how she felt about him--at least not yet. With any luck, she already had some feelings for him, feelings which she had buried over the years. If he could but fan that ember to full life again, he might have a chance. Then once he was able to determine just how she felt about him, he would make his final move. It would also be most interesting to see the reactions of those around her and associated with her once they truly became an item. For now, however, he would just get to know her again as best he could, just be there for her whenever he could.

"I am sorry you haff endured such difficulty--but you must know that it vas your own doing." He reached out and caressed her nearest cheek.

Hermione reached up to cover his hand with hers. "I do, Viktor. Believe me, I do--and I feel sure that I'm going to spend the rest of my life attempting to make amends for it. Just the same, there are times I just want to be held, kissed and loved by someone special who cares for me fully and unconditionally. I may be the smartest witch of my age, but I'm also a woman."

Viktor knew that all too well. Hermione was one of the most beautiful women he'd ever known and he wished he had the nerve to ask if he was that someone special to her, but knew it was too early in the game for him to ask such a thing and expect an accurate answer. It would take time, but he knew she was worth the wait. He just hoped she would be willing to give them both that time. For the time being, all he wanted to do was be with her ... and be damned to anything or anyone else who tried to stop him.

They had become so engrossed in each other, in fact, that Hermione totally forgot the lessons she had to grade. She would have a fit once she realised this, but at the moment, all that mattered was being with Viktor. He knew he was taking a chance when he did what he did next, but he just simply could not resist any longer. "I loff you, Hermi-own-ninny. I loff you." That was the last thing either of them remembered happening that night ... until they woke up together in her bed the following morning.

* * * * *

Of course, this was just the beginning. And not just of the renewed feelings between Hermione and Viktor. As expected, she about had a fit when she realised she hadn't been able to grade any of her students' parchments, but all she could do was make the best of it and correct them during class after she gave them their current assignment, admonishing them not to disturb her unless absolutely necessary since she would be correcting their parchments from the previous day. Viktor didn't want her to leave, of course, but she had no choice; it was her duty to teach the children, and besides, she couldn't be replaced ... at least not easily. In a dire emergency, McGonagall could substitute for her, but Hermione seriously doubted that the Headmistress would consider the current situation a dire emergency.

Fortunately she had awakened in time to shower and dress, but there was no time to change her clothes from the previous day; the best she could do was perform a quick Cleaning Charm and be on her way, promising Viktor she would see him at the end of the day. And even when the time for break came, she dared not take it; she needed all the time she could get to catch up on the correcting of the students' parchments. And since she generally saw Ginny at least part of the time (that is, provided she wasn't occupied with Harry), her friend was bound to come looking for her if she didn't show up.

And she was right. About ten minutes into the break, she heard Ginny's voice at the door. "'Mione, why are you still here? I thought you were going to meet me for lunch."

"I'm behind on correcting the lesson parchments from yesterday. I got ... sidetracked last night and wasn't able to do them as I usually do."

"That's not like you, 'Mione. Could it be you had a guest of the male persuasion?" Ginny gave her friend a sly wink.

Hermione fought not to blush but was unable to stop. "I suppose you could say that."

"May I hazard a guess that Viktor hit town last night? You said he was coming to see you, as I recall."

"He did, and he has," she had to confess. "Do you think you could help me? Otherwise I don't think I'll ever get caught up, especially since I promised Viktor I'd see him again tonight."

"If it wasn't for the fact I'm meeting Harry in half an hour, I would," the younger woman explained, trying to seem apologetic, but Hermione knew her well enough to know that she wasn't, not one bit. "And you know how he is if you make him wait."

Not that Hermione really blamed Ginny for acting as she was, but she really did need help. In that case, it might be best for her to call her bluff. "In that case, why don't both of you join me? That way we could get it done three times as fast."

"Neither of us are as good at Transfiguration as you are. I don't know how much help we could be to you, constantly asking questions," Ginny pointed out.

"It's either that or you don't see him at all," Hermione returned coolly. "I've got to get the parchments corrected and I can't delay any longer."

"That's blackmail," Ginny threw back, her brown eyes shooting sparks. "You're lucky I don't have my wand right now, or you'd get Bat-Bogey Hex between the eyes."

"I would think you'd know how to do it without a wand by now," came the reply. "For the moment, I suggest you go get Harry and report back here." Ginny glared at her but turned to leave. "Tell you what. If you cooperate, I'll tell you what happened with Viktor and me last night."

"Oh, I do. It's just that I do it better with one. As for the rest, I suppose we can't pass that up. Be back in a few minutes."

* * * * *

Of course, neither of the newlyweds were pleased at Hermione's blackmailing them, but there wasn't much they could do. The only good thing they could say for the situation was that they had managed to get their own students' papers corrected, so they wouldn't have to worry about that on top of everything else ... other than the fact that Hermione had promised to tell them about her time with Viktor, that is. And after her own blackmail, they intended to see to it that she kept her promise.

Unfortunately, in the end, Hermione was proved right, and even though Harry and Ginny were both sure they'd made mistakes, Hermione was convinced it wouldn't take her nearly as long to correct them this time as it would have ordinarily. Even at that, it took several hours, and the only thing that mollified them was their inside knowledge of Hermione's renewed relationship with the famous Viktor Krum. The couple dragged themselves back to their own flat and told their girls not to disturb them, since they were very tired and needed to catch up on their sleep.

Harry had taught his girls to cook for themselves, so if they got hungry, they knew what to do if neither he nor Ginny was around to feed them. Of course, they had intended to spend some more "quality time" with the girls, but after what Hermione had done, those plans had been pretty much shot to bloody hell. They would have to make it up to them as soon as they possibly could. Meanwhile, they could perhaps have a bit of quality time of their own ... that is, once they got enough sleep.

* * * * *

The first ones Harry and Ginny told were the elder Weasleys, although the children from Ginny's marriage to Draco were also present, so they naturally overheard and the adults wouldn't be at all surprised if they told Draco--and each could well imagine how the current Head of Slytherin House would react to Hermione's renewed involvement with the former Durmstrang student, renowned Quidditch player and equally renowned Quidditch instructor. It had been rumoured that Durmstrang professors taught the Dark Arts; Draco had even once claimed that his father had intended to send him there rather than Hogwarts.

In which case, he could only approve the relationship; his only objection would likely be his belief that the Bulgarian was making a comedown, that the Muggle-born witch wouldn't be good enough for him. It was obvious that Viktor thought Hermione was plenty good enough for him, however, so Draco's opinion was immaterial. And once the elder Weasleys knew, it was only a matter of time until the rest of them did. Both Harry and Ginny hoped to be around when Ron and Luna found out and could also well imagine what they would say about the situation.

But it had not surprised them when Hermione had confessed that Viktor had told her that he loved her and that he intended to stay around Hogwarts as long as it took to win her completely over. Just the same, they were firmly convinced that the man had to be very serious if he so willingly burned all his bridges behind him upon leaving Bulgaria, the country where he had been born, raised and attended school. Even at that, only time would tell as to just what would happen between them. For the moment, however, they had their own lives to live and children to raise--not to mention give birth to.

FIVE MONTHS LATER

As it turned out, Pansy was the first of them to give birth, then Luna. Ginny, now six months pregnant herself with her fourth child (and her and Harry's second), had to remain at home with their other three children while the others waited at St. Mungo's. The boys now lived with Draco, but she kept in close touch with them and visited as often as she could. Pansy had given birth to a daughter, whom she and Draco had named Regina Narcissa, after their mothers, and was the image of her mother.

As for Luna, Ginny was anxiously waiting for news and wished that Harry had allowed her to accompany him--but he had insisted that she remain at home, if only to be as safe as possible. She wasn't fond of his mollycoddling, but at the same time, knew he was only showing his love for her and couldn't really object. Again, as it had been with Ron and his drinking scare a few months back, it was quite late before Harry returned and the girls had fallen asleep well before he came back. Ginny was hard-pressed to stay awake herself. In fact, she was awakened by her husband's gentle kiss shortly after one a.m. after curling up on the couch in front of the fire.

"Sorry to be so late, luv, but I was just able to get away a few minutes ago. Girls are asleep, I take it." Harry sat down on the couch after moving her legs aside and gathered his wife into his arms, her head on his shoulder and arms locked around her.

"Two hours ago," Ginny replied after a deep yawn. "How's Luna?"

"She's fine, although she had a rough time about halfway through her labour. Turns out the baby was a breech, and the Healer had to go in and turn him around."

"Him? They had another son?"

"Him," Harry confirmed. "And guess what they're calling him ... Lawrence Arthur. Lawrence after Luna's father and Arthur for yours and Ron's." After a time, Harry stroked his wife's hair, then kissed it and rested his cheek on it. "Which reminds me, I think it's about time we thought about names for our child."

"I suppose you're right," Ginny agreed. "And since it's already been determined that it's a son, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if you've already decided what name you want."

"Let's just say I've narrowed it down," Harry amended. "How does Jonathan Harrison Potter grab you?"

"May I ask where that came from? Just curious, mind you," Ginny assured him, since she had assumed Harry would choose from the male names in his circle of family and friends. But "Jonathan" was not among the names in question, unless you counted Remus's middle name, and even then, that was just plain "John".

"I did some research and come up with the top hundred baby names in the UK. After trying hundreds of combinations, I came up with 'Jonathan Harrison'."

"Seems strange that you would go to such trouble," Ginny was unable to help observing. She didn't mind the middle name; after all, it was a tradition in the wizarding world to give sons their fathers' Christian names as middle names. After all, Harry carried his father's Christian name as his middle name ... why shouldn't their son carry his father's Christian name?

"It's for our child," Harry returned indignantly. "I wanted something he could live with his entire life."

"Not that it isn't a nice name, luv, but what about 'Robert Harrison'? Isn't Robert the name of your paternal grandfather?"

Harry had to nod affirmatively, but he still said, "I also wanted a name that wasn't obviously chosen out of the fairly narrow pool of male names in my family."

Ginny sighed deeply, knowing Harry had a point, but she was just as convinced that she did, too. "Okay, what about this? Harrison Robert? Either way I suggest, he'll probably end up being called Harry, Jr."

Harry frowned and shook his head after thinking some more. "How about Jonathan Robert? We can keep my Christian name for another son to use as a middle name. And maybe this one will end up being called by his initials--J.R."

Ginny still had some reservations, but had to admit that the name Harry had just mentioned was as good a name as any to choose ... and again, he was right. They could always use Harry's Christian name as a middle name for another son. "All right, Jonathan Robert it is."

However, just a short time later, Remus's head popped into the fire and said, "Harry, Ginny! So glad I caught you! Dora's going into labour and I'm going to need help getting her to St. Mungo's!" This time, Ginny wasn't about to be left behind and nothing Harry said stopped her. They couldn't Apparate in her condition, but Flooing was as safe a mode of transportation as any for a pregnant woman.

"Don't worry, Moony, we'll be right there." After helping Ginny to her feet and throwing some Floo powder into the fire, Harry wrapped himself protectively around her, knowing she would be taken care of at St. Mungo's in the event of an emergency, and called out their destination upon their stepping into the heatless flame. "Number twelve, Grimmauld Place!" With that, they were gone.

* * * * *

It wasn't until they'd actually gotten to the London branch of St. Mungo's via Muggle taxi (Harry's suggestion; they just told them to come to Grimmauld Place since the customers would be waiting outside) that Harry thought to owl Molly and tell her to go pick up his and Ginny's girls and take them back to the Burrow, then wait for his communication regarding Tonks. He was sure that Ron and Luna's other children were probably there already, so they would have others of their age to play with to pass the time.

Tonks' labour and delivery went like clockwork, even though it lasted nine hours (her first labour and delivery had lasted sixteen). It was quite late, but by the time Tonks and the new baby, a girl who they named Rebecca Leigh, had been settled into a private room on the birthing floor. Harry insisted on it, in fact, and told the Chief Healer to send him the bill. Naturally everyone was floored by this, especially Ginny, but he simply smiled and said, "Don't worry, luv. I'll do the same thing when our child is born. Besides, it was the least I could do for Moony."

Now Ginny's was the only incomplete pregnancy left in their circle; Pansy, Luna and now Tonks had all had their babies. It was too late to visit Luna by the time Tonks had delivered, so the tired but happy friends went back home and fell into bed after assuring Moony of their return and leaving a note for Luna with the mediwitch at the desk that they would be back sometime the next day. Of course, once they had gotten some rest, Harry decided that he and Ginny had best have some quality time alone while the girls were away.

There was one position they hadn't tried which would be perfect, especially now that Gin was too big to do it the regular way ... and once she had awakened, Harry whispered suggestively into his wife's ear what he wanted to do. It didn't take long to get themselves in the proper position for same, finding it every bit as pleasurable as the other pregnancy-related positions they had tried; they would have to keep in mind to try it again after she'd had the baby and see if it was equally pleasurable to a non-pregnant woman and her partner. For the time being, though, they intended to go with a perennial favourite which both he and Ginny found equally pleasurable, whether she was pregnant or not--simple use of the fingers, lips and tongue, the use of same being limited only by the imaginations of the partners involved ... and one may be assured that both Harry and Ginny were most imaginative!

* * * * *

Of course, they did still have other things they needed to do, and having Rose checked for both Legilimency and clairvoyance was one of them. Even at that, the tests for both were lengthy and grueling, especially to a child, much less an adult, so they would have to be divided up into several different sections. The Legilimency tests were the shortest, so the young parents--along with the Panel of Legilimency, Occlumency and Other Mental Talents at the Ministry--decided to go with them first.

Harry also made sure that the Panel kept him and Ginny informed. It was also suggested that Rose be taught Occlumency as well at the earliest possible time, if only to be able to block out the unshielded thoughts of others around her.

From what he understood from Ginny, however, his ex-wife seemed to be dividing her time between her work and Viktor. It also seemed that Hermione had been making sure to have her work done before having any quality time with her new beau. Certainly suited him just fine, for he had no intention of allowing her to rope him and Ginny into helping her again if he could avoid it. It was fortunate that the girls spent most of their time with him and Ginny (that is, when they weren't at school--or outside of it--with their friends or with both their regular and adopted grandparents), since rumour had it that Viktor had all but moved in with Hermione, even though he technically had his own quarters.

Probably only kept them for the sake of variety in shagging spots if his reputation with the ladies was any indication, Harry thought wryly. But strangely enough, that was one thing he hadn't heard of, at least not recently. Viktor hadn't been seeing anyone other than Hermione for all the time he'd been here, and it was close on to a month now. If he didn't get some answers from Ginny soon, he would likely have to confront Viktor directly, see just what his intentions were regarding Hermione--if only for the sake of the girls. After all, she still did have some parental obligations, even if he was their primary caregiver.

* * * * *

Two weeks later they were well into the clairvoyance tests, and if the results he had been receiving were any indication, Harry was all but convinced that his oldest daughter would one day be either a Seer or Divination teacher. Certainly they needed a bonafide teacher of same at Hogwarts after so many years of Trelawney. From what he understood, Rose held the potential for even surpassing the renowned Seer, Cassandra Trelawney, Sybill Trelawney's great-great-grandmother--and that was saying something. They had even had Rose make some tentative predictions. The most noteworthy were the following:

According to her, he and Ginny were likely to have ten children, surpassing even the prolific Arthur and Molly Weasley. In which case, he would have to make sure they eventually had a big house built--that is, if he didn't find that there was actually a family mansion specifically for Potters. And considering the fact that the family wealth was old money, handed down through many generations, it wouldn't surprise Harry one bit. The first chance he got, he intended to investigate this possibility and see what he came up with.

He was also given to understand that Ron and Luna's next child (or more accurately, set of children) were to be twins ... and identical ones at that, like Fred and George--but not necessarily boys, as generally happened in the Weasley family. That is, if the whole prediction had been known at this point, which it wasn't. The problem was that Rose was unable to see more than a few years ahead ... ten at the most. But her ability was, considering her age, unprecedented, so the Panel made note of her predictions and made sure to tell her parents to keep them informed of which predictions came true and which didn't, at least not immediately.

She even foresaw Hermione and Viktor getting married. That was definite, according to her. Too early to say for certain if they would have children, however, but they were still young, so it was a definite possibility. Harry also intended to encourage Rose to tell him if she happened to See anything else concerning their family, so he could take steps to prepare for virtually any possibility--especially the possibility of his ending up the patriarch of his own large family--and whatever she told him, he would make note of in a special journal that he would keep under lock and key in a special place which only he and Ginny would have access to.

For the moment, though, particularly once the tests had been completed, both Harry and Ginny intended to see that the girls had as normal a childhood as possible. That is, as normal as any childhood could be in the wizarding world, when it came to children with abilities such as Rose's and equally magical parents.