Day by Day

Chapter Seventeen: "The Last One - Part 2"

Still Wednesday

Priscilla looked a little confused because, well, she was confused. Neville had just told her that Lucius Malfoy had escaped from Azkaban and was believed to be going after his son and that he wanted revenge for his son's betrayal.

'How is that a problem for Harry and Hermione?' she asked. 'I'd say it's Draco Malfoy's problem!'

Neville nodded, a half smile on his face. 'Definitely Draco's problem initially - although we'll probably end up bringing him back to London as it'll be easier to guard him here. But don't forget, Harry was V-V-Voldemort's nemesis.' He still had trouble saying that damn name. He swallowed before he continued, 'And Harry's biggest weak spot - if you want to call her that - is Hermione. And if Lucius hasn't heard yet, he will soon know that Jugson and Mulcher are being held pending trial for kidnapping Hermione. We're almost certain that after dealing with Draco, Lucius will turn to getting revenge any way he can on Harry. I imagine in his eyes Harry did something even worse than his own son - he destroyed the Dark Lord. If we don't catch him, I'd bet my life he'll go after Harry but - because he knows how powerful Harry is - he'll do it second hand, using Hermione. And perhaps others close to Harry.'

Priscilla felt a stab of fear. 'You're a long time friend of Harry's. You've fought against the Malfoys - you work for Law Enforcement - you could be a target too, Neville!'

Neville shrugged. 'Don't worry about me. I have less to worry about, I think, than say Ron and Luna - the Weasleys as a whole as a matter of fact. They're basically Harry's family.'

Despite the rather awful reason for it, Neville couldn't help but feel warmed by the concern and fear in Priscilla's beautiful blue eyes - because it was for him!

Shortly afterwards, Neville paid for their lunch and he and Priscilla set off to walk back to the Ministry. Sensing that Neville was just a little unsure, Priscilla took the initiative and slipped her hand in his, looking up at him as she did so and smiling when he looked back, his eyes widening in happy surprise before returning her smile and giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

As they neared the entrance to the Ministry, Priscilla asked, 'Are you going to tell Harry and Hermione? And Ron? What about Ginny?'

Neville stopped dead in his tracks, catching Priscilla unawares. Although he'd considered Ginny and Dean being upset at Malfoy's possible reappearance in London, Priscilla's questions had only just made him realise that Draco's father would inevitably somehow find out that his son was - what? In love? More like obsessed. With none other than Ginny Weasley. Shit. Ginny.

'Priscilla, I think I need to speak with my boss again. Let's go.'

Priscilla almost had to run to keep up with Neville as he started off again as they were still holding hands.

A short while later, as she entered Hermione's office - the door was open - Priscilla felt a little nervous. It wasn't every day, after all, that you got to tell your immediate superior - who'd already been kidnapped once - that she might be up for the position of villain's target once again.

Hermione looked up from the parchment she was reading and smiled at Priscilla.

'How was coffee and lunch?' she asked, a twinkle in her eye.

'Well, tea and lunch, really. It was great,' said Priscilla. She looked down at her feet, wondering how on earth she was going to say this.

'What's wrong?' asked Hermione.

Priscilla looked up. 'Um, I have something I have to tell you - and - I need to shut the door.'

Hermione nodded, feeling concerned and a little worried.

Priscilla shut the door and then took a seat in one of the armchairs facing Hermione across her desk.

'Tell away, I'm all ears,' Hermione told her.

Priscilla cleared her throat. 'This feels a little strange, Hermione - but, well, Neville said he'll probably try and talk to you himself later today, but he's told me something and he's asked me to pass it on to you. He would've told you himself but he's got to see his boss rather urgently. I - uh - well, I get the distinct impression that he's pretty worried about Harry's reaction to this.'

'To what?'

'Well, apparently Lucius Malfoy has escaped from Azkaban and he's -'

At hearing Priscilla's words, Hermione felt relief flow through her as she fell back in her chair.

'He's after revenge on Draco! We know!'

'You know? How?' Priscilla was incredulous.

'We had dinner with Professor Dumbledore at Hogwarts last night - he told us. Mind you, I'm not sure exactly how he knew - but he's always known things, somehow, for as long as I can remember. Harry wasn't impressed, but he never is with anything that includes the Malfoys.'

'Not impressed?' repeated Priscilla. 'But isn't he worried about the threat?'

'What? The threat to Draco?' queried Hermione, sitting forward once more and frowning. 'Hardly!'

'No, not to Draco - about what he'll do once he's done whatever he's planning to do to Draco! Neville's afraid he'll come after Harry - but not directly because, well Harry would basically pulverise him.' She went on to explain what Neville had told her and Priscilla knew from the dawning comprehension in Hermione's eyes that this wasn't something she or Harry had considered.

Priscilla felt terrible to be the bearer of bad news. 'Hermione, there's always the chance that they'll catch Lucius before he even gets to Draco - I mean they are looking for him.'

Hermione nodded mechanically. She was thinking of Harry's reaction that morning just from walking into her office and recalling her kidnapping - she didn't want to think about his reaction when he found out this piece of news.

'I might leave a little earlier today - I think I should like to be the one who tells Harry about this.'

***** ***** *****

Not too long afterwards, Hermione Apparated into the loungeroom and called out to Harry, hearing his surprised, 'Hermione?' in reply from the direction of the kitchen. When Hermione appeared in the kitchen doorway, she couldn't help but smile; Harry was standing at the bench preparing some fresh vegetables for dinner. She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around him from behind, pressing her cheek against the soft fabric of his t-shirt.

'Mmmmmm you feel good,' she sighed.

Harry dropped the knife he'd been using and turned in the circle of Hermione's arms.

'You feel even better,' he said, putting his arms around her and pulling her closer to him and dropping his head to kiss her.

'So, how come you're home early? Not that I mind, of course,' he said, grinning at her with a gleam in his eye.

'Well, actually, it's not exactly for a - a - happy - reason...' Hermione dropped her eyes.

Harry brought his hands up to frame her face, tilting her head so that she had to look at him. He was frowning. 'What is it?'

So she told him. Harry's hands dropped to her shoulders and she could feel his grip tighten as she talked.

'...so Neville's concerned that Lucius will want to try and get back at you for getting rid of Voldemort but he knows, of course, that he's no match for you and so he'll try and do it through your...friends.'

'Through you!' he said harshly. Hermione winced as Harry's fingers bit into her soft skin.

'Harry - you're hurting me -'

Harry immediately let go and wrapped his arms around her again, burying his face in her hair. She could feel his heart thumping wildly. 'I'm sorry,' he whispered, 'I never want to hurt you.'

'I know,' she told him. 'But Harry -' she turned her head to the side and up, and found her lips brushing against the side of Harry's neck which would normally be a welcome distraction. Not this time, however. 'Not just me! What about all the Weasleys? They're as good as your family - everyone knows that.'

Harry lifted his head and looked at her. His eyes were blazing and as she became aware of some incredible aura of power emanating from him she felt - something - spiral quickly through her from head to foot, leaving her breathless. Then she realised it was a feeling of awe that had passed through her. She thought perhaps this was why Ginny and Dean and the others had spoken of Harry with such awe after the events in the Leaky Cauldron the night they'd captured the Death Eaters.

'If anyone so much as touches a hair on your head or makes any attempt to hurt anyone I know because of me -' Harry's voice was diamond hard and his low, harsh tones drove through Hermione leaving fear in their wake - fear for anyone foolish enough to go up against this man.

'Harry - it's still just conjecture - and they may catch Lucius -'

'I want to help them,' he said flatly.

Hermione was startled when the doorbell rang just as Harry finishing speaking.

'It could be Neville - Priscilla did say he was going to try and talk to us today,' she told him.

Hermione followed Harry to the front door which on being opened revealed a rather dishevelled looking Neville running an impatient hand through his hair, obviously not for the first time given the messy state of his hair. Harry stepped quickly aside as Neville practically bolted down the hallway, heading for the kitchen.

Harry looked at Hermione, raising his eyebrows. Hermione shrugged and after closing the door, they both followed in Neville's footsteps back to the kitchen.

Hermione perched on her favourite stool watching Neville as he paced up and down beside the bench. Harry walked past Neville and leant back against the sink, his arms folded across his chest.

'Neville - for Merlin's sake will you sit down!' cried Harry.

Neville stopped and looked at him, running his hand through his hair again. He looked around and walked over to the bench to sit on the stool beside Hermione.

'Like a drink mate?' asked Harry.

Neville nodded and Harry pulled a bottle of red wine from the nearby rack, using magic to open it then to summon three glasses, filling each and passing them around.

As they each took a sip of the mellow liquid, Neville seemed to quieten and gave Harry and Hermione a half smile. 'Sorry, but it's been a hell of a day,' he said apologetically.

Hermione laid a hand on his arm. 'That's okay Neville - we know about hellish days.'

Neville chuckled. 'Yeah, you do. Okay, the latest.' He looked from Hermione to Harry. 'Priscilla told you...?'

Hermione nodded. 'And I told Harry. We were just talking about it, actually.'

'Any luck with catching him yet?' asked Harry.

Neville shook his head. 'It's becoming obvious this has all been well planned ahead of time. After I spoke to my boss today we decided Draco would be better off under guard here in London initially, and then we should find a really secure place for him.'

Harry and Hermione both nodded. 'Knew that'd be the outcome,' said Harry quietly.

'There's been a hitch, however.'

'What hitch?' asked Harry and Hermione together.

Neville looked from one to the other. 'We're not sure whether Draco's bolted or whether Lucius got to him. But he's gone. And we can't find any trace of him or his movements or whereabouts.'

***** ***** *****

Neville's next stop was Ginny's office. She was preparing to leave when Neville arrived and he asked if he could accompany her home. 'I'm actually going back to Dean's tonight - he's due to arrive home in a couple of hours.'

Neville smiled quickly at her. 'Don't worry - I won't keep you long - I'll be long gone before Dean gets home!'

Ginny gave him a slightly embarrassed smile. 'Am I that obvious?' she asked.

Neville grinned at her. 'Only to someone who knows a little what it's like.'

Ginny put her hands on her hips. 'What are you taking about Neville Longbottom?' she demanded.

'Come on, I'll tell you as we go,' replied Neville. 'We Flooing or Apparating?'

***** ***** *****

As they Apparated into Dean's loungeroom, Ginny's arm through Neville's so that he wouldn't end up waiting outside the front door (only Ginny and Dean's parents were able to Apparate into his home), Ginny turned and hugged Neville. 'I'm so happy for you Neville! And Priscilla, too, of course - I hope it works out for the two of you.'

Putting a brotherly arm across her shoulders, Neville steered her towards the kitchen. 'Come on, I could do with a nice hot cuppa while I tell you the rest of my news which unfortunately isn't quite as happy.'

Ten minutes later they were once again in the loungeroom, sitting comfortably on the sofa sipping tea.

Neville gave Ginny the rundown on Lucius' escape and plans for revenge on Draco together with Neville's now widely accepted belief that the older Malfoy would also seek revenge on Harry for Voldemort's demise by attacking his loved ones. 'Which includes you and your family, Ginny, seeing as you lot basically are Harry's family.'

Ginny nodded. 'I thought we'd finished with the damned Malfoys when Draco left,' she said bitterly.

Neville sighed. 'There's more,' he said.

Ginny looked at him sharply. 'More what?'

'We intended bringing Draco back to London to guard him - hoping to achieve two things: guard Draco and lure Lucius to London. We have much better resources in London for both guarding one and capturing the other than we do where Draco is currently staying. But Draco's disappeared. The Hit Wizards sent to retrieve him reported back this afternoon. We don't know whether he's bolted after finding out his father's after him or whether Lucius has already managed to get to him.'

Ginny suddenly felt ice cold. 'So you're telling me that if Lucius hasn't found him, Draco could be anywhere?'

'Anywhere,' repeated Neville. He sighed. 'Ginny, I thought of something else this afternoon. I have no doubt whatsoever that at some point in time Lucius Malfoy will find out about Draco's feelings for you. Which means that if Draco has bolted before Lucius got to him -'

'Lucius might see me as a good way to draw Draco out.'

Their eyes met; fear and anger at war in hers, weariness and fear side by side in his.

***** ***** *****

Ginny was waiting on the sofa for Dean to arrive; dinner was ready and she'd showered and changed into a long dress with softly flowing sleeves which was a deep, soft cream colour. The softly draping neckline revealed an enticing cleavage and Ginny had loosely pinned her auburn locks up exposing her slender neck. When Dean appeared, Ginny felt her heart jump to her throat and she ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck, crying out his name.

Dean dropped his bag immediately and wrapped his arms around his fiancée, burying his face against her neck, kissing the soft skin there over and over.

As they leant back and looked at each other, they couldn't stop smiling. 'Oh Dean! It feels as though you've been away forever!'

Squeezing her against him, Dean lifted her off the floor and swung around in a full circle. Ginny squealed in surprise and delight, holding on tightly around Dean's neck. 'The best thing about going away is coming home!' Dean told her, as he gently set her on her feet once more. Then he kissed her and Ginny could feel herself melting into him, moaning very softly. Dean's grip tightened even more, one hand gripping the back of Ginny's neck as he firmly pushed his tongue into her willing mouth, Ginny pressing her hips against him. It was Dean's turn to groan as he returned the pressure that felt so good against his quickly growing erection.

'Bed...now...' pleaded Dean, between kisses.

'Yes...please...'

'Sorry...forgot about dinner...'

'To hell with dinner...'

Neither of them would ever know that they'd been observed that night in the loungeroom. The now rather gaunt, tall, blonde observer flew from the scene, a dreadful pain ripping through his body, a worse one tearing at his heart.

***** ***** *****

The next morning Ginny woke with a smile on her face. She ran her hands lightly down her naked body before stretching; she felt wonderful - and incredibly happy. Despite Neville's revelations the previous night, she'd decided she'd say nothing to Dean until today. She wanted his "welcome home" to be untainted by anything like that. Now that he was back home with her, she felt safe and protected somehow. She would explain everything to him later today. She rolled onto her side. Dean was also on his side, still asleep, his back to her and so she snuggled up to him, enjoying the masculine hardness of his body against her own softness, throwing her arm around his waist and resting her cheek on his back, a happy and contented smile on her face.

Thursday

Neville looked up from his desk as David "Sunny" Sunningfield virtually ran into his office, stopping at his desk.

'You're not gonna believe who's here!' he panted.

'Who?' asked Neville automatically.

Then suddenly there was a commotion at the door of his office and Sunny's partner, Wayne "Lucky" Hasluck, appeared, holding onto someone who was struggling to pull his arm free for although Lucky was quite a bit shorter than the man he was holding on to, he was nevertheless a very strong man.

Neville shot to his feet. 'Malfoy!' he yelled in surprise.

'Tell this idiot to let go of me!' Malfoy yelled back.

Neville nodded at Lucky who glared at Malfoy, giving him a slight push into Neville's office as he let go of him. Malfoy shot him a vicious look as he rubbed his freed arm.

Neville saw to it that Malfoy was seated opposite him, Sunny standing behind him, his arms crossed, Lucky standing at the door, also with his arms crossed. They were both giving Malfoy dirty looks.

Neville looked across at Malfoy. 'What happened?'

'I heard about my father. I left. Simple as that,' growled Malfoy.

'Why did you come here?'

'I assumed you would be sending someone to bring me back anyway although I didn't think they'd arrive before my father so I decided to make my own way here.'

'What do you know about your father's whereabouts?'

'Nothing anymore. I knew he was on his way to where I was - that's all.'

'We did send someone to get you. We weren't sure if you'd left of your own accord or whether your father had gotten there before us. Now that you're here I can tell you that you have two choices.'

'Which are?' asked Malfoy coldly.

'Go fend for yourself or go and stay at Hogwarts. It's the only place you'd be safe.'

'Hogwarts?'

'What did you imagine would happen?' asked Neville.

Malfoy shrugged. 'I don't know, really. I just never thought of Hogwarts.' He turned his head slightly to stare out the window which today showed a lovely, sun drenched garden vista. He felt exhausted; fleeing his new home, making the huge mistake of checking on Ginevra and seeing her greeting that cursed Thomas like that. The rough treatment he'd received on arriving here at the Ministry and now - banished to Hogwarts! Hogwarts meant Dumbledore. Hogwarts meant ... misery. But it also meant survival. Hogwarts it would be.

'So, Hogwarts it is,' he said coolly as he turned back to look at Neville.

***** ***** *****

Thursday Night At Harry & Hermione's Place

'Okay Neville - we're all here. Fire away,' said Ron who was sitting on the floor, leaning back against the end of the sofa, Luna sitting between his legs, her arms resting on his knees.

Neville was standing in front of the fire place, his elbow on the mantel piece. Priscilla sat nearby on the arm of the sofa. Harry and Hermione occupied that same sofa, Harry with his arm around Hermione. The other sofa was taken by Ginny and Dean.

Neville looked around at the grim faces of his friends and ran his fingers through his hair; it was still sticking up from the last time he'd done just that.

'His hair's starting to look like yours,' Hermione couldn't resist whispering to Harry who gave her a small smile in acknowledgement.

'I just wanted to fill you all in on what's happened today and suggest some, um, precautions you should all take. This morning, Draco Malfoy turned up in my office,' there was a collective gasp at his words but Neville continued without acknowledging them, 'and has now been relocated to the only safe place my boss and I could come up with: Hogwarts. We've heard today that Lucius Malfoy has taken refuge somewhere in the north of England and for the time being may simply stay there, although he's no doubt collecting his own intelligence and resources. It's only a matter of time before we hear from him again. In the meantime, Amelia Bones and I believe that you should all take precautions as Lucius Malfoy could well consider each and every one of you as a potential target or victim. Ron, Ginny, I'd also like you to speak to your parents and the rest of your family. They all need to be told what's happening, they should be warned and told why. Any questions?'

Silence.

Neville looked around, surprised. 'No questions?'

Everyone looked around at each other, shrugging.

'Neville, said Harry, standing up, pushing his hands into the pockets of his jeans, 'there's nothing really to ask, I guess. Malfoy's at Hogwarts - I feel sorry for Dumbledore for having to put up with the ferret yet again! - but he'll be safe there, as you say. The Ministry is on alert as far as Lucius goes and I suppose we feel relatively confident they'll know if he makes a move and since we're all aware there's danger, we will be careful. There's also a good chance Lucius will be caught and thrown back in Azkaban before anything can happen, anyway. There's not much else we can do, really.'

Neville nodded. 'True, I suppose. But I can't stress too much how careful you must all be! Don't trust anyone - especially people you don't know. None of you should go somewhere without telling someone about it - someone should know where you are all the time.'

Dean stood up then and held his hand out to Ginny, helping her to her feet when she took it.

'Neville, thank you - I can guarantee we'll all look out for each other. Now, for something a little more lighthearted and fun!' Dean smiled down at Ginny beside him, then glanced around the room. 'Ginny and I have finally decided we'll be having an engagement party in three weeks time. We've been in touch with her parents and so three weeks from this Saturday you're all invited to the Burrow.'

Everyone clapped spontaneously, coming to their feet to crowd around Ginny and Dean. Moving to stand beside Neville, Harry said quietly, 'Something in the future to look forward to instead of fear.'

Neville looked a little grim and Harry's puzzlement showed on his face. 'I'm afraid it must be the job,' said Neville quietly, 'but my first thought was that everyone Lucius Malfoy wants to get his hands on will be in the same place at the same time in a few weeks time.'

Harry shot Neville a look filled with regret and respect. Respect for his quickness of mind, regret because what he said was very unfortunately true but he didn't have the heart to put a dampener on his friends' happiness at this moment.

'Still,' said Neville, forcing a slightly cheerful note into his voice, 'we may well catch him in that time and we won't have to worry.'

'Let's hope so,' replied Harry fervently, 'let's hope so!'

The Burrow

Friday Night (Three Weeks Later)

There was only word for it, thought Molly Weasley: Unadulterated chaos. Well, that was two words really. She smiled then because she didn't really mind the chaos. It had been quite a while since she'd had everyone home and it was wonderful - chaotic, yes, but wonderful! Even Percy was coming, although only for the few hours of the party itself, but at least he'd be here.

While everyone remained very aware of the fact that Lucius Malfoy was still at large - Ron and Ginny having visited their parents nearly three weeks previously to explain everything to them - there seemed to be an unspoken agreement not to mention any of that this weekend. They would just concentrate on celebrating Ginny and Dean's engagement, having a good time and enjoying everyone's company.

Everyone had arrived during the course of the day, "everyone" consisting of her own beloved children, Fred and George, the incorrigible (and to their mother, inexplicably successful) twins; Ron, Ginny and their older brothers, Bill and Charlie and of course Bill's wife, Fleur. Charlie had brought along his latest clutch of dragon eggs which were now safely nestled in the kitchen fire and of course, Ron and Ginny's "other halves", Luna and Dean; Harry and Hermione naturally, along with Neville and a delightful young thing called Priscilla made up "everyone". Molly herself was at the moment, of course, in the kitchen, along with Hermione and Ginny who were helping her prepare the food; Luna and Fleur were outside supervising the setting of the dinner table. Both Mr and Mrs Weasley had been busy magically expanding their home for the duration of the visitors' stay, enlarging some rooms, adding the odd staircase and a couple of extra rooms and bathrooms to the already rather interesting upper stories.

A lovely dinner was had by all outside under a deep, clear blue sky. Crookshanks, as he always did when at the Burrow, fruitlessly chased garden gnomes into Wellington boots and other hidey-holes around the garden to the great amusement of anyone that bothered to watch. Hedwig, perched on the window sill of Harry's room, appeared to be watching all that went on with her gimlet eyes.

Harry sat and smiled as he looked around the table, his arm across the back of Hermione's chair. These people were his family. Especially Hermione. He wasn't going to let anything happen to any of them. Hermione looked at him and smiled, leaning close to him to whisper, 'Penny for your thoughts.'

'Thinking about you, of course,' he smiled back.

Wrapping the fingers of one hand around the back of Harry's neck, Hermione brought him within kissing range and did just that.

'Oy! Will you two cut that out already?' called Ron from the other end of the table, making everyone look around to see what he was talking about.

'Pipe down Ron!' called Fred from his seat opposite Harry.

'There's nothing wrong with one innocent kiss!' added George. Few at the table really believed either Fred or George were terribly familiar with innocence.

'How true!' threw in Bill as he leant over and kissed Fleur.

Ron smiled, shrugged and leant forward to kiss Luna.

Ginny threw an arm around Dean's neck as she gave him a quick kiss.

Mr Weasley leant towards his wife and gave her a peck on the cheek, causing her to look a little flustered.

Priscilla felt her cheeks grow warm. 'It's a kissing-fest!' she giggled.

Neville cupped her chin gently with one hand. 'We can't be the odd ones out,' he said softly and leant down to kiss her. Priscilla, at first surprised was soon overcome by some wonderful sensations and kissed Neville right back.

'Hey, go Neville!' cried Fred.

'And Priscilla!' George admonished him.

As they pulled back, both with shining eyes and flushed faces, they couldn't stop smiling at one another. Neville had kissed her rather nervously a few weeks back after he'd taken her to dinner but aside from a few pecks on the cheek since then, they hadn't kissed again until tonight. It was the one area he was still rather unsure of himself about. Priscilla was rather pleased as she was ready to back Neville up against a wall and snog him senseless!

'I think that's quite enough kissing for one night!' cried Mrs Weasley, although she had a very bright twinkle in her eye as she said it. 'Time to clean up!'

Mr and Mrs Weasley and Bill and Fleur were the first to go off to bed an hour later, followed quickly by Fred and George. Charlie went to check his dragon eggs before he too, went upstairs to bed. Neville and Priscilla returned from a walk with their arms around each other looking as though they'd indulged in a rather vigorous snogging session which, in fact, is just what they'd done and they too said goodnight and headed off to bed.

Ginny and Dean, Ron and Luna and Harry and Hermione remained sitting around the kitchen table, sipping hot chocolate.

Harry raised his mug. 'Here's to Ginny and Dean - may they live happily ever after!'

'Hear, hear!' replied everyone, lifting their mugs.

Ron and Luna both finished their drinks at the same time and Ron took their mugs to the sink to rinse them. 'We're off to bed,' announced Ron. 'Although would you believe, Mum's put us in separate bedrooms for crying out loud! She knows we're living together,' he grumbled.

'We're all in the same boat, dear brother,' said Ginny, laughing. 'You know how old-fashioned Mum is!'

'We can all manage for two nights, I think,' put in Dean.

'Speak for yourself!' retorted Ron, causing Luna to take a swipe at his arm as they headed for the stairs.

'He's a funny codger, that Ron!' laughed Dean as they listed to him grumbling to Luna as they mounted the stairs, his voice fading as they rose higher, heading for the top storey.

Ginny yawned and stretched, her arms above her head, her back arched, Dean watching her through half closed eyes.

'Should be bloody illegal, that,' he griped.

Ginny looked at him, all wide eyed innocence as she asked, 'What should?'

Dean rolled his eyes. 'Go and polish your halo Little Miss Innocent and I'll go take a cold shower.'

Ginny poked him in the side. 'And you were the one who said you can manage for two nights!' she goaded him.

Dean groaned. 'So I lied! Sue me!'

Ginny stood up and leaned down to kiss him. 'Night, sexy! See you in the morning...'

Dean leapt to his feet and caught Ginny just as she was turning to walk away. He bent over and lifted her up over his shoulder, making her squeal. Then she began to laugh as Dean headed off with her waving to Harry and Hermione. They could hear her laughter and demands to be put down immediately until they heard a distant door close and a few seconds later, a second door close.

'Sounds as though Ginny sent him off to his room!' said Hermione.

'Also my room,' said Harry. 'I'm in with him and Ron.'

'Me, Ginny and Luna are sharing, too,' Hermione told him.

Harry stood up and held out his hand to Hermione.

'Fancy a short walk before turning in?' he asked.

Hermione took his hand with a laugh. 'As if I could say no to you Mr Potter!'

'I'll remember that,' Harry told her, grinning.

They put the rest of the empty mugs in the sink and rinsed them before walking out into the warm, still night. The moon had risen and was glowing softly. Harry took Hermione's hand and led her along a well worn path that wound around a small copse of old trees to a rather ancient looking carved wooden bench. The bench overlooked a low lying, gently sloping valley at the bottom of which was a small lake. The moon was reflected in the lake's surface and there was the occasional ripple as a fish broke the surface of the water.

Sitting down, Harry put his arm around Hermione's shoulders and drew her close, resting his cheek on the top of her head while Hermione's hand rested on Harry's leg.

'Hermione,' said Harry quietly.

'Hmmm?'

'I love you.'

'I know. I love you too.'

'I know.'

They both chuckled.

'We're so predictable!' said Hermione.

Harry suddenly turned and slid to his knee on the ground, holding the hand Hermione had rested on his leg.

Hermione's eyes widened in surprise, a little, 'Oh!' escaping her.

Harry gave her a lopsided grin.

'Hermione, you know I love you. I also want you to know that I could never be happy without you, that I'm not complete without you - I'm not anything without you. Which is why you have to marry me, please!'

Hermione's free hand flew to her mouth and Harry could see her fingers trembling and her eyes fill with tears.

'I'd just like to take this opportunity to remind you that not less than ten minutes ago you assured me you couldn't say no to me,' Harry said gruffly.

Hermione slid to the ground to kneel in front of Harry, her hand now gently resting on the side of Harry's face, her other still held in Harry's firm grasp. Two tears slid down her cheeks, but she was smiling.

'Harry,' she whispered, her eyes shining with love, 'of course I'll marry you!'

Harry raised her hand to his lips and tenderly kissed it, then wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly to him, burying his face in her hair.

'Thank you,' he said, his voice muffled.

Hermione found herself crying and couldn't stop.

'Are you all right?' asked Harry, his voice full of concern.

Hermione looked up at him, took a deep breath and nodded, smiling. 'Perfect,' she assured him softly. 'And happier than I've ever been in my life.'

Harry kissed her, his love for her filling his mind and his body and he knew that as long as he had her, he would be happy.

Harry sat up on the bench again, pulling Hermione with him. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small silk drawstring pouch with a "P" engraved on it.

'This came from my parents' vault in Gringott's,' he told her as he opened the small pouch, tipping its contents onto the palm of his hand. It was a ring. A small gold circle with a delicate single spiral of gold in which nestled a not-too-large brilliant white diamond flanked on each side with small, perfect emeralds. 'Harry, it's breathtaking!' whispered Hermione as she gazed at it.

'It was my mother's engagement ring. If you don't mind having someone else's ring, it's yours,' Harry said tentatively, his eyes searching her face.

Two fresh tears fell down Hermione's face as smiled up at him. 'Harry, it's perfect and I love that it belonged to your mum.' She held out her left hand and Harry slipped the ring on. It fitted her perfectly. Hermione wound her arms around Harry's neck and he wrapped his around her waist. They were so close the could each feel the other's breath as their eyes locked, then they both moved at the same instant, their lips meeting in the kiss that sealed the promise of their future together.

FINIS!