The Visit

The Visit

Harry sighed deeply as he did one last check and made sure all the torches were off in the upstairs bedrooms, as well as the warming charms that were implemented at the start of winter. He ran his fingers through his messy black hair and pushed his glasses further up his nose. This was not how he had planned to spend his day with his family. As much as he adored Hermione's parents and would do anything to please his wife and her immediate family, he really did not want to go to her parents' home to 'reconnect', as Hermione had put it, with her extended family which included grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and their children. It was the five-year Granger Reunion and it was being held in London at his in-laws' house.

"Harry?" Hermione called up the stairs with a slight frown. "Honey, are you ready?"

Harry jumped slightly at the sound of Hermione's voice. "Yeh, just give me a sec."

On his way down, he stopped at the hall mirror to examine his reflection one last time. He took his glasses off and cleaned them on his shirttail and put them back on. He ran his hand along his slightly smooth jaw. At forty, Harry looked as if he was in his mid twenties. The only hints to suggest his age were the smile lines and frown creases as well as his salt and pepper hair. He stood tall and smoothed his white oxford shirt and the pockets of his dark blue jeans.

"Harry!" Hermione's voice came again, this time with a bit more edge. "We're going to be late if you don't come on!"

Harry bit his lip and turned to walk down the stairs.

Hermione was standing in the sitting room looking agitated and clutching a large picnic basket that Harry assumed contained the bottles of wine that Hermione had promised to bring along with a fruitcake. Their ten-year-old daughter was happily bouncing on her heels, her green eyes shining brightly and her long brown hair with a slight reddish hue seemed to be frizzing with excitement.

"Daddy, you always have to turn back to check the lights," she said fondly. "Why can't you just trust us to make sure everything's turned off? Ehh?"

"Biddy..." Harry started, but was cut short by Hermione.

"Come on! We've got to go, or else our name will be dragged through the mud, and our daughter's name is Bridget, why must you call her Biddy?" Hermione's face was slowly turning red.

Harry raised his hands in defeat. "Ok then, don't get your knickers in a twist and don't you mean YOUR name dragged through the mud? And Biddy is my special nickname for her."

Hermione scowled heavily. "Get your behind in that fireplace now if you don't want me to hex you...!"

"Mum! Dad! Stop! Let's just go."

Harry glanced at his daughter. "All right, I'm going. But Herm, I thought your family is Muggle, why are we going through the Floo network?"

Hermione dropped the basket in frustration and groaned. Harry and Bridget were both startled at the sound of bottles breaking. Bridget kneeled and slowly opened the basket.

"Oh dear Mum, major repair needed."

Harry couldn't agree more at the sight of running wine coming from underneath the picnic basket on to the hard wooden floor. He opened his hand and summoned his wand from a table nearby and waved it. Instantly, the mess disappeared and everything was back to how it was before with the bottles mended and full of wine once more. He rolled up the foot of his jeans and tucked away his wand safely. As he straightened, he saw Hermione staring at him.

"What? It's not the first you've seen me do wandless magic, so why are...?

"Surely, you're not taking your wand are you?" she asked accusingly.

Harry folded his arms in annoyance. "Yes Hermione. I'm not leaving my wand. They're your relatives and if you don't want to take your wand around them, that's fine by me, but I'm taking mine!"

Hermione pursed her lips and hastily picked up the basket as she turned around and stepped into the green flames. "Granger bedroom!"

With a swirl of green ashes and a whooshing sound, she was gone.

Harry stole a glance at his daughter. "You don't think I should leave my wand do you?"

Bridget laughed. "Oh daddy, it's your wand, take it if you want, just don't show it off."

She then stepped into the once more calm flames and repeated the same actions as her mother and too departed.

Harry slowly blew air through his teeth and snapped his fingers. Distant sounds of bolts going home, locks turning and windows clicking shut could be heard as he locked up the house.

He stepped into the flames and tried to not let any ash get up his nostrils. "Granger bedroom!"

He was gone.

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

Harry arrived in the fireplace at the Granger residence and his knees buckled slightly with the impact. He stepped out on the carpet of Hermione's parents' bedroom and brushed the soot off his clothes, which seemed to disappear as it hit the ground.

"Hermione!" came an older feminine voice from where Harry suspected was the loo.

"Hi Mum, how are you feeling?"

"Oh tons better now that you're here. I've been waiting all morning. I was worried you might have forgotten or something."

"So no more upset stomach?" Hermione's voice was soft.

Her mother laughed. "No, no more darling! I'm fine."

Harry suddenly felt sick with himself. He started feeling guilty for not wanting to come. He didn't know that Hermione's mother was not well.

Hermione's mother came out of the loo followed by Hermione herself. Harry could tell by just one look at Hermione that she was uneasy with her mother's sickness, whatever it was. She was winding a strand of hair around her index finger and had a faraway look in her eye. He was about to reach out and give her hand a squeeze, but Hermione's mother chose that moment to give Harry a hug.

"Hello, Harry dear. It's so good to see you!"

Harry wrapped his arms around the frail woman and smiled, "Likewise, love." He stepped back and looked at her. "You look well Nancy." He then grinned cheekily and said, "and absolutely gorgeous with that haircut."

Nancy blushed and slapped Harry's arm playfully. "Oh quite the charmer you are! You just wait until I get Henry up here, I'll set him on you!"

Harry laughed. "Now, now, Nancy, no need to get the husband up here, I'll back off, unwillingly, of course."

Harry made eye contact with Hermione and she smiled gratefully at him. His attention was diverted however, when Nancy spoke to him.

"Harry," she began, her voice low, "how is your job?"

Harry sighed and ran his hand through his hair, making it stand up more than usual. "I won't lie Nancy. It's a very stressful job, but I'm managing and it is a position I worked hard for, so I won't complain too much."

Nancy nodded understandingly. "Being an Auror must be hard work, something only can imagine."

"Oh yes, Mum. When he's off on his duties, I worry so much about him, but Harry is very good at what he does and I'm extremely proud of him," Hermione gushed enthusiastically.

Harry blushed. "Aww thanks Herm." He then leaned over and kissed her on the corner of her lips as she smiled in return.

Nancy sighed. "How long has it been?"

Harry frowned slightly, not sure what she was talking about, but Hermione caught on.

"Nineteen years going on twenty in January," she said happily.

"Ah yes," said Nancy, "that's right, January. That's a long time Hermione, I'm happy for you both."

Harry rubbed Hermione's back gently and placed his arm around Nancy as he steered them out of the bedroom. "Bloody fantastic if I may say so myself and I could sit here forever and tell you how much I love her," he said to Nancy, "but I do believe that we have a reunion to attend."

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

Harry led Hermione into the spacious living area with her hand grasped firmly in his. Suddenly, voices from every angle greeted them; unfortunately, the uproar seemed more of an assault than a welcoming gesture.

"Hey there Hermie! Boy, you're looking smashin'! Give me a little choops ehh?" as puckered lips came into view.

"'Allo there luv! Come and meet your new uncle Albert!"

Harry's eyes widened slightly, new uncle Albert? What in the world?

"Hermione!"

"Minnie, who is that lovely bloke you've got there with you?"

"Mary, do yer see that? Hermie's bloke has a lightening bolt on his forehead!"

Bloody hell.

"Hermione! I must tell you about my trip to Jamaica!"

Soon enough, a throng of relatives had Harry and Hermione separated and he was shoved aside by a young boy, who looked exactly like Hermione. He called out, "Aunt Minnie! Aunt Minnie is here!"

Harry watched as hugs were exchanged and kisses were blown and plastered all over their faces. It was always from one extreme to the other; he was either widely known, instantly recognized and the complete center of attention, or as in this case, totally ignored and brushed aside. He was snapped out of his thoughts by the feeling of small arms around his waist. He looked down and saw his eyes looking back at him.

"Hey there Biddy, where were you?"

Bridget shrugged as best as she could in this position. "I was playing with Douglas, Andy and Martha."

Harry recognized the names as children of Hermione's cousins. He nodded knowingly and sat down in a nearby chair with Bridget in his lap. He was rocking her from side to side when Hermione's voice overcame the dull noise.

"It's so good to see you all, everyone. I'm sure you all remember Harry?"

Silence.

Harry stiffened slightly and stood as soon as Bridget rose from his lap. "Hi," he said with a wave and a strained smile.

Silence.

Harry fidgeted uncomfortably as eyes and more eyes stared back at him, some with recognition, some with distaste, like Mark Wellington, Hermione's aunt's young husband who made passes at her when she and Harry had just got married. There was a big blow up about it, which resulted in many bruises and a lifetime memory.

A small voice called out and broke the silence, "Hi Uncle Harry!"

Harry's eyes followed the voice and he matched it with the boy who looked like Hermione. He smiled and ruffled the boy's hair. "Hi."

This started all the talking again, but none of it was directed at Harry. The relatives seemed to have got over the happiness of seeing Hermione and all in all, they just ignored him. He rubbed his chin shyly and smiled weakly at those who managed to sneak a glance at him. Eventually, everyone went back to what they were doing and took up different positions in the living area. He looked up when he heard footsteps approaching him and he saw Hermione walking up to him, followed closely by a young, pretty girl with dark hair and oval shaped hazel eyes. Her tanned skin seemed to shimmer and she was dressed in a aquamarine sundress with pink hibiscus patterns.

Hermione stood on tiptoes and kissed Harry's cheek. "Harry, this is my cousin, Marie. She's French..."

"But I'm now living in England," Marie cut her off. "Have been for the past ten years."

Harry frowned slightly. This girl looked extremely young to be Hermione's cousin. Of course, he was not implying that Hermione looked old, but Marie looked as if she was twenty. "If you don't mind me asking, how old are you?"

Marie blushed and replied, "I'll be thirty-one in March."

Harry smiled. "That's very nice. Happy birthday when it comes."

Marie smiled, showing off perfect, white teeth and Harry's smile widened in return. Hermione watched them with interest. Her gaze focused on Marie when she spoke.

"Oh thank you very much Harry. Hermione is lucky to have a handsome and charming man like you in her life," she said as she lightly brushed her fingers over his shoulder, pretending to be flicking something off.

Harry's face glowed bright red and he gulped audibly as he responded, "Uhh, erm, thank you. But I think I'm the one who should be thankful."

Marie smiled again and winked. She turned and walked away sashaying her hips and every now and then, glanced over her shoulder. Harry watched her as she walked away, then turned to Hermione who was scowling heavily.

"Harry James Potter," she began accusingly, "you have a nerve to be flirting with my cousin like that!"

Harry's face dropped and he paled. "Come again?"

"Come again?" Hermione repeated with a low growl. "You were flirting with Marie! Right in front of me at that!"

Harry held on to her shoulders and looked intently into her eyes. He tried to read her expression but that proved to be a bit difficult due to his nerves. "Herm, how long has it been? We're approaching out twentieth anniversary and we've known each other much longer than that. Trust has never been an issue, so why would it be now? I love you and only you, love," he whispered feverishly.

Hermione eased her way out of his grasp and walked away. She looked back at him and winked with a devilish smile. Harry exhaled his breath slowly and shook his head, my wife is a tease.

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

This was why he hated Granger Family Reunions. He loved kids, but he did not like the situation he was in at all. He was in the guest bedroom, which had been cleared for space. He was sitting on the floor with his legs sprawled at all angles and he shifted continuously, trying to find a comfortable position, which was very hard, considering he was holding a sleeping four month baby in his arms as he watched the children, his daughter included, play with an old Monopoly game board. The baby slept peacefully despite all the noise, well she did, until a small child walked up to Harry, yanked his glasses off his face and threw them across the room. Harry yelped in surprise and the baby woke up, jerking slightly.

"Shhh, go back to sleep," Harry cooed softly while glaring at what he could see of the boy. "Hermione!" he called out. "Hermione!"

Hermione hurried into the room and saw Harry squinting slightly. She knelt beside him and waved her hand in front of his face.

"What happened love?" she asked.

"Some kid came up and grabbed my glasses and threw them somewhere."

They looked in the direction in which Harry nudged his head as he related what had happened. They both flinched at a crunching sound.

"Ooops."

Harry recognized the voice as Mark Wellington's. Harry tensed in annoyance and peered at Hermione.

"Please tell me he didn't..."

"You did that on purpose!" Hermione shouted.

Harry tried to see what was going on as best as he could, but he could only make out shapes and recognized Hermione's anger posture, her hands on her hips.

"I have no idea what you're talking about Hermione. They were in the way," Mark drawled.

"You saw his glasses! Ulgh! Give them here!" she shouted and grabbed them from Mark who had bent to pick them up. Hermione got back down beside Harry who was gently rocking the baby. He barely made note of the sudden quiet in the children's direction when Hermione shouted at Mark.

"Harry," she whispered, "people know that they're broken, we can't fix them here. You'll have to wait until we go home."

"But Hermione," Harry whispered back, "I can't see without them. How am I supposed to move about?"

Hermione was silent for a while, then spoke, "Just don't move then."

Harry was about to protest when the brushed a lock of hair off his forehead, he vaguely made out a smile on her face.

"I'm going to put them in my pocket honey," she said lovingly. "Thank you," she added as an after thought and gave him a tiny peck on his lips.

Harry knew what she meant.

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

The few relatives that had witnessed Hermione's outburst had spread the word in what seemed like seconds. If Harry thought he was being treated 'a bit unkindly,' it was nothing to how he was being treated now. The whole family treated him like a disease except for Hermione's parents, Hermione and Bridget. Absolutely no one spoke to him and they pretended as if he was not there at all, in the slightest way. He sat quietly in the kitchen with Hermione's mother while she prepared the salad. After a few moments of silence, Nancy stopped the tossing and looked at him.

"Harry," she began quietly, "you are so good and patient."

Harry looked up in astonishment. "Pardon?"

Nancy smiled and Harry could barely make it out.

"Harry, let me tell you a story," she said as she pulled out the stool next to him and sat on it.

"When I was courting Hermione's father, my parents practically hated him. They thought I could do so much better than him. You see, his family didn't have much and my parents weren't very fond of that. But I was in love with him and just knowing that I was right about him made my love as strong as it is today. My parents treated him like vermin. He was never welcome in our home and I was torn because I loved my parents and he was a perfect example of what I should not get myself into. But my darling husband is a hard worker and brilliant. He got grants to carry on through school and managed to get through university and get his degree. We became dentists together and opened our own dentistry and I got married right after that. Harry, I want you to know, even though you probably already do, that we are happy that our love could start a dentistry that would put Hermione through school where she could meet and fall in love with her soulmate."

Harry was practically moved to tears. After all, how often do your parents-in-law express their happiness and peace with their son-in-law. He took Nancy's hand and gave it a soft squeeze.

"I appreciate your words of comfort, Nancy," he said quietly.

"Harry, don't let our family get you down. They can be absolutely horrendous when they feel the urge to. I got that treatment for years too."

Harry smiled gratefully. "Thanks Nancy, I just wish Elvin could be here. He was always very nice to me."

Nancy laughed, but was cut short at the sound of the kitchen door banging open.

"I could swear on bleedin' pigs that I heard me name!"

Harry and Nancy turned in their seats and jumped up to greet the new arrival.

"Oh Elvin darling!" Nancy cried out. "It's so good to see you!"

Elvin laughed uproariously and said very loudly, "Nan-nan! You are the apple of my eye and I adore you."

Harry was grinning from ear to ear. Elvin defied the unwritten "Granger Law" by not walking around with a stick up his you-know-where. Actually, that may be a bit of an understatement. Elvin Granger was Hermione's cousin and four years older. He kept his hair long down his back and it was held back with a pink ribbon. His favourite colours were yellow and sky blue and extended to his wardrobe. Right then, he was dressed in tight blue polyester trousers and a ruffled yellow and red striped dress shirt that was unbuttoned to his navel. As soon as he had walked into the kitchen, he had shed his burgundy coat by the door. His dark glasses were hooked on to his belt. Harry waited patiently for Elvin to finish greeting Nancy. He watched amusedly as Elvin turned to face him and his eyes widened in surprise.

"Well, well, if it isn't Potter! I wouldn't have expected to see you here after last year!"

Harry chuckled and shook Elvin's hand with a happy force.

"I didn't think so either, so when me wife invited me, I was a bit surprised meself!"

Elvin laughed again and put his arm around Harry's shoulder.

"Come on then Harry, I've got some whiskey here in me pocket and I think I've found someone to share it with."

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

"Just a spoon full of sugar'll help the...*hiccup* ...medicine go down! The medicine, go dooooown, medicine go *hiccup* down!"

Harry was singing very loudly much to the disapproval of the family members. Elvin was humming the melody for Harry to sing to as well as producing the percussion with his mouth and tongue. Harry noticed dimly that Hermione was coming towards him led by an old lady he did not know. He only heard Elvin groan.

"Oh Mum, what are you doing out here?"

The old lady sniffed in disapproval.

"I thought Hermione should see what her husband is up to and who the influence is!"

Harry squinted, not that it helped much, as he did not have the use of his glasses. He felt Hermione touch his shoulder and he flapped at her hand.

"Geroff!" he said irritably.

Hermione sighed and waved her aunt off and sat down in front of Elvin and Harry.

"Elvin, how could you get him drunk? You know how my family treats him and this is just reason to treat him worse!"

Elvin stared at Hermione for a few moments then burst into laughter.

"Aww Mee-Mee, they hate him, so why should he care? This is exactly how he should be when he comes across our hog like family."

On that note, Elvin and Hermione looked at Harry who was staring into space with his head propped on his hand with tears running down his face. Hermione gasped and took Harry's head in her hands and wiped his tears.

"What's wrong darling?"

Harry whimpered and held her hands.

"Being drunk makes me sad," he said, his voice sounding childlike.

Hermione pulled him down on to the grass beside her and cradled him. She kissed his nose and made her way to his lips. He responded eagerly. Too eager in fact, Hermione had to pull away in case someone noticed them having a snogging session. He opened his eyes and stared at her face.

"You are so beautiful," he whispered. "I love you so much, I want you to be happy."

Hermione smiled and felt her own eyes watering up, "Wish granted."

The moment was ruined when Elvin snorted.

"You two disgust me when you get like this, I prefer Harry singing Mary Poppins."

Hermione and Harry glared at him and Elvin grinned cheekily.

The rest of the afternoon was spent with Hermione and Elvin trying to sober Harry up as much as possible the Muggle way, by drowning him with water and taking him to the loo at intervals.

Hermione was taking Harry to the loo, for what she hoped to be the last time. As soon as they stepped inside, Mark confronted them.

"Well, well," he whispered in Hermione's ear loud enough for Harry to hear, "look what we have here, the lovely girl with her pathetic husband. Are you potty training him or something?"

Hermione tensed when she felt Harry wrap his arms around her waist and tighten his hold.

"Listen Wellington," Harry began, "get out of our way."

Mark scoffed, "Sorry! I forgot, Potty needs to potty before he wets himself!" He then turned to Hermione and winked as he spoke, "Ditch this little boy and come with me."

Harry stepped in front of Hermione and pulled back his arm. The sound of the punch seemed to echo through the room. Mark's bloody sprayed down his front and he collapsed in a heap. Hermione snorted.

"Good one Harry, not sure if I could've done better myself."

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

It was long after dinner, way into the night and everyone was lounging around, relaxing and talking about things of no importance. Dinner had been a happy affair for everyone, except Harry. Hermione had led him to the dining table and sat him down while she prepared his dinner plate for him, seeing as how he couldn't see much of what was there. She had piled his plate high of his favourite things, knowing that he was uncomfortable being there and he was only there for her. She had eaten with him while everyone else went off on his or her own. They talked about the family and she updated him on what they were doing with their lives. He was happy to be in her company and thankful that it was only her.

He looked around at the faces illuminated by the fire, some were sipping brandy, others, the rum cream that Marie brought from Jamaica as well as the wine that he and Hermione brought. All were filled and happy with the fruitcake that Hermione had baked. He was sitting on the sofa with Hermione curled up in his lap as they talked to her parents.

"Hermione, do you think there is a cure for your mother's stomach condition in you-know-where?"

Harry shifted a bit. He had not thought of that and he looked down at Hermione waiting for her answer. She became more alert after looking drowsy for a while.

"I had not thought of it Dad," she said softly. "Maybe...I could look into it when I go St. Mungo's on Monday."

Bridget joined them after a while and Harry checked his watch. It was nearly midnight and he was pooped. Harry nudged Hermione and showed her his watch. She nodded and started the rounds of saying good night. After many bye's and a few tears, Harry didn't think were really real, they went up to Hermione's parents' bedroom and Flooed home.

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

Harry yawned and put on his pajama bottoms while Hermione put on his top that went with the bottoms. They both climbed into bed and she snuggled up against him.

"Harry, you really are a darling," she told him, "and I love you so much."

Harry placed his arm around her waist and drew her closer, which didn't seem close enough and kissed her forehead.

"Hermione, I'd do anything for you."

She smiled. "Whether you like it or not."

Harry grinned and rubbed his nose in her hair. "Precisely."

She chuckled and looked up at him. "Kiss me goodnight."

Harry suddenly became serious and tilted her chin toward him. He brushed his lips against hers and inhaled deeply. She shivered at this touch and moved her hand to cup his cheek. She brushed his cheek lightly and felt all the prickles of an upcoming beard. He moved his hand to cup her bottom as he deepened the kiss. She wrapped her right leg over him and returned his passionate kiss with as much passion.

Hermione always made him feel like he was laying in the meadows while the world spun around him. He didn't care about anything else except her and how she made him feel. He broke the kiss to look into her eyes. Her brown pools gazed back at him in wonder and he rubbed noses with her.

"You are my life," he said.

She smiled. "I love you."

They closed their eyes, locked in each other's embrace, with the moonlight casting a slivery glow through the window behind them.

THE END