Chapter 6: Life and Normality

Days turned into weeks, and into months. Harry and Hermione had grown closer and closer and although they still lived in their own houses, but spent most times in each other's company. They went out for dinner at least twice a week and although hounded by the Prophet most times this seemed to be a small price to pay. Rumours had been flying ever since they were first spotted and photographed together, but the journalists were rebuffed with a swift 'no comment'. Harry couldn't remember a time when he was happier and this evidently showed at work, his annual appraisal report had been nothing short of fantastic.

On a bright and sunny Monday morning, Harry and Hermione apparated into the Ministry, pausing for a kiss at the door to Hermione's office. She giggled and Harry squeezed her bottom, he smiled as he walked down the corridor to the Auror Office. He sat at his desk and glanced at his in-tray. There was a memo from the Ministers office on the top of his in-tray. Harry unfolded the paper aeroplane and quickly scanned the contents.

Harry Potter, Order of Merlin (First Class)

You are required to attend a meeting with the Minister for Magic immediately.

Percy Weasley

Personal Secretary to the Minister, Order of Merlin (Third Class)

Harry stood and straightened his tie, as he checked his appearance in the mirror and brushed down his robes. He nervously attempted to flatten his hair and gave it up as a bad lot. He walked briskly back down the corridor and almost bumped into Hermione.

"Hey sweetie," said Harry. "What are you up to?"

"Just got a note from Percy," she replied. "Got a meeting with the Minister."

"Me too. I wonder what he wants? Do you want to go in together?"

Harry and Hermione entered the elevator together and as it started to go down to level one, he took the opportunity for a quick snog, leaving the pair of them slightly breathless and flushed as the doors opened. They walked to the Ministers office and knocked. Percy opened the door and ushered them into the main office, they took their seats and Percy brought them a coffee each. The Minister finished signing some paperwork and looked up.

"Harry, and Hermione!" he said cheerfully.

"Good morning, Minister," they replied in unison.

"For the hundredth time, call me Kingsley," said the Minister. "Now I have good news, for both of you. I'm making some management changes which will involve you both." He looked at Harry. "Harry, you are hereby promoted to Deputy Head of the Auror Office. Congratulations."

Harry turned and looked at Hermione with glee.

"Thank you, Kingsley. I won't let you down," said Harry.

"Hermione, you are hereby promoted to Deputy Head of Magical Law Enforcement."

Hermione looked as if she could barely contain herself.

"Thank you, Kingsley," she croaked.

"The now former deputy head of the Auror Office is retiring and the former deputy head of the MLE is moving to the United States Ministry as you both well know. I couldn't think of two people better for these positions. Both of you will receive a pay rise, a new office each and a personal secretary," said Kingsley. "Now, on a personal note, do I detect something between you two?"

Hermione smiled. "Well, Kingsley, we've been together for about six months now, but we'd like to keep it quiet if possible."

"I completely understand," said Kingsley. "Congratulations to both of you. You both have the rest of the day off, to celebrate, if you wish."

Harry and Hermione left the office; Hermione was practically bouncing as they entered the elevator. They quickly gathered their things and met again in the Atrium. Word of their promotion had already spread; the pair were subjected to much hand shaking and backslapping. They smiled at the well-wishers as they pushed through the crowd and held hands as they disapparated to Harry's garden.

Harry and Hermione entered his kitchen and sat at the table. He grinned at Hermione, who looked so happy. He leaned over and kissed her, and saw a crisp white envelope on the toast rack. He tore into it, and read the contents.

Harry,

I'm not sorry for what I said when we last spoke. I meant everything I said. I can't deal with seeing you and your slut every time I read the Prophet, so I'm moving to France next week, Fleur has set me up a job in Paris. I'll never forgive you Harry.

Ginny

Harry looked at Hermione and frowned.

"It's from Ginny," he said. "She's going to be living in Paris, which is almost certainly for the best. I still worry that she's going to hurt you or us." Harry paused and thought for a moment. "I'm going to shore up the protections on the house, Hermione. I'll ask Luna to be the Secret Keeper and protect us under the Fieldus charm.

"You can cast the Fieldus charm?" she asked.

"Of course, it's a tricky bit of magic but I can manage. The question is, who can we trust to know the secret?"

"No one, I think," whispered Hermione. "No Weasleys at least. If anyone wants us they can contact us through the Ministry. I know the Fieldus is clever, once its cast, Ginny won't remember this place, not even the village.

She looked up, worry etched across her soft features. Harry brushed a few strands of hair away from her face and kissed her softly on the cheek.

"Don't worry," he whispered. "Don't worry about a thing."

"Thank you," she said softly.

Harry pulled her up into a tight embrace. Hermione sighed as he softly kissed her neck and he popped the buttons on her blouse. He kissed her slowly and deliberately on the collarbone, with his left hand undid the clasp of her bra. He continued to kiss and nibble her neck, her earlobe. Their lips met, fiercely and passionately, their breathing becoming ragged. He slid his hand up her skirt and gently caressed the soft skin of her thighs; he slowly slipped off her underwear. Hermione moaned and pulled Harry's shirt off, and he hastily undid his belt buckle and trousers, pulling down his boxers at the same time. Harry lifted her onto the table, as she wrapped her long legs around his waist. The letter, toast rack, placemats, cutlery and wine goblets all went flying as they kissed and moved together.

Sometime after, Harry and Hermione again sat at the kitchen table. He lit a cigarette with his wand, gave it to Hermione, and lit one for himself. Their eyes met, Hermione narrowed hers seductively, and blew out a stream of smoke. It was all Harry could do not to pounce on her and go for a repeat of earlier, but he took a deep inhale and spoke.

"I was thinking, Hermione, you will move in with me won't you?"

"Oh, Harry," breathed Hermione. "I'd love to. After all, we've practically been living at each other's houses, and my cottage is really small. I'll pay half the rent here, and it'll be wonderful!"

"I don't pay rent here sweetie, I don't even have a mortgage. I bought this place outright after the war. I've been thinking about selling here, and getting a place far out in the country somewhere," said Harry.

"Shall I move in today?" asked Hermione. "This afternoon, I could send an owl to Draco, and get my place on the market."

"Sure," said Harry. "Why don't you head home, and start packing. I'll be over in a bit."

Hermione grabbed her wand from the counter, blew Harry a kiss and turned on the spot. Harry stretched out and breathed out a happy sigh. It had been a great day so far, even with Ginny's thinly veiled threats, but there was one more question he had for Hermione. Harry walked upstairs, fished around in his bedside table, and came out with a small black velvet box. He put the box in his pocket, and walked out to the garden, striding across the grounds. He walked into the nearby woods for a few minutes, and came to a clearing. Harry flicked his wand, and large tartan blanket covered the ground. Another flick and the tree boughs were hanging with candles in coloured jars. A final flick and the ground was carpeted in red roses. Harry concentrated, and waved his wand. A large bottle of champagne in an ice bucket appeared. Harry grinned, and turned and disapparated.

Harry arrived with a small pop in Hermione's garden. He tapped his wand on the back door, which opened for him. He didn't see Hermione in the kitchen, so climbed the narrow staircase, and entered Hermione's bedroom. She was almost knee deep in clothes, and there were two large trunks on her bed. Harry smiled, and moved his wand in a wide sweeping movement. All the clothes rose up, folded themselves and packed neatly into the trunks.

Hermione jumped in fright, and turned and looked at Harry.

"You frightened me!" she exclaimed "But thank you."

Harry pointed his wand at the trunks, and muttered under his breath. The trunks vanished, and Harry squeezed Hermione's hand.

"Come with me," he whispered

They disapparated together, and arrived in Harry's large garden. Harry led Hermione through the trees, and covered her eyes with his hands. They came to the clearing, and Hermione breathed in deeply the scent of the roses.

"Harry..." she murmured

Harry released his hands from her eyes, and she squealed with joy.

"Oh Harry," she breathed. "It's beautiful."

Harry kissed her gently on the lips, and slid the velvet box from his pocket. He got down on one knee and looked up into those beautiful chocolate eyes.

"Hermione Jean Granger. Will you marry me?"

A tear rolled down Hermione's pale cheek. "Yes, Harry, yes,"

Harry placed the ring on her finger and held her small hand in his. Hermione's eyes filled with tears of joy, and she kissed him. He gently picked her up in his arms, and laid her down in the roses. They cuddled together as they kissed and Harry ran his fingers through her hair.

Hermione looked into Harry's eyes.

"I love you Harry"

"I love you, Hermione."

"Harry... I'm pregnant."

The End

A/N: I really hope you've enjoyed this, the first piece of fan fiction I'd written. Stay tuned for a potential sequel to this!