Disclaimer- I don't own HP or anything relating to HP's IP. I'm just a guy with a computer and an imagination borrowing characters to play with before returning them to their owner. I make no money from this fanfiction.

A/N- I have a feeling this story will feel very familiar to a great many. It was previously called 'New Beginnings' before I removed it. I removed it for a couple reasons, both relating to me not liking things about the story and wanting to change it. I'm up to chapter 4 in editing, and these chapters are MUCH longer than my usual ones. With 'Beauty of a Full Moon' done I'm ready to repost this story.

So, some major changes to the backstory of this story. I don't want to spoil it, but you'll notice much has remained the same while some major components of the story have changed. There's a reason. As I re-read this first chapter I remembered how much I loved it. So I couldn't bring myself to alter it too much; I wanted to maintain certain things and not completely rewrite a story I mostly still love.

Dedications- I would like to thank someone in my life who the 'I'm not that gay' comment comes from. It's easy to be yourself when yourself is awesome. Thanks for being awesome and having a fantastic sense of humor.

George Weasley didn't exactly visit the Burrow very often after Fred died. So he was pretty sure if his family was awake that they'd be surprised to see him showing up at midnight. He looked around the living room before his eyes landed on a very sweet image. Hermione Granger and Harry Potter lying on a magically enlarged couch, curled up together. It was really cute. Ginny and Ron were both very jealous of the two's closeness, but he could see Harry and Hermione together far easier than he could imagine Hermione and Ron or Harry and Ginny together. Not that he blamed them; both of the youngest Weasleys were far too immature and irrational for the very rational and mature-before-their-time Harry and Hermione.

Hermione's eyes opened to see George in a chair, watching them. "Harry we have an audience."

"He's late," Harry mumbled, opening an eye and smiling at George, "problems?" Ever since the Final Battle Harry and Hermione had become George's confidantes. He told them about his worries and problems and they both offered a shoulder to cry on.

"I need to tell you two something."

Thinking it was something serious they both sat up, disentangling from one another's body as Hermione handed Harry his glasses, "What?"

"I'm gay," he whispered.

To George's immense surprise Hermione slapped Harry on the shoulder, "You owe me ten galleons for that one."

"You knew?!"

"Hermione knew, I said she was nuts," Harry said, frowning as he rubbed his shoulder, "way to go George you made me lose ten galleons."

"I'm sorry?" George couldn't believe that Hermione had known. "How long have you known?"

"Since the Yule ball," she answered, "kind of ruined my crush on you actually."

"Thank goodness for that," Harry mumbled only to receive an elbow in the ribs. He winced and gave Hermione a sheepish look.

George watched them interact and wondered if they were already a couple. They never spent time apart, and they did everything but bathe together. George could see them as a couple working. They were good together. Harry and Hermione were very similar in some very big ways; and their differences complimented one another. He'd always thought Harry might have a thing for Hermione. Their closeness had always seemed to be closer than just being friends but they were even closer (somehow) since they'd run off to stop Voldemort.

He wouldn't be surprised if they were a couple after all. Why else curl up on the sofa together every night to sleep? Especially when they could each sleep in their own beds, which to everyone else's knowledge they were; "Is that all you had to tell us George?"

He nodded and Hermione got up, hugging him, "Well I'm glad you had the courage to tell us. We won't say a word."

"Promise," Harry nodded. He looked at Hermione suddenly, "We should tell George." Hermione tilted her head toward the door. George followed them out of the house, confused.

They walked for some distance before Hermione spoke, "Harry and I are engaged."

George stopped and stared at them in the darkness. "What?!"

Harry smiled and wrapped his arm around her, "We haven't wanted to tell anyone just yet. Not until it's ready."

"Engaged? But you can't have been dating very long."

Hermione shook her head, "Actually we've been together just short of a year. It started shortly before we left on our hunt. Harry was with me when I sent my parents away and he held me as I cried over losing them."

"I supported her and we would just talk. Then we found ourselves kissing. We knew Ron and Ginny and your mum would freak out so we kept our relationship quiet but when no one was looking we'd sneak off for a few stolen moments."

"When Ron left us on the hunt we were both relieved. His jealousy was too much for either of us to deal with and we could finally be honest and relax. We spent our time together snuggling, kissing, loving. It was a difficult time, to be sure, but our romance helped ease those dark times."

"Before the final battle I told Hermione I'd have to die to get rid of the horcrux and she kissed me and asked for me to come back to her. I promised her I'd return."

"And he did," she smiled, turning in his arms to kiss him on the lips, "after the final battle I snuck away from everyone after Harry had and joined him in his bed. The next morning he asked me to marry him. I didn't hesitate."

"Why not tell people?"

"How do you think that will go for us, George? The media is pressuring us both to go into the Ministry when neither of us wants to, the rest of your family wants me with Ginny and Hermione with Ron…" Harry shook his head, "so we're leaving. I have alot of money from Sirius and from my parents. Loads of it actually. I've invested some of it, and our bank has helped me sell the houses in my father's family."

"We bought a yacht," Hermione smiled at George. "And right now we're just waiting for Harry to get his certification to be able to take it out on the water."

Harry smiled, "I finish the last hours of training tomorrow."

"And the waiting period will be over so we'll be able to get married in the Muggle world," Hermione smiled. Harry grinned and nodded happily, his hands moving to her hips, "Harry wanted to get me an engagement ring but I didn't want to try to hide it from everyone. So tomorrow I'm letting him buy me one."

"I already have it picked out and made," Harry gazed into her eyes and George smiled. "We're picking it up with the wedding rings and then we're getting married at the courthouse. Then it's off to the water."

"Harry's a natural sailor. Just like he's a natural flyer," she smiled.

"Once the boat is finished we're going to add some spells to fortify it. We've been reading up on sailing in the magical world and thanks to Hermione's skills in research we found plenty of spells and runes to make it so that we never have to refuel or run out of fresh water…things that matter when you're out at sea."

She smiled, "It has two bedrooms too. Room for books and I've been making loads of potions using Professor Snape's stores at Hogwarts so we'll have those too."

"We're going all over the world, just us and our wands," Harry grinned.

"So you're leaving England for good?" George felt a pang of sadness hit him. He'd really come to depend on them.

"It's the only way to escape what everyone expects of us," Hermione said, "but we're not leaving you completely alone, George."

"I'm giving you Grimmauld Place," Harry explained, "Everything else is sold and in an Italian bank, thanks to the vampires that run the bank there. We're not exactly welcome at Gringotts anymore," he winked at George. "Kreacher is happy to help you in whatever way you want."

"I have some ideas for how you could unstick that portrait from the wall, George. I thought I'd leave you that advice." Hermione hugged him, concerned for her friend.

Harry added, "And we intend to take you for a vacation. But first we want to have a nice long honeymoon and some time alone. Just the two of us."

"We don't want to leave you but we can't stay here."

"We'll write every time we stop in a port, we promise."

George smiled and hugged them, "Thanks you two. I couldn't go with anyway. I have the store. I'm going to reopen it and do great things in Fred's honor. He knew I was gay and he offered to set me up with Oliver Wood loads of times."

Harry frowned, "Oliver's gay too? Dammit George it's a good thing I'm marrying Hermione or I'd have no money left at the rate this is going."

George laughed as Hermione kissed Harry, effectively ceasing his complaints. "So how are you going to tell everyone?"

"Letters," Hermione answered when they finally parted for breath. "Once we're done with everything we've got letters to be delivered to Professor McGonagall, to the Order, to some of our friends…we're going to send them off at a wizard post in Portsmouth."

George smiled, "Well I just want you to know that Fred would be over the moon you don't want anything to do with Ron."

"Neither of us do," Harry said, frowning. "When he abandoned us because of his petty jealousy our friendship was over."

"Plus Harry gets a little jealous."

"Just a smidge," he mumbled, pouting. Hermione kissed him and he smiled. They never got to do this at the Burrow. Being celibate after having experienced the pleasures of sex was, he was pretty certain, a kind of torture. Especially with Hermione so close to him still. Harry changed the topic, "The vampires in Italy are really high-tech, George. They use Muggle technology to access your account with a debit card that doubles as a credit card. It's really impressive."

"And useful," Hermione smiled. "Harry we should go get some sleep. Today is a big day."

"It is," he smiled and wrapped his arm around her, "are you mad, George?"

"I'm happy for you both. But promise to write me in the morning when you're leaving. I want to get you two a wedding present."

"We promise," Hermione hugged him. "Get a cell phone, George. We'll give you the phone number tomorrow."

He hugged them both and said goodbye, feeling pretty good as he Apparated back to his flat. His own home. Harry and Hermione were making sure he wasn't alone. They were so great.

That morning Harry nudged Hermione, "Last morning we have to sneak back upstairs."

"Thank Merlin," she muttered, getting up and walking upstairs with him, sighing as she entered Ginny's room. She was tired of doing this. But tonight they'd be on the boat and that was a relief.

When Harry woke again later that morning he looked at his watch. Hermione had bought it for him. It was a silver and grey digital watch with a titanium armband, a compass, and it tracked world time; it covered tons of functions on its own, let alone what Hermione had added to it magically. It would never run out of batteries thanks to a rune she'd placed on it, and it was very water resistant. It was pretty late. He slid the watch on and got up, putting on his glasses.

He arrived downstairs late for breakfast, sitting down next to Hermione whose knee immediately bumped his. He returned the affection and asked for the sausages which she passed to him, letting her hand brush his. Harry wanted to laugh at how good they were at sharing little affections right under everyone's noses. Hermione broke the silence, "Harry I need some new clothes; I was wondering if you could accompany me to the Muggle world to get some?"

"Sure," Harry nodded, "I do too."

"I could take you to Diagon Alley," Ginny offered Harry, batting her eyelashes at him.

"I prefer Muggle t-shirts and jeans," Harry said, fighting a smirk as Hermione's ankle hooked his. "I have some things to take care of in the Muggle world anyway Hermione. I'd be happy to take you."

She smiled at him and he returned it. "Thank you," she kissed him on the cheek, "I just need to take a shower and I'll be ready to go."

They both had to shrug off multiple suggestions/orders to go with Ron or Ginny instead and soon had left the Burrow, everything they needed shrunk into two knapsacks that Harry had shrunk and placed in her beaded purse the day before. Their first stop was the boat. Harry and Hermione put the knapsacks on board, enlarging them and removing what few things they'd packed to keep. The rest they'd give to George to get rid of. They really did need clothes. They each had the clothes on their back. And that was it. They were starting a new life together, literally, and they wanted to leave everything behind. "I'll go write George, you go finish your certification to get your license."

"Yes dear," he teased, leaning in to kiss her, "I love you."

"I love you too," she hugged him, "I'll have George meet us here."

Harry nodded, "Go shopping too. I'll be here for at least three hours and we have alot to do today."

Hermione smiled, "Any requests?"

"Just some basic items really. I prefer boxers and I know you know my sizes. Just get shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, and a few swimsuits for each of us. And some watershoes, sandals. We can go shopping for more when we get to France. We can go get groceries after we get married," he kissed her again, "I can't wait for you to be Mrs. Potter."

"That makes two of us," she hugged and kissed him (for luck) before leaving and promising to be back very soon.

George found Hermione in a department store, "George thank goodness you're here. I need advice on swimsuits."

"Not for Harry, I'm assuming."

"Nope," she smiled. "Although it should hopefully be for his pleasure."

"I'm not that gay, Hermione."

She laughed and hugged him, "I'm going to miss you George."

"I can understand that. I'm pretty wonderful." He begrudgingly helped her pick out a few bikinis and then carried the bags with her back to the marina.

They got back just as the boat docked, "Ahh Miss Granger. Your fiancée is now a certified boat captain."

"That's great thank you Mark," she smiled as Harry climbed onto the dock with the middle aged instructor, "so do I call you Captain Harry now?"

"Arr matey," he winked, making her laugh. They kissed and he looked at George, "Want to take a look at her?"

"Sure," George stayed on the deck and handed Harry the bags on the boat before Hermione went down below deck to put everything away. Once she was downstairs George looked at Harry, "I talked to Oliver this morning and he agreed with me. You two should have a wedding that makes you happy, but you should still look like you're getting married. I have a white sundress for Hermione and a dress shirt and light pants for you. Oliver and I would be happy to be the best man and man of honor."

"That'd be great," he grinned. "I know she wants her parents here. But we'll sail there to see them. Their memories were given back to them thanks to me asking Australia's Ministry of Magic to do it. Oh I have the number of the satellite phone," he handed a card to George, "so we can still talk to you."

"Sounds great," George took the card and slid it into his pocket, "I'll keep it a secret."

"Please do," Harry smiled. He showed George the boat and then they met Oliver, who climbed aboard. "Welcome to Fresh Start. They painted the name on her last week finally."

Hermione emerged and hugged Oliver, "It's great to see you Oliver."

"Good to see you too," he smiled. In reality, he couldn't recall ever saying more than two words to her; her love for Harry clearly, in her eyes, made him an old friend. Oliver was very touched by this gesture. He'd always had a soft spot for Harry, even when Quidditch was blinding his mind with the desire to win. He'd felt for Harry's suffering and difficult life. "Shall we get lunch? My treat, I insist." Harry nodded and they locked everything down before they walked to a nearby pub.

As they waited for their lunch Oliver asked, "So how long have you loved Hermione?"

"Since she was petrified our second year," Harry answered, wrapping an arm around her, "I was so scared she was hurt badly, and I was so relieved when she woke up. But at the time I didn't know what it was. No one besides Hermione has ever shown me any kind of love." Hermione smiled and kissed his cheek.

"How about you, Hermione?"

"Well I was impressed with how he stopped the troll but I think it was riding Buckbeak with him. I was so scared, but holding onto Harry I felt so calm and so safe. It was very pleasant."

After lunch they went to get the rings, Harry immediately sliding the very large diamond engagement ring onto her finger. "Wow Harry," George said. "That's huge."

"It's perfect for her," Harry said, leaning in to kiss her. "Nothing is too much for my Hermione."

"Funny I feel the same about my Harry," she smiled. Harry paid for the ring, refusing to discuss the price with Hermione, and they left.

"I'll put charms on it tonight," he promised as they walked down to the courthouse. George and Oliver gave them their wedding outfits and they all changed. George wore a light blue button-down shirt and khaki slacks. Oliver wore the same, while Harry wore khaki slacks and a white button-down shirt.

Hermione looked breathtaking in her pure white sundress. It was light and airy, and she looked almost angelic. Harry grinned as he saw her approach, "You look gorgeous, love."

"You clean up pretty well yourself," she teased, winking at him.

Oliver stood next to Harry and George stood next to Hermione, both holding the rings as the couple said their vows. When they kissed Oliver and George clapped, making the couple smile when they parted. "Thanks guys," Hermione said.

"Anything for my favorite two people," George said. "Which reminds me. I have a present for you two. I'll get it for you two on the boat. Come on we'll help you buy groceries."

"Thanks guys," Harry echoed Hermione's earlier words and let George take the knapsack filled with his and Hermione's clothes that they'd been wearing earlier that day before changing in the bathroom so that they could get married.

They moved quickly and soon Hermione and Harry were ready to sail off. They hugged both men and George handed her a present, "Open it once you're out of here. Happy sailing you two," he smiled at them as Harry raised the anchor. "You both look great."

"Thank you," she smiled. "You didn't have to George."

"That is wrong," George said. "You're my friends, and you've been there when I most needed someone there. I did have to get you a wedding present. Besides I'll get to gloat that I'm one of the only people to have given Harry and Hermione Potter a wedding present."

"I got you two something too. My dad was really into boats in his youth; his family had a shipping company and he gave me this when I said I had some friends sailing around the world," Oliver handed her a book and a package, "and something extra, from me. Congratulations to you, Mr. and Mrs. Potter. Write frequently."

"Get cell phones so we can call you," Hermione reminded them. "Then call us and give us the number. And you're both going to come visit."

Harry walked over to her, "Bye guys. Thanks for all this. Make sure you mail those letters George," he said.

"We'll mail them and then head off. Bon voyage!"

The couple waved goodbye and Harry started the engine, Hermione moving up to stand with him as they sailed out of the marina together. She wrapped her arms around Harry and he smiled, savoring the attention.

"Finally alone," she said once they were on the open sea, "I love you Harry Potter."

"I love you Hermione Potter," he said, letting her take the wheel while he raised the sail. "We'll go until dark, yes? First destination?"

"Sweden," she answered. "You knew that, Harry. We already plotted the course."

"Just making sure my beautiful bride hasn't changed her mind," he smiled, tending to the sail before Hermione cut the engine and they caught the wind. "I was thinking that fuel rune would do best if we waited until the tank was 1/3 full or less," he said as he took back the helm. "If you want to read that book Oliver gave you that's fine," he said, kissing her. "I'm sure we both could use some privacy."

"I don't want to abandon you on our first night of marriage," Hermione kissed his cheek, "I'm going below deck to get the book and then I'll sit up here while you drive the boat. Does that sound fair?"

"Very," he kissed her. "When we anchor for the night I think we should open that bottle of champagne and toast our marriage."

"And eat that chocolate cake that Oliver bought us?"

"Of course," he grinned. His wife's sweet tooth was surprising, since his new in-laws were dentists. But he liked chocolate too. Oliver and George had insisted that they get a wedding cake and they'd stopped at a bakery to get a cake, a little plastic bride and groom sticking out of the top. George had outright demanded that concession from the couple who was seemingly determined to break every tradition, both magical and muggle, in wedding ceremonies.

He'd noticed when Hermione had pulled out the strange sack in one of their shopping bags that Oliver and George had brought them some chocolate frogs. Harry had smiled because they were his favorite. They'd also brought some of Hermione's favorite wizard candy- peppermint imps. Harry appreciated that, but was curious what their wedding presents could be. At the end of the day, though, Hermione was happy, and that was really all that mattered to him now. George and Oliver had made their wedding day special, and he was grateful for that.

When Hermione returned he noticed that she sat with her legs curled under her. It was almost hard to believe that over the course of the last year they'd been together and for the last month and a half they'd been sleeping on the couch together every night, wrapped around one another. Each morning the watch Hermione had bought him would beep softly to alert them that they needed to get upstairs and they'd walk upstairs together before parting and entering the two rooms. Those couple of hours they spent sleeping apart were hard.

He smiled to himself. Never again would that happen. They'd be together forever. He focused on getting them on their way to Sweden. This was going to be a new beginning, a fresh start, a new life. It didn't matter that he was the boy-who-lived or that Hermione was the brightest witch of their age. They were just Mr. and Mrs. Potter, and they were free to travel the world. The freedom was almost downright intoxicating. "Harry?"

"Hmm?" He turned his head to look at his bride looking at him expectantly, "Did you say something?"

"Just your name; you didn't tune me out yet," she grinned, "I was wondering how you think everyone will react when they get their letters."

"I bet McGonagall isn't surprised in the least," Harry smiled at the thought of his former head of house. "Neville and Luna will be happy for us."

"I think Bill, Fleur, and Charlie will be happy for us too," she said.

Harry nodded as he thought about others. Most of their class would probably not be surprised, actually. There were always rumors when they were at Hogwarts that he and Hermione were more than friends. The Weasley parents, Percy, Ronald, and Ginevra though…they'd be furious. That Weasley temper would reign in the Burrow when they found out. He settled into the rhythm of the ocean as they sailed on in the open water.

Minerva McGonagall was used to frequent owl post these days, but this letter that arrived at dinner surprised her. She immediately recognized Hermione's writing and opened the letter to read:

Dear Professor McGonagall,

This letter has multiple purposes and carries many tidings. First, I must write you to thank you for the opportunity to finish my education at Hogwarts. I have many great memories of the school (for the most part) and I'm pleased that its reconstruction is going well. However after everything that has happened and transpired, I must decline. I see no purpose for my NEWTS, not at this time. Oh dear Merlin that is so un-Hermione to say. Please don't let that sentence get out. I do have a reputation to maintain.

The reason for this comes to my second purpose. I have accepted an opportunity to travel and see the world, to relax and live life happily and without pressure. Ever since Voldemort fell there has been an inordinate amount of pressure on myself and Harry to 'fix' all that is broken with Great Britain's Ministry of Magic. Quite frankly, I have not the patience or the eagerness to do so. If I were to choose a career, right now, it would have nothing to do with the ministry. Harry feels the same way.

Harry is my third purpose. You see, as of this day we are married. Merlin that is weird to write. We've been unable to disclose our relationship until now because we understood that some would be hurt and jealous, perhaps even outraged; but we also understood that we'd never get a moment of privacy if we disclosed the truth. We're so in love I don't know that I can articulate it with words…Harry is smirking as he reads over my shoulder. Of course he finds this amusing, rendering me speechless with the depth of our affections for one another.

We chose to get married in the Muggle world for privacy. We all know that Harry Potter's wedding would be a spectacle for the entire world to view; and neither of us wanted that. My parents are happy for us and understood the secrecy required for us to get married in any sort of peace.

My fourth purpose ties to all three. Harry and I are now living on a yacht, traveling the world and enjoying some very long spells of privacy and relaxation. We both could use it. The future is uncertain, and neither of us expects to know what will come of it, but we don't expect to return to England in the coming years.

Harry and I will try to write every few months to let you know how we're doing. You were such a mother hen to us both and we treasure that. For now we refuse to let anyone contact us, save for a very private few who as of yet do not know how to contact us; rather we will contact them.

I hope you wish us well. I hope your school year starts off quite smoothly and we both wish you and the other teachers all the best!

Hermione Jean Potter

P.S. Though our wedding was secret our marriage is not. We care not who knows about it now.

Minerva smiled. "What is it Minerva?" Pomona Sprout asked.

"Hermione and Harry Potter were married today. They won't be returning to school, they're traveling on a yacht together."

"Married?" Filius Flitwick squeaked, "How delightful! Oh they'll be a splendid couple!" The rest of the staff agreed with him and the headmistress smiled. Harry and Hermione were very well loved here. She passed the letter around the table so that the others could read Hermione's words. All agreed with her and Harry's decision to leave England; no one deserved more rest and relaxation than the two teens.

Fleur smiled, "Bill! 'Ermione and 'Arry wrote us a letter," she gave the parchment to her husband, "Zey 'ave gotten married."

"Well we had a feeling they felt something more for each other when we saw him snuggled up to her that night after she'd been tortured by Bellatrix Lestrange," he said, smiling as he read the letter. They were happy, they were excited, and very much in love. It was downright sweet, to Bill's eyes. "I'm happy for them," he smiled.

"Me too," she rested her head on her husband's shoulder, "I zhink that zhey vill be so happy togezher."

"They certainly deserve a happy ending," Bill stood up and picked up his wife, "I think we do too."

"I agree," she said, kissing him.

Luna smiled as she read the letter. It was nice to hear that they were a couple. Of course they were, though. The woozelworfs around them had indicated that already.

Neville grinned as he looked at Hannah, "Harry and Hermione are married and traveling the world!"

"Good," Hannah said, sitting next to him to read it, "they deserve a break. They've done enough for us all."

He nodded his head, "I worried that neither of them would see that; I'm glad that they have. I want the best for Hermione. She was always so great to me in school. Especially that first year."

Hannah ran her hands through his hair, "Well in her letter she wrote that they intend to bring you with them at some point for a vacation. It looks like you'll still get time with her."

Neville smiled, "I'm glad they're together. Harry will know to treasure her; and she'll do the same."

Hermione and Harry stopped in the early evening, Harry finding a nice area to stop for the night. He dropped anchor and, since they were out of sight from people, he pulled out the Elder wand to cast the runes on the boat before returning it to its place in Hermione's beaded bag. Only they knew that he had it. It was his, and he intended to keep it. It'd already proven useful when Harry had used the wand to cast a spell on his eyes to cease his need for glasses; his bride had taught him that one. Hermione kissed him, "Dinner?"

"Yes but afterwards I think we should get to our wedding night."

"First let's get to the haircuts."

Harry smiled and nodded. They'd made a pact to cut their hair. New life, new look. He was curious what Hermione would do with her hair, actually. It wasn't exactly bushy anymore. Rather her hair had tamed itself into light waves. He went into the bathroom and Hermione cast the spell to cut his hair. When Harry looked in the mirror his head was completely shorn, just some fuzz on his head. He smiled; it looked pretty good. "Do you want me to do yours?"

"No I already know what mine is going to look like. Do you have a preference?"

"I don't care what you do. I love you." She smiled and Harry hugged her, kissing her. "I do like burying my fingers in it though," he said, smiling.

"Noted," she ran her hands over his head, "I actually like this look on you. Who'd have thought?"'

He kissed her, "I'll start dinner so you can do your hair. Besides we can always use spells to re-grow it if you don't like it."

Hermione waited until he was gone before taking her wand and pointing it at her head. Pixie cut. Her parents would kill her if they saw what she had just done. Once she'd cleaned up the hair that had been shorn with her wand she headed to the galley to see Harry cooking. "I love a man that cooks."

He grinned and turned his head to look at her, "Wow. You really went short."

Hermione nodded and walked over to kiss him, "Do you like it?"

"I don't hate it. Might take me some getting used to; I've only ever seen you with long hair." She pressed against him and he realized that she wasn't wearing a bra under her sundress. Oh he was not ready for that information. Not when they still had to eat and toast their marriage. Hermione kissed him and ran her hands over his shoulders, "You are so sexy and you're becoming quite the tease."

"Who me?" She smiled, running her hands over the back of his neck, squeezing him affectionately, "Want help?"

"Depends on what area you're offering assistance in," he winked, Hermione laughing as she helped him make dinner.

After eating dinner Hermione walked outside to admire the beauty of their surroundings while Harry made quick work of the cleanup. Ever since they'd left she'd been a bit quiet. He wondered if she was concerned about the reactions to their marriage. Harry grabbed the champagne and put it on ice. He had a bride to check on. She was standing outside, looking at the sunset, "It's beautiful," she said, turning to face him.

He gazed at Hermione with the sunset behind her for a long minute before moving to her and kissing her, "Not as beautiful as the woman in my arms," he mumbled as his mouth moved to her neck. Hermione's eyes fluttered closed as he licked her pulse point. "I swear you will never want for anything."

She smiled and pulled him back to her lips, deepening the kiss as Harry's hands moved to her hips and pulled her against him. She could feel the beginnings of an erection in his pants and smiled into the kiss before pulling away. Harry tried to lean in and she stepped back, "I love you Harry but I want our first time as a married couple to be in our bed, not on the deck of our ship."

He just grinned and accepted the hand she offered, letting her lead him down to their bedroom. Harry was thrilled to finally be able to have sex again.

Once they were in their bedroom he kissed her again, "Now to resume that kiss," he mumbled, Hermione smiling as his hands moved over her body. They kissed for a bit before Harry felt her rub against him and he groaned into her mouth, smiling as she unbuttoned his shirt and ran her hands over his abs. "I love you Hermione Potter," he whispered, sliding out of his shirt as Hermione undid the button of his pants.

She grinned at the use of her new last name and stepped back, pulling the dress over her head while Harry wasn't paying attention, instead removing his pants at present. She tossed it aside, "I love you Harry Potter." He lifted his head to look at her and stared before licking his lips. Hermione smiled and pulled him against her, "Forever."

Harry felt he should have some witty retort but his brain felt like it had shut down. Probably from lack of blood, if his tented boxers were any indication. They kissed and he lifted her up, placing her on the bed as he gazed at the amazing body he was finally viewing again, "Better than I remember," he smiled.

"I think I'd have to agree," she responded, forcing his boxers off of his hips.

It was completely dark out when Harry went back out on deck in just his pants. Hermione soon joined him, wearing just the button-down shirt he'd worn earlier. "I like that," he smiled as he poured her a glass of champagne, "I love you."

She accepted the glass and they clinked their glasses, Harry's other arm wrapped around her as they stood on deck. "We haven't opened the wedding presents yet," Hermione said, "I have them."

"I'll get the cake and you get on one of those deck lounges," he said.

Hermione took his glass from him and let him go down below deck for their wedding cake. This was nowhere near what she'd expected for her wedding day, but the day had been perfect, in her eyes. When Harry returned he felt himself swallow hard. Those long, gorgeous legs that Hermione had kept hidden all through their schooling were taunting him. "You know if you'd showed up in my dorm like that one night I'd have had to hex every boy in Gryffindor Tower."

Hermione grinned and shifted so that he could join her on the lounge. She'd magically anchored them to the deck early that afternoon. He cut the cake and put it on a plate, handing it to her, "I daresay tradition dictates we feed one another," she smiled. She picked up the piece of cake and moved it to his lips. He bit into it and she proceeded to rub it over his mouth, cheeks, and nose.

"Seriously?" Harry stared at her, surprised at her actions. Hermione licked some of the cake off of his chin and he closed his eyes. That was nice. He let her continue until he knew she wouldn't expect it.

Harry suddenly flipped them and held her under him using his weight before grabbing a handful of cake and rubbing it all over her face. Hermione struggled in protest before yelling, "Harry!"

"I love you," he said, leaning in to kiss her before licking some frosting off of her nose, "I like eating cake this way."

"Our faces will be sticky."

Harry chuckled as he moved to her cheek, "Should have thought of that before you did it first. You know I like revenge."

"So do I," she smiled. "I suppose if I wanted less of a challenge I'd have married someone else."

"Probably," he mumbled as he moved to her chin.

Once she was clean they refilled their champagne glasses and Hermione settled into Harry's arms as they opened the box from George. "Oh Harry…"

Harry smiled at the beautiful dragonskin bound photo album engraved with their names and the magical camera that were inside the box. "I read about this camera; you can take Muggle or magical photos with it. Perfect for taking pictures for your parents."

"But they're so expensive!"

He had to agree with that, but he wasn't surprised George had done this. "Well we did give him a house, plus I gave him and Fred the seed money for the store. I guess he wants to try and pay us back."

Hermione looked at him, "So I should have given you detention our fifth year for all that testing on the first years?"

He just gave her his best innocent expression and she rolled her eyes, leaning against him as they opened the package from Oliver. Inside was a single Gryffindor Quidditch jersey. "Of course," she said.

Harry picked up the card that was with them and read:

Harry, this was your quidditch jersey from sixth year. Obviously it has your name on the back. I think you'll thank me once you see your gorgeous wife wearing your jersey. Pity I'm gay or else I would have jumped at the chance to stick her in a jersey that said Wood on the back.

Harry chuckled, "Well honestly I would be happy to see you wear my jersey."

Hermione debated this before leaning up to kiss his jaw, "I'll wear it once it smells like you, how's that?"

"Very acceptable," he said, tilting his head to kiss her before noticing something else in the box, "What's that?" Hermione picked up the smaller box and the envelope. She handed Harry the envelope to open. "Gift certificates to a boutique in Paris; I guess George told him we needed new clothes. What's in the box?"

She opened it to reveal a framed picture of George, Hermione, and Harry that had been taken a few weeks ago. "That was sweet of him," she smiled.

"No arguments here," he ran his hand down her side, lightly caressing her breast as he did. "I think we should go again. We have quite the dry spell to make up for."

Hermione smiled and sat up, getting off of the lounge with the items, "Stay right there Harry I just want to put these away."

He obeyed, hoping she'd return and agree with him. Wait he had forgotten to cast the contraception charm. Smooth one Potter. Harry did want a family, one day. But for now he wanted to enjoy time with the only person depending on him being the only person he depended on. When she returned she had the camera in her hands, "Hermione did you…what are we doing for birth control?"

"I made a long lasting potion using Professor Snape's stores. It had the rare ingredients I needed."

"How long does it last?"

"Until I brew and take the potion that makes it stop," she answered, "it's a very effective one. Madame Pomfrey made sure I'd done it properly because I didn't want to take any chances."

"Did she know what you were making it for?"

"Well I didn't say, 'I need it so that I can shag Harry Potter, my boyfriend-soon-to-be-husband, senseless.' So I don't really see how she could have known," Hermione smiled. "She said that not even Professor Snape could have brewed it so well."

"High praise indeed for my beautiful wife," he watched her sit between his legs again, "What now?"

"We have a photo album to fill with memories," she smiled, "I want a picture of us on our wedding day." Harry smiled and set the magical camera to take their picture. The camera floated to the end of the chair and they settled in together as it took a picture before floating back to Harry's hands to show it to them, "That's a good one."

"We're devastatingly gorgeous. I pity those that are near us," Harry chuckled. He tapped the camera with his wand and the picture became solid. He watched as photo-Harry kissed photo-Hermione and they shared a soft smile afterwards. Hermione took out a pen from the pocket of the shirt and wrote on the back, Wedding Day June 24, 1998. Then she got up and Harry stood with her, "I know it's early but I don't intend on sleeping."

She smiled before fixing him with a very lust-filled gaze, "Good because I feel quite backed up on our sexual escapades Mr. Potter."

"Merlin I'm lucky," he breathed, following her below deck.