Disclaimer: All characters belong to JK Rowling. I'm sure as hell not profiting from this work.

Friday, June 2008

Hermione lifted her head to massage the dull pain that was starting to form in the back of her neck. As her hands rubbed the sensitive spot, her eyes glanced at the clock hanging next to her office door. With a loud grasp she immediately stood from her chair and gather the papers that were spread across her desk into a folder for later review. When she slipped the folder into her bag; she stopped herself. She remembered her promise to herself that this weekend she will not work. She placed the folder into her desk drawer, then locked it with a flick of her wand before heading to the door. Hermione removed her Ministry robes hanging them on the designated hook next to the clock. A soft smile appeared on her face as the silver badge below the Ministry 'M' on her robe shined with her full name. With the tip of her finger she traced the embroidered letters under her name that read Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

"Five years already," she said, lifting her bag strap higher on her shoulder, then closing the door behind. She thought about the last five years as she made her daily walk to the Floo she always used. So much has changed and yet there are still the same constants in her life. She wasn't sure why all of a sudden she had become sentimental, but the thoughts were making her happy. She felt excited to return home this Friday night as the green flames swirled around her body.

Stepping into her sitting room, Hermione's breath caught in her throat as she saw the two people she loved most in the world fast asleep on the couch. Her little boy, only two, was fast asleep on his father's large chest. His little body slightly moving up and down due to his father's breathing. She walked to the couch and placed a delicate kiss on top of his head. She loved the feeling of his soft dark curls against her cheek and the scent of his baby shampoo as it filled her nose. When she lifted her head a different pair of dark eyes were looking up at her.

"Hello, darling. Sorry, I'm late," she whispered, pushing her husband's fringe away from his forehead.

It's alright, love," he whispered as a smile stretched across his face. "Don't I get a kiss too?"

"Of course." Hermione said, lowering her head and placing her lips on his. "I'll put him to bed."

"I'll take him upstairs. You go get settled. I have dinner waiting for us in the kitchen."

"You didn't have to wait up for me. It's already almost nine." Hermione watched as her husband sat up and gently held their son as he moved to stand.

"It's a special night and I wanted to share it with you. Now, go and get comfortable and I'll meet you in the kitchen," he said, lowering his head one more time to kiss her lips before heading upstairs. Hermione walked into her bedroom and smiled yet again, as she noticed a certain night shirt was neatly folded on top of their bed. She removed her heels and work clothes, then happily put on the old worn out nightshirt. Making her way into their kitchen, she noticed the plates of food on their small kitchen table. On further inspection, she had to hold back her tears seeing exactly what was on the plates. She could instantly recognize The Leaky Cauldron's food keeping warm under a heating charm. She sat down behind her plate of fish and chips and waited for the wizard who would devour the other plate filled with a large portion of Shepherd's Pie. She heard her husband walk in and turned her head towards the entrance.

"Almost complete," he said as he pulled out a Butterbeer and placed it next to Hermione's plate and a glass of Firewhisky for himself. Before he sat down, he looked at his wife. "Stand up for a second love." Hermione stood up. "Can you give me a turn in that lovely shirt of yours?" Hermione smiled at her husband and gave him a turn in the short nightshirt that he provided her.

"You're absolutely beautiful," he said as Hermione walked slowly towards him and wrapped her arms around his neck. She placed a kiss on his lips enjoying the feel of his soft kisses against her mouth. "After five years of being together, who would of guessed that seeing Flint across your back would still be such a turn on?"

"You know exactly what you're doing, Mr. Flint and thank you. Seeing the food and yes, this damn Slytherin Quidditch jersey, is making this night quite special already. Happy anniversary."

"Happy anniversary, Mrs. Flint. Now, food, I'm starving." Hermione laughed as they sat on the table. The fish was just right and the chips were crispy as ever. She had had her share of fish and chips over the last five years, but tonight the greasy meal brought her back to how it all started, how her life changed for the better.

"What's on your mind, love?" Said Marcus as he took a sip of his drink.

"Just thinking...and not about work," she said with a playful scowl on her face. "I couldn't help but to feel sentimental all day today." Marcus smiled at her. "Can you believe that we are married and have a child together?"

"I know what you mean," he laughed. "Who knew one weekend of shagging could change your entire life?" Hermione laughed, then stopped. "Don't worry," he said, "I silenced the kitchen after putting Hugo to sleep." Hermione exhaled, relieved that she could not wake the baby.

"Nice thinking," she replied with a smile. "And though I would love to disagree with you, yes, one weekend of shagging sure did change things. Well...it was actually the week before the shagging."

"Yes, I remember," he said.

"I don't think I could ever stop thanking our friends for making me go see that match," she said with a smile. "I still remember that night perfectly and that weekend that changed everything." Marcus smiled at her, then reached over lacing his fingers with hers.

"As do I, love."

Thanks Pamela RR.