Hermione sighed as she turned another corner. Her search through Neville's hedge maze had been rather fruitless. Apart from a pair on sleeping Mandrakes she'd tip toed passed twenty minutes ago, each line of hedges had been as barren as the last. Empty of all but the cold, hard, frost covered ground which was nipping at her toes.

She really wasn't dressed for this; an extended hike through snow covered gardens. She'd packed half her room into her trunk this morning to come after Harry, but she'd thought she was heading to Grimmuald place then, not the Gardens of a country estate, and time had been of such essence. As such Hermione had only slipped on a light over coat and her Nova Knee High Ridding Boots. Perfectly sensible for traversing the snow plowed streets of London… not so much the frost filled fields of Longleaf.

Where could they be? Hermione wondered. Shifting hedges or not there was only so far west one could head before meeting the outermost edge and being forced to head back in on yourself. Hermione decided this must be the case, either that or one of them had gotten themselves seriously lost. For as she turned the next corner she was greeted by a call of, "Hermione, over here."

Oh thank goodness, Hermione thought to herself as she raced toward Neville, He's found them.

"No luck either?" Neville asked.

"What do you mean?!" Hermione replied distressed, and slightly annoyed, "didn't you just say over here?"

Neville hesitated, "Oh… no I haven't seen a hint of your mum and dad… of anyone really since we split up. You?"

"Clearly not." Hermione snipped hugging her arms to her chest, both for warmth, and comfort. "Oh where could Mum and Dad be? Or Harry for that matter!"

Neville's nervous mouth began spouting drivel, "Well since we seemed to have bumped into each other I'd say we must have covered the outer perimeter, so I'd guess they must be somewhere closer to the middle but then I suppose…"

"Of course that means they're closer to the middle!" Hermione snapped, at which Neville visibly recoiled. "Oh, I'm sorry Neville," Hermione said patting him on the arm, "you don't deserve that. This whole day, no scratch that, this whole trip, has been a disaster! But that's no excuse for snapping at you like that, it's not your fault. I never should have forced Harry to come home with me."

"What?!" Neville exclaimed "Hermione you can't…"

Hermione cut the boy off "Look at everything that's happened since I dragged Harry away from the school. We've been attacked by death eaters, my parents nearly destroyed our relationship and Harry's self-worth, and now they're trapped somewhere in this maze with about a hundred different things that could kill them without a second thought…" Hermione's eyes had welled up, " … and it's all because I insisted Harry come home so I could show off my new boyfriend before anyone was ready for that!"

Neville wrapped the weeping girl in his arms, "Hermione… come on now, don't do this to yourself. It's not your fault. It's just a run of rotten luck…" Neville pulled back from the hug so Hermione could see his grin as he added "…and frankly a string of extremely unlikely circumstances that's brought about all this. I mean seriously how could people who raised a daughter as bright as you mix up Harry Potter and Ron Weasley?"

This elicited the desired response in the form of a brief laugh from Hermione. "You're right I suppose. I'd just feel a lot better if I knew where…"

A bright blue plum ignited in the sky above them.

Neville pointed towards where the signal had to have originated "There you see. Harry's found them."

For the briefest of moments Hermione's eyes brightened…Only to be filled with a bright flash of red "Yes, he's found them… and they're in trouble!"

"Diffindo" Neville shouted rushing through the hole in the hedge wall he'd created, "Come on! Now that we know where they are, we can cut our way through, but we'll have to be quick about it. Any path we cut won't stay open long… and trust me the hedges will not be happy about it."

The pair made their way as quickly as they could, through one bush after another, each sealing the way behind the two young Gryffindors faster than the last. Neville had been correct the hedges really did not appreciate being cut. Each time they cast the Charm there was an odd whisper on the wind, almost as though the maze itself was groaning. More than once Hermione could have sworn the branches of the hedges had been clawing at her as she stepped through. Thankfully the pair were managing enough of a pace that Hermione could soon make out distant voices.

"You don't even have a set plan for your own career. How exactly are you going to be able to support my Hermione's goals hmm?" Hermione heard her father's demanding voice question.

THEY'RE INTEROGATING HIM! Hermione was Furious as the thoughts raced through her mind. After last night! After this morning! I leave Harry alone with them for FIVE MINUTES, and my Parents are interrogating him! She couldn't quite make out Harry's reply, he'd definitely said something, but his voice had sounded odd. Sort of soft and airy.

Shannon's voice then cut through into the conversation, as she asked, "… Why my little Otter?"

"MOM!" Hermione exclaimed. Her father was one thing, expected even in a regrettable sort of way… but her mother?! Hadn't she that very morning told Hermione that Harry was Wonderful... and now she two was cornering him with questions like that?!

Harry's reply was as soft and muted as before, though Hermione's pace had quickened significantly since her father's examination had first met her ears, so she was able to catch a few pieces of her boyfriend's reply.

"She's Hermione. She's brilliant and loving. Loyal and caring. Beautiful, ambitious…. But most of all…"

Most of all? Most of all what? Hermione pondered. She didn't catch the rest but it must have been good because the next thing she did hear was here mother proclaiming, "You Harry Potter are a far greater than that Emerald Knight!"

"Yes... a little too good if you ask me." Came her father's voice once more, they were just on the other side of this hedge now. "No boy is that devoted to a girl after just a couple weeks, at least not unless he's…Tell me Boy, have you slept with my daughter?!"

Hermione's eyes went wide as saucers. There was no good answer Harry could possibly give to that question and she knew it. "Diffindo!" Hermione yelled, blowing a massive whole in the hedge which yet separated herself from Harry and her Parents. The brunette glared down at the threesome perched upon the frozen floor. "Not that it's any of your business!" Hermione pronounced "But if you must know Dad, Harry's the one who turned Me Down!"

"My Word Harry!" Augusta exclaimed as she removed the wand she'd jammed in Harry's ear upon their return to the manor. "Between the Venom, and Sophorous juice in you Harry, you may as well have consumed enough truth serum to confound a Kneezzle! Wait here I'll go whip you up a batch to red leaf tea, that should help clear your system… lord knows you'll need your wits about you for the Ministry."

After Hermione's outburst it had appeared for a moment as though Mr. Granger had more to say, but whatever it was, the fire burning in his daughters eyes had kept him quiet all the way back up to the house, where Augusta with the aid of Milly had gone about patching them all up.

"Did you hear that?" Hermione asked staring at her Mum and Dad. She planted herself as close to Harry as she possibly could, without sitting right on top of him, and entwined her hand in his. "Everything Harry told you out there was the truth. He couldn't possibly have been lying."

Her mother grimaced, "We know dear, at least Harry had surmised as much."

Hermione was aghast. "You knew? You knew and you decided to question him anyway while Harry was in such a vulnerable position?" Then turning to her father added, "And you STILL doubted him?"

There was a chime and Milly popped away. "Sounds like Luna's arrived. Think I'll go greet her" Neville blurted out as he awkwardly removed himself from the conversation.

Her father's retort was firm, yet clearly containing a tone of concern. "Hermione, you are a brilliant young woman, but there are some things about the way a boy's mind works you will just never be able to fully understand, but I do. And Mr. Potter's hesitation out there was all the confirmation I needed. After two weeks, no boy is that devoted unless …""

"YOU are UNBELIEVEABLE!" Hermione exclaimed rising to her feet and making to leave, "Come on Harry, let's get you away from…"

Harry, still having hold of Hermione's hand, pulled her back down on to the plush sofa next to him. "This is exactly what I didn't want happening Hermione, exactly why I left this morning."

Hermione glared over at her father, "Yes and you were clearly correct to, I just should have come with you."

"No I wasn't Hermione," Harry said tugging her arm gently to return to the couch. "I thought your parents didn't approve of me, but the truth is they're just confused, and instead of staying and clearing that air, I left which only muddied things further. That's why…" Harry paused for a moment not certain if Hermione would kiss him or smack him for this, "the twenty questions back in the maze, it was my idea."

Hermione gave her boyfriend a puzzled look, "You're Idea?"

Harry nodded, "I thought knowing my answers would have to be true might … I don't know, make up for my lousy impression last night." Harry turned to look at her father but kept speaking as though he were talking to Hermione herself. Something about that seemed to make it easier for her raven-haired boy. "Before Augusta gets back with the tea, what do you say we answer your dad's last question?"

Hermione watched her father's eyes narrow as she felt Harry squeeze her hand. "Alright, but only if it's because you want to Harry."

Harry smiled at her, "I think I need to." He replied. "Mr. Granger you're right I did hesitate back there in the maze, but it's not for the reason you think. You're question well… if taken literally like the Vertiserum urges me to even now, then the answer is yes. Hermione and I have slept together."

Hermione had expected her father to be furious, but his face barely seemed to show any reaction at all. Whether this was by choice or the combined glares of herself and her mother she couldn't say.

Either way Mr. Granger remained pensive as Harry continued on. "But you see I rather suspect you mean something more than simply falling asleep next to one another, and truth serum or no I can a sure you that is all we've done."

"Have you decided if you like him yet?" came an inquisitive, yet whimsical voice from the arch way causing all heads to turn to the newcomers.

"Luna!" Hermione exclaimed, jumping to her feet and hugging her friend.

"Are we intruding?" the blonde asked, "I don't know much about Muggle courting."

"Not at all!" Hermione grinned, glad for the interruption to the terribly embarrassing conversation. "Happy Christmas."

Before he too could offer holiday greetings, Harry found is hand being vigorously shaken by a tall thin man dressed in what could only be described as a cloak of woven holly, sporting long silvery hair. "Xenophilius Lovegood," the man said, then with a slight bow added "It's an honor to finally have the pleasure of making your acquaintance Lord Potter."

Harry flushed, "It's… just Harry sir."

"Ah I see everyone has arrived" Augusta commented returning with a large cup of tea for Harry, "Now Neville, I assume you've taken care of the introductions."

Neville began to stammer, "But I…"

Augusta's hands sunk to her hips "No buts! Neville Francis Longbottom! What am I going to do with you? Well no time for it now dinner has been readied, if you'll all follow me to the dining hall, we can finish introductions over appetizers."

Augusta lead them out of the sitting room and through a winding series of hallways till the group found themselves in front of a pair of intricately engraved, eight foot, Cherry wood, French doors.

"Oh my!" Hermione heard escape her mother's lips, as the doors swung open to reveal a grand thirty-foot dining hall, and with good cause.

At the far end stood a fireplace so large you could step into it three a breast, surrounded in an elaborately designed marble mantle. On the wall above there was a large tapestry which, if Hermione had to guess, depicted the lineage of House Longbottom. Though unlike the simple branching names of those she had witnessed at Grimmuald place, the former lords of long leaf seemed to be enjoying game of something similar to cricket, on the estate grounds. Similar but for the exploding balls of course. Each time a ball would explode in one of their faces, the opponents name would move a step up the bracket listing which adorned the top of the Tapestry. Hermione suspected it may well be that the line of Neville's succession was playing out before them.

The middle of the room held a table nearly as long as the room itself. Above which were three levitating decorative pieces vaguely reminiscent of Chandeliers, but they weren't attached to anything. Rather they simply seemed to be three groupings of Crystals, a large one above the center and two smaller ones equal distance from the central one on either side, and they were all just floating there.

"Oh yes I agree," Augusta commented in reply to Shannon. "I really must beg your forgiveness for the state of this place. Disgraceful isn't it? It has been so long since we've had a chance to entertain a proper dinner party, and of course my Grandson had informed me we had at least another day to set things in order. Though I suppose a bit more light may help don't you think?"

With that the matron pointed her wand toward the central crystal and three balls of light formed, one in the center of each grouping of crystals, all of which began to slowly rotate casting a warm glittering glow cross the room. The light caught on the shimmering clear water goblets at each place setting making the table glitter.

"I think it's lovely, beyond lovely" Shannon replied as she walked over and ran a finger around the red and gold edge of the lovely white china plates. She couldn't help but admire the job whoever had set these places had done. Each was complete with separate salad plates, a golden wine lute, crystal water goblet, and separate salad and entre forks on the left side of the plate, while the right had a soup and a standard spoon, and two different knives. But what impressed Shannon the most were the fine white linen napkins atop each plate. Such detail had been paid that each had been folded into a different classical Christmas character. Everything from Father Christmas, to Frosty to … well several Shannon didn't recognize but was sure meant the same to magical folk as the others.

"You are too kind." Augusta replied, "Well I see Mrs. Granger has found her place, come along now they are all marked, find your seats and Milly can set out the first course."

Everyone found their places and a sweet Christmas wine filled everyone's lutes. Augusta asked the floor, "Well shall we finish up the introductions then?"

Hermione perked up "Allow me. Mum, Dad, these are my friends Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom, they both…"

"What was that dear?" Augusta shouted down the roughly 10 feet between herself and Hermione, " These old ears can't quite make you out."

Hermione tried to add a little more volume to her voice without breaking out into a full-on yell, which would have been quite embarrassing for the situation. "I was introducing Luna and Neville to my par…"

"Ugh!" Augusta exclaimed, "I knew there was a reason I didn't use this room very often. Hermione dear, just a moment, will you?"

With that the elderly woman tapped her wand to the table. What happened next was, well rather hard to explain. It wasn't as though the table shrunk or any of their chairs moved, it felt more like the room itself had compressed. All the spare space, the gaps of a foot or more between place settings, had simply folded in on itself. The result was that whereas before Hermione could barely have reached out and touched fingers to Harry, who was sitting on her left, even if he too had had his arm outstretched, she could now very easily lay her hand on his thigh beneath the linen.

"Much better!" Augusta smiled, "now then you were saying dear?"

Hermione blushed as she attempted to hold in a laugh at the amazed look on both her parents faces, " Of course, " Hermione began again, " Mum, Dad, these are my friends Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom, they both attend Hogwarts with us, though Luna is a year behind us and in Ravenclaw house"

Snapping out of the wonderment which had consumed her to that point since entering the hall, Shannon inquired, "Isn't that the one you said you were nearly sorted to dear?"

Luna mused, "Oh, Hermione is far too adventurous to be a Ravenclaw."

Hermione heard her father question curiously, "Really, how so?"

Undeterred and wishing to skim over the details of exactly which adventure Luna could be referring to, there were so many after all, most of which would not be the best idea to reveal to her father over dinner, Hermione continued on, "and the man beside Luna, on your right dad, is Luna's Father of course."

The taller silver haired gentleman extended his hand, and broke into the conversation, "Xenophilius Lovegood, Editor and Proprietor of Quibbler Magazine."

Mr. Granger extended a hand to Mr. Lovegood, "How do you do sir… or is it Lord? Are all Magical Men addressed as Lord then?"

"Ha!" Augusta laughed, "Certainly not.

"I apologize for my Husband." Shannon interjected as she turned to the man in question, "It's just Xenophilius, did I pronounce that correctly?"

Xenophilius smiled and nodded in reply " Oh quite expertly, you have wonderful diction for a muggle, wonderful."

Shannon merely blushed and continued, returning her gaze to Augusta, " It's just he addressed Harry as Lord Potter earlier so you can see how…"

"As well he should," Augusta replied, "The Houses of Potter and Black have long been among the most respected in all of Britain, though for very different reasons, as has my own."

Hermione finished, "And of course you've met Lady Longbottom. Everyone, these are my parents, Doctors Shannon and Daniel Granger."

Augusta's voice rang out loud and clear as a silver bell, "Young lady how many times must I say it" The old woman reached out her hand and shook Shannon's, before looking to Hermione. "The Longbottoms and the Potters have been allies for years… there is no need for titles to be spouted about between them."

"Really? Rather unheard of in my experience, those with titles setting them aside," Mr. Granger commented as he glanced at his wife, "still such curtsey extended to the Potters does not excuse my daughter, she's used to showing the proper…"

Augusta simply laughed, "Oh my dear sir, I don't think you know of what you are speaking. That girl…"

But Hermione didn't get to hear the rest. Her mother had pulled her in for a whispered converse. "All those gushing letters and you never mentioned anything about Lord Potter?"

"Because it doesn't matter." Hermione said in a not so subtle whisper, "Till a few days ago it never really even came up. Besides Title's make Harry uncomfortable."

"Well, he should bloody well get comfortable" Came Augusta's chuckling voice. "An heir of a great house has certain responsibilities to live up to," the old woman shot a glance at her Grandson, "Let alone the heir to both houses Potter and Black like Harry here."

Mr. Lovegood's eyes lit up, "Ah and perhaps a third! I've come across some rather interesting rumors in my investigations lately. Did you know Harry, your Great Grandmother was…"

"Oh, please tell me you aren't still on about the Perverells." Augusta interjected.

The rest of the meal went on pretty much the same. The adults at one end of the table discussing the histories of various families, Mr. Granger trying to explain the difference between Dentists and Doctors. Luna, Neville, she and Harry at the other sharing a laugh over a run in Neville had had down at the Three Broomsticks with a trio of wise cracking snowmen. As she sat there, her hand entwined with Harry's under the table, while she enjoyed the exquisite Beef wellington Milly had prepared, her parents pleasantly engaged in converse, for a few moments, it really felt like the Christmas Hermione had always wanted.

When everyone had cleared their deserts, a lovely chocolate and champagne truffle which had melted in Hermione's mouth, Augusta asked, "Would anyone like another helping?" When all that came in reply were a series of satisfied moans and shaking heads she added, "Well then shall we move on to unwrapping over tea and sugar cookies then?"

Mr. Granger got to his feet, expecting no doubt that Lady Longbottom intended for them all to return to the sitting room from which they'd come, or perhaps some other. The look Augusta gave him could only be described as; what are you doing?

"Daniel," Augusta said in a half-hushed tone, "you may wish to retake your seat… It's far less dizzying that way."

Clearly puzzled he asked, "What is less..." but before he could even finish the question, Daniel had his answer. Augusta had taken out her wand and tapped it to the table, twice this time. Everyone's chairs had shot back ward from the table, zipping around the room and changing their shape, some joining with others before melding into plush comfortable love seats, as Hermione's and Harry's had done. Others merely into single seated lounge chairs. It wasn't until she noticed the form each of her parent's chairs had taken, practically identical to each of their favorite Sunday loungers in their study that Hermione began to suspect the chairs weren't changing at random, or to any set arrangement for this room, but rather to what the occupant would fine most comfortable.

As the chairs had contorted so too had the rest of the furnishings. The table and all upon it had vanished and the three chandeliers had stacked themselves upon one another, still floating in the center of the room. They began to spin at an incredible pace and as they spun the three balls of light in their centers grew brighter and brighter, until in giant flash of light the trio of Chandeliers had been replaced, or perhaps morphed into a gigantic, beautifully decorates tree, who's star just barely touched the ceiling fifteen feet above.

Hermione's admiration of the lovely decorated tree was interrupted as Harry tried to choke back a laugh. "What's so funny?" Hermione queried.

Harry merely pointed over at her father across the room who, not having headed Augusta and retaken his seat, was now staggering dizzily back to his chair. "Well glad to see your Dad wasn't ignoring advice back in the maze JUST because it was coming from me…" Hermione rolled her eyes and lowered her head barely able to suppress a laugh of her own. "…not sure if that's a good or a bad thing" The two were so consumed with their shared giggles, they almost didn't notice the large stack of presents appear beneath the tree.

"Oh No!" Hermione exclaimed. "I don't… I mean I didn't plan."

Concerned Harry asked "What's the matter Hermione?"

The brunette's curls flew back a long with her head, "When I packed this morning, it was with the intention of bringing you back to Mum and Dads. I'm missing all my gifts."

"Missing?" Came a curious voice. Harry and Hermione looked over the arm of the love seat to find Milly "Miss is missing? Milly is no Missing Miss's. While you is all eating Milly is going and getting them All."

Hermione kissed the top of the elf's head. "Thank you so much Milly!"

"That was very thoughtful of you Milly," Harry smiled at the elf, "going and picking up all of Hermione's gifts for her like that."

"Not Just Miss Hermione's Sir, Milly is getting everyone's gifts and setting them all about the tree sir."

Suddenly a sinking feeling began to grow in the pit of Harry's stomach, "A… All of them?" Harry stammered nervously

Milly nodded "Yes Sir! Of course Sir!"

"Milly," Augusta called from the other side of the room, "Could you fetch a cup of the yellow tea this time, Mr. Granger needs something to straighten his head." With that the Elf popped away before Harry could ask the question he so desperately needed to know; where had Milly placed a certain tiny blue package with a silver ribbon? Milly nodded "Yes Sir! Of course Sir!"

"Milly," Augusta called from the other side of the room, "Could you fetch a cup of the yellow tea this time, Mr. Granger needs something to straighten his head." With that the Elf popped away before Harry could ask the question he so desperately needed to know; where had Milly placed a certain tiny blue package with a silver ribbon?

"Well shall we jump in then? Neville asked excitedly as he Luna and her father sprang towards the tree. The flurry of torn paper, and flying ribbon which followed was a sight to been in itself. Harry's search around the tree for the little blue box was even more fruitless then his search for the sleeper knot of the willow had been a few hours ago, though frankly he'd much rather be back there being whomped by the willow again, then have Hermione, or one of her parents find the tiny package before he did.

It wasn't helping that his search kept being delayed by his being handed one present or another. The first had been from Neville, though Harry suspected Lady Longbottom had a hand in it; a set of fine robes embossed with duel crests, one far larger, and placed above the other. Harry wasn't quite sure what it was for, but he suspected it to be the crest of House Potter as he recognized the smaller of the two on which the large one was perched, to be the emblem of House Black, from some of the documents Griphook had had for him.

From Luna, Harry had received a subscription to Magizoology Today. "It's not up to the Quibbler's standards of course" Luna remarked " But when it comes to magical creatures I find them much more insightful then the text we work from at school."

In any event, Xenophilius' gift was far more enigmatic. It wasn't what it was; The Holly clad man had given Harry a very old looking book on Wizarding Law and Customs, but rather the silver hair mans comment as Harry examined it. "I don't put to much stock in them myself," The silver haired man stated, "It's the lineages which fascinate me, and I suspect shall fascinate you as well Harry. In any regard you should find the customs useful I think, now you're Lord Potter" Harry smiled in reply, though internally he was grimacing, he really hoped that all this Lord Potter stuff would fall off by the time they got back to Hogwarts.

Harry was becoming rather desperate now, more and more presents were disappearing from the pile and yet still he hadn't found the silver strung box.

That's when Shannon's voice filled the room, "I don't believe it!"

Harry Cringed, this was it, she'd found it for sure and was appalled! Slowly he raised his head out of the branches to find everyone had seeming dropped their own packages in various states of unwrap, to rush over and see what had Mrs. Granger so shocked. As Harry made his way through the circle of on lookers, he both relived and disappointed. Shannon, wasn't holding the little blue box Harry had been looking for but in her lap sat the book, bound in red cloth, which Harry had selected for her. Emblazoned in Eloquent gold writing on the front read the words;

SHAKESPEARE

WINTERS TALE

LONDON 1632

"Do you already have it?" Harry asked worriedly, "I thought you might… I figured you must really like that one to name your daughter after one of the characters." There was silence on the air, uncomfortable silence such that Harry felt the need to continue rambling on his explanation. "At least I assumed that's where you got the name, I've never heard the name Hermione anyplace else, aside from your daughter of course."

When Mrs. Granger finally spoke, it was only to say "Harry… I can't possibly accept this."

"Don't you like?" Harry asked crest fallen, he'd been so sure Hermione's mother was going to love his gift, "I know it's only a Second Folio but I…"

"Only?!" Shannon replied bewildered, "Harry do you know how rare… how expensive…well of course you must, I can't…"

Harry's long face curled upwards into a smile so grand, for a moment he even forgot all about the little blue box. "Of course you can" Harry replied, "If your love for rare books is half as great as your Daughter's, then I can think of no one who could appreciate that particular book more."

Shannon's eyes began to glisten, she set the volume on the side table and sprang to hug him. "Thank you, Harry, you are and exceedingly generous, and thoughtful young man."

"You're Welcome, really it was…" That's when he saw it! As Shannon continued to squeeze him, there over her shoulder, nestled between two branches, Harry spotted the little blue box, complete with silver bow. "Nothing… it was nothing really," Harry insisted, "Say since you've opened yours what do you say I go get Mr. Granger's next?"

Harry knew exactly where his gift to Mr. Granger was, he'd come across it at least twice in his searching. All the same Harry feigned a mock search in order you poke around the tree a bit without suspicion. As he moved past the upper branch where it lay, Harry palmed the tiny blue box and slipped it into his pocket. "Ah here it is!" Harry exclaimed, grabbing the large green rectangular box intended for Hermione's father.

As Harry returned and handed him the package, Mr. Grangers gaze remained oddly fixed on Harry for what felt a rather long time before shifting to the parcel and peeling away the paper.

"Omnioculars!" Neville said impressed "and Branimir's to boot! You really spared no expense this year, did you Harry?"

Mr. Granger queried "I'm sorry? Omni what?"

"Omnioculars," Harry explained, "They're sort of like Binoculars, except they can do loads more than zoom in your view. Neville, Luna, would you mind heading down to the other end of the hall and playing a bit of toss?" the two gladly complied Neville pulling out his Remembrall and throwing it back and forth with Luna, even pulling off some rather impressive trick throws. Harry prodded "Mr. Granger why don't you take a watch through the Omnis."

Mr. Granger looked down at the pair through his new toy, "Can't really make them out any better than if I was just looking with my own eyes, they're so far down and that little ball is moving so fast."

Harry replied, "Try pressing the first button on the left."

"It's like they're moving in slow motion!" Mr. Granger sounded surprised.

"Hey Neville," Harry called down, "remember that move I was telling you about? The one I want to have the new chasers try out for the next game with Slytherin, think you could manage it?"

Neville went severely red, but squeaked back "ah … sure Harry."

Neville gave it his best shot and it must have sufficed because Mr. Granger mouthed "Maradona, like the Football move?"

"Well Quidditch actually," Harry responded, "That's what they're for…supposed to be for anyway; watching Quidditch. But I thought they'd be just as helpful for football. Hermione mentioned you were a fan once, ages ago… one of our house mates loves football, I'm sure that's how it came up."

"Well now. No need for us all to stand around gawking" Augusta exclaimed "Plenty of unwrapping of our own to do yet everyone, come now back to it."

Once everyone had dispersed aside from Harry and himself Mr. Granger set the Omnioculars aside, "Mm, yes very nice."

Harry once more found himself crest fallen. He'd really thought he'd been making progress with the Omnioculars. Resigned to salvage something out of the situation Harry added "There should be something else in that box sir." Mr. Granger fished around and pulled out a set of seasons passes for every Manchester United home game for the coming season. "They're box seats." Harry went on hoping Mr. Granger would at least have found one thing he'd said or done since they'd met acceptable. "I figured there wasn't much point to a good set of Omni's, without a game to use them at…and a private box would keep you from too many questions about them. I wasn't sure about the team of course. Dean said personally he prefers West Ham, but when it doubt you can't go wrong with United so…"

Mr. Granger got to his feet, looked left and right, he seemed to be ensuring everyone else was well and involved with their own parcels, particularly his wife and Daughter. "Harry, might we have a word?"

Once they were out in the Hall, well and away from the dining room turned lounge, Mr. Granger started. "Harry, I should rather like for us to talk man to man, without the girls interrupting."

Harry choked down a nervous gulp, "Of… Of course. What would you like to talk about?"

"What are you playing at?" Mr. Granger demanded, "Did you think you could buy our approval?"

Harry was slightly perplexed, "Buy your…? I'm not …"

"That book you gave my wife, an over Three Hundred year old second Folio from William Shakespeare?" Mr. Granger questioned menacingly, "It has to be at least 50,000 pounds!"

"50,000… NO! No it can't have been that much," Harry replied "The Clerk only charged me about 190 Galleons, I'm not the best with conversions really. I've never really had much muggle money to convert, but I'm pretty sure a Galleon's only about 5 of your pounds so…"

"Even that is far too much, and as for mine," Mr. Granger continued, " I may not know how much Omnioculars are, but by the reaction of your friend back there they weren't exactly a common pair… but even if they were, Season's Box seats for Manchester United? Last time I checked the waiting list for Season's passes was over 100,000 strong and at least 900 pounds a piece for seats like these."

Harry just couldn't win, no matter what he seemed to do or try, he seemed completely unable to do a single thing right for Hermione's Father.

Mr. Granger's arms were crossed, his foot tapping, "You spend at least 2000 pounds on people you don't even know and except it to look like anything less than the bribe it is? What kind of people do you think we are LORD POTTER?"

That was it, something inside Harry snapped, "What the bloody hell do you want from me?!" The words came racing out before he could process what he was saying.

Daniel's mouth fell open ever so slightly, "Excuse me?"

Every fiber in Harry's being was screaming at him to take it back, to beg an apology, but the anger which had been steadily growing in the pit of his stomach ever since he'd heard the Granger's talking in their kitchen that morning would not be denied, "You heard me! What do you want from me? Nothing I do or say seems to be good enough for you. You take my modesty for lack of Talent and ambition. You ask why your Daughter and even when you know I can't lie, you doubt me, and my motives… and Now even my generosity is attached to nefarious motives! So I ask you DR. GRANGER SIR! What the Bloody Hell DOES it take to be good enough for your daughter!"

Daniel sunk back onto the sill of the window behind him. "Twenty years."

Harry shot back, "What?"

"It's been twenty years, to the day actually, since I've heard those words." Daniel reminisced, "Only then I was the one standing where you are now, and it was an insatiable mother I was dealing with." The man's eyes had become soft remorseful even as they shot to the ceiling, "Have I really become just like the old Bird?"

Harry took a seat on the sill beside Daniel, "So… any advice? On how you managed to win Shannon's mother over?"

Daniel let out a single chuckle, "I didn't. I was never able to please that woman, she's always hated me… and it cost my girls dearly. Shannon gave up quite a life to be with me, and more importantly, her mother hasn't spoken to her for years." Daniel turned to look at Harry then, in what Harry could only describe as a mockery of the sort of sickly sweet voice akin to Dolores Umbridge, he said "What it takes is knowledge I shan't waste my breath imparting on you, for it is an achievement the likes of you shall never know!" Harry lowered his head and Daniel quickly added "That was her reply, not mine"

Harry prodded, "Then what is your reply?"

Daniel chuckled again, "Ha, to be honest I don't really know." He must have seen the disappointed look on Harry's face because Daniel added, "Oh it's not you Harry, not really. In some regards it wouldn't matter who it was asking. When she was little, Hermione would come home after school, I'd help her with her homework. On weekend's I'd take her to the theatre, or we'd browse through the museum together. Every Summer we'd go on adventures, exploring rivers or camping in the Forest of Dean. When she first got her letter to Hogwarts I was so proud of her Harry, it meant she was special, just like I'd always known she was."

"You're right," Harry commented, "She is special."

Daniel grinned at the boy, "You really do think that don't you son?"

"Of course, I do," Harry replied, "Hermione is brilliant, and I don't just mean her mind."

"Is she?" Daniel asked, "I really wouldn't know anymore. You see ever since Hermione joined your world, it's like she's grown farther and farther away from mine. She barely even comes home for the holiday's anymore, and when she does it's like I don't really know the girl sitting across from me… like there is so much she's not or can't tell us. Our adventures replaced with ones I don't even get to know about, except that she shares them with you."

"You're her dad." Harry stated flatly, "You'll always be her dad." The raven-haired boy rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably, "Why do you think I've been trying so hard to win you over?" The two shared a laugh. "You were right about the gifts... well sort of anyway." Harry stated flatly, "I wasn't trying to buy your approval or anything like that, to be honest I really didn't think about the cost. But they were supposed to be my ace in the hole; A Thoughtful Plan B." Harry smirked, "You know in case I happened to make a complete ass of myself at dinner?"

Daniel got to his feet "Well I can certainly understand that." He extended Harry a hand up and the two began to stroll slowly back towards the party. "There is just one thing that still puzzles me." Daniel asked, "I'm sure my Daughter would spout that it is none of my business but… back in the hedges, right after she found us, Hermione said you turned her…"

Harry's face went scarlet, "Turned her down? Because I did. But it's really not what you think. See some of our friends… they didn't take so well to my asking Hermione out. As a result by the night before the Christmas Party I'd been sleeping on the common room sofa for a week straight, and I guess looking back Hermione must have noticed the toll it was taking on me. So after dinner that night she suggested that we… spend the night elsewhere, which…"

"Which you took exactly like it sounds to a Teenage boy. Like my Daughter was suggesting you …"

Harry lowered his head and nodded, "Hermione wasn't above using the opportunity to tease… and test me though. I was mistaken to be sure, and honestly sort of relieved to be. At the time, all I could think about was how I'm sure you must see things now Mr. Granger; Hermione and I had only been a couple for 5 days by then!"

Mr. Granger smiled at Harry, "You might as well get used to calling me Daniel… or Dad." Daniel replied stopping in his tracks and smirking at the boy.

Harry turned back to look at the man, "I… I'm sorry did you just say Dad?"

Daniel ignored the question, merely continuing "See it's not that you turned My Daughter down after only 5 days that puzzles me Harry." Harry's heart was thumping so hard he feared it might explode right out of his chest. "It's how then you explain the tiny box in your left pocket?" Daniel finished, tilting his head in question.

Harry muttered, "Tiny…"

"Tiny Box yes," Daniel stated, "the blue one with the silver bow you pocketed while you thought we were all distracted by Shannon's gift. The box I'm certain was intended for…"

"Hermione." Harry finished for him, pulling out the box and holding it out in the palm of his hand. "You're right it was."

"Harry…" Daniel said hesitantly, "I know things work differently in your world, Augusta even told me over dinner that both her son, and your parents married right out of school but… don't you think you're a bit young for an engagement ring?"

"Engagement? Oh no it's not, "Harry pulled out his wand and tapped the box, making the wrapping perfectly unfold and the box to open. "It's been in my family for Generations. My Godfather told me it's what the Potter men give their… intended. It's not like asking them to marry us or anything… it's more like telling both her and the world that we intend to ask and grants her the protection of family magic until we do."

"I think I understand Harry." Mr. Granger smiled, "But what I still don't understand is how you could be ready to commit to that but not…."

"Because, "Harry answered speaking blissfully without care, "As the sun crept in the window the morning of the Christmas Party. As I watched Hermione sleeping there next to me. That's when it dawned on me just how much more complicated the truth of she and I was. We've been Hermione and Harry, loved one another, for more like 5 years then 5 days, we were just the last to realize it."

"Well that's certainly true…" the fairy like voice of Luna pronounced from somewhere behind Harry. "…aside from Ronald of course… and maybe Ginerva."

Harry pocketed the package in his hand and spun round to find Luna popping her head out of the dining room door, just in time before both Hermione and Shannon, had joined the blonde haired girl.

Hermione planted her hands firmly on her hips. "There you two are. I was wondering what happened to you."

Coming in behind the bushy haired witch, Shannon looked none too pleased with her husband as she exclaimed, "You're questioning him again!"

"No." Harry hurriedly replied, "Not at all, we were just…."

"Having a friendly chat about the exchange rates on Galleons and Pounds" Daniel finished for him "Isn't that right Harry my boy?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and grabbed Harry's hand, "fine if you don't want to tell us. But come on, you snuck off before I could give you your gift!" With that Harry, Hermione and Luna all headed back into the room.

Still standing in the doorway, Daniel slipped an arm around his wife as he said, "I was wrong."

That was to Shannon a tremendous relief, because to lose her daughter would be worst thing that could she could imagine. So, instead she moved to lighten the mood as they too prepared to return to the small gathering. "Well what's that? Three times in one day?" Shannon laughed, "We might have to have Harry home for every break at this rate."

Daniel chuckled at his wife's teasing suggestion, "You know," Daniel replied, "That might not be such a bad idea, I think I rather like this Harry Potter."

AN: Hey Guys, I really wish I could get these up faster But it looks like 2 a months is the best I can manage so far. ALSO I would like an opinion poll, I have away to either keep the Grangers around a little while longer or Write them out at the start of the next chapter for a long while. SO which ever way most of you say you'd prefer by Tuesday, is the way I'll end up going.