Stumbling through the floo Hermione cursed when she was knocked back as soon as she gained her footing. "Daddy!" Hearing the shriek she knew just who had attacked her knees and smiled genuinely for the first time that day.

"Oof-Teddy?"

"Auntie Mione!"

"Little wolf, what are you doing here?" she chuckled as he started to clamber into her arms.

At this point Harry pocked his head out of the kitchen, "Mione, welcome home. Remus got called into an emergency at Mungo's." Situating the excited 3 year old on her hip she laughed watching his hair turn black and become just as unruly as Harry's.

"So you're with us tonight love? I've missed you!" she tickled him sending him into a fits of laughter as she walked into the kitchen.

"Ah Kitten, you're home. I thought that was you, Teddy only laughs like that when you have him." He gave her a wolfish grin and she tilted her head seeing something lingering just behind his eyes.

"Yes well he's my little wolf, my love," she spoke to Teddy making him giggle when she kissed his face. "I'm going to have a shower, we'll watch a film after dinner how does that sound love?"

"The Lion King?"

She laughed at his excitement, "If that's what you want." Kissing his pudgy cheek she set him in front of his abandoned coloring sheets. On her way to the stairs she gave Harry a hug and quick kiss on the cheek and patted Sirius's shoulder. In her room she laid out on her bed and tried to banish the day from her mind. Unsuccessful she got up with a huff and undressed, tying her robe around herself she walked across the hall to the bathroom. When she was done and back in her robe she tip toed back into her room and pulled on an old battered set of pajama bottoms and a long sleeve shirt before pocketing her wand. Leaving her feet bare she walked down the stairs and met the boys in the kitchen.

"What is that smell?" she took in an exaggerate sniff and melted into her seat beside Teddy, "Obviously Harry cooked."

"What are you saying Kitten?" Sirius looked affronted, putting his hand on his heart.

Harry chuckled from behind them and put trays of food in front of each of them. "I think she means I am the superior cook in the house Sirius. So Mione, what kept you so late?"

She groaned cutting into her roast, "They're trying to put marriage law into place to 'replenish numbers'." The news had both men frozen in place, their forks poised to deposit food into the mouths. "Yes, you heard me. But even Kingsley disagrees so he asked me to look at it. So far I've been able to keep them at bay and it looks like I might get them to abolish the proposal but it's stressing me out. I feel like if I fail, I'll be failing everyone."

"You don't need to feel that way Kitten. If it passed it's on the Wizengamot, not you."

"Just out of curiosity, what are the stipulations under it?"

"Every unwed witch and wizard between ages 17 and 40 will be pair based on compatibility charms. Everyone will have options, 2 or 3 based on the results of the spell, and they will be given two months to choose or get assigned someone. Then they will be given another month to marry and are expected to conceive in the first year. If they haven't they will need to prove fertility or that they have been trying other wise they will be fined or sentenced to a small stint in Azkaban." She took a deep breathe and continued, "Before anyone is allowed to marry, the pair has to undergo fertility testing to ensure compatibility. Anyone proved incapable of producing children will be pulled from the eligible pool and won't be allowed to marry. " Her voice died with her final words and Sirius and Harry gave her sad looks.

"Well that is extensive."

"It won't pass," she spoke with a heat behind her voice, "I won't let it. It's barbaric." Both men watched her as she locked herself in her head and left her be. Instead they talked about a raid Harry preformed that day. Eventually it was Teddy who pulled her from her thoughts.

"Auntie Mione, we watch Lion King please?" Her smile grew when he pronounced it like "pwease." Taking his hand she led him into the living room and put in the film before settling next to him on the couch. When the opening song began he pulled himself into her lap. Smile still on her face Hermione inhaled deeply, her face in his sandy blonde hair. The scent comforted her in ways she couldn't explain and she felt herself relax for the first time in days. Eventually Teddy's breath evened out and she shifted them so they were horizontal on the couch and conjured a blanket before letting her own eyes droop.

She was fast asleep when the floo activated and Remus stepped out. First he heard the end credits of what looked like Lion King, then he noticed the sleeping pair on the couch and his heart swelled. Stop that, he chided himself. But he just stood there for a moment and stared at the young witch cradling his son to her body. She seemed to sense his eyes on her because she started to shift, opening her eyes groggily she noticed her position and smiled down at the toddler in her arms, giving him a light kiss on the head she snuggled him closer to her and closed her eyes. Oblivious to the man watching her, she let herself fall back asleep with her nose in Teddy's hair. Remus waited until he heard her breath even out before walking on light feet to the kitchen.

"Are they still asleep?" Harry inquired as he walked in.

Remus nodded and sat across from Harry, "Thank you for watching him for me. I wasn't on call but they couldn't find Archie."

"Oh you know we don't mind. And he seems to be one of the few things that pulls Hermione completely from herself and allows her to relax and be happy."

Remus smiled hearing this and pictured all the times he watched her play with his son. She favored him, this he knew. On birthdays and holidays she always gave him a secret stash of extra presents from her so Victoire wouldn't notice the difference. Watching her with his son had quickly become his favorite things after the war. When Tonks left him, claiming it was too hard to be with him as a werewolf, Remus struggled with Teddy and ended up leaning more on Harry and Sirius, and in turn Hermione who shared a house with the two men. "He adores her."

Sirius gave his best friend a knowing look and grinned taking a sip of his tea. "I'm sure he's not the only Lupin who does."

Harry chuckled as Remus waved the comment off, picking up his own tea, "Leave off it already, you mutt."

Harry's laughter died away slowly and they settled into meaningless conversation until they heard the telly cut out and the shuffle of footsteps. They waited while Hermione walked into the kitchen, rubbing sleep from her eyes, taking no notice to the rooms occupants until she turned with her tea in hand, letting out a small shriek she grabbed her chest, "Boys, you scared me."

"Kitten, you wound me," Sirius grinned.

Rolling her eyes she leaned against the counter. "Teddy behaves better than you half the time," she laughed, "I think 'boy' is accurate."

Sirius let out an exaggerated whine and leaned back in his chair. "And to think you were my favorite."

"Pfft I am everyone's favorite," she grinned at him, confident in her words.

Harry tried to quiet his laughter, "She's right you know."

As the three continued their banter Remus let his eyes wander over her. Her wild mane of hair that she tried to contain was in a messy bun atop her head and her loose pajama bottoms hung in a delicious manner off her hips with her shirt slightly raised showing a bit of delicate skin on her abdomen. When he found her face he watched her quip back at Sirius not giving into his feigned hurt when her eyes met his and she smiled warmly before turning back to Sirius at his words. "Excuse me?"

"I said if I weren't mistaken I'd think you were flirting with me Kitten."

"You wish, mutt."

He gave her a sultry grin and Remus felt his chest vibrate slightly, not enough to be noticed by anyone else. "It's your way of showing affection for me, I accept it." Winking at her he looked her over in an elaborate manner before settling at her face again, "After all, you did come in looking mighty divine and immediately start pulling my tail."

"Sirius," she replied with a huskiness in her voice that made Remus's eyes bulge. Setting down her finished tea she walked over to the table and rested her hip on the edge beside his chair before reaching over and caressing his cheek lightly, "If only you could handle a witch like me." Leaning in she gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek before laughing and removed her hand moving to sit beside Harry who was trying his best to conceal his laughter. "Alas Sirius you aren't my type."

Having recovered Sirius quirked an eyebrow and glanced at Remus who had a heat behind his eyes. "And just what is your type Kitten?"

"Not you," replied confidently, blush creeping into her cheeks.

Harry's laughter increased and Sirius's grin spread. "Why Kitten do you have your eyes set on a wizard in particular?"

Her blush deepened and she narrowed her eyes at him. "I don't see how that is any of your concern."

"Who is the lucky wizard who has claimed our Hermione's affection?" he probed grin impossibly large.

Giving the table a small smile she started to stand, "It hardly matters." Sirius' grin faltered slightly when he saw pain flash behind her eyes. Turning to Remus she smiled, "I'll go get Teddy."

They watched her leave the room and listened to her coo to the boy gently before hearing his groggy voice reply. When she walked back into the kitchen she held the toddler to her, wrapped securely in her arms. Remus stood and met her across the table as Harry summoned Teddy's bag. The three walked back into the living room and Hermione buried her face in Teddy's hair, inhaling deeply before giving Remus a warm smile and passing him his son. "Thank you for watching him."

"It was our pleasure," Hermione chimed.

"Anytime you need it Remus, you know that." Harry added, throwing his arm around Hermione's shoulders.

Smiling at the pair Remus said his goodbye and stepped through the fireplace once more.

Hermione watched them go and suddenly felt overwhelmed again. "Goodnight Harry." Giving him a small kiss on the cheek she called goodnight to Sirius and made her way up the stairs.

Hermione smiled brightly as she left the dungeons. She worked hard to keep her composure until her barreled into Harry's office, "I did it!"

Harry matched her smile and stood to greet her, "The marriage law?"

"Yes!" she squealed jumping up in excitement. "They're not going to enforce it or pass it!"

"Hermione you are brilliant! We need to celebrate!" Grabbing his cloak he led her from his office, towards her own so she could collect her things. "We need to go home and change."

She was too excited to do anything other than smile and nod enthusiastically. When they arrived at Grimmauld they found themselves alone and immediately scurried into their own rooms to change. Hermione reemerged in a pair of tight skinny jeans, a crimson jumper, and a pair of strappy heals Ginny gave her for Christmas, her hair braided and draped over her shoulder. Harry emerged seconds later running his hands through his hair. "Ready?" she grabbed his am and dragged him down the stairs and through the floo.

"Harry! Kitten!" Sirius called. When they didn't answer he shrugged and faced Teddy, "They might still be at work pup. We can wait for them though, lets go make dinner."

"Cottage pie!"

"You read my mind pup," picking up the boy he looked to his father, "You coming Moony?"

Remus scoffed playfully and walked around his best friend towards the kitchen, "You think you're cooking?"

Sirius followed him, "Why does everyone keep insinuating that my cooking is rubbish?"

"Because it is," Remus laughed. Sirius shook his head and settled at the table with Teddy, pulling out activities from his bag and sitting to work with the young toddler before watching his friend move around the kitchen. When he had the pie in the oven Remus made tea and sat at the table watching his son color. "Moony, when are you going to make your move on Hermione?"

Remus sputtered into his tea, "What makes you think I would do a thing like that?"

"Please, it is clear that you feel for the witch. I know you've had your eye on her for close to two years and I'm starting to get impatient with you. Did you think the other night was because I want to bed her?"

"She wouldn't feel the same, Pads. I don't want to try something, have it not work out, and Teddy suffer. He loves her."

"You should give the girl more credit. She is a weak spot for you Lupins."

Remus wanted to deny it but couldn't. Sirius spoke the truth and they both knew it. He would do anything to have Hermione but he also knew she wouldn't want an old wolf like himself. She was young, brilliant and beautiful. She was everything to be desired and he was not. So far he refused to act on anything he felt towards the young witch, despite what Moony wanted, content with being in her presence and watching her dote on his son. Though Moony was getting as impatient as Sirius.

As if summoned by his thoughts Hermione stumbled into the kitchen, held up slightly by Harry who was sporting a wicked grin as she giggled helplessly.

"Ah! Sirius! Remus! Teddy, my loves!" Hermione laughed as she sat in a seat beside Sirius who laughed and settled a hand on her back when she swayed lightly while she tried to take off her shoes. "Ugh, damned things," she grumbled making Harry laugh again. Sirius took pitty on her and pulled her legs into his lap and unbuckled the straps around her ankles. "Sirius, you're amazing," she giggled when he let her feet go.

He laughed, "Anything for you Kitten."

"Auntie Mione! I colored for you," Teddy pushed a paper across to her and smiled brightly when she beemed.

"Teddy, it's amazing! I love it, thank you." Leaning forward she pressed a kiss to his forehead and laughed when he extended his arms. Picking him up she set him on her lap and buried her nose in his hair which was now mimicking her own.

"Mione had a few too many," Harry chuckled as he passed her a sobering drought as he sat down.

"Oi, we were celebrating," she downed the contents and grimaced at the taste, "It's not my fault that blonde bloke kept sending over drinks. Who am I to waste a free drink?" Hermione closed her eyes as she begun to feel the haze on her brain dissipate and the heaviness in her limbs went with it.

Sirius laughed and looked to his godson, "A few?"

"What were you celebrating?" Remus inquired as he went to check the pies trying to ignore the jealousy that blossomed in his chest at the mention of someone buying her drinks.

Hermione opened her eyes and beamed, "I stopped the marriage law." She shrieked suddenly when Sirius drew her to her feet and spun her around, her head falling back in laughter.

"You brilliant witch! How did you do it?"

Still in his hold she looked down at him and smirked, "I have my ways." Setting her down he laughed and sat back down as Remus put plates before everyone.

"I'm confused, what marriage law?"

Harry was the one to fill him in and when he was done Remus looked at the witch before him in wonder. She sat smiling and wiped some mash off Teddy's cheek. "That is amazing Hermione!"

"Thank you. It was monstrous proposal! People should never be forced to marry for the sole purpose of reproducing and replenishing the wizarding community. They should be allowed to marry whomever they choose, for love. The whole idea was quite demeaning. The testing they were proposing to see if matches where compatible and to ensure fertility where just invasive." She cringed. "Much different from muggle practices, that is for sure."

"I wonder if there will be press on it," Harry mused aloud.

Hermione considered it for a moment, "It's possible but I think they will want to keep it as quiet as possible. Especially Kingsley, he was against it from the start. His biggest concern was how people were going to react and people will be mad to find out it was even an option at one point."

"Well now that this is over Kitten and the worry is gone, can you tell us what wizard you've had your eye on?"

"It's me!" Teddy shrieked.

Hermione laughed and picked him up from his seat beside her. "Yes, my love." She hugged him as he nuzzled into her neck and rested there before turning his tiny face to Sirius, "Not yours. Mine."

Remus smiled as his sons proclamation and sipped his tea arching a brow at Sirius. "The boy has spoken Pads."

Harry smirked at the scene before him and watched as Hermione's cheeks darkened and she smiled blindingly at the boy in her arms before sticking her tongue out at his godfather. "His," she laughed, putting her chin lightly on the boys head as he started to eat from her plate. "Does that clear everything up for you?"

Sirius leaned back in his chair playfully, "I will get you to tell me Kitten."

"Good luck," she teased. Picking Teddy up she set him in her seat and summoned a bottle of wine while reaching for a glass. Uncorking bottle she poured herself a glass before picking Teddy back up and seating herself under him. "If there were a wizard, my lips would remain sealed." Sirius threw his head back and laughed when she looked at him with complete innocence.

"Come on Mione, what about Viktor? I know you two still write." Harry teased.

Hermione chocked on her wine and had to take a moment to recover. "What? No Viktor is a good friend, nothing more."

"Viktor Krum? The Bulgarian from the Tournament?" Sirius perked up. "How often do you two write one another?"

Looking at Harry in an irritated manner Hermione scoffed, "Honestly, do you two have nothing better to do then inquire about my sex life?"

"That would mean you actually had a sex life for us to talk about Kitten," Sirius teased. Hermione gasped and hit him with a hex. "Ouch Kitten!" And she hit him with another one before pocketing her wand again. Meanwhile Harry and Remus tried to hide their snickers. Distracted for a moment from their food Teddy looked up and noticed Hermione's distress and grabbed at her shirt, "Mine Uncle Paddy! Leave her alone!"

He raised his hands in surrender, "Okay pup, okay. It seems Hermione belongs to the Lupins." Harry burst out into laugher when Hermione shot him a shocked look as her blush returned and Remus about dropped his tea.

Teddy however liked the sound of it and begun to sing, "Mione Lupin! Mione Lupin!" which only deepened Hermione's blush and sent the two raven haired men into fits of laughter as they chanted with the boy. Thoroughly embarrassed Hermione risked a glance at Remus and found him grinning behind his tea as he watched his son chant.

Eventually the singing died away and normal conversation returned to the table. It wasn't until Remus mentioned heading home that Hermione even noticed Teddy was asleep on her chest, head burrowed into her neck with a hand around her neck and the other tangled with a bit of curls that had fallen from her braid. Passing him off reluctantly Hermione said her goodnights and started the slow walk to her room, internally wishing she could go home with the pair, to be the one to tuck Teddy in and go to bed next to the man who had been making an appearance in her dreams.