The Ministry's choice of shadowy, dungeon-like corridors on level ten created a rather grim mood. The dark stone walls of the courtroom, together with the foreboding, chain-covered chair in the centre, only enhanced the feeling.

Hermione sighed as she put away the dozens of books, pieces of parchment, quills and the inkpot that were on the large desk she had been seated behind. The prisoner had been escorted back to Azkaban and the Wizengamot had now retired to decide their verdict, having indicated they would make a decision in the coming days, but Hermione needed a few additional moments to compose herself. It had been a long, drawn-out day of closing statements. She was more tired than she'd been in a long time, having given birth to her daughter nine weeks previously, but had been unable to resist her team's plea to lead the prosecution against Nigel Lovelock.

It was now out of her hands. She and her team had done all they could do to get the haughty, defiant wizard convicted of abuse and neglect of the dozens of magical creatures he'd kept locked away on his property (some illegally), part of what he'd called his “farm”. Hermione had seen some horrendous abuse cases in her time, but this had been one of the worst. It had affected her emotionally and she was glad it was over. But Hermione had been determined to be here today at the Ministry of Magic, despite being on long-term leave to raise her daughter, and she was grateful to have a husband who understood.

Thinking of Harry and Charlotte made her ache. This was the first full day she'd been away from them, and she missed them very much. Wanting to get home to them as soon as possible, she hastily tucked all of her belongings into the small bag she clutched in her hand, which was possible thanks to the extension charm she'd first used on the hunt for the Horcruxes.

When she was done, she quickly turned towards the exit… only to find the husband in question standing near the doorway, smiling at her. A quick glance revealed he wasn't alone; a little head covered in wispy dark hair was resting on his shoulder, and the rest of their daughter's body was tucked safely inside his robes. His arms were around her, holding her to him, and he kissed her head as Hermione approached them.

“Harry,” she murmured softly, noticing that Charlotte was peacefully asleep and reluctant to wake her. “Not that I'm not very glad to see you, but what are you doing here?” She kissed the baby's cheek gently.

“We didn't want to miss your big closing argument,” Harry said, moving a hand to squeeze his wife's. “Charlotte wanted to hear you speak to the Wizengamot.”

Hermione narrowed her eyes slightly. “And how much of it did she hear, exactly?”

The sheepish grin on Harry's face said it all. “Slept through the entire thing.”

Hermione smiled broadly. “You didn't have to come, you know.”

“I know.” Harry dropped her hand and caressed her cheek. “But I wanted to be here for you.”

Hermione kissed him then, careful not to disturb their daughter. He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her as close as he dared, and because they were alone she happily gave him a long, slow kiss that left both of them slightly breathless when they finally parted.

“Let's go home,” Harry said, checking that the baby was secure before weaving his fingers through his wife's. “I'm cooking dinner.” They started the journey back down the corridors that would lead to the Atrium.

~*~

Ten days later it was Hermione's twenty-eighth birthday and she had much to celebrate. She'd gotten a conviction in the Lovelock case; she was happily married to the man who'd been her best friend since she was twelve; and they had a precious reminder of their love for each other: a beautiful, healthy little girl they'd named Charlotte Lily.

Hermione stirred in bed, opening her eyes sleepily. Her half-asleep brain wondered why it was so quiet, and when she looked over to the cot that stood next to their bed, she saw why: it was empty. Yawning, she dragged herself up out of bed and glanced at her bedside clock, surprised to discover it was nearly eight o'clock. Charlotte would have wanted to be fed at six.

She put on her slippers and went downstairs into the kitchen to find the loves of her life cooking up a storm. Harry was whistling and cooing at Charlotte, who was propped up in a bouncer on the counter, while he flipped scrambled eggs in the pan and watched the bacon sizzle.

“Good morning!” Hermione said after she'd watched them for a few moments. Harry was an excellent father, attentive and eager to do as much as he could for his daughter. He'd confided in Hermione when she was pregnant about his fears and concerns of being a parent, but he'd had nothing to worry about, and she'd told him so. Charlotte gurgled happily as Hermione approached them, waving her tiny fingers in the air.

“Good morning, beautiful,” Harry said, putting down the spatula and gathering her into his arms. “Happy birthday.” He kissed her softly, slowly, and she raised her arms, placing them around his neck as he deepened the kiss. Hermione melted in his arms and was reluctant to let him go, but did so to pick Charlotte up for a cuddle.

“How long have you been awake?” she asked, kissing Charlotte's head and smoothing her hair.

“A couple of hours. The young lady was hungry, so I got up and fed her a bottle, and put her back to bed when she fell asleep. I showered and read the papers until she woke up again, then brought her down so I could start breakfast.” He served up two plates laden with eggs, bacon, bangers, mushrooms and tomatoes, and carried them over to the table. Hermione followed, placing Charlotte back in her bouncer and levitating it up behind her. Once she was seated at the kitchen table next to Harry, she gently placed the bouncer on the table so Charlotte could see both her parents.

“You've had several owls arrive already,” Harry said, his head nodding in the direction of the small side table which held a bundle of thick envelopes. “Ron also firecalled an hour ago because he thought you'd be up. He said he'll see you tonight.”

Harry was hosting a party for their family and closest friends at the house. Hermione hadn't wanted any type of celebration, as they were both exhausted with their little one, but Harry had insisted. It would be a small, elegant dinner for their loved ones, and Hermione had appreciated the effort Harry had put into it. All the invitations had been sent from Harry and Charlotte, with a picture of the two of them at the top.

They relaxed and dawdled over breakfast, then Hermione showered while Harry entertained the baby. Hermione came back into the living room to find the coffee table covered with presents, and it took her the better part of half an hour to open them all. Harry had bought her some new books she'd been coveting, as well as things for around the house she'd mentioned wanting. Her present from Charlotte was a pair of diamond and emerald earrings that were absolutely beautiful, and she put them in straight away and wore them all day.

For lunch Harry surprised her with a picnic, and the three of them sat in their large backyard in the sun, eating a packed lunch of cold meat and salad in the large basket Harry carried. Later on in the afternoon, while Charlotte slept, her parents started setting up for their guests.

Hermione showered again and slipped into long, dark green robes that were both elegant and comfortable. She was curvier than normal; her tummy was still round, as were her hips. Her breasts were also larger as she was breastfeeding, something she found Harry was rather pleased about. A small part of her had disliked the weight she'd gained during her pregnancy, but Harry had repeatedly assured her that he thought she was beautiful, and he didn't seem the least bit bothered by it, so Hermione wasn't. She knew Harry loved her for who she was.

She smoothed her robes out in front of the long mirror that stood in one corner of the room, and tucked stray tendrils of hair back into place. She noticed Harry as soon as he appeared, leaning against the door frame, reflected in the mirror. He was already dressed and ready for the party.

“She still asleep?”

Harry nodded and came into the room, coming up to stand behind his wife. He bent and kissed her neck, which was for once unencumbered by her bushy hair because it was pinned up. His lips kissed a trail of fire across her skin, and she shivered as his arms came around her waist. Even after four years of marriage, he still could drive her crazy with the lightest of touches.

“You look breathtakingly beautiful.”

His statement was simple and sincere, and she beamed at him through the mirror. “You make me feel beautiful.”

Harry smiled, that smile that always made her heart skip a beat, and once again his lips were trailing kisses on her neck and her shoulder. Hermione settled back against him, content to stay where she was.

“You've still got one more birthday present, you know,” Harry said.

“There's more? I rather think you've given me more than enough today.”

Without answering, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a velvet box. “Close your eyes.”

Hermione did as she was asked and suddenly felt something cold around her neck. She resisted the temptation to open them until Harry said she could, and her jaw dropped open when she saw the diamond and emerald necklace that matched the earrings she'd gotten that morning. “Oh, Harry,” she breathed, running a finger over it. “It's too much.”

“As Ron would say, pants to that.” They both laughed, and Hermione turned to face her husband for the first time since he'd entered the room.

“I love you so much,” she said, her voice a little hoarse. Sometimes her love for Harry almost threatened to overwhelm her, and she knew he felt the same way.

He stared at her for a moment, his eyes sparkling. “I know.” And with that, he kissed her.

~*~

The first guest to arrive was Ron, who stepped out of the fireplace, swept Hermione into his arms and dipped her for a dramatic kiss before wishing her a happy birthday, gave Harry a quick hug and then made a beeline for his goddaughter. Lifting her up, he kissed her repeatedly. “Here's my girl,” he said, cradling her in his arms. She smiled at him and waved a fist about, which he caught and brushed his lips against. He looked up at Hermione, who was holding a glass of wine for him.

“Thanks,” he said, passing the baby to Harry so he could drink. “Got anything to eat? I'm starving!”

Hermione rolled her eyes. “What a surprise.”

“Oi, you. Birthday or not, I'll be having none of that.” Ron took a sip of his wine and placed it on the mantelpiece, then grabbed Hermione and pulled her to him for a hug, which she enthusiastically returned. Kissing her cheek, he finally let her go. “Had a good day?”

“It's been wonderful.”

“I see you have new jewellery.” He grinned and nodded at Harry. “Very nice.”

She fingered the necklace again. “It's beautiful.”

“Much like the birthday girl.”

Hermione squeezed his hand. “What do you fancy to eat?”

Ron rubbed his belly in anticipation. “What have you got?”

An hour later, the party was in full swing. John and Elizabeth Granger had arrived, and Hermione's father was currently out in the garage with Arthur Weasley, who was apparently trying to talk John into letting him have a drive. Elizabeth and Molly were taking turns holding Charlotte and playing the doting grandmother. Bill and Fleur were talking to Charlie and his wife, and their respective children were running about with Percy and Penelope's four. Percy was stuck in one corner with George, who was apparently trying to talk his brother into investing in Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, which he'd kept running with Ron's help. Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas were chatting with Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood. The only Weasley missing was Ginny, who would be bringing her long-time boyfriend.

The youngest Weasley turned out to be the last arrival, her fingers firmly entwined with those belonging to none other than Draco Malfoy. Molly kissed her daughter and Draco hello, having finally accepted that the young Malfoy wasn't going anywhere.

Ginny dragged Draco over to where Harry, Hermione and Ron stood. Ron's love for his sister was greater than his dislike for Malfoy, so he, too, had grudgingly accepted Draco's role in Ginny's life. He handed Charlotte back to her father, kissed Ginny's cheek, gave Draco the briefest handshake possible, rolled his eyes at his best friends, and then disappeared to speak to his former Hogwarts cohorts.

Ginny embraced the birthday girl warmly. “Happy birthday, Hermione!” The two women chatted for a few moments as Draco stood uncomfortably next to his girlfriend. Harry enjoyed Malfoy's discomfort for a minute, and then put him out of his misery with a handshake.

Once Ginny had shut up for more than two seconds, Draco spoke. “Happy birthday, Granger.” He handed her a small, square box which was wrapped in light blue paper with a silver ribbon and bow.

“Thank you.” She took the gift he offered and placed it on the table behind her with the other presents, as Ginny took Charlotte off her father.

“How's the Potterlet? Keeping you up at night, I hope?” Malfoy smirked at Harry, who resisted the urge to give him the finger.

“She's an angel,” Harry retorted.

“Draco, stop it,” Ginny chided. “Don't you dare spoil Hermione's birthday!”

A pained look came over Draco's face. “Yes, dear.”

Hermione tried not to smile. “Would you like to hold Charlotte, Draco?”

The pained look remained, and Harry choked on a laugh. “Oooooh, yes,” Ginny said. “Here, love. You have to hold her head carefully.” Ginny passed the baby to Draco, who held the Potterlet gingerly. He managed a small smile at the little girl before Ron appeared out of nowhere.

“Here she is!” He took the baby from Draco and whisked her away before anyone could protest.

“Come on, let's feed everyone and then we'll open your presents.” Harry kissed his wife's cheek and urged everyone to sit down for dinner.

~*~

It was late by the time everyone left. Charlotte was fast asleep in her cot, and Harry was finishing the last of the tidying up, helped by Ron, who had lingered behind. They'd both insisted Hermione sit on the lounge and relax, so she started reading one of her new books. She'd had an absolutely wonderful birthday, and couldn't help but grin to herself as she watched the orange-red flames glowing brightly in the fire.

“I'm absolutely knackered,” Ron said, dropping his lanky frame into the lounge opposite Hermione. Harry yawned as he sat next to her, gathering her into his arms. She rested her head on his chest, closing her eyes briefly.

“You may as well stay tonight, Ron. The spare bed is made.”

Ron stretched out on the lounge properly, making himself comfortable. “That depends. Will you cook me breakfast in the morning?”

Hermione laughed as she snuggled against Harry. “Absolutely not. You can make your own.”

“It's not your birthday tomorrow, and I am a guest.”

Hermione rolled her eyes at an amused Harry, who kissed her forehead. “Fine. I'll make you breakfast.”

“A hot one?” The hopeful tone in Ron's voice couldn't be missed.

“Yes, a hot one. Now go to bed. Your pyjamas are in the second drawer.”

With a groan, Ron pulled himself to his feet. “Fine, I get the hint. I'm going.” He leaned over and kissed Hermione's cheek, then clapped Harry on the shoulder. “Good night, you two.”

“Thank you for my present.”

“You're welcome.” With a tired wave, he Apparated to the spare bedroom he used on a regular basis with a familiar *crack*.

“We should get some sleep, too,” Harry said with a yawn. “Little girl will be hungry soon.”

“I know, but I don't want to move.”

Harry laughed and managed to get up. Holding his hands out, he pulled Hermione up and then Apparated them to their bedroom. Quietly, so as not to wake Charlotte, they tiredly shucked off their clothes and pulled pyjamas on, then climbed into their large bed and got comfy.

“Have you had a nice birthday, sweetheart?” Harry asked in the darkness.

Hermione nodded, even though he couldn't see it, and snuggled into him, draping her arm across his chest. “It was wonderful. Thank you for everything, Harry.”

She closed her eyes and, as sleep took her, heard his whispered “I love you”.