"I don't think you can ever be ready for this" my voice sounded nervous and short of breath.

"Well, if its what she would say, you can be sure that she'll say yes" I looked up to her Icy blue eyes.

"You think so?" Ginny looked at me like I was an idiot.

"I know so, and even more after yesterday she thought you were going to die you should've seen her" my mind travels to what happened the day before. How I dropped from the sky had a big wound on my body.

"She really cares about you Benny, you two are like a perfect match. It'll turn out OK, you'll see" she stood up and went to Harry.

My eyes settle back on Hermione from across the room. Her bright smile stunning me before she leaves with a small group of girls.

"Hey, if you are gonna do it, no would be a great time" Bill exclaimed and went back to his wife.

Well, time to put all the chips in the table.

I picked up my glass and a fork that was on a table.

"Gather Around everyone, I have something to say" my metal fork clicking against the glass cup was a sound that irritated me to no end, but it was the only way I could get everyones attention.

"Today is a day of Celebration, you see today our dear old Bill is getting married, to a magnificent woman, Our Fleur. Now we all know about my relationship with the Weasleys, they took me in after what happened to my mother, and dragged me out of the pit i had dug myself into, there is no doubt in everyone's mind that we are upon dark times and for that reason it gives me great pleasure to see someone finally reach true happiness,even when the world seems to conspire against it, may their life be full of said happiness, for the both of them, to the happy couple" I took a big sip out of my glass, and set it down

"Now as we all know, in the day of the wedding, what the bride wants she gets, and she asked me as a wedding present to finally do something I've been thinking about for quite a while now" my vision settles on Fleur who is jumping and clapping in the back.

Ron is confused as always, atleast this time its not his fault I only told Ginny and Harry who are smiling approvingly.

"Arthur and Molly can you please come here i have to ask you something first" I whispered my question to them and watch their faces light up. Knowing that they have also become like parents to Hermione.

"Go ahead love" Molly gives me a big hug and shakes me in excitement

"Well, now the second most important part is successfully done" I turn around to pick up my guitar that is hidden away in the back of the room.

"Now I want to ask a very special someone to sit next to me, Miss Granger, can you come up here please." I pull a chair next to me signaling her to sit next to me.

Everyone makes way for her to get to the front of the room where I'm at. Her face is full of confusion, its good to know Ginny didn't say anything, I didn't quite expect her to keep the information to herself.

"I've been working on this for quite a while, and finished it last night when Fluer and Bill found me and demanded I do this today" I smile starts tugging at my lips as my heart begins to Race and My brain bombardes me with scenarios

I looked at her face, annoyed but excited, seems to be thats always how she is around me. I schoochsd a little closer to her until our legs were touching. And started to play.

My hand glides across the cords making a soothing melody.

"I met you in the dark, you lit me up, You made me feel as though I was enough. We danced the night away, we drank too much, I held your hair back when, You were throwing up" I didn't see her but I could feel Molly questioning when the hell we were drinking.

"Then you smiled over your shoulder, For a minute, I was stone-cold sober, I pulled you closer to my chest, And you asked me to stay over, I said, I already told ya, I think that you should get some rest" her cheeks are getting a little blushed, and from the corner of my eye I can see Bill taking Fleur out to dance

"I knew I loved you then, But you'd never know, 'Cause I played it cool when I was scared of letting go. I knew I needed you, But I never showed, But I wanna stay with you until we're grey and old.Just say you won't let go, Just say you won't let go" remembering how that simple sentence kept us going through everything it amazes me. I looked at her face to find her golden brown eyes tearing up. She still looked beautiful though.

"I'll wake you up with some breakfast in bed. I'll bring you coffee with a kiss on your head, And I'll take the kids to school, Wave them goodbye, And I'll thank my lucky stars for that night" a giggle escapes, and a wide smile follows, I decided to use the incantation Proffesor McGonagall showed me and made the guitar keep playing.

"When you looked over your shoulder, For a minute, I forget that I'm older, I wanna dance with you right now. Oh, and you look as beautiful as ever, And I swear that everyday you'll get better. You make me feel this way somehow" Hermione's hands quickly find mine, and I heard a soft aww come from Ginny and Luna who were behind me.

I got so lost in her eyes I forgot what came next, so I decided to keep singing whatever came to my head.

"I'm so in love with you, And I hope you know. Darling, your love is more than worth its weight in gold. We've come so far, my dear, Look how we've grown. And I wanna stay with you until we're grey and old. Just say you won't let go, Just say you won't let go" her hands grip tighter on mine, its time. I pulled a the small velvet box from my jacket pocket as I pull away from her to present it and open the box, everyone is gasping except the few people that already knew, she gasped and started to cry, which consequently made me cry.

"I wanna live with you, Even when we're ghosts, 'Cause you were always there for me when I needed you most" I dropped to one knee and began Remembering everything that we've gone through, our own little adventures, our small stupid arguments and I can't help but smile.

"Hermione, after everything that has happened, if I have learned something its that there isn't really time to hesitate on things, much less something as valuable as what I have with you, and to be honest we don't know what is going to happen in the future. My mom used to tell me. Benny whe. You find that girl you will notice how everything drifts away and dammit who I always loose my way when it comes to you. We've been together four years now, and every time you come in a room. You take my breath away, I don't want to loose that, ever, Hermione Granger would you-" she interrupted me and pulled me up.

"Get up you idiot" she pulled me towards her and kissed me.

"So is that a yes?" I asked jokingly

"Yes Benji, I will marry you" she wrapped her arms around my neck and we began dancing to the music as people clapped around us.

As I put the ring on her finger I kept singing

"I'm gonna love you 'til, My lungs give out. I promise 'til death we part like in our vows, So I wrote this song for you, now everybody knows, That it's just you and me 'til we're grey and old. Just say you won't let go" I whispered to her before she got dragged away by all the girls.

A big smile, spreads in my face as all the guys run towards me being Lead by Ron.

After a while everyone stops and splits off

I can see Hermione walking towards me with the same teary smile on her face.

Her small hands cup my face and she pulls me in with a kiss and whispers to me

"I will never let go, not now not ever, you're stuck with me now" I smiled and spun her around, as everyone started celebrating around us, but we didn't notice, it was like for that moment it was just us. With no one else around.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Fine I'll just get the things I need and meet you at Hagrid's Hut, and take nap for once, you look horrible" I chuckled but knew I meant none of that.

"Real funny, like you look so good yourself" she leaned against the table and crossed her arms.

"What could you possibly be talking about I'm gorgeous" I turned around and kept walking, not waiting for her to answer. I made it to the Gryffindor house a few minutes later and found Harry and Ron in the common room. Wearing their Quidditch uniforms

"Where have you been, we have practice in about 5 minutes"

"Come on Ron, it’s not like I'm always late, besides when everyone decides to get there early ill start worrying more" I ran to my room to get ready. And I precisely took three minutes to put on half of my gear, so I picked up my broom and ran out putting what was left with the one hand I had free. As soon as Ron and Harry saw me, they took off after me.

"Ron, I thought you weren't going to get into the team until next year"

"He said that if he studies the way we practice he'll have a better chance"

"Ron. I'm pretty sure if you join people will get confused with the ball and your head" I said referring to his hair. Harry laughed.

"It not even the same shade of red"

"Specifics, specifics" I waved him off. We finally made it to the quidditch grounds where the rest of the team was waiting, actually waiting.

"Come on boys, we need punctuality, of we start slacking we start losing. Let's not let it happen again"

"Yes, Oliver" we got in line with the rest of the team and listened to instructions from our captain.

~~~~~~

It's 11pm and Hermione is impatiently waiting next to Hagrid’s Hut, I would expect Hagrid to be there, but he is not.

"Where have you been, I've been waiting for the past hour" some jokes just need to be kept for myself, so Imma go ahead and not say anything.

"You know Ron he wouldn't shut up and go to sleep" I shrugged.

"What is that."

"Right, we are going to find out what the next tri-wizard challenge is, and you aren't going to bring something to get the hell out of there. It’s my broom. Considering how dangerous the last were, I thought it would be prudent"

"You know, you look better when you use smart words'

"Oh, so you think, I look good, nice" I winked at her, and she rolled her eyes

"And then you go and ruin it" j jogged to catch up to her.

"So, did you narrow it down" I said referring to the possible places where the next challenge could be held.

"Yes, there is two places where there has been more movement than it has in the past years, I have Hogsmeade and a clearing not so far from here.

"Well, Hogsmeade could be buzzing because of the Tri-wizard cup, and I doubt it would be there, so it has to be the clearing" I looked at the map and realized that it actually wasn't that far.

"Ok let's go" Hermione had her hair tied in a ponytail and looked more beautiful than before.

"I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what."

"For how I acted at the Yule Ball. To be honest I only agreed to go with Victor because I didn't think you'd ask"

"Yeah well. It's not like I was making it any easier for you" we walked side by side, at a normal pace.

"Well, I think you should know that ever since that one day during our- do you smell that" she started sniffing the air. Looked a bit silly while doing so. But then it hit me, a foul powerful smell

"It’s coming from our left side" I stood in front of Hermione and got my wand out.

As we got closer the smell got worse. It was a smiling smell, I think is... oh no. I looked in front of us where a giant troll stood before us. I was going to say to try and sneak around it, but it turned around and saw us.

"Well, I guess the only thing we can do is run" I turned around and, but Hermione pushed me and took out her wand as well.

"Flipendo" she yelled out and knocked the beast off its feet.

"Now we run" she took my hand and dragged me.

"Wait Hermione I have the broom" I started to get it out of its leather casing but one of the straps got stuck. I pulled and pulled but it wouldn't budge. The troll finally caught up to us.

"Come on Ben, flip-" the troll hit Hermione with its club, and she was sent flying against a tree. Laying limp on the ground.

"Flipendo" tone again the troll got knocked off when I used the spell. The troll tripped back and knocked a tree over sending it straight towards me. I jumped and rolled to dodge it, but one of the branches dug into my arm

"Bombarda” small explosion went off near the trolls face when it was down blinding it. It quickly stood up and started swinging its club wildly almost hitting me in the process. I hid behind a tree and began to think how I was going to get both of us out of this. I have to trap it somehow, keep it from moving. When the troll gained its vision back and was headed straight for the tree j was hiding behind, I jumped wand pointing directly at it

"Ebublio!" I bubble started forming around the troll. A bubble that couldn't be broken with physical force. Considering how stupid these things are it seemed perfect. I ran to Hermione body and tried feeling her pulse but couldn't find it.

"No Hermione. Please stay with me, come on, you can't leave me here. Please don't let go. I... I love you, so you can't leave me here you have to get up" tears started to fill my eyes as I shook her body to no response. I kept thinking on what i could do to fix this when it suddenly popped in my head. The hospital at Hogwarts. I extend my hand and wait for the broom to come to me. Once it did, I put it between. My legs and picked Hermione up. And flew, faster than I've ever flown before

"Don’t worry Mione, it’s all going to be ok." I held on to her with my life all the way to Hogwarts where I ran to the hospital. Once there I tried opening the door but at this hour everything was locked. So, I started banging on the door. A sleepy Madame Pomphrey opened the door.

"Please, we had an accident. I think she's dying" She quickly picked her up and took her to one of the hospital beds.

"What happened?!"

"We were in the forbidden forest, and we ran into a troll" Madame Pomfret opened her eyes wide and went to pick up something She injected a liquid into Hermione, but nothing changed

"What was that?"

"This medicine is going to pick up her heart rate, get everything working again"

"Mr. Doyle what could you possibly be doing out here at this hour" crap.

"Professor McGonagall I can explain" she stepped in but once she saw Hermione she rushed to her side.

"What happened here?"

"They were in the Forbidden Forest Professor, a troll attacked them" McGonagall looked at me and then back at Hermione

"You are going to have to come with me"

"No, I can't leave her here" I took a step back and turned back to Hermione. Grabbed her hand and tried to hold back the tears that were filling my eyes.

"She is going to be here when you come back, Mr. Doyle, I’ll take care of her" Madame Pomphrey put a hand on my shoulder and directed me to McGonagall. We took off in the corridors, but I still didn't know where we were headed.

"Where are we going"

"To the headmasters office" my mind was still with Hermione. We got to an eagle statue that was in one of the walls.

"Go ahead" she motioned towards the statue. So, I stopped in it, then she muttered a spell that I couldn't really hear. But the statue began to rise in a spiral. Its 12 am I don't really expect him to know what happened. But to my surprise he was standing there pacing back and forth.

"Mr. Doyle, you do know that the Forbidden Forest is strictly forbidden?"

"Yes sir. It’s just me and Hermione have had this feeling that there was something off about this last challenge, we still don't know what it even is, but something didn't sit right so we decided to go and find it." I looked down at the floor, trying to explain myself.

"There was a clearing in the middle of the forest, and we were going to head there"

"And that when the Troll attacked" I looked back at him surprised.

"Yes" my mind wandered again weather Hermione was going to be ok.

"She will be fine Benjamin, just give it time"

"Thank you, sir, but ill calm down when I see her standing again"

"Yoh care deeply for Miss Granger, Benjamin?" He leaned on his desk and looked at me

"I do sir that’s why I can't help but keep feeling worried about this"

"I understand, and yes your theories are correct there is something wrong with the challenge, I tried to bring my worries with the Ministry today precisely" he stood back and walked to his desk chair Nd took a seat.

"What did they say" I walked to his desk

"That the Tri-wizard cup has to continue"

"The Ministry can kiss my ass, you can't continue something that even has the smallest chance of endangering the life of a student, what are they thinking" Dumbledore chuckled under his breath.

"I don't know Ben. But for now, go back to your friends, and make sure Harry know to watch out at this last challenge" I nodded.

"Yes sir" I turned around and walked back to the statue that descended as soon as I stepped in. Once on the main corridor I almost ran to the hospital wing where Madame Pomphrey was still with Hermione who looked a little better but still was not responding.

"Oh, dear boy looks at your arm come here let me fix you up." I completely forgot about my arm and sat down next to Hermione's bed. Madame Pomphrey cleaned my wound and wrapped a cloth around it.

"There. It should be healed in a few days, you are welcome to stay here with her, I will be sorting things for tomorrow. I picked up Hermione hand and sat there. Waiting for her to wake up.

"I'm so sorry. Hermione" I kissed her forehead and rested my head on my arm, and before I knew it, I dozed of.

Three months later

"So where did you head off to with Hermione three days ago?" Ron turned in his chair, his arms crossed

"Ron, I told you not to ask" Harry tossed one of the Quidditch pads at him

"But seriously where did you go?" Now Harry is the one asking.

"She wanted to find something in the Forbidden forest, I don’t know what it was I just followed" I muttered and plopped down on one of the couches of the common room

"Like a lovesick puppy" Ron shook his head in disapproval.

"What do you mean?" I already knew what he meant but he doesn't have to know whether I have feelings for her or not.

"Oh, come on, you can't keep dodging it, I know you like her" like, such a small word compared to what u actually feel. I left the like faze a long time ago

"Look Ron. Weather I have feeling for her or not shouldn't be any of your business ok" I snapped at him, unintentionally, I don't know why I've been acting like this lately.

"But it is my business" I heard Hermione enter the common room and the hairs on the back of my neck stood when I understood what she meant.

"Benjamin, I..., can we have a moment to talk I kind of have a question” oh God. This doesn't sound well. Ever since she lost her memories it’s like all the progress we made after the yule ball was nonexistent. Nevertheless, I stood up and went to her side a few feet away from the boys. They stood up and left leaving the two of us alone in the empty common room

"Look I-" she put a finger up in to her lips silencing me.

"Let me talk first" to seems like she's back to her old self. That's good news.

"I had sort of a dream last night, but it seemed to real to have happened only in my imagination. You see in the dream I was on the ground unconscious, and you were holding me. You were crying" oh no. I know where this is heading but I'm not sure I want to know where its ending.

"You said. Please don't let go... I love you" her eyes twinkled when those words came out of her mouth.

"Did that really happen or. Was it really just a dream?" Well like I was feeling great for big Decisions today, no biggie.

"Yeah, I did" I started the back of my head and looked to the ground. I felt a pair of small arms wrap around my waist as she brought herself closer to me. When she pulled away, she thanked me

"Madame Pomphrey told me what you did, and how even though I was hurt you didn't leave my side for two days straight. Until Professor McGonagall told you to leave... thank you Benjamin." She turns to leave but stops herself

"I'm about to do something but I don't think I can do it with you look-" I placed my hands on her cheeks and bent over a little and kissed her. The kissed lasted a few seconds.

"Was that what you had in mind"  I joked and she smiled wide

"Something like that." She wrapped her arms around my neck, and I placed my forehead against hers.

"Jesus Christ FINALLY" Ron starts clapping and out of absolutely who knows where a lot of people started to cheer around us, where did they come from, I don't know. I was too focused on her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Also if you would like to be tagged whenever I drop something of this Fandom, let me know!

“It’s happening all over again!” Hermione cried as she tried to wrench her arm out of the wolf’s grip. “Tamsin, with your memories back you’re falling for her all over again!”

“No, Hermione,” There was a serious tone in the blue eyed woman’s voice as she gently held the shorter witch in place. “It’s not like that! I was just speaking with her, apologizing for what happened.”

“Why do you have to apologize to her?!” The brunette had finally stopped struggling, but was becoming more irate, her brown eyes burning. “You should be apologizing to me! You Obliviated yourself and forgot about me! Then you turn around and run back to her!?” Jade shook her head and groaned, remembering the younger girl’s temper. She didn’t know how to calm her or explain to her that it wasn’t what she thought, but once Hermione was on a rage there wasn’t much she could do to change her mind.

            “I forgot about her too Hermione, completely.” Jade added trying to keep herself calm. “I still remembered you, but I forgot Tamsin even existed and she and I were friends. How would you feel if that had been you? What if I had just forgotten you were ever a part of my life?” Hermione glared into bright cerulean eyes before looking away and groaning. “I don’t feel that way about Tamsin, she was just someone I could talk to, honestly.”

            “You kissed her, she wasn’t just a friend.” The lycan finally let Hermione go as the witch turned away from her and folded her arms over her chest. “She was more than that and you know it.” Jade rolled her eyes before walking forward and gently wrapping her arms Hermione’s waist from behind. A soft gasp escaped the brunette’s lips as she tensed in the embrace.

            “I know I’ve hurt you,” Raven hair blew on the wind and brushed against Hermione’s neck as Jade’s scent engulfed her senses. “In more ways than just this, but I…I really do care about you. And I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you sooner about Rayna or how I felt, but you were so young, you still are.”

            “I’m fifteen.” Hermione turned to face the lycan and still had irritation on her face as she glared at her technical girlfriend. “I think that’s an appropriate age to date someone.”

            “Not someone who is four times your age.”

            “You don’t look sixty.” The girl continued as Jade rubbed the back of her neck and sighed. “You don’t look any older than the oldest student here! I don’t care how old you are, I don’t care what you are or what’s happened in your past. Merlin, I love you, Jade!” Jade tensed as the words left Hermione’s lips and the brunette clasped her hands over her mouth with a gasp. Blue eyes widened as a bright blush filled Hermione’s cheeks and she turned away so the lycan couldn’t see. She hadn’t meant for that to slip out, she hadn’t really planned to let Jade know her true feelings, but she had been in love with her for some time now that she couldn’t stop it from escaping.

            “Hermione…” Jade whispered as she walked forward and reached out to lay a hand on the shorter girl’s shoulder. “I-I…Wh-…Really?” She was more flabbergasted than anything. Jade was aware that Hermione cared about her, but love? The brunette had grown up with her, it had to be something else. Admiration? Infatuation? How could she be in love at such a young age with someone who literally watched her grow up?

            “I didn’t know what it was.” The Gryffindor continued softly, still refusing to look Jade in the eyes as she closed her eyes and tried to calm her rapidly beating heart. “I didn’t know until last year when I had a chat with Harry, after you’d been attacked by Cale, that’s when I knew.” Jade blinked a few times to try and regain her composure. “That’s when I was sure because I was scared I was going to lose you.”

            “Hermione,” Blue eyes softened as she closed the space between them and gently forced the brunette to turn to look into her eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

            “You were always so adamant that I was too young for you,” Hermione whispered as she again, turned her eyes to the ground. “I thought…I thought you’d reject me.” Jade tensed slightly. Hermione had been pining for her for almost a year now and had never even mentioned it. Of course Jade had her suspicions, but she never paid much attention since the brunette never seemed to pursue it herself. “I didn’t want to lose you.”

            Jade sighed softly before encircling the brunette’s shoulders and holding her close. She felt Hermione’s breath catch in her throat as the lycan buried her face in her soft chestnut locks and closed her eyes. She never realized how tortured Hermione must’ve felt the past year or more. Falling slowly for someone who has been around so fully in her life must’ve been confusing for the young witch. Perhaps Hermione really was her destined mate to be so persistent.

            “Hermione…” Jade’s voice was a soft whisper as she sighed and Hermione shuddered having her mouth so close to her ear. “I’m sorry that you didn’t feel like you could tell me, I didn’t realize that you felt so strongly about me.”

            “Well, I do.” Hermione said firmly as she snaked her arms around Jade’s waist and hugged her tight.” I love you, I don’t want to have to worry that you’re going to go off and find someone else because you think I’m too young. I know what I’m getting myself into, ok? I may be book smart, but I know what I want.” A soft chuckled escaped the blue eyed lycan’s throat as she drew back just enough so she was looking Hermione in the eyes.

            “Sometimes I forget that you’re becoming a young woman.” The taller woman smiled as she brushed a stray curl safely behind Hermione’s ear and was rewarded with the girl’s cheeks igniting in a soft crimson. “I will try and remember you’re no longer a child, all right?”

            “That’s really all I’ve wanted the past two years.” The brunette retorted lightly as she moved her arms up so they wrapped around Jade’s neck and gently tugged the lycan down to her lips. “Just don’t wander too far from me this time, ok?” A small smile spread on the raven haired girl’s lips before she nodded and gently pressed her lips against her girlfriend’s. Girlfriend. She hadn’t had a legitimate girlfriend in almost forty years. A soft sigh escaped Hermione’s lips as her eyes fluttered shut and Jade enjoyed her first unrestrained kiss with all of her memories intact.

"But did it have to be McHale?" The brunette groaned as Ron chuckled and stood up straight before placing his hands on the girl's shoulders. Jade McHale was a twenty-four year old auror Ron had been mentored by when he had started his own training and they had become good friends since he and Harry ended up being sent with her on many missions. "She's so…serious all the time."

"She's a damn good auror, Hermione." Her boyfriend answered as he pulled away from her and grabbed his luggage. "I trust her to keep you safe since Ginny is out of the country with quidditch and everyone else is busy doing their own thing. You could always go stay at the Burrow, y'know." Hermione shuddered at the thought of Mrs. Weasley doting on her for a month as a small whimper sang into the air from the bassinet that was next to the couch. Hermione walked over and picked up a little bundle wrapped in a light pink swaddle. "Besides," He continued as he looked down at the small baby girl with strawberry blonde fuzz on her head. "I want someone here to look after little Rosie too." Even though they weren't married yet, life happens unexpectedly, and Ron and Hermione became early parents of a little girl, just six months old. Ron, of course, wanted to marry immediately, but Hermione being the independent and practical woman she was, wasn't ready to settle down at such a young age. "Just indulge me, ok?" Hermione nodded as she set the little girl back down as her boyfriend kissed her forehead, then walked into the fireplace and grabbed a handful of floo powder. "I'll owl you when I can." He smiled and without another word, green flames engulfed him and he was gone. The brunette sighed heavily and she sat down with a huff on the plush leather couch before opening a book on her lap. She was nervous having Jade staying with her while Ron was gone, but the girl was a trusted friend of the red head's and Hermione really didn't like staying home alone, as much as she had protested to the company earlier. Suddenly, the fireplace lit up and a lean, black haired woman stepped out with a large dufflebag and a leather satchel over her shoulder.

"Afternoon, Hermione." Jade greeted in her smooth, calm voice as her blue eyes glanced over to see Rose in her temporary bed. "A special hello to you, little one." The baby cooed as Jade smiled and then turned her gaze back to her new housemate for the month. Hermione gave a small smile at seeing Jade address the baby. The blue eyed woman had been to her home a handful of times over the past two years of knowing Ron and the brunette hardly knew anything about her, but the way her gaze softened when she looked at Rose made her feel a little better. "Ron leave then?"

"Just a moment before you arrived." Hermione answered as she closed her book and rose from the couch. "Come, I'll show you to the guest room so you can put your things away." As much as Hermione felt awkward around the dark haired American, she was equally enthralled by her nature and the fact that her appearance rivaled that of Fleur Delacour-Weasley. Jade followed silently up the stairs after the brunette and down the hall to the room that was two doors down from her host's. "Roses's room is next to yours, that won't be a problem, will it?"

"Of course not." Jade answered as she set her bags down at the food of her bed and slipped off her cloak. "Can't very well request things in someone else's home."

"Right." The brunette sighed as she averted her gaze to the ground. "Well, I'll be in the study if you need me. You know where the kitchen and everything is?" Jade nodded silently as she glanced at the girl over her shoulder. "Great, well…see you in a bit then." She didn't notice the smirk on Jade's face as she left and headed back downstairs to do some work. Hermione had gotten a pretty cushy job in the Department of International Magic and Cooperation as well as helping write laws in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Jade sighed as she looked out her window at London before grabbing her satchel again and heading down the stairs. She passed the study on the way to the living room and saw Hermione scrawling feverishly on a scroll. Jade paused for a moment and groaned.

"I know you don't really fancy the idea of me being here." Jade cursed inwardly at herself for letting her speech slip into British idioms, but how could she help it after living in England since she was thirteen? She even went to Hogwarts with the Golden Trio, albeit three years ahead of them. "But this is a favor to Ron, so perhaps we should try and get to know each other better. I feel like I know Rose better than I know you." That being said, Jade continued on to the living room and sat down on the couch. The older woman had heard of Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley being the best friends of Harry Potter, but other than that, all she knew of Hermione now was the same as when they were in a school, a bookworm/know-it-all. Jade sighed as she flopped down on the couch and opened her satchel to pull out some paper work of her own she needed to file by tomorrow. Her ears perked up when she heard Rose gurgle in the bassinet to her left and smiled when two, very tiny hands reached up into the air as another coo filled the room.

"Hang on, Rosie." Hermione's voice rang from the other room. "I know you're hungry." As if the child could understand her mother and just didn't have the patience to wait, she let out another whiny screech that caused the blue eyed woman to jump slightly. Jade smirked and stood up before gently lifting the baby up from the crib and into the air.

"Impatient." The blue eyed woman whispered as she looked into baby blue eyes of Rose that resembled those of Ron. "Just like your father. Surely you can wait a moment until your mum gets out here?" Rosie squealed as Jade lifted her over her head a few times and Hermione walked out of the study. She paused when she heard her infant giggling as Jade lifted her up and brought her back down. Something stirred in her at that moment, seeing the older girl playing so well with her daughter, a gentle flutter in her chest as she noticed the bright, toothless smile of her Rose and the gentleness in Jade's bright blue eyes. "See? Forgotten already how hungry you were. Let's hope you don't have Wheezy's appetite or you'll eat your poor mum out of house and home." Rosie just cooed quietly as Jade looked at the baby straight in the eye and smiled warmly. "You must have your mother's intellectual prowess to understand me so."

"Let's hope so." Hermione intervened as she walked forward as both Jade and Rose turned their heads at the brunette's voice. A slight blush dusted Jade's cheeks as she cleared her throat and offered the child to Hermione. "If you don't mind holding her for a bit longer so I can get her bottle?"

"Uh…sure." The taller woman mumbled quietly as she cradled the bundle in her right arm. "Take your time." The younger woman nodded as she walked past Jade and into the kitchen to pull out a bottle and waved her wand to warm it.

"Would you like some tea?" She called as she pulled the kettle out and began filling it with water.

"Sure." Came her guest's short answer and with another wave of her wand, the kettle lifted itself onto the stove top. Hermione sidestepped over and ignited the burner as she pulled out two mugs and box of assorted teas. Jade came into the kitchen with a squirming baby that was smiling and reaching towards her mother. "I think she wants you." A brights mile crossed the younger witch's lips as she extended her hands and took her little girl into her arms. There was an awkward silence for a moment as they sat down at the table and Hermione fed Rose her bottle, waiting for the water to boil. "So…how is almost married life treating you?" Hermione smiled a bit as she noticed Jade's apprehension in making small talk.

"Pretty well, very busy." The younger witch answered as she peered down at the baby falling asleep in her lap. "With my job and this little one, I hardly get time for myself."

"Ron doesn't help?" Jade asked quietly as the kettle began to whistle. Hermione made to get up, but Jade held out her hand to keep her still. "I'll grab it, wouldn't want to wake the little flower." The brunette wasn't used to getting much help from her boyfriend and watched the raven haired auror as she stood up and took the kettle off the stove. "What sort of tea do you want?"

"Earl Grey, please." She answered as she heard water rushing into mugs and spoons being clinked as they stirred tea. Jade returned a second later, placing a steaming mug in front of Hermione. "Thank you."

"Bugger," Jade hissed as she waved her hand and a bowl of sugar cubes floated to the table. "Sorry, forgot to ask if you take sugar, but anyway, does Ron not help out?" Hermione plopped two sugar cubes into her mug and stirred it lazily as Rose began to snore softly.

"He's usually pretty tired when he gets home." Hermione said flatly as she sipped her tea. "I'm just lucky I can work from home or I'd be very on edge. I don't think Ron was ready to be a father quite yet." Jade nodded as she blew on her tea. "What about you? How's life been being a single, top ranking auror?"

"Busy." The older woman chuckled as she ran her hand through dark locks. "The auror part at least, being single is sort of boring at my age, dating is rather tedious." Hermione nodded as she listened to her guest. "But it's hard to find a bird around here willing to date someone with such a dangerous profession." The brunette almost spit out her tea as she started coughing and Jade smirked.

"You…you fancy girls?" She managed to get out before clearing her throat.

“Very much so," The blue eyed woman nodded as she leaned back in her chair, making the old wood creak. "Is that a problem?"

"No!" Hermione squeaked as she shook her head vigorously. She didn't have a problem with lesbians or gay men, seeing as Percy Weasley came out not a year ago and Luna Lovegood had been seen with countless witches. "I…just, well…you're…so, uhm…"

"Too dashing to be a lesbian?" Jade laughed again as she sat forward and sipped her tea. "Well, I do have some tomboyish tendencies. Besides, women are too beautiful to ignore." Hermione couldn't help, or stop her blush as she stared at her mug. Jade just chuckled as she set her empty cup down and smirked. "Don't worry, Hermione, you're not my type." Hermione nodded as she gave Jade a nervous smile. After tea, Hermione had laid Rose down for a nap and came back downstairs to see Jade sitting on the couch, hunched over the coffee table filling out some papers.

"How come I didn't know?" The brunette asked quietly as she sat down on the couch, a space between her and the older witch. "I've known you for two years now and didn't find out until today."

"We've known about one another since Hogwarts, Hermione." Jade mumbled as she set her pen down and rubbed the back of her neck before leaning back into plush cushions. "But you didn't actually know me, we were barely acquaintances up until recently. Definitely not good enough friends for me to be telling you about my personal, dating life." Hermione nodded, she understood that and really it was none of her business, but for some reason this made her all the more curious to learn more about the overly attractive girl. "Besides, it's not like it would affect anything, right?"

"Right." Again, the former Gryffindor nodded.

  x-x

Across London, in an abandoned warehouse there was a gathering of three dark figures with white porcelain masks covering their faces.

"You're sure those two aurors are gone?" One man with a deep voice said firmly as a shorter one nodded.

"They left this morning." He hissed as the taller man turned and folded his hands behind his back. "What are you going to do? They're just chasing after a decoy after all, eventually they will figure it out and come looking for you sir."

"Then we should cause some havoc before then, shouldn't we?" The two other men looked at each other for a moment before looking back at their leader.

"What did you have in mind, sir?"

"We are going to hit them where it hurts the most." The man said with an evil chuckle. "I hear the red headed bloke has a family, perhaps you and Jacoby should pay them a visit soon."

  x-x

A week passed swiftly for Hermione since Jade had agreed to watch Rose while she went into the office to get some work done. She hadn't actually been into the Ministry for almost two months since Ron had been busy with this new dark wizard that had been causing the aurors some hassle. Her boyfriend had owled her earlier that week, not giving her much information, but assuring he was all right and promising to contact her again when time was willing.

"Bonjour, 'Ermione!" Fleur greeted as she entered the brunette's office in the Department for Regulations and Control of Magical Creatures and set a small stack of papers on her desk. "It's good to see you back at the office. Is someone watching Rosie?"

"Hullo, Fleur." Hermione smiled at her friend as she flipped through the pages of newly submitted complaints and law adjustments. "And it's good to be back. I dunno if Ron told Bill or not, but he's having Jade McHale staying at the house while he's gone. He insists on extra protection and she agreed to babysit since I haven't been into the office for a while."

  "Ah, that's so kind of 'er." The blonde witch mused as she sat down for a moment in the leather chair in front of Hermione's desk. "That's great, do tell 'er I said 'allo."

"You know her?" The younger witch asked as she set down her quill and looked into Fleur's pale blue eyes.

"Of course!" The Veela smiled brightly as she brushed her bangs out of her face. "We dated for a few months when I first moved 'ere."

"You dated women?" Hermione asked, not trying to hide her shock and Fleur chuckled before nodding her head. "Since when?"

"Since I can remember, mon amie." Fleur looked up and tapped her chin in thought. "It's different with Veela, 'Ermione. We don't discriminate between sexes when we date since our chosen mates could be male or female." Hermione nodded as she ran a hand through her wavy hair. She learned something new about someone every day, it seemed.

"Well, was she good to you in your time together?" The brunette's curiosity got the best of her as she found herself wanting to know more about Fleur and Jade's past relationship. "I mean, you broke up obviously, was it messy?"

"No, no," The Veela waved her hand dismissively and smiled at her younger friend. "It was a mutual decision, we both 'ad wanted something different. I was ready to settle down and start a family and Jade just wasn't." The brunette's mind started to wander to images of Jade and Rose over the past few days and how well the older woman handled her daughter. "She was an extraordinary lover though."

"F-Fleur!" Hermione squeaked as she began to feel her cheeks get hot as images of Jade and Fleur in bed began manifesting in her mind before she could stop them. Fleur just laughed at the witch's expression and stood up to leave.

"I forget 'ow conservative you English can be." She teased as she winked at Hermione before heading out the door. "Au revoir, 'Ermione." Thoroughly flustered by the imaginings in her head, Hermione stood up to stretch her legs and look out at the busy street below her office. She suddenly found herself replacing Fleur in her thoughts and her blush deepened as she felt a pressure building in her stomach and the flutter in her chest. Her curiosity towards Jade had grown exponentially over the week and she found herself wondering what it would be like with a woman, specifically, her boyfriend's good mate. She had never had these thoughts before, but being around the raven haired auror and seeing how well she treated her daughter made it easy to like the older woman.

"Knock, knock." Hermione whipped her head around to see the object of her less than appropriate thoughts standing in the doorway with a diaper bag over one shoulder and Rose in her other arm. "I think she wants to see you. She's been fussy ever since she woke up from her nap." Jade's clear blue eyes narrowed slightly as she noticed the amount of blood accumulating in Hermione's face. "Are you all right? You look a bit flushed." Hermione cleared her throat and smiled at her daughter, ignoring the older woman's question.

"Hello there, lovely." She mused softly as Jade handed the little bundle to her mother. "Did you miss mummy?" Rose cooed happily as she touched Hermione's face with her little hands. "Oh, I've missed you too! I haven't been away from you for this long in a while."

"I figured we could grab a late lunch before I head back, you have a break right?" Jade adjusted the diaper bag on shoulder as Hermione's brown eyes glanced at her and couldn't stop the small smile that was creeping on her lips. Seeing the usually serious looking Jade McHale, who was dressed in black straight fit jeans and a grey button up dress shirt while slinging a sea foam green and brown diaper bag was a rather charming image. Jade blinked a few times as she noticed Hermione eyeing her closely. "What?" The younger girl hadn't noticed she'd been staring and shook her head slightly.

"Lunch sounds great." She smiled as she rested the infant on her hip and Jade stepped aside so Hermione could lead the way. "Thanks for bringing her in, I could use the break."

"No problem," Jade shrugged as the trio reached the elevators and the brunette pulled the lever for the first floor. "I think she's been missing you." The cage door closed and the elevator lurched backwards, causing Hermione to lose her footing and stumble forward. "Careful!" The taller woman exclaimed, Hermione's breath hitched as an arm wrapped around her waist to keep her and Rose from crashing into the metal cage. Jade's other hand was clutching the handle above her head as the elevator stopped abruptly and Hermione gently crashed into Jade's chest. The brunette was rested safely in the crook of the blue eyed woman's elbow as her hand was rested on Rose's back to keep her steady. Hermione was blushing furiously as she felt that familiar flutter in her chest intensify as Rose seemed to find hilarity in the situation as she reached up and grabbed Jade's chin.

"Th-thank you." Hermione whispered as the elevator slowed to a stop and Jade removed her arm so they could step out. "Uhm…there's a deli across the street, is that all right?" The blue eyed girl nodded silently, an expression playing in her eyes that mixed between confusion and disappointment. Hermione sighed as she walked to the phone booth that would take them up to muggle London. As they reached the busy streets, they moved to a crosswalk and Rose started to wiggle in her mother's grasp, reaching out towards Jade. "I think she's grown tired of me." The shorter woman smiled as she handed the strawberry blonde baby to the older woman.

"Oh, she's just getting used to me is all." Blue eyes lit up as Hermione watched her fondly. "Besides, I think she just likes being up high." Jade flipped the baby so she was facing her mother and placed her up on her shoulders before Rose took two big handfuls of ink black hair to hold herself steady while Jade held her legs tightly. The child squealed wildly as she tugged Jade's thick hair and wobbled back and forth.

"What a happy baby." An elderly woman who was waiting for the light to change looked up at Rose and then to Jade. "How old is she?"

"Erm, she'll be seven months next month." The auror answered smoothly as she smiled at the woman and jerked slightly when Rose pulled her hair and leaned backwards. "Her name is Rose."

"Well you have a beautiful family." The woman said when she noticed how close Hermione was standing to the blue eyed woman. "Is she the biological mother?" Blue eyes grew wide as she nodded, wondering why she would ask such a question. "I think it's wonderful you've started a family together." She flashed another bright smile before winking at Jade and a blushing Hermione.

"Wha?...W-wait!" Jade called as the traffic light changed and the woman walked away. "We…we're not! I mean…she's not my baby! She's…"

"She's just as much yours as hers in my opinion." The woman said as she nodded towards the wavy haired brunette. "It's clear that child adores you." Jade glanced down at Hermione whose face was beat red which caused the taller girl to blush even more, realizing the elder woman's implications.

"We're just friends!" The older witch called as the woman melded with the crowd and Hermione cleared her throat. This was unreal, the woman had mistaken them for a couple and Jade sighed heavily as she shook her head. How embarrassing. Rose, however, seemed to find the situation very entertaining.

"Let's get going." Hermione murmured as she walked on, not looking back to see if Jade had followed. Rosie giggled loudly and gurgled as she kicked Jade's shoulders as if pushing her to follow the brunette.

"I bet you're getting a ruddy kick out of this, aren't you?" The raven haired auror mumbled as she glanced up at the baby on her shoulders. "A big joke to you, looking all cute and innocent." The infant squealed and slapped the top of Jade's head as the woman walked faster to catch up to Hermione who had just entered the deli. It wasn't very crowded, but Jade hadn't really noticed since she was lost in thought. The silence between them was stifling as Rose kept squealing animatedly and Hermione ordered her food.

"What do you want, Jade?" The auror froze at the question as she looked at the brunette who was looking at her. It was sort of a loaded question, what did she want? Being around Hermione and Rose felt natural, great even as the baby tugged her hair again, trying to bring her back to reality. But did she want the life or did she want Hermione? "Jade?"

"What?" Jade shook her head slightly as she the brunette nodded towards the cashier who was waiting to take her food order. "O-oh yeah, uhm…just a ceasar salad, please." She dug in her pocket to retrieve her muggle notes, but when she found the money, Hermione had already paid. "You didn't have to do that, Hermione." The younger girl had to fight back a sigh as that smooth voice spoke her name so close behind her.

"Well, you've been babysitting all day." She retorted as they went and sat at an empty booth as Hermione grabbed a high chair on the way over. "Come here, baby." She smiled brightly as Jade bowed down and the little girl super-manned towards her mother who grabbed her and set her down in the high chair. Jade smiled at her friend and the happy baby as Hermione strapped the infant in. "That woman was right." Hermione murmured quietly as she sat down and looked at Jade tentatively. "Rosie loves you."

"I am charming, aren't I?" Jade smirked and ruffled Rosie's hair. Hermione rolled her eyes, a smile tugging on her lips as their order was brought out. "It's easy to fall for me when you're around me all day." The statement didn't come out as flirtatious, but regardless of the nature, Hermione still blushed and began pushing her food around aimlessly.

  x-x

After their late lunch, Jade had bid Hermione farewell and taken Rosie to a small park that was a few blocks away from the brunette's home. There weren't very many people there which was ideal so she could focus on the little one playing in the sandbox. She had so easily let herself become attached to the infant whose pale blue eyes ignited every time she smiled. The urge to protect that child was overwhelming the first time it had reared its ugly head. It had been a couple days ago when Jade was at the grocery store buying formula, when someone had tried to pick Rose up from the cart without asking and Jade's more malicious nature appeared. Without going into detail, the woman couldn't get away fast enough while apologizing profusely as Jade scowled at her. She sighed heavily, her eyes never leaving the strawberry blonde baby's figure. The sun was setting over the buildings around them and Jade noticed Rose's energy beginning to wane as her eyes began to droop.

"Come on, little flower." The woman chuckled as she stood, took a few steps and hoisted the infant up. "I think it's high time we get you home." The tired baby fussed as Jade tucked her safely in her arm before slinging the diaper bag over her shoulder. "I know, you had fun, but I don't think Hermione would be very happy if I don't get you fed again before you fall asleep for the night." Rose just whined as the raven haired woman held her in one arm and the baby nuzzled her face into her shoulder groggily. The walk back to the flat was uneventful as the streets seemed rather empty for five in the evening. A gentle breeze blew as Jade drew closer to Hermione place and a scent wafted into her nose that made her falter. Jade's eyes glanced around to see if anyone was following them and then made the decision not to go back to Hermione's flat. So as she reached the end of the street, she turned left, keeping her pace steady so as to not alert whoever was following her. The scent got stronger and was stinging the woman's nose as she scowled and felt a growl rumble in her throat involuntarily at the presence of possible danger. The hair on the back of her neck was bristling as she made her way around the block and back towards London's inner city where more people were bound to be. That's when the scent started to fade and Jade let out a sigh before realizing that that meant someone had for sure been following her.

"Hermione." She whispered before holding Rose firmly against her and running back towards the Ministry phone booth where people were coming out after the day's work. She didn't spot the brunette for several minutes as Jade paced anxiously until she saw the familiar silvery blonde hair of Fleur Delacour. "Fleur!" The woman called as the Veela spotted her and flashed a bright smile. "Did you see Hermione in there?"

"'Allo, Jade." Fleur greeted cheerily and then noticed the sleeping baby in her arms. "And to you Rose. No, 'Ermione left a little while ago, why? Is everything all right?" Jade's eyes narrowed slightly before she took a deep breath to try and calm herself.

"Y-yeah." She stuttered as she began walking back towards Hermione's flat. "Thanks Fleur, I'll see you later!" The Veela waved as Jade walked briskly down the street trying to pick up the brunette's scent on the breeze. She cursed as she caught faint whiffs of Hermione's sweet scent and then lost it again. "Damnit! Hermione, where are you?" It was starting to get dark as her eyes scanned the streets and looked around frantically for any sign of the younger witch. Suddenly, a high pitch scream rang into the air to her right and blue eyes widened as Jade looked around for a well hidden area. She swaddled Rose tightly before attaching the baby to her body so that she was resting on Jade's back before sprinting off in the direction the scream came from. Her heart was racing as she heard the sounds of a struggle and a loud bang as a spell crashed into a brick building. "Hermione!" Jade yelled as she turned down an alley and saw the brunette slumped against a wall, a tall dark figure standing over her with his wand drawn. He was wearing a white mask that had no mouth and no nose. "Hey!" The figure's head whipped around as the blue eyed girl flexed her muscles and narrowed her blue eyes. The shadowy figure momentarily forgot about Hermione and turned towards Jade who was gritting her teeth tight.

"Stupefy." The masked man hissed as the spell flew from his wand and Jade deflected it easily with her hand. The man grunted as the blue eyed woman rushed at him, surprising him enough to throw him off balance as her fist connected solidly with the mask, shattering it and projected the man back. As the man fell to the ground with a heavy thud, Jade knelt down next to Hermione who had a trickle of blood flowing slowly from her forehead.

"Hermione." Jade gently shook the brunette to stir her. "Hermione, come on, snap out of it!" She hissed as she heard the man groan and try to shuffle to his feet. Brown eyes fluttered open as Hermione blinked her eyes a few times and stared into bright blue eyes that were glowing dimly in the dark.

"J-Jade?" Hermione grabbed her head as she felt a sharp pain resonate as she spoke. "Wha…what happened? My head…"

"There's no time right now," The older woman grunted as she unwrapped Rose and handed the baby to her mother. "You need to hold onto Rose, ok? I can't fight knowing she's in danger." Hermione looked down at her baby with a dazed expression. "Hermione!" Jade snapped to bring the brunette back to reality. Hermione shook her head slightly and nodded. The blue eyed girl opened her mouth to say something else, but she didn't get to as a spell collided directly with her chest and sent the girl sprawling backwards.

"Jade!" Hermione screamed as she watched the raven haired woman's face contort in pain as she hit the ground. Her eyes turned back to the figure, his mask had been broken at the bottom when Jade's fist had made contact and Hermione clutched Rose tighter to her chest as the baby whined as she stirred. Soon, Rosie was crying as the man approached and Hermione cowered to protect her child, forgetting her wand as she held the infant closer to her chest.

"You and your friend have been a real nuisance so far." The man hissed as he raised his wand to strike them, but he paused when he heard a deep growl reverberate in the air. "What the bloody hell?" The figure turned and froze as Hermione looked up to see the man backing away from something. Her brown eyes glanced over to see a very large, very white wolf standing near her with glowing blue eyes and baring its gleaming teeth ferociously as fur around its neck bristled. The wolf snapped its jaws and snarled as the figure held out its wand, ready to attack. "Sectumsempra!" The spell flew and the wolf dodged as it launched forward and grabbed the man by the arm with its jaws. The figure wailed in pain as the wolf mangled his wand arm before shaking its head and releasing him. There was a sickening crack as the man's arm broke and he hit the brick wall hard. Hermione gasped as she stared at the man's body and Rose began crying hysterically which seemed to catch the wolf's attention. The brunette froze as bright glowing eyes fell on her and the beast turned to face her. Then, something happened Hermione wasn't expecting and the wolf laid down at her feet and began to shrink as ink black hair grew from its head.

"J-Jade…" The younger witch whispered as the blue eyed girl was crouched down in front of her wearing nothing but her slightly tanned skin. The moonlight was playing along Jade's soft curves as her hair hung over her shoulders and shadowed the right areas. Brown eyes wandered the taller girl's lithe body, the light accentuating her hips and long curve of her spine as Hermione couldn't stop her gaze from grazing over the curvature of Jade's breasts. Her breath caught in her lungs as Jade lifted her head and looked into deep brown orbs that were filled with shock. Her blue eyes were still glowing dimly as the woman extended her arm and summoned her robe before wrapping it around her naked body tightly and stood slowly. Jade waved her hand and a summoned a wispy apparition of a wolf that sat calmly at her feet.

"Get Gawain." She ordered in a gentle voice as the wolf stood and bounded off into the night. Hermione was still shocked as she watched Jade's patronous disappear and she felt a gentle pressure on her cheek as her eyes glanced forward to see Jade's face only inches away from her own. "Are you all right?" A warm, gentle hand was cupping her face as Hermione got caught in crystalline blue eyes. She nodded silently as she tried hard to stop herself from leaning into Jade's hand. The older woman's other hand moved up to softly move her bangs away from her face and inspect her wound. "He got you pretty good, does your head hurt?" Hermione hadn't really thought about it since her injury, but shook her head either way as Jade closed her eyes and sighed in relief. Her eyes opened again and were trained on the small bundle in the younger witch's arms. "And Rose?" The baby was still whimpering softly and cuddling into her mother's chest.

"I think she'll be ok." The younger woman answered as she looked down to inspect her child. "She was more scared than anything." Jade nodded as a soft crack resonated through the air and Gawain Robards, Head of the Auror office, along with another auror Hermione didn't recognize, appeared and began walking towards them. Jade stood immediately and faced her boss.

"What happened, McHale?" The bearded man asked as she stopped in front of her and glared at the unconscious figure on the ground as the other man went over to inspect the figure.

"Hermione was attacked." Jade answered as she stepped aside so Gawain could inspect the attacker. "I think he is with Dorcha gang." Gawain's expression became hard as he waved his wand and the man was bound in heavy chains. "I guess Ron was right to have me stay with Hermione."

"I suppose you're right." Gawain said firmly as he rubbed his chin and sighed heavily. "Don't let her out of your sight while he's gone, understood?" Jade nodded as he turned towards the brunette and offered her his hand. She took it graciously and stood up on wobbly legs. "Miss Granger, I expect Ronald has told you about the dark wizard he and Mr. Potter are after?" Hermione nodded silently, still not sure if her voice would work. "Then I suspect you know the reason for this attack?"

"He's trying to get to Ron," She looked down at Rose who had calmed slightly as she gripped her mother's shirt. "By trying to hurt us." Gawain nodded as he ran a hand through his hair.

"You're lucky McHale was here, I'm afraid of what might've happened if she hadn't been." Hermione nodded again as she glanced over at the blue eyed woman who was watching her with a gentle gaze. "You should both get home, make sure to ward your house properly and, if you don't mind, don't tell Ron. I'm afraid it will distract him from his job. As long as McHale is with you I'm very confident nothing bad will happen to you or your daughter."

"Of course," Hermione whispered as Gawain nodded and then put a hand on Jade's shoulder as he walked over to the unconscious man and put his hand on him before apparating away. There was a resounding silence between the two woman as Jade rubbed the back of her neck. "What are you?" The brunette asked finally as she found the rest of her voice and Jade chuckled softly before running a hand over her face.

"I'm…well," Jade fidgeted slightly with her hair before releasing a groan and looking Hermione directly in her eyes. "I'm a lycan Hermione, it's like a werewolf, but I can take on any form of a wolf. Whether fully or more like a werewolf being half wolf and half human. Come on, let's get you home." Hermione had heard of lycans before, but had never seen or believed they existed. What she had seen Jade turn into though was proof enough. The oversized wolf's shoulders far surpassed Hermione's five foot and six inches of height. "Let me take Rosie, ok?" The younger witch hesitated slightly, not sure if she could trust her daughter with the lycan who gave her a confused look and then her blue eyes widened as the realization dawned on her. "I'm not going to hurt you or Rose, Hermione. I never would." Rose seemed to agree as she cooed happily as she looked up at the blue eyed woman and extended her small arms out towards her. How could Hermione argue with that? She sighed and handed the infant over to the taller woman who tucked her safely in her left arm before she held out her hand to the brunette who stared at it for a moment before taking it. Hermione was shocked at the warmth as their hands touched and the auror gently squeezed her hand as they walked out of the alley and turned towards Hermione's flat. The walk was relatively silent as brunette's mind was racing with the thought that there could be another attack in the future and the creature that Jade could change into so easily. As they neared the house, Jade stepped forward and waved her hand to unlock the door.

"Homenum revelio." Hermione whispered as she flicked her wand and when nothing happened, Jade finally let her enter the dark house. With a flick of her wrist, the blue eyed woman turned on all the lights and sighed heavily as she set the diaper bag next to the stairs. Hermione groaned as she sat on the couch with a huff and Jade went up the stairs to put Rose to bed. As the adrenaline was wearing off, Hermione's head began to throb and she massaged her temples as Jade came back down a few moments later. The older woman sat down next to Hermione and gently cupped her face, forcing her to look into blue eyes as she inspected the brunette's head. "Jade…" Her cheeks started to burn at the close contact and she forgot about her headache as the thudding in her chest got stronger.

"Stay still." Jade whispered as she gently brushed a brown curl away from Hermione's forehead. "I want to make sure your wound isn't too serious." Hermione inhaled sharply as fingertips brushed against the gash on her forehead. The taller girl apologized as the brunette inhaled again and this time got a deep whiff of Jade's enticing scent. Her eyes fluttered shut as Jade gently manipulated her head to get a better look at the cut and then sighed as she let her hands drop from the witch's face much to Hermione's disappointment. "It's not very deep, looks like you just knocked it against the wall. Just make sure to clean it before you go to bed, ok?" The brunette nodded as she opened her eyes and gasped at how close Jade's face still was to hers. Jade's eyes widened as she blushed while brown eyes grazed over her face and then down to Hermione's hands. "Uhm, you should get to bed, you need the rest." Hermione nodded again as Jade stood up and made her way up the stairs.

  x-x

Hermione was lying in bed silently, staring at the ceiling as she heard Jade's footsteps below her as the lycan went through the house for the third time in the past two hours checking the wards while Rose's steady breathing could be heard through the monitor on Hermione's dresser. The brunette rolled onto her side and groaned, sleep had been avoiding her thoroughly for the past two hours which was starting to annoy her, but her nerves were shot from that nights encounter with the dark figure. She was shaken and now worrying herself to death at what could have happened if Jade hadn't been there. The dark haired woman had saved her and Rose's lives and she found herself wishing that Jade was there now to try and calm her down. Suddenly there was a knock on her door.

"Hermione?" Jade's muffled voice could be heard on the other side of the door and Hermione sat up in bed, a little startled that she had wished for Jade and now she was knocking on her bedroom door.

"C-come in." The brunette stuttered as she made sure that her night shirt wasn't revealing anything. Jade opened the door slowly, only the dim light from the nigh light in the hallway illuminating the blue eyed girl's lithe figure. "What is it, Jade?"

"Are you ok?" Blue eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at the brunette sitting in bed, hair mussed up and dark circles forming under her eyes. "I could hear you tossing and turning down stairs." Hermione rubbed her arm shyly as she bit her lower lip and Jade swallowed hard at the amount of skin showing as the younger witch was only wearing a white cami.

"I'm just worried." Hermione admitted as she let out a sigh and ruffled her messy brown curls. "And I can't seem to get to sleep now." Jade chuckled as she left the door open a crack and sat down at the foot of the bed. "I feel like I should tell Ron about what happened.

"You know there's potions for that?" She teased gently as Hermione shot her a glare and shook her head. "There's nothing to be worried about Hermione, I'm here and I won't let anything happen to you or Rosie, all right? And I've known Ron for two years now, if he knew someone was trying to get to you he'd fall right into and come home leaving Harry to his own devices. It's better if he's oblivious for the moment." Hermione nodded as she looked into bright blue eyes that were staring warmly at her. "You trust me, don't you?"

"Of course I do." Before Hermione knew what she was doing, her hand shot forward and fell gently on Jade's. She jumped slightly as she felt a small shock in her palm and blushed when Jade gently squeezed her hand. "You've been so good to me and Rosie since you've been here. It's just...I just thought that by now, all the horrible things that accumulate around me would be waning. First Voldemort and now this new threat, I just want to not worry about my life for once."

"Well, then let me worry about it." Jade said gently as she caressed the back of Hermione's hand with her thumb. She knew she shouldn't be letting herself get so close to the younger brunette who was currently dating a good friend and colleague of hers, but seeing the anxiety in dark brown eyes was making her weak. "I know you're worried, and with Rose, I'm sure it's a lot worse than when you were in school, but I won't let anything happen to either of you." A warm smile spread on the older witch's lips as she leaned forward and tucked a stray curl behind Hermione's ear as the brunette's gaze lingered on her comforter. "Get some sleep, ok? You need it." Jade went to stand up, but Hermione tightened her grip on the lycan's hand to keep her still. Blue eyes glanced back at the brunette whose gaze was glued to the bed as she gripped her hand.