Under the Cursed Moon - CH - 34 (Patreon)

As the Potters arrived at the quaint home of Hermione’s parents, a surge of nostalgia washed over her. The Granger house, nestled in a quiet suburb surrounded by lush gardens and a white-picket fence, was exactly as she remembered it. Her parents, though they had spent years separated from the wizarding world, had slowly come to accept and even embrace Hermione's life and the family she'd built with Harry.

Hermione’s mother, Emma, opened the door with a warm, welcoming smile. Her father, Dan, stood just behind her, looking as proud as ever. They both beamed as they took in their daughter, son-in-law, and their beloved grandson, Teddy, who shyly peeked out from behind Hermione’s leg.

“Oh, look at you!” Jean exclaimed, crouching down to Teddy’s eye level. “Are you excited to see us!”

Teddy, now a little braver, grinned widely. “Hi, Grandma Emma! Grandpa Dan!” he said, eager to be part of this family moment. It was not his first time meeting Hermione’s parents, and he seemed to sense the significance, looking up at Hermione for reassurance.

Hermione’s parents were both dentists, precise and a little reserved by nature, but they had always adored Hermione and taken pride in her accomplishments. Over time, they’d grown to appreciate Harry’s warmth, humility, and courage. Now, spending time with their grandson, the little boy who had brought even more happiness to Hermione and Harry’s lives, filled them with joy.

As they stepped inside, Emma fussed over Teddy, handing him a small toy car she’d picked up for him and showing him around the house. Meanwhile, Dan took Harry’s hand in a firm handshake, then pulled him into a quick hug.

“It’s good to see you, son,” Dan said, clapping Harry on the back. “It’s been far too long.”

The Grangers led them into the cozy living room, where Hermione noticed the little changes her parents had made since her last visit—the new bookshelf, a pair of comfortable armchairs, and photos from Hermione’s childhood mingled with more recent pictures of Teddy. It made her heart swell, seeing her family and past so lovingly preserved.

They spent the afternoon together, catching up on stories. Hermione's parents shared tales from their life exploring Australia, where they’d lived briefly during the war. Teddy listened, wide-eyed, as they talked about the animals and landscapes so different from England. In turn, Harry and Hermione told them about their life in America, carefully sharing bits about their friends, work, and the beautiful beaches Teddy loved to visit.

Hermione's mother, ever curious, asked a few cautious questions about Teddy’s magical abilities. They had known, of course, that he was a werewolf, but their questions were gentle, and Hermione appreciated how they focused on Teddy’s unique personality rather than his condition.

As the day grew late, they moved to the dining room, where Emma had prepared a classic British roast, complete with all the trimmings. Teddy eagerly tried everything, his enthusiasm bringing laughter to the table. Harry and Hermione exchanged grateful glances, feeling at ease in the warm embrace of family.

After dessert, Teddy, sleepy from the excitement of the day, nestled against Hermione as she talked with her parents. Emma took this opportunity to bring out an old photo album. She flipped through the pages, showing Teddy pictures of Hermione as a little girl. Teddy’s eyes lit up, especially at a photo of Hermione in her school uniform, complete with a wild mane of curly hair.

“You look like me, Mum!” Teddy giggled, and Hermione laughed, pulling him close.

As the evening wound down, Hermione’s parents hugged each of them tightly at the door. Emma held Hermione for an extra moment, whispering, “It’s so wonderful to have you all here. Don’t let it be so long next time.”

“We promise, Mum,” Hermione replied, her voice thick with emotion.

As they finally left, Teddy sleepily murmured, “That was the best day ever.”

Harry smiled as he carried Teddy to the car, glancing at Hermione. “It was, wasn’t it?”

Settling back into Grimmauld Place felt like slipping into an old, worn glove—familiar, but not entirely comfortable. The house had been Harry’s inheritance from Sirius, filled with memories and secrets, and despite the renovations, the echoes of its darker past still lingered. Yet, for Harry and Hermione, it offered the one thing they valued most: privacy.

They had kept their arrival in England quiet, choosing to keep their return out of the public eye. Only a few close friends knew they were back, and fewer still knew how to contact them. Even within the old walls of Grimmauld Place, they kept a low profile. The wards were meticulously set, and protective spells layered carefully, ensuring no one would detect their presence.

While Hermione busied herself with settling Teddy into his new routines and preparing the house to feel like home, Harry slipped out one morning to visit some of his old Muggle friends. These friends, unaware of his fame in the magical world, offered a sense of normalcy and kept him grounded. It was easy with them; he could talk about his life and his interests without the weight of his past, or the expectations of the wizarding world.

A few close friends, like Neville and Andromeda, knew he was back and understood why he needed to stay under the radar. They promised to keep his presence a secret, recognizing that any whisper of the Potters’ return would ignite a wildfire of gossip. The wizarding world, ever eager for a spark of excitement, would blow the smallest detail out of proportion if they got wind of it.

As for the larger wizarding community, Harry and Hermione stayed clear of Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, and any other wizarding spots that would risk drawing attention. Hermione had re-stocked their potion supplies and books during late-night trips to lesser-known shops, careful to remain unnoticed.

Grimmauld Place became their safe haven, a peaceful retreat where they could live quietly, just the three of them. They took Teddy for walks in the nearby park, occasionally meeting Andromeda and other close friends, but always on their terms. In this pocket of quiet amidst the bustling wizarding world, they found a balance between the life they had chosen and the world they wanted to protect their family from.

As Neville’s wedding day drew closer, his nerves became more and more apparent, and he frequently found himself at Grimmauld Place, seeking reassurance from Harry and Hermione. They were his anchors, steady and calm, and their presence seemed to help him keep his fears at bay. He’d often ramble about details he feared were going wrong, from the flower arrangements to the guest list, and Harry would patiently remind him that everything would turn out perfectly.

When the Potters visited Longbottom Manor to help with the preparations, Teddy’s excitement was unmatched. The manor grounds were breathtaking, filled with rare magical plants, trees that glowed faintly at dusk, and flowers that shimmered in the light. Teddy ran through the gardens, eyes wide with wonder, trailing his fingers along the petals of plants he had only seen in books. He was particularly fascinated by the Whomping Willow sapling, which, while smaller than the one at Hogwarts, still had a fierce personality and waved its branches playfully at him.

Neville, seeing Teddy’s awe, took a break from wedding plans to show him around, introducing him to the different plants and explaining each one’s unique magical properties. Hermione joined in, fascinated by the rare flora, while Harry helped enchant some decorations and even repaired a few charms around the garden to ensure everything looked perfect.

As the day wound down, the Potters found themselves sitting in the beautifully decorated courtyard with Neville, laughing and sharing stories of their Hogwarts days. It was moments like these that reminded them of the strength of their friendship and how much they’d all grown. Despite the pressures of the wedding, the visit seemed to settle Neville’s nerves as he looked around at the people who supported him.

Teddy, tired but exhilarated from his day of exploration, fell asleep on Harry’s lap as the evening sky darkened, casting soft hues over Longbottom Manor. As they prepared to leave, Neville looked at his friends and smiled, his worries momentarily forgotten.

Neville and Hannah’s wedding day dawned bright and warm, the sky clear and the air filled with the scent of blooming flowers from the enchanted gardens of Longbottom Manor. The manor grounds had been transformed into a breathtaking venue, with twinkling fairy lights draped across trees and delicate, floating candles hovering above the guests’ seats. Rows of chairs were arranged facing a beautifully decorated arbor made from intertwined branches and flowers, where the ceremony would take place.

As the guests arrived, there was an air of quiet excitement. Friends and family filled the seats, many familiar faces from Hogwarts among them. Harry and Hermione noticed a few members of the Order of the Phoenix, several former professors, and many of their schoolmates. Teddy sat eagerly between them, his eyes wide with excitement as he watched the guests filter in.

Neville, dressed in deep green robes that complemented the garden’s lush colors, stood at the front with Harry by his side as his best man. Harry could see the nervous energy in Neville’s eyes, but he placed a reassuring hand on his friend’s shoulder, reminding him with a smile that everything was going to be just fine.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. As soft music began to play, all eyes turned to the entrance, where Hannah appeared, escorted by her father. She looked radiant in a flowing, ivory gown adorned with delicate lace that seemed to shimmer in the light. Her blonde hair was pinned up with tiny flowers woven throughout, giving her an ethereal appearance that took Neville’s breath away.

As Hannah made her way down the aisle, her gaze met Neville’s, and he visibly relaxed, his nervousness replaced by pure adoration. When she finally reached him, he took her hands, and they both looked at each other with eyes full of love, completely lost in the moment.

The ceremony was heartfelt and simple, with a few close friends and family members sharing kind words about the couple. When it came time for the vows, Neville’s voice was steady as he spoke about how much Hannah had changed his life, giving him confidence and purpose. Hannah’s eyes glistened with tears as she promised to stand by him through all of life’s challenges.

As they exchanged rings, there was a shimmer of magic, as if nature itself was blessing the union. When they finally kissed, the crowd erupted in applause, a few enchanted flower petals floating down from above as if to join in the celebration.

The reception that followed was lively and warm, with tables spread throughout the garden under twinkling lights. There were bursts of laughter, heartfelt toasts, and plenty of food and drink. Hermione, an unofficial planner, had helped Neville organize a cozy, rustic atmosphere with long tables, wooden benches, and floral centerpieces.

Harry, Teddy, and Hermione joined the other guests in dancing to cheerful music, while children ran around, enchanted by the floating lanterns and magical decorations. Neville and Hannah took to the dance floor for their first dance, moving with an ease and grace that showed just how perfectly they fit together.

As the night wore on, people gathered in small groups to chat, while others returned to the dance floor. Professor McGonagall was the first to approach, her expression softened by a rare, warm smile. "Mr. Potter, Mrs. Potter," she greeted them with a fondness that cut through her usual sternness. She pulled Harry into a quick, unexpected hug, whispering, “It’s good to see you, Harry. Truly.” Turning to Hermione, she added, “You’ve done well for yourself, Hermione. Hogwarts is always proud of its brightest.” The warmth in her voice conveyed just how much they meant to her.

Hagrid came next, his booming voice carrying over the crowd as he embraced Harry with a near-crushing hug. “Good ter see yeh, Harry! And you too, Hermione!” he said, his eyes glistening. “Yeh’ve got ter bring Teddy ter visit sometime!” Hagrid’s enthusiasm was infectious, and Teddy, who had been hanging back, grinned at the mention of a trip to Hagrid’s hut.

Other former professors and members of the Order approached, each reunion bringing its own wave of nostalgia. Kingsley Shacklebolt, now Minister for Magic, shook Harry’s hand firmly, saying, “The wizarding world could use more quiet heroes like you, Harry. And Hermione,” he added with a smile, “your work in the Ministry is still talked about. You’ve set a high bar.” Hermione blushed slightly, touched by the acknowledgment.

Then came Luna Lovegood, drifting over with her usual serene smile. She handed Teddy a small flower she’d picked from the garden, and Teddy accepted it with a shy smile. “It’s lovely to see you both again,” Luna said dreamily. “I always knew you’d end up together. There’s a certain harmony about you two.” Her words were enigmatic but heartfelt, leaving both Harry and Hermione smiling warmly as she drifted away.

Neville, though busy with his wedding duties, made a point to check on them often, each time expressing his gratitude for their presence. “You being here means the world,” he said quietly to Harry when they found a private moment. “I wouldn’t have made it through Hogwarts without you.”

Then, the Weasley family gathered around them, bringing the kind of warmth and chaos that only they could. Mrs. Weasley enveloped them both in hugs, her motherly warmth unmistakable. “Harry, Hermione, it’s been too long!” she exclaimed. “You’re looking after each other, aren’t you?”

Ginny, Ron, and the twins were quick to join, exchanging laughter and memories. Ron pulled Harry into a side hug, grinning. “Feels like the old days, doesn’t it?” he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief and nostalgia. Ginny leaned in to give Teddy a hug, teasing him gently about his fascination with magical creatures, and the twins, never missing a beat, handed him a bag of small joke candies they’d invented

Later, as the festivities started to wind down, Neville and Hannah made their way to each guest, thanking them personally. When they reached Harry and Hermione, Neville’s eyes were filled with gratitude. He pulled Harry into a quick embrace and thanked him for standing by his side, not just today but through all the challenges he had faced.

As the stars shone brightly overhead and the laughter of friends and family filled the air, the newlyweds took a quiet moment, hand in hand, looking out over the manor grounds. It was a beautiful beginning to a life they would build together, surrounded by friends, love, and the magic that connected them all.

The very next day, whispers and rumors spread like wildfire through the wizarding world: Harry and Hermione Potter had been spotted at Neville Longbottom's wedding. The news sparked a mixture of excitement, curiosity, and a flurry of speculation. Owls flew from household to household, and every shop in Diagon Alley seemed to be buzzing with the same question: why had the Potters returned to England? And where were they now?

But by the time the general magical folk were abuzz with the Potters' reappearance, Harry and Hermione, along with Teddy, had already slipped quietly away. They’d left Grimmauld Place in the early hours, portkeying across the Channel to the continent, evading the attention they knew would soon be coming.