The Burrow was a flutter of activity the week before Ron and Hermione's wedding. Everyone ran around the place like chickens with their heads cut off, Mrs. Weasley shouting non-stop about all the chores that needed doing. Upon their arrival, The Grangers insisted that such a fuss needn't be made over them, but Mr. Weasley assured them it was their pleasure to host such wonderful people and that nothing less than a fuss would suffice. He'd forced them to sit on the sofa while he made them tea, assuming they had to be exhausted from all the Muggle driving. Hermione had warned her parents that Mr. Weasley was quite a muggle enthusiast, something they'd picked up on in their previous encounters with Ron's father. The Grangers were quite certain that all this pampering was borne of Arthur's fascination, rather than the fact that their daughter was marrying his youngest son. Her mother was absolutely charmed by the Burrow and the Weasleys. They'd visited before, of course, but never for such a grand occasion. While the Grangers sat and enjoyed a lovely tea, Harry, Ginny, George, Angelina, Percy, Bill, Fleur, Charlie, and even Ron and Hermione themselves were set to task. Fleur, Ginny, and Hermione had been instructed to trim the garden and hang lights in the backyard.
"Before you complain, Fleur, know that we went through this for your wedding as well," said Ginny, wiping sweat from her brow.
"oo's complaining?" she asked.
"I suppose I am," Ginny admitted. A glowering look from Hermione told her it was the wrong thing to say. "On your behalf," Ginny clarified giving her bushy-haired friend a smile. "You shouldn't be out here doing this!"
"I don't mind, honestly," said Hermione.
"You and Ronald should be inside together 'aving tea with your parents," Fleur put in.
"Why did Mum want the attic cleaned out anyway?" Ginny asked. Cleaning the attic had been a chore designated especially to Ron. "It's not like anyone will be going up there!"
"It's the ghoul," said Hermione. "He's been unbelievably loud over the last week. Apparently he's been throwing boxes and things. Your mum's under the impression that once the clutter is removed, he'll have less to make noise with."
"Fair point," Ginny replied. "But last time your parents were here, they loved the ghoul!"
"I don't know about that," said Hermione. "I think they just wished they could fix his teeth."
The girls all laughed.
"I hope Dad's not scaring them off, your parents, I mean," Ginny remarked.
"Oh no, never! They adore him, and your mum!"
"And ickle ronniekins," said Ginny.
"Ha Ha! Yes, they are fond of him."
"I suppose he can be quite charming when he puts his mind to it," Ginny said.
"Yes," Hermione blushed.
"Eee gets it from Bill," said Fleur.
"They both get it from our Dad," Ginny mused. "How else could he have snagged Mum. Dad's suaver than he'd have us think."
"You are quite ze daddy's girl, Ginevra," Fleur commented, smiling.
"It's true, I confess," said Ginny. "Someone had to protect me from the mutiny of six older brothers. Mum always set the punishments, but it was Dad who comforted me. It was always in good fun of course, with the boys... but to a child, it could seem quite overwhelming at times. You know how Fred and George are. Well, were. Dad and I have only gotten closer since.. since Fred's death. There are times I feel I'd give anything to have him try out an exploding toffee on me or something."
"You are lucky to have such a wonderful, big family," said Hermione after a moment.
"They're your family too, Hermione. I'm happy to have you as a sister. And you, Fleur," Ginny grinned at the two women beside her. If you'd asked Ginny Weasley two years ago whether or not she'd enjoy having Fleur Delacour in the family, she would have scoffed. Now, after so much had happened, she felt a real kinship with the part veela. She felt truly blessed to have such wonderful women in her life, but none more than Hermione, who'd always seemed a sister to her.
"Hermione," called Ron, stepping out from the house. "Come take a break! Your mum and dad want to see you. Hell, I want to see you, I haven't talked to you all morning!"
"Go," said Ginny, nodding towards the house. "The flowers look nice, we're almost done with the garden. I think Crookshanks took care of the gnomes, and Charlie mowed the grass earlier. Fleur and I can take care of the lights." Fleur nodded as well.
"Thank you," said Hermione, standing, her legs wobbly from crouching for so long. Her heart fluttered as she walked towards Ron, who radiated warmth in her direction. It was amazing to her that after so many years and after spending so much time together, he still had this affect on her. In the time they'd been a couple, these feelings seemed only to have increased. This was just one of the many reasons why Hermione knew that Ron was the one for her. She fell into his arms and they made their way inside. Ron smelled of the attic, and there was dust in his ginger hair.
"There you are, sweetie," Her mother said kindly, standing from her seat on the sofa and stretching her arms out to her daughter. Hermione hugged her and squeezed in between her parents. Ron took a seat in a nearby chair.
"Molly's certainly kept you busy," Arthur said, entering from the kitchen. "Tea?" he asked.
"Yes, please," Hermione said, Ron nodded. Arthur ducked back into the kitchen, returning with two extra tea cups. Dr. Granger poured tea and beamed at his daughter and soon to be son in-law. But before he could congratulate them on their upcoming nuptials or even ask how their day was going, they were interrupted.
"Ron!" Mrs. Weasley's voice bellowed from three floors up. "You were meant to empty all the bins, don't just sit there... the Grangers will be here any minute. There's work to be done."
"Already here, Molly!" Dr. Granger said waving upwards to Mrs. Weasley.
"Blimey, Mum, I was only having a cup of tea with my future in-laws."
"Oh, Dear me. Jean, Richard, do forgive me. I didn't realize you'd already arrived." Molly sprinted down the stairs. "I'm hardly dressed for company, yet. I'll go and change. Ron, as soon as you're finished with tea, the broom cupboard needs organizing."
"Broom cupboard?"
"Yes, it's ghastly in there. Don't mind if I steal him away from you a bit more, Hermione, dear. There's simply too much to do!"
"I can help him," she said sweetly.
"Nonsense," Molly said. "I really need your help preparing the kitchen."
"Have you gone mad, Mum?" It was George who spoke, poking his head out of his old room. "I can hear you all the way up here. Not to mention your voice is about three decibels higher than usual." George disappeared and reappeared right in front of Hermione's mother, who jumped a bit, then laughed.
"Oh, hello George," Dr. Granger said smiling.
"Why don't you set them to task as well," George asked his mother nodding at the Grangers.
"Of course not, George, they're guests!"
"And Hermione's not?" he asked.
"Well, of course she is..."
"And don't you think that Hermione and Ron might like to relax, to have some time alone together whilst they contemplate the enormous, life-changing step they'll be taking just days from now?" George was grinning so mischievously it was infectious. His face hadn't held that wily gaze for quite some time.
"Oh, you're right," said Molly. "Sorry about that. I'm not sure what came over me. I just have so much on my mind..."
"Go change, Mum. I'll entertain our glorious guests," offered George.
"Thank you, sweetheart," said Molly going back upstairs to change out of her working clothes.
"So, George, what's new in the world of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes?" Hermione's father asked. "Any chance of creating some sugar-free skiving snakboxes?'
"Never really thought about it," George said, "but I suppose there's the cavity-conscious wizard out there who might enjoy that sort of thing." George gave his youngest brother a look. He was clearly telling Ron to take Hermione and get out of there for a while. This was not lost on her. She guzzled the rest of her tea, trying not to to be impolite, but she was desperate for some time alone with Ron.
"Sorry, Mum, Dad, Arthur, would you excuse us for a while? Ron and I are going to take a walk." Hermione said. Calling Mr. Weasley, 'Arthur,' was not something Hermione thought she would ever get used to, but he insisted.
"Of course, love. See you back here for lunch," Dr. Granger kissed her daughter.
Ron and Hermione quietly exited through the back door.
"Oh, no! Go back inside! Tell her we're almost finished. We really don't need help, you two," Ginny said seeing them, fearing her mother had sent them outside to work on the garden.
"We're going for a walk," Ron said. "George saved us. There's still a lot to do, so don't be surprised if you're given even more of a load."
As if on cue, Molly stuck her head out the bedroom window and hollered down. "When you're done out there, come in and help Bill with the kitchen. Then tidy the broom cupboard with George and Angelina."
"And so it continues," said Ginny, but she was smiling.
"Alright, Mum!" She yelled up brightly. "See you two at lunch?" she asked Ron and Hermione.
"That's the plan," replied Hermione.
"You know, I never miss a meal," said Ron. Ginny and Hermione both rolled their eyes. Ginny returned to her work on the garden.
"Why don't we go down to the village, Ottery St. Catchpole. I've always liked it."
"Alright," said Ron. "I suppose we don't look do conspicuous. We'll blend in fine with the muggles." Hermione nodded. They were both wearing Weasley jumpers and worn jeans. They headed down into the little town, hand in hand, and walked towards a small play park where several children were running and playing gleefully. Ron looked a tad nervous as Hermione led him towards the swings, but he sat down in one anyway, his long legs bent, his toes in the sand. Hermione's legs barely touched. She swung gently, leaving her feet to trail on the ground, while Ron sat still.
"Can you believe we're about to get married?" she asked.
"Sometimes I can't believe you said 'yes'!"
"Ronald! Of course I said 'yes.' Honestly, you know I don't like it when you get down on yourself."
"I'm joking," he said putting his hands up in defeat.
"Brings back... less than happy memories," she said.
"Well, right now I'm more than happy."
"Me too. Are you nervous?"
"Not to marry you! But perhaps a little about having to deal with Auntie Muriel. Not to mention some of the other notorious family members. We're quite a bunch. See what you're getting into!"
"I can't wait to be a Weasley," said Hermione.
"I think you've always been one," Ron replied. "You've always been a part of my family, anyway. And now, yes, you'll really be a true Weasley."
"I'm not sure I'll really feel like a Weasley without the red hair," Hermione commented.
"Well, who knows. Maybe our children will have red hair," said Ron.
"Our children?" asked Hermione.
"Well yeah, I'd love to have some little ones, wouldn't you?" he said, grinning. He was watching several children attempt to cross the monkey bars.
"Yes, I do. I just... you think about that sort of thing?" Hermione was truly amazed by the man sitting next to her. Ron nodded.
"See, I've got a bigger emotional range than a teaspoon!"
"I only ever thought that when you were a teenager!"
"You did have a point. I did go through a daft phase. Seemed to last...oh, seventeen years."
"It didn't take you that long," Hermione said. "We both certainly had our childish moments."
"Hark, what was that? Hermione Granger admitting she was wrong about something..." Ron nudged her teasingly in the ribs.
"Ron! I'm always first to admit when I'm wrong."
"Or second. I usually call you out first."
"That's one of the many things I love about you."
"I do love that we can fight."
"I rather enjoy it," said Hermione.
"See, you'll fit right in with the Weasleys," said Ron.
"Want to swing?" asked Hermione.
"Huh?"
Hermione began to swing, slowly at first, then higher and higher. She hollered out like a little girl, the wind whizzing through her hair. She was going so fast, she felt a little chilly from the wind. Ron hadn't joined in. He watched her, stunned. Hermione was swinging very high, now and finally she went for it. She jumped off mid-swing and landed straight into the sand, gracefully.
"You won't touch a broom, but you'll fly through the air that way," said Ron, shaking his head.
"It's fun!"
"My legs are too long for this," Ron said. He got up and stretched his limbs. A black and white ball came flying down the grass and landed near Ron.
"What's this?" He asked, picking it up.
"A ball, Ron!"
"I know, it's a ball. But it's not a quaffle, obviously."
"It's used in football, Ronald."
"Oh! she knows something about muggle sports. Yes, I've seen this before," He said, examining it. "On Dean's posters."
"Sorry about that!" A booming voice echoed from a ways up the hill. A man in a polo shirt and khaki trousers appeared, a little girl running before him. "She doesn't know her own strength."
"It's no problem," said Hermione. "It didn't hit us."
"Is this yours?" Ron asked, holding the ball out to the girl. She stopped and pretended to be shy, clinging to her dad's leg. She looked up at him for approval.
"Go on," her dad encouraged. She walked up to Ron and looked at him tentatively. Ron handed her the ball. The girl was so tiny it looked rather large in her hands.
"What's your name?" asked Ron, kindly. Again the girl looked at her dad.
"Go on, tell him your name," he said.
"I'm Wose," she said.
"Rose." The dad corrected.
"Well, hi Rose," said Ron. "That's a beautiful name. I'm Ron. And this is Hermione."
"Hi Won. Her-my-knee?"
"That's right, Hermione."
"She got your name better than Krum!" Ron whispered to Hermione, who rolled her eyes.
"Say goodbye, Rosie," her dad said. "Thanks. Nice meeting you. Say, are you related to all the other redheads I see around here?"
"Yes sir," Ron answered. "Bye Rose. Nice to meet you." The girl looked back at them while she ran with her ball in hand. Awkwardly she took a hand from the ball to wave, and the ball dropped.
"Let's try a kick..." they heard the dad say as they disappeared again over the hill. Hermione was looking at Ron with such admiration.
"You will make one amazing father someday," she said simply. Ron blushed, his ears going red.
"Well, I have a great example to follow. You are brilliant at everything, so I know, of course, that you will be the most perfect mother."
"I've had two amazing mums to show me the way. One in the muggle world and one in the wizarding world," Hermione said taking Ron's hand and giving it a squeeze.
"Only tell my mum that when you're ready for a lot of crying and fussing."
"I think this whole week is going to be a lot of crying and fussing," said Hermione.
"Over us," said Ron.
"Over us," she agreed. "I fancy a cup of coffee. I have some muggle money, I think. Mind if we go further into town?" Hermione asked.
"Sounds good to me. I don't know how you stand the stuff, but if you like it..."
They left the play park and walked past a row of neat hedges onto the little main street. A worn, wooden sign read "Welcome to Ottery St. Catchpole," with the image of an otter, swimming in blue water adorning it. Ron started laughing and Hermione wondered what was funny.
"it's our patronuses..." he whispered, leaning into her ear. A man walked by with a dog, a jack russell terrier. It was barking madly, as he passed the sign. The dog seemed to think the painted otter was a real one. Hermione smiled.
"Terriers chase otters," said Ron.
"We both did a fair amount of chasing, I'd say," said Hermione. She spotted the little coffee shop and nodded towards it. It was quaint and quiet and very charming. Hermione ordered herself a cappuccino and an Earl Grey tea for Ron, as well as a chocolate scone, which he'd begged for.
"Don't spoil your appetite," she scolded.
"I was going to share it with you!" Ron said through a mouthful. Hermione shook her head. He'd broken the scone apart and pushed half in front of her.
"Rose is a nice name," said Ron, swallowing a bit of scone.
"What?"
"That little girl, in the park. Her name was Rose. I think it's a nice name for a girl."
"You think of baby names too?"
"I am a deep well of emotional...depth." said Ron, laughing. "what names do you like?"
"Really, Ron, you're way ahead of me here."
"It's just for fun. Go on."
"Boy names or girl names?" she asked.
"How about...I get to name the girl, so you name the boy."
"Oh, we're having two, a boy and a girl, are we?"
"Unless you want seven!"
"No. I think two, or three, is just enough. Hmmmm, boy names. Well... oh, this is silly, but..."
"What?"
"Well, if you like the name Rose, for a girl and that stars with 'R,' like for 'Ron,' well, maybe the boy's name can be something beginning with 'H', like Hermione," she said.
"Interesting," said Ron.
"So, I suppose there's Henry, Harry, Hal, Hank, all variations of Henry, really... Herbert, Humphrey, Herman... boy, there's not that many that strike me there, to be honest."
"I have an uncle Herbert. He's not the greatest Weasley to be named after. Ah well, you'll think of something," said Ron. "We've obviously got time. But it's got to sound good with Rose."
"You're really stuck on Rose, eh?"
"Well, obviously if we do have a girl, I'd have to see her first, see if the name fits, but yeah, I like it. And if she does have Weasley red hair, well then... it would be perfect!"
Hermione smiled warmly at her husband-to-be. Until today, she hadn't really thought about what it would be like to have children. She'd imagined walking down the aisle so many times, but this was completely new territory. She had no idea Ron was so enthusiastic about babies. Well, she supposed, coming from a big family, it'd be unthinkable for him to not have any. She felt incredibly lucky.
"It's nearly noon. Shall we head back?"
"Oh, yeah. I'm starving," Ron said, patting his stomach.
"You just ate a scone," Hermione admonished.
"Half," Ron reminded her. They left the shop and walked down the other side of the street, peeking in shop windows before heading back towards to Burrow. At the end of the row of shops, was a book shop. Hermione, or course, had to glance in and there she saw it. The Hunchback of Notre Dame was on display next to several other French novels.
"Hugo!" Hermione blurted.
"Who?" said Ron, alarmed, instinctively his hand went towards his wand pocket, even though they were in a muggle town.
"Victor Hugo," she said, pointing to the book. "Hugo is okay sounding 'H,' name," said Hermione, looking up at Ron, expecting him to say it sounded awful.
"It's excellent!" Ron said. "Rose and Hugo. That has a ring to it, just like Ron and Hermione," Hermione beamed.
"Did we really just name our future children in the middle of Ottery St. Catchpole?"
"Just a bit of fun. We don't have to keep the names," said Ron. But as they walked back across the play park they spotted the little girl, kicking the ball with her dad.
"See you later, Rose!" Ron waved. The girl waved back, but had a look as if she barely remembered meeting them. The rest of the way back to the Burrow, Hermione thought she could hear Ron saying "Rose and Hugo" in different ways, under his breath, as if trying them out. They rounded the corner by the pond to find Harry and Ginny sitting there with their feet dangling in.
"You managed to get away?" Ron asked, amazed.
"Naah," said Ginny. "We told mum we'd get some fresh strawberries from out here. We've just been relaxing. But now that you're back, want to help us gather strawberries."
"No, but we will," said Ron. The four of them set to gathering berries and when they felt they had enough, they went back to the Burrow to find the back garden set up with a long table that had room for everyone. Mrs. Weasley had outdone herself, a task that would eventually have to become impossible.
"There they are," Molly said standing. Arthur stood, too, raising a glass.
"To Ron and Hermione," he said. "May they enjoy their last week as single people." Molly hit him playfully on the shoulder. "But, may they know that the adventure that lies ahead of them is a glorious one and knowing them as I do, I don't think there's anyone else better suited for the other."
"Here, here," said George and Dr. Granger, pounding on the table. Ron and Hermione both blushed as they sat down with the others, raising their own glasses as well. Hermione's mother looked close to tears and she wrapped her arm around her daughter.
"To the merging of two families, and the beginning of a new one," Arthur finished. They all drank deeply, Ron and Hermione beaming at each other.
"To our family!" they said to the sound of whooping cheers.
