Alright, so this is my fanfiction along the lines of the summary that I read for 'Megan Meade's guide to the McGowan boys' by Kate Brian. I would like to point out that it is nothing to do with the storyline for this book, as I have never actually read it!
Anyway, moving swiftly on.
Disclaimer: Still don't own Harry Potter or any of the characters or storylines. I am, however going to ask for the rights for Christmas!
This storyline comes after the sixth book and disregards the seventh.
Happy reading
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'I have an announcement to make!' stated Mrs Weasley as she stood at the head of the table. It was breakfast time at 'The Burrows' and seven pairs of eyes were immediately on her. She stood addressing the four youngest Weasley children, her husband, Harry and Hermione in her dressing gown one Thursday morning in August. Happy in the knowledge that she had their full attention, she carried swiftly on, 'we are all aware of the unfortunate circumstances under which Hermione has joined our household…'
Hermione's brows furrowed in sorrow as she looked directly back down at her cereal bowl and tried not to show the sadness in her eyes as she recalled what she meant. The 'unfortunate circumstance' Mrs Weasley was addressing was the subject of her parents' disappearance. She had returned to King's Cross Station on the last day of term and found that there had been no one to greet her. Instead, she had taken a taxi back to her home where she had been greeted by silence. Furthermore, that evening she had been sitting beside the fire in the lounge when she had been approached by Mr Weasley's patronus.
'My dear Hermione,' it had spoken formally, 'I have grave news concerning your parents,' Hermione had shivered and expected the worst, 'we have heard of their disappearance and fear that it may not have been accidental. I don't wish to worry you but we have begun a full-scale investigation in order to find them,' the patronus was silent for a moment before continuing in a lighter tone, 'Molly has asked me to invite you to stay with us while this is sorted out. I will be with you within the hour to take you back to "The Burrows."'
Then the patronus had faded into nothingness leaving a fearful Hermione staring at the spot where it had stood moments before. Keeping a level head she had quickly collected any extra items that she would need and weren't already packed in her Hogwarts suitcase before waiting in agonising silence for what felt like hours before Mr Weasley apparated into the room.
She had arrived at 'The Burrows' and was welcomed warmly. For the next week she had been treated well and had been reassured constantly by those around her. She had felt like family, today Mrs Weasley would confirm that.
Whilst she had been lost in her thoughts, Mrs Weasley had continued with her declaration, '…we have made sure that she has felt welcome as well as comforted. She is like family to us. Which brings me to the point of my speech; some years ago when I first met Hermione's parents they told me that if anything should happen to them, they would rely on me to make sure that Hermione was well looked after. Therefore, as of this moment I am announcing that Hermione will become a Weasley.'
At this statement, Hermione's head whipped upwards in immediate shock, no longer interested in her breakfast that had enraptured her minutes before. Simultaneously, there had been gasps from various members of the family, and the cereal Ron had previously been chewing on was now spread across the table as he spluttered in confusion. For a few seconds the participants in this meeting seemed to stare around at each other, with the exception of Harry who looked rather amused by the whole situation, mouthing their confusion and unanswered questions at each other before their attention was drawn back to Mrs Weasley as she coughed loudly.
'I hope there are no problems with this and that Hermione will be welcomed with open arms by all of you,' she looked around the table sternly.
After a deafening silence, the siblings and Harry made their excuses and left the table. When there was only Hermione and Mrs Weasley occupying the kitchen, Hermione looked up at Mrs Weasley. There were so many doubts and questions running through her head. For now she would ask the most important question, 'Mrs Weasley?'
'Yes dear?' she sat down in the chair facing Hermione across the table.
'Why wasn't I told about any of this?' she asked, then realising that she had said it in an offended tone she continued with her thoughts, 'not that I'm not happy to be invited into the family as a sister and daughter. I really appreciate what you are doing for me, but I feel I should have been told.'
Molly reached out and covered Hermione's hands with her own, 'Arthur and I had to make a split second decision. Last night we were told by the Ministry that they wanted to place you with a more magically talented family unless we could take proper care of you. We knew that we would anyway but by making you part of the family it makes it inevitable and binding. I would have told you this morning but you were with Ron and you seemed the happiest you had been since you arrived here. I didn't want to interrupt that happiness. Do you understand?'
Hermione nodded her understanding then whispered, 'thank you.'
Smiling, Molly tapped her hands then stood up, 'I'm going to put the kettle on, would you like a cup of tea, dear?'
'No, no thank you. I think I just need some time to go over things in my head,' Hermione replied, pulling herself out of her chair and heading towards the door.
Molly nodded understandingly, 'think it over. Things will make sense in a few days once everything settles down.'
As Hermione left the kitchen she was immediately collared by Ginny who had obviously been waiting in the hallway. As she linked arms with Hermione and pulled her close by her side Ginny giggled childishly, 'we're going to be sisters, isn't that great!'
'Yeah, great,' Hermione sighed, wriggling her arm out of Ginny's grasp, 'excuse me Ginny, I think I just need to be alone for a bit.'
'Oh, ok. I'll come and find you later,' Ginny said, taking a few steps back towards the kitchen. Stopping, she called back after Hermione, 'Hey.' Hermione stopped on the stairs, 'everything going to be okay. We're family now, I'm going to help you get through everything.'
Turning to look at her, Hermione smiled, 'yeah, I know, thanks Gin. It's just that some things are going to change round here and I don't think I can take much more of that.'
As Ginny returned the smile, Hermione looked ahead again and mounted the stairs. Yes, things were going to change, and she had a feeling that some weren't going to be for the best.
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