Disclaimer: I do not own Harry, Ron, Hermione or any other characters that I use from the Harry Potter books. All characters belong to the master mind J.K. Rowling.
'Beginnings'
Recap:
"Really?" Ron asked standing in excitement.
"Only until things calm down," Ginny answered, standing and moving to her door showing her brother the exit. "But until then, can I please go to bed?"
Smirking sheepishly Ron moved to the door bidding his sister good night. She watched him move down the hallway before breaking into a quick run after him. Turing just in time he felt his sister move into his arms hugging him tightly. "Thank you Ron…Thank you so much." Sighing in relief she wasn't trying to charge him, Ron too hugged his sister.
Lying in bed, Hermione Weasley had heard the entire conversation and was thrilled her sister-in-law would be bunking with them. It has taken pert near two hours to help Ron gain the courage to ask his sister, but even so she had already known the outcome. Truthfully, she had just wanted Ron to really step up to the plate and act like the big brother Ginny really needed. Content with herself, Hermione grabbed the book on her side table and began to read to herself.
Chapter 2: Good News
3 months later...
The smell of fresh made coffee awoke her from her sleep. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath in, inhaling the country air. Exhaling she opened her eyes and got out of bed stretching her hands over her head.
Moving into the bathroom, she turned on the shower running her hand under the faucet to make sure the water was warm enough before removing her clothes. Stepping into the shower she stood there silently, letting the water fall upon her. It had been three months since Ginny had come to live with Ron and Hermione in their home. They had taken her in and put a roof over her head. They had cared for her in her time of trial and had given her the support she needed. But she was ok now. She had put Harry behind her and was ready to start fresh. It was time she got out on her own and walked the path destined for her. Ginny had decided last night that she would tell them first thing in the morning. Even though things were great here she was beginning to feel cramped, and shut off from the world. However, she knew the news would be heart breaking for Hermione, who had enjoyed Ginny's stay more than anything. The two had gown quite close and enjoyed spending time together. Ron worked at the Ministry of Magic as an Auror and was gone most of the day until five. And because Hermione hadn't been able to secure a teachers job either, it left her at home. Ginny had been perfect company for Hermione and they had gotten along quite well. She would admit she would miss Hermione tremendously, but all in all, it had to be done.
"Ronald!" Hermione yelled, turning around and slapping at her husband who had just pinched her butt. "I'm not going to tell you again! If you want your breakfast then keep your hands to yourself!"
"Yes dear," Ron snickered taking his usual seat at the head of the table. Picking up the newspaper he opened his mouth to speak only to hear footsteps coming down the stairs. Eyes moving over his paper he wathced his sister move quickly down the stairs and into the kitchen.
"Morning everyone," Ginny said making her way over to the table.
"Morning Ginny," Hermione said sweetly turning to acknowledge her friend. How are you feeling this Saturday morning?"
"Fine, thank you," Ginny answered taking her seat at the table. "And you?"
"Well…I could do without some distractions," Hermione said gesturing over to Ron who was hiding behind his newspaper. "But other than that I'm just perfect. Pancakes?"
"Oh, yes please," Ginny said nodding brightly.
"You seem in a good mood this morning Gin," Ron said putting down his paper and taking a swig of his coffee.
"Oh, well it's such a lovely day," the redhead laughed nervously filling her mouth with blueberry pancakes.
"Indeed it is," Hermione cooed putting the rest of the pancakes on the table and taking a seat across from Gin. "And to top it all off, I have some wonderful news."
"News?" Ginny asked clearing her throat? "What kind of news?"
Hermione smiled taking a sip of her coffee. "Gin, I got a letter last night from Hogwarts, congratulating me. I was able to secure that job as the transfiguration teacher."
"Are you serious?" Ginny asked unsure whether to believe it or not. "Hogwarts?"
"That's right," Hermione laughed.
"Hermione I'm so happy for you," Ginny smiled. She was more than happy though; she was thrilled for her sister-in-law. Hermione deserved this job. She had worked herself sick in school for her teaching degree only to be dashed with disappointment at being unable to find a good job. Teacher jobs in the wizarding world were hard to come by, and it was normally first come first served. For three years she had waited patiently and now her chance had finally come. Ginny just prayed that someday soon her day would come as well.
"Honestly I didn't think it would be so soon," Hermione said smiling. "Normally it takes at least four to five years to secure a job like this. But from the way it sounds Professor Prokopovits pulled a few strings and was able to convince the board to give me the job."
"So when do you leave?" Ginny asked anxiously taking another sip of her orange juice.
"Well, I'm not," Hermione said causing Ginny to spit out her juice, spraying Ron in the process.
"What?" Ginny asked standing from her seat trying to dry herself off.
"I'm not taking the job," Hermione said still smiling.
"Are you insane?" Ginny said passing the towel to Ron who gladly took it, trying desperately not to look disgusted. "Hermione this is the chance of a lifetime! You can't just throw a job like this away! Ron, talk some sense into her!"
"Ginny…will stop for just one moment and let Hermione explain," Ron said laying the towel on the table. There is more to this than you realized.
Taking in a deep breath, Ginny did as she was told trying hard to remain calm.
"Ron is right Ginny," Hermione said standing and moving over to her husband's side. "This job is a dream come true, don't get me wrong. It's what I've always dreamed of. But… Starting a family means a lot more to me than teaching."
"Starting a family?" Ginny asked before realization dawned on her. "You mean, you two…."
"That's right," Hermione smiled leaning over and hugging Ron. "You are going to be an Auntie."
The room was filled with silence before Ginny jumped back up squealing in delight, Hermione right in tow.
"A mommy huh?"
"I know!"
"Oh I'm so happy for you! When are you due?"
"April second!"
"Do you know what it is yet?"
"Not yet. But the doctor said that in another two months I will know for certain."
"Are you two done yet?" Ron asked rolling his eyes and once again resuming his newspaper. "Hermione are you going to tell her, or do I have to?"
"Oh!" Hermione laughed taking Ginny's hands in hers. "I almost forgot to tell you the best part."
"Oh?" Ginny asked, looking even more curious. Was Hermione having twins? It wouldn't be a shock if she was.
"I told you I wasn't taking the job right?" Hermione said, her smile growing larger by the second. "This means they are in need of a new Transfiguration teacher. So, last night I sent Professor Prokopovits a letter back telling him of my new circumstances. But in the process I also noted that I knew someone who was perfectly suited for the job and would make a wonderful teacher. So this morning," Hermione said taking a letter out of her apron, "I got this letter back acknowledging my request." Handing the letter to Ginny she bit her lower lip in anticipation. "Go on, read it."
Looking a littler perplexed, Ginny eventually opened the note.
"Read it out loud," Ron said folding his newspaper and eying Hermione slightly.
"Umm….ok….Here we go….
Dear Mrs. Weasley,
First and foremost please let me congratulate you on your wonderful news. I look forward to hearing of your progress in the months to come. Secondly, I have reviewed your request with the board and they have agreed to allow Miss Ginevra Weasley, daughter or Arthur and Molly Weasley to take your post as our new Transfiguration Professor. A letter will be sent post hast to Miss Weasley today to inform her of her new duties. Congratulations to you once again, and we hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Otto Rowland Prokopovits
Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Ginny seemed to be lost for words. Hermione and Ron watched her read over the letter once again in silence before looking to them for help. "The new teacher you suggested….It was…"
"You," Hermione answered quickly. "When I got the letter, Ron and I had both figured out the day before that I was pregnant. Though we were both excited, I knew that working as a teacher and caring for two would be more than stressful and very unhealthy for the baby. So, I suggested that instead of my going to Hogwarts, why not give it to you? Besides, we both knew that you were getting ready to head off soon."
"How did you…"
"Know?" Ron asked trying to look smug. "One can tell these things after a period of time. Ouch!" Glancing over at Hermione he caught the all too familiar warning sign and quickly hushed.
"Your brother is right Gin," Hermione said glancing quickly to Ron and back up to Ginny again. How we knew is of no consequence now. What is important is that you finally got your dream job. Now you can do what you have always wanted to do. Teach."
Ginny stood there speechless. She didn't know what to say or do. Ron and Hermione had done so much for her already. To take this job…
"Hermione, I can't take this job," Ginny whispered, her voice cracking slightly.
"Of course you can," Hermione smiled. "Ginny this is what you have been waiting for. This is your big chance. If you don't take it now, who is to say you will ever get an opportunity like this again? Take it."
"But this is your j-…"
"Wrong," Hermione chuckled. "This is your job." She sighed seeing Ginny's eyes fill with tears. Moving a little closer to the redhead she tilted her head slightly. "Do you, Ginny Weasley, dare to except this dangerous and mind blowing experience? I mean…. I can't guarantee you will come back alive."
Closing her eyes, Ginny felt herself begin to laugh lightly through her sobs. "Yes…" Ginny answered, softly rubbing the tears away.
"Excuse me?" Hermione asked, pretending to clear out her ears. "I'm sorry…I didn't hear you. Come again?"
Laughing Ginny smiled. "Yes!" Ginny said launching herself at Hermione in a giant hug.
"Ah, excuse me ladies," Ron interrupted poking at his wife. "We have a visitor."
"Visitor?" Hermione asked. "Who?"
Pointing to the window both Hermione and Ginny watched as a large snowy owl landed on the window sill, a large manila envelope in its beak. Written boldly in all caps on the front, was none other than Miss Ginevra Weasley. Both girls went back to squealing while Ron once more picked up his paper. He was bound to get through it sooner or later.
Yay! Second chapter done! Please let me know what you think!!!! Thanks!
