Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
The Color Red
Chapter 2
"I'm getting married."
Harry looked over to his friend on the left, surprised by his words.
Sirius must be drunk out of his mind.
"Me too."
Harry looked over the to the right, even more astonished.
Remus too? He's barely begun to drink.
"What the bloody hell are you two going on about? I've heard nothing about upcoming nuptials."
Remus piped in, "Let me help our inebriated friend rephrase. We are now on the search to find our future duchesses."
"Hm. I see." Harry thought over it.
Remus and Sirius on the hunt. Every London miss will be vying for the spots.
"I never thought I'd see the day. Sirius getting married. Leaves a bitter taste."
Remus chuckled while Sirius acted offended.
"I'll have you know, any fine lady would be lucky to have me." Sirius words slurred. "I've never had any complaints, if you know what I mean."
Remus choked on his drink. "Fortunately, I don't know what you mean, but I'll take your word for it."
"Why the sudden hurry?" Harry asked even though he could guess already.
"I'm am the Duke of Azkaban but I cannot afford to be." Sirius laughed. "Brother dearest left a debt up to my ears, I'm only getting by on credit."
"If you need any help, you know that I can loan−" Harry's words were cut off.
"And owe another person, no thank you." Sirius sighed. "All I can do is find a lady with a substantial dowry to pay off my debts."
"God bless her soul." Remus and Harry said in unison and raised their glasses.
"God bless my soul." Sirius brought his glass to theirs and drank the rest of his brandy in one gulp.
"Moony, I never did ask you are getting married. Isn't there an easier punishment to go through?" Sirius asked. Clearly, the idea of marital bliss was new to him.
Harry scowled at him. "Sirius meant to ask if any ladies caught you interest."
Remus smiled sadly while shaking his head. "If you haven't noticed, my health isn't all that great. The doctors don't know how to help. I need to have an heir, just in case."
"Bullocks, you're healthy as a horse. You've got all the time in the world." Harry tried to reassure him; though in he knew what Remus was implying was true. For the past year, Remus' health has only been slowing worsening.
"And if you don't, you can always marry Tonks." Harry elbowed Sirius for his inconsiderate words, but Sirius didn't look at all guilty. "You know that spinster cousin of mine has been in love with you since she came out. Maybe you can finally make an honest woman out of her."
Remus only smiled. "Maybe."
Daily Prophet
My dear readers,
It seems that we have some scandal in our midst. Everyone knows that society's favorite degenerate Ronald Weasley is in love with gambling, but someone tells me he's in love with a lot more. Yesterday night, Mister Weasley was seen in the arms of Mistress Lavender. With debt up to his ears, how can Mister Weasley afford one of the most popular girls of Honeydukes? Some say his own wife is footing the bill. What dark secrets is this couple holding?
Investigating for your pleasure, Rita Skeeter
"Ugh!" Ginny screamed. "I hate the woman! Skeeter, that witch!"
Luna giggled at the outburst while dancing around the room. Amazing that she didn't spill a single drop of the tea she held in her hand.
Hermione just gave Ginny a sad smile. "Well, you can't blame her. It is true?"
Luna stopped suddenly and looked to Hermione in shock. "You are truly paying for Ron's entertainments?"
Ginny choked on her crumpet and laughed. Hermione glared over at Ginny.
"Of course not." Hermione was appalled by the notion. "That part is as inaccurate as it gets."
"Oh." Luna muttered before continuing her dance.
"I'll tell Bill to give him another talk, if you'd like?" Ginny said, but knew that no one could stop Ron from doing what he wants to do.
Hermione sighed, "No, I'm already used to it. No one knows Ron like I do. He doesn't listen."
"What are you going to do about it then?" Ginny asked, worried.
"Nothing." Hermione's eyebrows furrowed.
"Nothing?" Ginny and Luna asked at the same time.
"Better in her bed than in mine." Hermione huffed in annoyance. "My dearest husband never quite learned the way beneath the sheets." Hermione suddenly smirked. "Pity the girl, having to suffer through his clumsy lovemaking."
"Hermione!" Ginny held her hand over her mouth in mock horror while Luna listened attentively.
"Is it that bad?" Luna pouted. "I'm about to be married but still no one tells me anything."
"That my darling is because we are still gentlewoman, while Hermione is old and wise." Ginny taunted.
"We are of the same age, silly duck." Hermione decided on some revenge. "It's not my fault no one wants you."
The comment worked its magic as Ginny's face became as red as her hair. Her temper was a common joke in the group of friends and riling the girl up was a favorite past time.
"I'll have you know, I'm the belle of the ball." Ginny crossed her arms in defiance.
"Ladies, ladies. If you start to fight, I'll not watch." Luna's singing voice broke calmed Ginny down. In the group of three, Luna was always the one to break up any possible fights. She was always carefree and was rarely angered. Hermione was the common sense in the group, but after two years of boring marriage, decided that being vexing was fun. Ginny on the other hand, has a famous temper and a mean right hook.
"Luna, stop twirling, you're making my head spin." Hermione laughed.
"Why do you never dance at balls but suddenly cannot stop when you get home?" Ginny joined in on the laughter.
Luna shrugged before sitting down in the chair beside them. Although Luna was fun and memorable with family and close friends, she pretended to be a timid wallflower with everyone else.
Ginny reached out and placed Luna's hands in hers. "I'm dreading this season, won't you join me? Don't leave me to the wolves."
"I think the ton is more scared of you than you are of them." Luna patted Ginny's hand to reassure her. "You'll be fine. You'll see. By the end of the season, you will be engaged, just like me."
Ginny sighed in defeat.
"How is Sir Longbottom these days? I haven't seen him with you recently." Hermione asked.
Luna sighed. "Neville has been acting odd for the past few days. Maybe one of his investments gone wrong, I don't really know. He doesn't want me to worry."
"His problems are going to be your worries though, once you're married." Hermione smiled. "Finally, you're getting married. Now I'm not going to be the only one. Soon, you'll be coming to us about your marital woes too."
Luna and Ginny shared a look. Hopefully Luna's future marital woes were nothing like Hermione's.
"Now it's all up to Ginny to find a husband." Hermione and Luna looked to Ginny expectantly.
Ginny just moaned in agony. "Don't get your hopes up. The men of London aren't nearly up to par."
"Your standards are too high, Gin dear." Luna suggested.
"You know I hate that name, I'd rather not be compared to alcohol, thank you very much." Ginny groaned, "I want a love marriage, I don't want to come home to a husband I don't love, or a house I don't belong in."
Hermione was silent.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to imply." Ginny didn't know how to make up for her loose words.
"It's alright." Hermione gave her a sad smile. "You really should lower your standards though. If a love marriage can turn into a marriage of convenience, then a marriage of convenience can also turn into a love marriage."
A silence went through the room as Ginny and Luna thought over Hermione's words.
Then, loud footsteps interrupted.
"Hello, lovely ladies." Draco came in, happy as can be, making every lady in the room smile slightly.
Draco came over and pecked Luna's cheek before plopping down on a chair.
"And what are all of you discussing today. Nothing to diabolical, I hope."
Luna laughed, "Everything we discuss is diabolical, we would be bored otherwise."
"So true, cousin dearest, it would be a crime to let you wallow in boredom."
Luna gazed at her cousin with affection.
"Coming back from a night of sin, Draco?" Hermione questioned.
Draco turned towards Hermione, his gorgeous grey eyes intense. "You were always the smartest little puppy. Asking all the right questions."
Hermione's cheeks grew pink but didn't back down. "Comparing me to an animal is hardly gentlemanly of you."
Draco wasn't at all fazed. "Good think I'm not a gentleman."
Ginny piped in before Hermione could reply, "Do stop, I'm not ready for another fight between you too."
"What are you taking about? We were having a civilized discussion." Hermione glared at Ginny for insinuating anything more.
"For now, but not for long. You guys always end up in a fight." Ginny whined.
"Fine, for your sake, lovely Ginevra. I will play the gentleman once more." Draco feigned innocence.
Luna turned to Draco, "I have a favor to ask, let's go to the study."
Luna, leaving Ginny and Hermione behind, led Draco out of the parlor.
With no other people around, Ginny reached into her purse and came out with 20 pounds and 7 shillings. She grabbed Hermione's hand and placed the money in her palm.
"What is this?" Hermione asked.
"Some spending money. I know that Ron doesn't give you much; you can't possibly be getting by well. This is as much as I can get without Fleur noticing. I'll get you some more when I can. I have some other jewelry that Fleur doesn't notice" Ginny whispered, making sure no passing maids could overhear.
Hermione was almost in tears. "Thank you, I'll keep it, but no more after this. I know Bill holds a tight reign on any spending." Hermione put the money in her own purse. "I choose to marry Ron, so I'll have to deal with the consequences."
"Do you regret joining our family?" Ginny asked, but already knowing the answer.
"No." Hermione's reply surprised Ginny.
"But I do regret marrying Ron." Ginny and Hermione shared and understanding look.
Men are nothing but trouble; I'd rather be a spinster. Ginny felt anger at Ron for ruining Hermione's life.
"It's very tense in here."
Ginny and Hermione looked up to see Luna. They smiled, both thinking that at least Luna and Neville will be happy.
"What did you talk to Draco about?" Hermione asked.
Draco waltzed in and answered himself. "My permission to have a house party at Slytherin House in a month's time. Another excuse to spend loads of money so that society can come invade my home."
Luna stuck her tongue out at Draco, "Like you don't have money to spend."
"Only for you." Draco teased.
"Don't you have somewhere to be?" Hermione said, trying to rush Draco out.
Draco held his palm over his heart and faked pain. "Unwelcomed in my own home."
"Aren't you going riding today with Lord Zabini?" Luna asked, trying to help Hermione's cause.
"Off with you then." Ginny put in.
Seeing the three ladies set against him, Draco muttered his defeat. "I will be gone for now, but I will be back."
On his way out, Draco couldn't help but tease Hermione one more time. "Hermione, when are you finally going to leave that scoundrel of a husband and come to me? My arms are wide open." Draco ran off before Hermione could hit him for his insolence.
"I hate that man!"
Luna and Ginny both laughed at Hermione's red face and her trembling fists.