DISCLAIMER; HP belongs to JKR. The storyline and all new characters, as well as any new developments are my intellectual property.
Friday night.
Harry was getting ready for the dinner without much help. Kreacher was more cantankerous that ever.
After the DH battle, Hermione had told him that his beloved Regulus was to receive many posthumous awards. Hermione had insisted that Kreacher accepted them for Regulus; and had been in charge of outfitting the house-elf to be honoured that day.
The day of the awards, Kreacher had donned a fancy smock, in deep blue velvet with the House of Black's crest embroidered on the chest, and the chain Sirus had given him around his skinny neck. He had his picture taken with the Ministry of Magic, the heads of the Wizengamot, and Harry and his Lady.
Because of that day, he respected Harry and Hermione, and nobody else. Since that day she had become Lady Granger, and Harry, Lord Potter.
Once a month, they had a mix of gourmet dining and card night. Usually attended by the Weasley brothers, Harry and Hermione. It was held on Friday night at Grimmauld, with rotation every month, but in reality the hosts would invariably be Hermione or Harry. This on the account of the no children, no wives, no girlfriends policy; and yes because of the telie and other gadgets at Harry's, and the cable subscription at Hermione's home.
There was however, one disagreeable house-elf at Harry's. Kreacher hated the Weasleys, and at the top of the long list was Ron. He would not answer to any requests if he came by to visit Harry. Anyone who hurt ' My Lady,' Hermione's new title, was public enemy #1 in Kreacher's book.
Just an indiscrete remark involving some affront to 'My Lady' from Harry, during a conversation overheard by Kreacher, constituted an entrance in Kreacher's black book. The house-elf really had one.
He made a big ceremony of popping the book and an old quill, with a flourish and a nasty grimace the unfortunate's name was penned in, end of the story. Only once he had erased a name in the list that grew by the day, it was Harry's name after four weeks of apologizing for "making" her cry. The list included more than the Weasley, and grew all the time.
This small elf would take his evening off, whenever he entertained any of the black listed. He would go to his cousin's house, at the Pucey's Manor. The cousin made Kreacher appear as the most congenial elf.
Of course, Harry had wanted to hire a elf to help the grumpy Kreacher, however, the mention of a new house-elf to help him, would start the tirade. It was not even worth to even mention it.
So now Harry had to do everything for this Friday night dinner, all cleaning, serving, but at least Kreacher cooked since his Lady Granger was coming
So let's continue our viewing as the drama unfolds. We'll fast forward to the events, during the night preceding the monkey-sex couple.
Back to the present, Grimauld place, hours before the dark room
Friday evening
Harry is relieved his guests have arrived. George is here to serve as a buffer and was told him to bring Angelina. Too bad that he forgot to cancel the monthly night, so Bill and Percy Floo almost right after.
Harry being Harry, decides that there is enough for everyone. However he is aware the brothers will do him harm if he follows his ill conceived plan.
George, the moment Hermione is there, looks at Harry and shakes his head before anyone else notices. He knows Ron, and is sure that Harry will try to say some stupid to defend the sorry excuse for a brother. Harry pretends he saw nothing.
Harry takes everyone to the drawing room, and after a few niceties, "George so nice to see you looking so well," an uptight Hermione says, then greets him with an insincere smile. She does the same with all the rest present. And she gives the host two air kisses, one on each cheek, without touching Harry.
"Harry, darling, I brought drinks for tonight. Glad I brought enough, guess you forgot to c…never mind." She decides not to mention Harry told her this was just going to be dinner, with George and Angelina. The more guests, the less she has to talk to him.
"The drinks are on the stiff side considering the reason you dragged me here tonight. Remember the magic word, the one you should not utter, or refer to it, in even an indirect reference. No, not even if Voldie's ghost threatens you with death itself. The word that starts with an R; I hope you all understood and will not forget."
All the others roll their eyes, and wonder if Harry can be so stupid. Can he? They all hope he isn't.
She gives Harry the fakest smile to ever adorn those delicious lips, begging to be kissed, thoroughly. Harry thinks, and stops before his train of thought derails into forbidden lands; or before his troussers become too tight.
Her hair is starting to crackle with anger, so she takes a deep breath. Everyone else is looking for a safe place to hide.
"Drinks anyone?" Her voice is much friendlier. A common sigh of relief is heard among the attendees.
"A tender morsel of information, so you'll know, Ginny and the other witch's casual encounter was planned. They wanted me to know. Seamus sent me the owls they exchanged the day before. No, I don't want to hear a peep. So you know who Ginny is."
The news wasn't a surprise but to Harry, the others had already come to that conclusion; and will make sure to pass vital information to Ginny's husband. She would never step out her house alone; a look of disgust passes between all the brothers; she has done enough. The common, bitter thought crosses their minds, why Fred, why?
The tension brings unbidden memories to Harry. They come like wild horses as they sit to drink in a tensed mood; he knows she has the right to be angry. Even more now, knowing the two witches had planned it all along. And he remembers the last 30 days that followed the ring incident, just to remind him not to be stupid, to control his tongue.
They drink and after a drink or two, they silently move to the dining room. Tonight, alcohol is the facilitator of choice.
As, the dinner progresses, Hermione decides to break the thick ice freezing the diners, and takes a stab at conversation.
"Harry, dear heart," her tone isn't friendly, the 'dear heart' is an old personal joke; about cold people who use terms of endearment, right before they cut your throat. The other four diners squirm on their chairs, uncomfortably; they wait to hear the other shoe drop.
"Hmm, don't dare mention the 'R' word, I feel it worming its way up your throat, and it is about to fall out of the tip of your tongue. You are about to cause a larger breach into our already strained relationship." Harry looks amazed, how did she know? He was just getting ready to do just that. He avoids looking at her and busies himself with the appetizer.
"That vile creature, that ginger-sewer rat, has ceased to exist. He is a stain on my soul, one that I have managed to erase or at least bleach to some extent. Taking money, the latest accounting, hmm, ah, mmm, over 30,000 galleons from our common vault, my gold…to buy h… who can do such—," her voice is trembling, and she isn't able to speak any more, her voice is charged with emotion. Everyone's eyes bounce from Harry to Hermione.
A menacing growl comes from Bill's corner; Percy has bent his fork, and they both look at George as if he were at fault.
Maybe he is, seeing Hermione like this, makes George wish that he had joined Bill and Charlie when they wanted to do something to Ron. Even Percy was on.
George talked them out of it at the last minute, but it would have taken just one more encouragement before they all had gone for the git.
And, as Arthur had remarked, she was forever lost to the Weasley's gene pool thanks to Ronald Bilus Weasley. Which makes it worse for each one of them.
Harry has stopped eating the scallops with crystallized ginger, that Kreacher prepared just for Hermione, and wants to grab the bull by the horns. It is a good thing that something is holding his tongue from keeping his promise to Ron.
Ron's voice is inside his head, Harry, I found out she will be at your home tonight, that the Friday night is on. If you would please tell, tell, tell, tell her, tell her. Yes, the sewer rat tried his luck earlier today. Hermione is still talking; he needs to look around the table, and he fears for his life.
"Using the money, mostly money from my dead parents, to buy, and to pay a down pa—, the, a, a, r, the—AGH, I cannot even say it, I cannot even tell you what he, for that, you know?" She continue and looks at Harry, a dare for him to speak.
George chugs the entire mojito cocktail, the Muggle drink Hermione fixed for them, all in one sip. His brothers follow the lead. Then, he grabs the pitcher and pours his third, or is it his fourth, in less than ten minutes, no wine for him, he needs something strong.
He looks at Percy's accusatory eyes. Yes, Charlie was right, "Kill the damn git, and then, later, ask for mercy at the Wizegamot."
George mind wonders, he is deep in thought.
That prat deserves to be executed in a slow painful mode. Through the 12 years, all Weasley wizards, from the oldest to George, and yes, include Fred, have respected Ron's claim for Hermione; some in a mean and hurtful manner .
What silliness, each of them has been a willing ring side observer, of Ron's selfishness. He is not a bad bloke, just a bit selfish. He, George, might be the worse traitor.
Molly has lost too much weight; and she is sadder than she has been, since Fred passed away. It is not due to her pregnancy, that is not the reason behind her tears.
She loves Hermione as her own, and is ashamed of her own flesh and blood. Arthur does not even want his name mentioned. Only Hermione is invited for Sunday lunches, and she never comes.
She wants Hermione to be the godmother, to her new offspring, and this is unlikely to happen. A fact which makes her even sadder, and she cries several times a day.
George sent Bill a message, and Bill was beyond mad. Right away, he took a Portkey to loan the witch his support. After his divorce he had been thinking of asking the witch for a chance; and gave it up after a big fight with Ron. Arthur and Charlie had to separate them before Bill let his inner wolf really hurt Ron.
He had left for a ten-year contract to the Far East, and all because of Ron, to let little Ron have his own way. When he came over, a week ago, Hermione told him,"The Weasley wizards will never to have my heart, never again." Which further upset Molly and Arthur, when they heard.
They wanted a good break for Bill. Bill came clean, and confessed his past infractions. He told them about Hermione, and how Ron had helped Fleur.
He had already asked for a divorce, and had moved in with Ron. Who must have fed him a potion at dinner, and he got so drunk, or under a potion, that he couldn't remember what happened that night. Other that Fleur was in his bed come next morning. And four weeks later, she announced her pregnancy. Yes, Ron, must have done it.
Bill had said, "I think that one day Ron's body might be found, mauled by a wolf. And Charlie agreed , "Could be, or eaten by a runaway Dragon."
"We will talk, how about playing cards, after we eat. Angelina can join us," Harry is saying.
George comes up from his revelry, when he hears as Harry conceeds. "… for now, please let's enjoy this delicious dinner. Hermione, would you care for another glass of wine? It is your favourite, Kreacher found it just for you." Harry continues, and small chat graces the table.
Show it-once-and-for-all
Forty minutes later, Hermione is no longer playing cards, she has left her cards upside down to pace the drawing room. She is a caged lioness stalking her prey. Meanwhile Harry sinks as far back on the chair as he can; he is the Christian waiting to be fed, at the Roman arena, to the hungry beast in front of him.
He was an idiot and opened his mouth, oh why o why is he such a fool. He just told her that it was probably the fault of the birthday kiss. The one Lavender gave Ron when she brought him a cake to WWW.
George and Bill look at him with incredulity, Percy's head shakes from side to side. Yes, they all heard the same,"Hermione, I just want to say, not his name no. But think, all the other affairs were the result of the innocent kisses that poor, misguided R allowed his fans to give him. He is weak, but getting stronger, ehem. And with Lav, hmm, well it was the birthday kiss…"
None can believe their ears, what idiocy is Harry saying? Ron just behaved despicably and lost her, why make excuses, he should be glad he is alive.
The Weasley wizards know that they had a fair chance to win her heart, but each of them wasted it. She fell in love easy, or maybe just wanted to forget the war horrors. Each one of them knows of her nightmares, when dreams of the torture became real.
They all know she is not fickle, just has a big heart. And maybe they recognize that each one of them, took advantage of her love and wasted it. They are all feeling guilty, and, well, sad, that they have hurt her, each one of them.
Meanwhile Hermione is angry. During this month she has talked to counselors and has done a lot of soul searching. Begging to be loved and also wanting to be part of the Weasley family, after her parents' murder and Harry's rejection at the tent, she lost her way. No, no more, no.
She looks around to each of them, all guilty as charged, they all cringe. Angeline left a while ago, she made an excuse feeing the tension, a smart move judging by Hermione's growing anger at Harry.
She stops pacing and points a finger, then waggles it on Harry's direction, "How can you dare to call him weak and misguided? How can you even say that it is hard for a wizard to resist a kiss, any kiss, was that your argument? And from a kiss to shagging, and from shag to months of shagging and clandestine meetings, this is too much, too far fetched, too low, even for you, Harry James Potter."
She is gaining momentum coming closer to him, and Harry instinctively sits farther back, almost one with his chair. If she comes any closer, he will Apparate out the room. He does not want to be killed by the Witchy-Flavored-bonbon coming towards him.
All those watching this drama, seen and unseen want to wring Harry's neck, over his ill advised defense of underserving Ron. How can this end well for Harry, is everyone's guess
"So, if I were to kiss you at this very instant, do you mean to say that immediately you would be shagging me, right here in the middle of the room? I think not, you respect me too much, and you feel nothing for me other than filial affection. Poppycock, you would have to have wanted me long before that. R-Rat already wanted to do it with all those witches before the alleged 'innocent kisses!'"
Retorts Hermione, to Harry's misguided logic, her voice is ever louder. "He must have wanted to shag each witch. And because of, one shag or shags, the Misguided R-one, puts thousands of Galleons on a down payment for 'their' cottage and buys her a 5,000 Galleons ring; and all because a kiss, okay a passionate snog. Harry, just give me a bloody break."
Hair flies, escaping her long braid, it seems like a halo around her head, it moves in ripples around her; in the softly lit room, the magic discharges make a light show.
By now Harry's thoughts are taking a turn, She is biting her lip, showing that pink tongue, the hair makes her so beautiful, Harry observes and feels ready to jump her.
He attempts to defend his arguments,,"That is not what I said; I meant if he were around someone, whom he had feelings for in the past; he probably forgot, it is about the present, just a small lapse, like he did not know, dunno."
They all want him to cut it, to stop it. What is Harry doing? He continues, unbelievable.
"Quit looking at me with that expression. You are making me nervous, and, I am not making sense, and damn, settle your hair, and quit biting your lip. I am sure, what? Hmm, now the ring, he was err he did- hmm, he made an error of judgement, under stress."
Harry already knows his argument to be a failure and can hear his babbling. Harry has not made a coherent statement for a while now. Before she came over, he had all planned, now he is questioning his own sanity; George is right, "Mate, don't do it, why did you talk to that sorry excuse for a brother. It is a bad idea, let Ron burn. "
Harry is losing his train of thought, and is thinking, damn she looks shagalicious, and why am I defending my nemesis? Harry James Potter are you an idiot or what?
Even Kreacher took a safe route and plainly told him, "I is not helping if you is helping that gits, I heards," and took his evening off.
George implores him to close his mouth, so does Percy. They both keep telling him to shut it, with hand signs. Bill and Percy stare in amazement, Harry is a smart wizard, so why doesn't he stop? Both have their wands handy, ready to prevent justifiable homicide.
What a bad argument, Harry knows it to be awful. His wishes are to tell her how he feels. That if he had kissed Hermione just once, a real snog, he would have shagged her right on the spot. Just with a touch of her open lips.
Just thinking about it, about a passionate snog, is making him hard, ok harder, if she just touches me, I will come on the spot. She now looks like an angry goddess with magic swirling around her. It is making her breasts taut, her nipples hard, and damn it, 'Cut it out Harry Potter,' he admonishes himself.
This is his normal state when he is around Hermione, ever since he gave up trying to fight his feelings. He is so used to it, that it no longer makes, even, a tiny dent. Permanent-arousal is his middle name; a state so perpetual that he recently called himself, Harry Hard-cock Potter.
All his experiences with other witches, after he gave in to his love for her, were a disaster; a cold shower and Miss Hand, are his now optimal solution for this permanent state. Yet, he is not a monk, he has kept trying just in case, once in a while he goes and hunts for witches.
Yup, he knows the drill by now, a total waste of time, he brings them home, and his flag pole just fizzles out. It has made for some embarrassing moments. He has been now labelled as 'closet gay', 'gay on denial,' and there are rumours he carries a torch for Draco Malfoy.
Of course, his snog argument would imply that Ron loved Lavender, which is the case. However, Ron always wanted, whatever or whoever belonged to someone else. Let's see; Harry loved Hermione; his brothers all had been attracted to her; Viktor had patiently waited until he saw the light and gave up; Mc Laggen has not married hoping for a shot, and who knows who else.
It is that very fact, that some many might, or do want her, the very reason, which makes Hermione Ron's number-one target, the one he wants.
Ron suffers from the youngest child syndrome. Yup, he perceives himself as a victim, while his parents had bled for each one of their children, to include Ron.
Aggghhh, this witch is making him too confused, she is looking too Hermionish, and he really doesn't want her back with Ron. So why on earth is he arguing and pleading for his worse rival? He needs some help from above or a swift kick on the arse, or maybe both.
Hermione is having a rage attack, commonplace since the DH battle. Everyone was damaged in someway. Hers is manifested in rage attacks.
"I will show how wrong you are once and for all. I'm tired of arguing; let me do a life demonstration."
With her teeth clenched, her voice sounds determined, "Just let me show you once and for all, enough is enough, my dear Harry James Potter. Time for talking was here before, and it's now gone bye-bye." She is coming towards him without hesitation. He is now hoping for a good show. He is more than willing, let her come near him, he has a plan of his own.
The house muggle lights are being affected by the fury of one angry and powerful witch.
Hands on demo to show Harry or A life demo to prove him wrong-
Impulsively, no thinking, as she concludes her last sentence, she is by him, the show has begun.
In one fluid motion, she straddles Harry right where he sits.
She wears a flowing chiffon skirt that gracefully accommodates her fast movements. In a fell swoop she takes off his glasses, and to the horrified eyes of Bill and Percy, and George's smirk, she grabs his chin forcefully.
She has a wild look about her, it reminds Harry of his witch when she is under attack. She is taking no prisoners; it is an-all-out, hand to hand combat. Oh, yes, he wants to be attacked by her.
A pleasantly surprised Harry, who by the way is super randy, he is ready to jump her and hell with George, Bill and Percy. With that on mind, he welcomes the aggressor.
He thinks that his eyes are flashing red, and hopefully appears fearful and surprised as he looks at his beloved beauty. Who is now descending like a raptor upon her prey, Harry's lips.
Yes, act surprised Harry Potter; you are an actor, didn't you fool Voldemort? Two can play this game, so come here sweet kitty, come to your lion.'
a/n...Well seems Harry has waken up. And how about if we let the Knotts take care of Ginny their way.
