"Mum, you're sane, we were shocked too to see Ickle Ronnikins making friends, but here we are," Fred jokingly told Mrs. Weasley as they emerged from the Ford Angelia that they'd piled into at the start of their ride. A flurry of activity followed as everyone collected their trunks and birdcages, walking into the Burrow. "Two whole friends, and one's a girl..."

"Hey," Ron protested, making the others laugh. "I met Harry at King's Cross right off the bat, didn't I?"

The twins smirked. "Yeah, after Mum pointed him out to us," they replied, elbowing Ron in the ribs on both sides to push past him.

"Although we hear the girl's now the girlfriend, so only one then," George added cheekily.

"Shut up about Hermione!" Ron yelled, looking like he was about to chase after them, but they were long gone. Hermione stopped him by grabbing his shoulder.

"Don't listen to them, they're idiots," she said, businesslike. They followed Ron's family into the kitchen, Hermione gaping at each new magical device, first the clock, then the mirror. Ron ended up having to take her on a tour of the house, waiting patiently at each room as she pored over every surface.

"You've been going to Hogwarts for ages," he said, laughing, "hasn't that satisfy your craving for wizard stuff?"

"Ron, that was a school; this is a house," she informed him, smiling as well. "These kinds of dwellings are very different, and─"

"Got it, no need for the lecture," he said, cutting her off. A call from the kitchen disrupted their conversation; it was Mrs. Weasley offering tea. Thunderous sounds were made on the stairs as each Weasley child emerged from his or her room to leap down them, although Bill and Charlie, who had arrived to visit for the summer, simply Apparated. Ron and Hermione looked at each other.

"Want some, 'Mione?" asked Ron. His stomach rumbled audibly as they sat together in his orange bedroom.

"Um, okay," replied Hermione, although she didn't sound enthused. Ron wondered why as they headed downstairs and met at the table for twelve.

Mr. Weasley was reading the Daily Prophet, reciting articles to Percy, whose face was dead serious. He was intent on knowing every last detail about the news, while his father liked to read the interesting, Muggle-based stories. Each page was an exasperated tug-of-war over which story would be told.

Ginny beckoned Hermione over to the empty chair next to her, and Hermione obliged, trying to learn the faces of each Weasley, especially the ones she had never met before. Ron joined her, and Harry, who had just arrived, slipped into a seat beside him. They began to talk with Charlie about Quidditch, while Mrs. Weasley bustled about, hovering trays and tea kettles using magic.

A platter of biscuits toppled, making her curse and flick her wand, hoping to save it, which instead made her lose control of the tea she was pouring, spurting the liquid all over her dress.

"Ugh! Scourify, " she muttered, her eyes shooting daggers at the kitchen tools. Finally, tea was served, and Hermione heard Mrs. Weasley offer her a cup.

"What?" she asked, disoriented, lifting her head up from her shoulder where she had been dozing, and blinking repeatedly. "Oh, no, thanks─"

"No tea?" exclaimed Mrs. Weasley, who stopped pouring the cup she had assumed the girl would want. "Don't you like it?"

"I'm sure it's wonderful, Mrs. Weasley, but─"

Ron's mum turned and walked back to the counter, muttering to herself.

"I thought Ron's new friends would be more polite than this..."

The table stayed rather quiet. Silent looks were exchanged between the children, who knew not to risk enraging their mother when she got offended.

"She prides herself on her cooking," whispered Mr. Weasley to Hermione, finally. "It would do better to accept it, I'll slowly empty your cup with magic if you like." Hermione nodded gratefully.

"I─ I hate tea," she admitted almost silently. Then, to Ron, she said, "I didn't want to offend your mum, but..."

Ron nodded, understanding, and watched as a smile bloomed on his mum's face when Hermione suddenly 'changed her mind.' Gradually the table began to liven up again, and discussions of all kinds ensued as they sipped their tea. Well, everyone except Hermione, but that was just fine by her.


Written for:

Stratified Agate Challenge, Prompt: write about your pairing either getting along with or not getting along with each other's families.

Carnival Challenge, Question: I don't like coffee or tea. Is this SiriusMarauderFan or playwright82?