A/N: First of all, Happy New Year to all and may 2006 be a wonderful year! Thanks to all the people who have reviewed so far but especially kiwi sweet who has been such a support! Normally I like a story with one point of view – in the case of this story, it would be Ron. However, I felt it necessary to the development of the plot to include Hermione's viewpoint at a few key places, this chapter being one of them.This chapter takes place at the same time as the Weasley Family dinner and the discussion at the Twins' flat. So – two short chapters for your enjoyment and then we get to the nitty-gritty. (Finally- I'm sure some of you are saying!) Please keep reviewing- it inspires the muse.
Muggle Bound Chapter 8 Home with Hermione
Hermione Granger stumbled into her room in a daze, collapsed on her bed and burst into tears for the third time that day.
" What is wrong with me?" she thought despairingly. " I've never cried like this at least –well- not since Ron and Lavendar were still together."
She mused on the events of the last few weeks. First there was Dumbledore and the death and destruction at her school, the school that really now was her second home. Secondly the threats to her family and friends brought now especially close to home with planned attacks on the Burrow and her family home. And finally, of course, there was the almost not-quite-there, ill-defined completely and utterly exasperating ' relationship' with her 'best friend' Ron. No wonder she had become such a perpetual waterspout!
Ever since Ron had ended his disgusting snogfest with the ditzy yet devastating Lavendar, Hermione had been hoping and waiting. And waiting. She couldn't bring herself to make a first move, not after what had happened last time but she tried to encourage any moves Ron might make towards her. Had she really misread all his signals? No, she couldn't possibly have. She reviewed them, listing them off as she would when developing a study plan. That long hug and stroking of her hair at the funeral – here she started to tear up again. She gave herself an impatient shake. No, no more tears, What kind of Gryffindor was she anyway?
Then there was the comfort handholding at dinner the other night and the so-o-o close kiss this morning. (Damn, Ginny!) And, of course, the absolute nightmare scene at the station this afternoon. Her heart did a somersault as she remembered the passion of Ron's promise, the warmth in his gaze and the strength in his quick hard embrace. She smiled fondly at his horror as they had looked up to see all the people witnessing their intimate moment. A sudden fear seized her – what if Ron now wouldn't make any move because of that embarrassing scene today? Get a grip, girl! They would be working together on this project – there would be other opportunities.
She took a deep cleansing breath and wandered over to the window where she observed a graceful tabby cat transform into an equally graceful but older woman wearing a distinctive hat. Hermione gasped. Professor McGonagall! But how could she be here – she was in charge now at Hogwarts. No, it was definitely the Professor. She turned and her face was clearly visible as she said a few words to her companion – Tonks – that hair was unmistakable. After a brief conversation, they both disappeared into the neighbor's shrubbery. Hermione felt extremely comforted. Professor McGonagall, though a Professor, had also seemed like her friend as well.
A tap startled her and she turned to see a frantic but miniature owl at the window. Grinning, she let Pig in and grasped the parchment attached to his leg.
Dear Hermione,
I'm so sorry about everything at the station – you know what I mean. By now, they've told you what's happening and I'll be there tomorrow. We went to see Bill at St. Mungo's and he's coming along much better. The Wedding is still on in three weeks – you are coming, aren't you? Please, please be careful – remember what I said.
Wish you were here (with me), RonAlright, now this is really ridiculous, she thought as tears coursed down her cheeks. It was pure Ron – somewhat incoherent, but caring, wonderful- Ron. Did her mean to ask her to the Wedding – as in a date? Probably – but how could she be sure?
Smiling she picked up her quill to reply. Ten minutes later she had dispatched her answer with Pig, when a muffled knock sounded at the front door below.
" Who could that be at this time of night?" she thought. Fear seized her in a paralyzing grip. Heart pounding, Hermione grasped her wand and quickly and quietly edged out her bedroom door. She stayed in the shadows and peered over the banister stealthily. To her great relief, she found her father speaking with Professor McGonagall and Mad-Eye Moody.
" We just wanted to let you know that all is well – no signs of any disturbances." assured Professor McGonagall.
Mad-Eye Moody said gruffly, " You and your wife should get some sleep. Professor McGonagall will be posted here inside the house so there is no chance of any surprises."
Hermione's father still showed the affects of the day and looked sad and lost.
" Thank you. I'm afraid my wife and I are still feeling somewhat overwhelmed. But Hermione is our only child – we'll do anything to help and protect her."
" Believe me, the Ministry project is vital to us. Your daughter and her friend are what we need to make a breakthrough." Moody replied.
Mr. Granger turned to go,then hesitated.
" Was there something else you needed?" asked Professor McGonagall gently.
" Just – well – a father's concern. What kind of boy is this Ronald Weasley?"
Hermione choked and almost gave herself away. She felt colour flooding her face as much from the guilt of eavesdropping as from hearing Ron's name from her father's lips.
"Please, please say something good about Ron," she begged silently. She knew her father was upset about what he'd seen at the station even though he hadn't said anything as yet.
" Ronald Weasley is a loyal, brave and caring young man," replied Professor McGonagall, " I've known his family for years. Ron, in fact, is very like his uncle who I knew well at one time."
" Thank you, Professor," breathed Hermione. Wait, Professor McGonagall had known Ron's uncle? But, Ron didn't have an uncle, did he? Some cousins and Great Aunt Muriel were the only relatives she'd ever heard Ginny and Ron mention.
She heard the door of her parents' bedroom shut and decided to escape to her room. Before she'd taken two steps, Mad-Eye's deep tones sounded again.
" Do you really think that this is a good idea, Minerva? You've not done any field work for a long time and Hogwarts is dependent on you."
" I assure you that I'm quite up to date with field work, Moody. Hogwarts is of no particular interest to the Dark Lord without its headmaster or Harry Potter. Professors Flitwick and Sprout are in charge with Hagrid to help. There is no immediate necessity for my presence," the Professor responded coolly.
" Well, there's no doubt that your assistance with transfiguration is invaluable – a neat bit of work earlier - transfiguring that piece of shrubbery into deadly clinging vines. But surely this is a strain in other ways, considering your role in the last War." Here Moody almost sounded apologetic.
Professor McGonagall answered crisply in a tone she normally reserved for awarding detentions or taking away points.
" If you've no objection to my actual work, I think that is all we need to discuss. I am here most particularly to ensure that Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley, two Hogwarts students embarking on a significant Ministry project, receive the protection and support they need. It is what Albus would have wanted." Her statement held a tone of finality.
With that, Moody apparated with a loud pop and Professor McGonagall once again became a dignified tabby that settled herself on a rug at the bottom of the staircase.
Hermione, now assured of her parents' safety, proceeded to her room where she readied herself for bed. She re-read Ron's note one more time, felt a glow of warmth and excitement as she recalled his strong arms embracing her. Then she drifted happily to sleep with visions of Ron and herself dancing at a fairy-tale wedding.
