Mr. Granger, or John as he had asked Ron and Harry to call him, was comfortable after a thorough tour of The Burrow. He was quite funny for a dentist, he knew a lot of jokes, and was just as interested in the wizarding world as Mr. Weasley was in the muggle world. When he excused himself to use the restroom Rom addressed Harry.
" I'm going to show him my chess set and challenge him to a game. Hopefully while we're playing I'll be able to talk to him. Wish me luck mate..." He finished in a whisper as Mr. Granger came down the stairs.
"Would you like to try Wizarding chess Mr. Granger? I'm told it's like muggle chess as far as the rules go." Ron said politely
"If you can handle being beat by an old man! " Mr. Granger joked, "I was a chess champion in my highschool days. "
Harry quietly excused himself walking upstairs to give Ron and Mr. Granger a bit of privacy, he was tempted for a moment to try to listen in on their conversation, but the thought of expendable ears quite depressed him. He sat down to write a letter to Luna and Neville, he had been giving it a lot of thought and decided he would love to be a part of Dumbledore's Army again. Maybe even have a talk with Professor McGonagall and make it into a legitimate school club.
Downstairs Ron was being beat, for the first time in awhile. Mr. Granger, true to his word had a skill for the game. The fact that the pieces moved and literally battled only surprised him for a moment. He beat Ron the first game then put him on the spot.
" So, Ron Weasley... You're the one that's dating my daughter correct?" Mr Weasley asked flat-out.
"Mmhmm yes sir" Ron answered, suddenly very nervous.
"Forgive me son, I don't mean to frighten you... I've never really done this before. Hermione has never had a boyfriend before. She's always been so studious and solemn. I can't picture her with anyone she isn't serious about. I feel I must ask; what are your intentions with my daughter? Are you just as serious as she is? I know you have been friends since she started school, how long has this been going on? Please tell me you guys aren't um... Intimate yet."
Ron, considerably paler then he had been a few seconds ago, took a gulp of air, this was it.
"We've only just realized our feelings sir, we have loved each other for a long time though. It was just hard for us to see. We have only ever kissed, I assure you I have the best intentions. Hermione means the world to me,"
He paused, deciding he should just come out with it already. With shaking hands he pulled the small box out of his pocket that contained the ring and presented it to Mr. Granger.
" I want to ask for your permission to ask for your daughters hand. I promise I will always love and take care of her. " Ron said steadily looking his future father in law straight in the eyes.
Mr. Granger took his time thinking of how to answer, he scrutinized the ring for a few moments before finally clearing his throat.
"This is a lovely ring. I give you my blessing son, if Hermione loves and trusts you then I will too. I'm assuming you haven't asked her yet?" Mr. Granger grinned at Ron,
"Thank you so much Mr... John. I plan on asking her soon. Now that I've got your permission I can start planning. I want it to be be special. " Ron answered confidently.
Mr. Grangers next words were cut off by the front door opening, Hermione and Mrs. Weasley entered first with Mrs. Granger and Ginny behind them. Mrs. Granger embraced her husband, whispering into his ear. Mr. Granger grinned widely and hugged Hermione,
" Thank you sweet pea, I've missed my wife. And many thanks to you and yours." He said gruffly, nodding to Mrs. Weasley.
"Well we're having a second child Jean! How do you feel about it dear? I know you've always said you only wanted one child." Mr. Granger addressed his wife
"It was a bit of a shock once I got my memories back. I'm pleased my love, it's going to be a boy! The doctor said my due date is August 27th. I wish our doctors knew some of the tricks these healers know. A full exam of the baby with a simple wave of a wand! She said that everything is perfect. Hermione told me everything that happened. I'll admit I'm still a little shocked, our little girl running about on her own helping her friends battle evil, and us off in another country not even sure of who we are, deciding to have another kid! It's all so overwhelming. I need to have a lie down. Thank you for helping me Molly, and for allowing us to stay here."
" You're welcome here, if I'm right we'll be in-laws someday so I hope you guys will choose to stay in the area. Let me fix you some lunch, you get off your feet. I have an amazing poultice for swollen feet." Mrs Weasley said taking Mrs. Grangers arm and leading her to the couch.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione all smiled at each other and headed upstairs to Ron's room to catch up. Hermione and Ron's hands intertwined as they reached the top step. Harry noticed this smiling, his friends were meant to be he mused as they all took found a comfortable seat. Silently lost in their own thoughts the trio of friends sat with each other. Just them being all together brought a feeling of normality that was hard to come by these days.
"You guys know what I've been up to, has anything interesting happened while I was out rescuing my parents?" Hermione asked.
" Spot of oddness with the goblins at Gringotts. They were obviously mad that we ruined the building and you know, set their dragon free. But they seemed... Upset that Voldemort had been defeated. I know, I know they don't take part in wizard politics. I think they're a bit more devious than they're portrayed. Ron doesn't agree... What do you think?" Harry directed at Hermione.
After a few moments thought Hermione replied,
" I think it's worth taking note of, I don't want to jump to any conclusions, it could just be because of our getting away with breaking in, you know how prideful they are. What we did was a major sting to all of them. It is odd though. You would think no matter what side they're on a war would inconvenience them."
"Did you not take grade school social studies? Banks make a load of money during wartime, they make money off both sides and because they're not loyal to any one side they don't get caught in the crossfire. Wartime is profitable," Harry responded quickly, he had been rehearsing this conversation since the encounter with the goblins days before.
" After all we've been through together I can't exactly deny your foresight... I just don't want to imagine anymore turbulence. I was rather looking forward to a break from worrying about dark schemes." Hermione sighed.
