Challenge: 2

Prompt: Mr & Mrs Granger

Restrictions: The Grangers had to be present not just mentioned

Title: Counting the Times
Rating: PG
Word Count: 750
A/N(optional): Written from Mister Granger's point of view.

First.

The first time we met, I knew something was wrong. He was the wrong Weasley. Once my memory had been returned to me I realised that although the red head in the room was somewhat of a comfort, it wasn't the Weasley that should have been there.

'Hermione, where's Ron?'

They had both been upset, my daughter distraught at having to retell the story of Ron's death at their final confrontation with Voldemort. Fred looked ridiculously lost as he tried to comfort Hermione.

I'd tried to give him an encouraging smile, not entirely sure what he was trying to convey in that small gesture. I wasn't really sure of much then.

Second.

The second time hadn't been much better than the first, in that there were still tears. I'd been a little surprised that Arthur Weasley had personally invited me to his son's burial, but I accepted the invitation on behalf of myself and Veronica. Harry and Hermione escorted us both to the Burrow, neither of them saying a great deal and I watched as Fred supported Hermione as they walked down the middle of the many rows of chairs that the rest of us were sitting in.

I daren't mention it to anyone at the time, but I saw something between them that afternoon, as they tried to laugh at memories of Ron and turn the wake into a celebration of his life. I wasn't sure of course, but I knew Hermione had found a very good friend in Fred, and at that time, that's exactly what Hermione needed.

Third.

My baby girl had shut herself off from everyone. Absolutely everyone. She stayed in her room for hours, days... I'm not entirely sure how long she stayed up there to be honest. Days ran into each other, attempts to get her to talk or go outside all became one big mess in my head.

But then Fred arrived and something shifted. He must have said or done something that no one else could. I don't know what it was and I don't need to know. All that matters is he brought my baby girl back to me.

Many times later.

She had asked what we thought. Whether people would judge her, think her a bad person for finding kindness, friendship and love in Ron's brother.

'Do the people that matter care?' I asked, already knowing the answer.

She shook her head.

'Hermione, we deal with the hand we're dealt any way we can.' I'd smile at my wife, encouraging her to carry on. 'You did what you had to, as did Fred. You found each other, and Ron would be happy that you did.'

Tears glistened in Hermione's eyes at Ron's name, but she needed to understand that however hard it is, life goes on.

When I next saw him he took my hand and addressed me as Mister Granger, even though I had told him not to, and he thanked me. For what I'm still not sure, but really, it's me who should have thanked him.

Only a few times later.

'You want to what' I had asked, a little shocked I admit.

'Marry her, Charles. I love her and I want to be with her until my dying day. But I need you and Veronica to give us your blessing or else I... well, I don't know what actually. I haven't entertained that possibility... Please say I can have Hermione's hand in marriage.'

'But... but you've only been together for... not very long! This is very sudden!'

'You're right! It is sudden! But when you're certain about something you do it. Look, I'm not saying I'll ask her tomorrow or anything, but I will ask her. I came here on a bit of a whim actually...'

'You made the decision to marry my daughter on a whim?'

I admit I may have shouted that at him.

'No! Not at all, I came here to ask you today on a whim, I've known I was going to do this for, well, a long time!'

I sighed, both overjoyed for Hermione and upset that she'd grown up this quickly. I looked at Veronica and she couldn't contain her happiness.

'Fred, if you love her, promise to look after her and never break her heart then... of course you have our blessing.'

I knew my decision had already been made. I knew they were meant to be together.

'Make me a Grandfather too early, though, and I'll kill you!'