Chapter Ten

Author's Note: Ginny and Harry's engagement party was originally going to be one chapter. Now it looks like it will be two. For some reason once I start describing something I just want to keep going [same thing happened with the New Year's Party]…Don't worry: I swear this story is going somewhere! It's just taking a bit longer than I anticipated…Thanks for everyone who's still reading! I really liked writing these chapters and I hope you enjoy reading them!

Also, I wrote a very short story about Harry's proposal if you're interested in checking that out!

The day of Ginny and Harry's engagement party approached rapidly. Hermione awoke, feeling more relieved about not having to go to work than excited for the party in the evening. Since she had received the proposed Act Pertaining to the Care and Control of Non-Human Magical Creatures: House Elves from Klara, her evenings had been filled with carefully reading and rereading the Act and working through books that she would get from the Ministry of Magic library during her lunch break. Often she would stay up much later than she should with the project, going to bed well past an appropriate hour. Unfortunately, her progress was limited. She didn't know how to prove that the law was unjust towards House Elves or detrimental to the Wizarding community. House Elves were notoriously unwilling to talk about their situations and most of the literature on the matter that Hermione had found was in favour of maintaining the status quo. Even if she was able to construct an unbeatable argument against the law, she wasn't sure what she would do with it. It wasn't as if she could march into the office of the Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and demand change.

Knowing that she couldn't show up at Harry and Ginny's party feeling discouraged, Hermione decided that taking a break from the frustrating work would be important. She spent the day leading up to the party wandering around Diagon Alley, browsing through shops: anything that might get her mind off the legislation. In the afternoon she returned to her flat, ready to get prepared for Harry and Ginny's party, feeling less frustrated about the House Elf situation than she had in over a week. Hermione knew that the problem would still be there waiting for her when the party was over, but she also knew that there was nothing wrong with relaxing for the evening and enjoying the celebration of the engagement of two of her best friends and favourite people.

Hermione slipped on the dress she had chosen for the engagement party. The bias style, she knew, suited her well and she liked the simplistic cut of the sweetheart neckline. The dress was held up with tiny, delicate straps, which appeared flimsy enough to break with only a light snap. The bodice fit her torso snugly and the lightweight fabric skimmed her hips, accentuating the gentle curve of Hermione's waist. The skirt flared out around her thighs, stopping just above her knees in a slightly scalloped hem. Most of the mystery and the daring of the dress were found in the back; a part of the gown that Hermione had particularly admired. The line of the dress came to a low point just barely above the small of her back, leaving her shoulder blades and most of her back largely exposed. Standing in her room in front of her full length mirror, Hermione quickly sashayed her hips, smiling at the way the dress twirled freely around her legs. Ginny had warned her that there would be a lot of dancing at the party and it pleased Hermione to know that her dress would look sufficiently fanciful on the dance floor. Her favourite aspect of her dress, however, was not its structure, movement, or backless style, but the colour; the vibrant, jewel-toned green reminded her of Harry's distinct, emerald eyes.

Hermione glanced at the round-faced clock on her bedside table and saw that she still had almost an hour until Ginny was expecting her at the Burrow. "Ugh, just enough time for my hair," She thought wryly, running a hand through her bushy mess of curls. Sitting on her bed, she brushed her hair straight, treating her locks with the necessary serums and magic to force it to fall smoothly over her shoulders. In a move that struck her as rather redundant, she then curled her hair, forming loose ringlets that bounced over her shoulders. She grinned at her reflection in the mirror: the combination of her dress and her hair recalled the flapper styles of the 1920s. Hermione thought her look be appropriate for the engagement party, which Ginny had wanted to be old-time glamorous.

In line with the theme she was aiming for, Hermione lined her eyes with a dark kohl pencil and stained her lips a deep red. Finishing her look with black, beaded chandelier earrings and a long strand of shimmering black beads, she begrudgingly deemed her look as more than sufficient. Labeling herself as pretty was never something that Hermione was particularly confident in doing. Another quick look at her clock, and Hermione realized she had to be leaving. After sliding on a glittery pair of black pumps, grapping a matching clutch, and wrapping a lightweight, ivory shawl around her bare shoulders, she rushed to her living room fireplace. A handful of bright green powder and a definitive yell of "the Burrow," and Hermione disappeared in a stunning flash of green light.

-o-O-o-

The living room of the Burrow was empty except for Mrs. Weasley and baby Sophie. The older woman was seated on the couch, lovingly cradling her infant granddaughter.

"Oh, am I early?" Hermione asked the moment she stumbled out of the fireplace.

"No, dear…you're fine…and you look so beautiful," Molly replied, standing up and offering Hermione a swift, but affectionate, hug with the arm that wasn't holding Sophie. Hermione thought she detected a tinge of pride in the older woman's tone. "Ginny and the rest are outside,"

"Outside," Hermione shuddered slightly. There was still a fine layer of snow on the ground and she hadn't brought a cover other than her flimsy shawl. "Are you joining us?"

"Oh I doubt that," Mrs. Weasley smiled. "Arthur and I are on babysitting duty….we have all the grandchildren…so well probably stay in here…let you young folks have fun."

"Ok, well if you have a change of heart, come out and join us," Hermione grinned, patting Mrs. Weasley on the shoulder and ruffling Sophie's curly hair.

Mrs. Weasley chuckled softly: "Well, maybe I'll consider that…but you go outside, Ginny will be waiting for you."

-o-O-o-

Hermione left the living room and exited the Burrow through the back door. She shivered when she walked out into the cold of the early evening. A large white tent had been set up in the Burrow's backyard. Hermione muttered irritably under her breath while snow filled up her shoes as she wandered across the yard to the tent. The minute she stepped into the tent, though, she smiled in relief; the covered area was warm and dry. A shimmering dance surface, a bar, and a series of small, round tables surrounded with chairs filled the space under the tented area and several long benches lined the sides. Coloured lanterns hovered below the roof, bringing dim, ethereal light to the set up. A large, rectangular banner proclaiming "Congratulations Harry and Ginny," in bold, silver italics was hung along one side of the canopy. The covered area was so large it defied physics; Hermione knew that only magic was capable of holding up such a massive canopy.

"Mione!" Ginny yelled, waving at her friend as she entered the tented area. Hermione stepped across the dance floor to join Ginny beside the bar, where the other girl was fiddling with the sound system. "Mione! You look incredible!" Ginny gleefully shrieked. Hermione could tell that her dear friend was very much in her element. Ginny seemed eager for her guests to arrive, so that she could play host while everyone celebrated her and Harry's engagement. Unlike Hermione, the spirited and outgoing Ginny never shirked away from being the centre of attention.

"You to do!" Hermione replied excitedly while she and Ginny exchanged lively hugs. Ginny looked perfect for a future bride at her own engagement party. She was wearing a glittering, ivory, cocktail dress. The dress was covered in layers of fringes that danced around the energetic girl whenever she moved, giving all her movements a vibrant animation. Her long red hair was worn down and looked silky in the dim light.

"I'm so glad you're here now. You're one of the first." Ginny's voice continued to be high-pitched and enthusiastic.

"Yah, I see that," Hermione laughed. The tented area was almost completely deserted. Other than Hermione and Ginny, only Harry, Ron, and Lavender Brown were present. The other three had claimed one of the tables towards the edge of the covered area. "Are you expecting lots of people?" She asked curiously.

"Er…sounds like we might be. The guest list just seemed to get longer and longer. I wouldn't be surprised if our entire class showed up," Ginny chuckled. Hermione laughed at her friend's explanation. It was not a shock that Ginny and Harry would have difficulties keeping their party small. After all, there were many in the wizard community who would be eager to attend such a celebration and Hermione imagined that many made an effort to secure an invite to the engagement party of The Boy Who Lived.

"Well, if it isn't my favourite little sister,"

Hermione twisted sharply at the sound of a voice behind her and Ginny.

"Oh hi George," Hermione smiled, seeing George stride across the dance floor to join them by the bar. George was dressed smarty in a dark, structured suit with a crisp white shirt and a narrow black tie. Ginny had obviously mentioned to him beforehand that the party was to be a stylish event.

"Miss Granger," George nodded in Hermione's direction before turning to Ginny. "Congratulations, darling," He said to his younger sister. The siblings embraced as George scooped up his little sister in an all-encompassing bear hug that lifted her feet of the ground. Twirling her playfully, he set Ginny back on the ground. "Get over here, Mione," George exclaimed in Hermione's direction. Hermione chuckled at George's undeniable energy, finding amusement in his excitement. Nevertheless, she bounced over to him, laughing giddily as he picked her off the ground, hugging her just as enthusiastically has he had embraced his little sister. She could feel his rough, calloused hands against her exposed back, but ignored the way his touch made her skin shiver and her lips quiver. She steadied herself on her heels when George placed her back on the dance floor, worried that the dizziness from being spun would cause her to tumble over.

"I'm so, so happy you made it. I can't believe you're so early," Ginny exclaimed.

"Well…I had to see you," George grinned in his signature crooked way. "Besides I didn't have practice today….So, it wasn't like I was busy. Is Fred here yet?" He asked with liveliness in his voice.

"Yah, he and Ang are just inside. I guess Ethan was a little cranky. They should be out here soon, though."

"Brilliant." George whistled, clearly delighted that his twin was able to attend the party. "I got you a little present, Gin," He added.

"You didn't have to do that," Ginny exclaimed, slapping her brother's shoulder mischievously.

"Of course I did. It's not every day that my favourite sister celebrates her engagement." George chuckled while reaching into an interior pocket of his suit jacket. "Here we are, love," He said jovially, handing Ginny a small, royal blue, velvet box.

"Oh good Godric," Ginny quietly admired the contents of the box. She held out the box for Hermione to see. Inside, on pale ivory satin, sat a pair of gorgeous earrings. The drop style earrings consisted of exquisite, dark blue, teardrop gems. A small, but impressive, cluster of diamonds sat at the top point of the gems. "George…this is incredible. You didn't have to…"

"Of course I did," George grinned. "I'm not going to miss the opportunity to get you something."

"Those are amazing," Hermione complemented. "They match your outfit perfectly too, Gin," She added, noticing that Ginny had already donned the new jewelry.

"Don't think I forgot about you, Mione," George said in his laidback way, producing a second, identical box from his jacket pocket.

"George! You shouldn't…Why would you get something for me?" Hermione inquired excitedly. She was shocked at George's consideration.

"What sort of brother would I be if I forgot all about my little sister's maid of honour?" George teasingly questioned, handing Hermione the box. She carefully opened it, gasping when she saw what was on the inside. Two delicate, perfect diamond studs were secured to the ivory lining. The stones were incredibly clear and entirely unblemished.

"I didn't know what colours or styles you liked…so I just went with the classic. I hope you don't mind," George said in a tone that Hermione thought was almost apologetic.

"Are you serious? These are just perfect." Hermione whispered. The diamonds in her hand were far and away the most extraordinary item of jewelry that she owned. She couldn't believe that George thought to get them for her. Quickly removing her costume, chandelier earrings and stowing them in her clutch, Hermione placed the diamonds in their stead.

"How's that?" She asked Ginny.

"They're fantastic on you, Mione." Ginny smiled, before turning to face her older brother. "You're the best Georgie…I'm so glad you're here...It would be the worst if you hadn't been able to make it…" Hermione swore she caught her friend's voice breaking and knew that Ginny was overjoyed to have her adored brother back in town and at her celebration.

"Anytime," George simply said, reciprocating Ginny's hug when his little sister, once again, flung herself into his arms. Hermione stood idly by, unsure if she should leave the siblings and allow them some private time. When Ginny grabbed her arm, she knew she was fine staying. Hermione realized she didn't need to worry; she was always around loved ones when she was surrounded by Weasleys.

"Do you girls want to grab a drink?" George asked with a rakish grin.

"Isn't it a little early?" Hermione questioned.

"No," Ginny and George volunteered emphatically in unison with near identical, mischievous smiles playing across their faces.

-o-O-o-

Several of the partners of Ginny's Quidditch teammates had agreed to act as bartenders, but as they weren't yet at the party, George took a spot behind the bar to fix drinks for Hermione, Ginny, and himself. With his jacket removed and his shirt sleeves rolled up, Hermione had to admit that he looked strikingly handsome in the dim light created by the floating lanterns.

"Ok, so what do you girls want?" He asked, locating a martini shaker behind the bar.

"Surprise us," Ginny replied good-naturedly. Hermione watched as George combined splashes of several beverages in the tall, silver container. Expertly he shook the container and then poured three, equal measurements into smaller tumblers. The resulting liquid was a bright pink and looked unexpectedly appetizing.

"Well, cheers," George continued, softly bumping his glass against Hermione's. He laughed, throwing his head back and pouring his beverage into his mouth. Hermione and Ginny followed suit. The drink that George had concocted was sweet and tasted like strawberries. Hermione was relieved that it lacked the bitterness of most alcoholic beverages. The sweet, flavourful drink was surprisingly easy to drink.

"Well…cheers…" She echoed George's sentiment, smiling coyly at him.

"Generally I'd be drinking shots with Fred," George grinned. "Of course, we're usually drinking a bit harder stuff…" He laughed.

"Hey, speaking of…" Ginny replied pointing, at the same time, to the edge of the tent; Fred and Angelina had just entered the area.

"Oi, I'll see you girls later…I need to go say hi to those two," George added hastily. He hustled towards his twin, greeting Fred with an odd combination of a high five and a hug.

"Ah…Ginny" – Hermione addressed her friend quietly enough to ensure that the others under the tent wouldn't hear her – "I'm not sure about this gift…it's awfully generous…" Her voice faded as she lifted her hands to her ears, fingering the fantastic set of diamonds that George had given her.

"Oh don't worry about that," Ginny replied flippantly, waving her hand dismissively, indicating to Hermione that the gift wasn't a gesture that demanded a lot of thought. "That's just George. He likes doing stuff like that. I wouldn't be surprised if he decided to pick something up and got a little carried away."

"Yah?"

"Oh definitely…I bet he just passed the jewelry store today and thought of me and decided to buy me something. Then he probably remembered you too. He's like that…George…he's always loved to spoil me," Ginny reassured her, smiling fondly for her older brother at the same time.

"Ok good," Hermione replied; Ginny's explanation had helped alleviate her concerns.

"Yah, so don't worry and think that it's weird or that he spent too much money or anything. George likes to give gifts and he's always really liked you, so no surprise that he wanted to get you something nice." Ginny reiterated her take on George's presents. "Hey, you want to go join the guys?" She asked, indicating towards the table that Ron and Harry were occupying with Lavender. Hermione nodded and the two young women strolled across the dance floor to join their friends. Harry, Ron, and Lavender welcomed them happily. Hermione pulled a spare chair up to the table and lounged back in it. Glancing around the tented area, she noticed that guests were starting to trickle in. She looked to Ginny, giggling at the sight of the red-heads gleeful smile. Hermione leaned further back in her chair and folded her hands in her lap; she had an undeniable sense that it was going to be an enjoyable night.