See disclaimer in chap 1 :)
Author note/MINOR PLOT CHANGE: I've made it that Ginny is completing Auror training - I have a Drinny fic in mind in which her being an Auror will come into play. I may make it a sequel to Jilted! Basically, that was it. Sorry if this chap is dodgy. I feel its not my best work - I will change it round if the ideas hit me and I'll let you know if this happens. Otherwise enjoy and please, please, please, review! I love reading them! :)x
Harry, Hermione and all the Weasleys bar Ron were gathered once more at the Burrow. Hermione's face was red from her tears over the news Ginny shared with them. Harry held her close and she welcomed his safe arms. Mrs Weasley fretted over both of the pair of them while Ginny explained what had happened while they'd been away.
"… Neither of them has said anything to the press so we're basically waiting at the moment." She finished, looking up to Harry and Hermione. Both of them just nodded. Hermione looked as though she could start crying again. Harry watched her with concern. "Where do you guys want to go from here?" Ginny asked. Mione looked up, her eyes hardening with resolve.
"Harry needs to talk to the Ministry – to sort out his leave. I need to get back to work too. Ron and Lavender can do whatever they want – I want nothing more to do with them." Hermione looked over to Mr and Mrs Weasley. "I understand you have sorted things out with Ron and that you will probably be attending the wedding. I just can't deal with him right now. Not after all he's done."
"Hermione, we made up with Ron after he announced the engagement. However after finding out about his infidelities… I don't think we will ever quite forgive him – and neither Arthur nor I expect you to too." Said Mrs Weasley. Hermione smiled and thanked her before turning to Fred and George her eyes narrowed. The twins cowered under her gaze. Despite the smirk on his face, Harry thought he best intervene.
"C'mon 'Mione, you should get some sleep. It's been an emotional day." Hermione turned to Harry, her expression softening. She nodded and let Harry lead her upstairs. The Weasleys looked at one another in shock.
Harry and Hermione went to work early the next day, hoping that their supervisor would be in. They were in luck – Susan Bones looked up as they entered and smiled upon realising her two hardest workers were back.
"Oh, I'm so glad you're back – things have been moving slowly since you've been away!" she smiled while the pair looked confused.
"You- you aren't mad that we disappeared for a week or so?" asked Harry, glancing at Hermione.
"Well, it was a bit of a shock but Hermione was already meant to be away on her honeymoon and Harry, you've had leave saved up for ages. I'm glad you've had a break. What with everything that's been going on." Susan looked to Hermione, condolences showing in her eyes. "I do hope that everything is smoothing out for you both." Susan smiled at the both of them now, noting how close they were standing. Hermione smiled guiltily.
"Susan, I promise this won't interfere with our work. Really-" she began but Susan cut her off with a wave of her hand.
"I've had couples work for me before – it's no problem. And they weren't as hard-working as you are either." Susan smiled at them once more. "There are packets on your desks of the things I need you to do. There is no rush. It's just some things to get you back in the swing of things." Harry and Hermione nodded, taking their leave.
As they walked to their desks they held hands, hoping there were no reporters watching. Harry and Hermione knew that their relationship would get out eventually but neither of them were ready for that yet. Harry wondered when the news of their return would get out – articles were probably being drafted, due to those who had seen them enter together. He sighed, welcoming back the normal world. It had been this way for him as soon as entered the Wizarding world.
"Harry, Hermione!" came a familiar voice. They spun, jumping a part. Realising that it was Neville Longbottom, a fellow ex-Gryffindor, they linked hands again. He smiled at the gesture.
"Hi Neville, how's it going?" asked Harry.
"Pretty good. How are things with you? Is everything -?" He left the question hanging his eyes moving back and forth between the two of them.
"Everything's good, Neville. And things are slowly straightening themselves out too." Said Hermione, smiling at Harry. "What are you doing here? I thought you worked at Hogsmeade." Neville grinned and waved the papers he had in his hand.
"Just getting these signed – I'm going to be next Herbology professor at Hogwarts!" Harry and Hermione grinned with him, both embracing him one after the other.
"Congratulations!"
"Well, hopefully I can get it. You know what Professor McGonagall's like. She didn't have much faith in me at school." Hermione laughed at his comment.
"She has plenty of faith in you – what with the Ministry and the Battle of Hogwarts." Neville smiled at Hermione and she gently patted his cheek. "I'm gunna get to work. Lovely to see you again, Nev. Harry, I'll see you at lunch?" she asked, biting the inside of her lip.
"Of course love." Harry kissed her cheek and Hermione continued on her way, waving to Neville. Harry watched her go and then turned to Neville once more.
"You seem really happy, mate." Neville stated, clapping Harry's shoulder. Harry grinned.
"I am. After all the crap we've gone through together and what she's been going through lately, it seems like everything really is working out." Harry said earnestly. He knew he could rely on Neville not to say anything.
"I saw all the articles in the paper. Did Ron really -?" Neville's voice was aghast and disbelieving. Harry nodded curtly, his lips pressed into a thin line. "I see. Well, if I run into Ron, I believe I'll copy Ginny. A right slap round the head – try and knock some sense into him, hey?" Harry smiled, glad he and Hermione still had a friend in Neville.
"I best be off, mate. Let us know about the job? And we'll catch up soon." Harry shook Neville's hand and made his way to his small office, thinking about where to take Hermione for lunch. It would have to be somewhere small and secluded. Maybe a Muggle restaurant. His thoughts continued in this manner as he turned to the packet Susan had left on his desk.
Ron slept late that morning. He and Lavender had sorted out everything after their fight and then spent the night 'rekindling' as Lavender called it. Ron wasn't complaining. Blearily looking around, he made his way to the kitchen. Lavender mumbled at him to make some coffee before dozing back off. It reminded him of the times he'd done that to Hermione, despite knowing she hated waiting for her coffee.
The Daily Prophet owl hovered at the window and began pecking frantically when it saw Ron enter the room. He paid for and grabbed the paper quickly to stop the cold getting in. He flicked through the first few pages but saw nothing of interest. He kept his eyes peeled for anything on Harry and Hermione. Ron considered swinging by the Burrow to see if they were back yet.
'On second thought, perhaps not.' He thought, knowing all of them probably wanted him dead. Ron looked up as Lavender entered her hair an absolute mess.
"Morning." She muttered, pouring herself a drink. Lavender looked over his shoulder at the paper, sighing when she saw nothing of interest. She made her way into the lounge while Ron went to have a shower. Lavender fiddled with a few wedding things until she was sure he was in the water. She then pulled out the picture she really wanted to look at. It was an old newspaper clipping.
'The Romances of the Golden Trio Revealed.'
There was a picture of Ron, Granger and Potter. Ron had Granger in his arms, smiling like a madman. She looked similar, although less insane. Potter was pulling Ron's sister, Ginny, in to the frame. Lavender skimmed through the article until she found the passage she was looking for.
'We ask Hermione Granger, the only female member of the Trio, what she thinks of Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley's relationship. She smiles immediately.
"Oh, they're both so happy. And they both deserve each other. I hope that they're happy together for a long time."
We then turn to her new relationship with Ronald Weasley, another member of the Trio.
"Oh yes, it's all very new. We've had our ups and downs but I really do want to make it work." We ask what she thought of any of Mr Weasley's past relationships. "In our last year at Hogwarts, both of us were quite jealous. Ron went out with Lavender Brown for a time being actually. I didn't speak to either of them. There's a whole other story about how everything panned out but it did put more strain on my and Lavender's friendship. Our dorm was rather awkward for a while." Mr Weasley smiles at her comments, clearly remembering as well. We ask him how he feels about the relationship.
"It's been a long time coming. Our friendship has had its major ups and downs – Hermione really didn't do it justice. However, I think every thing's worked out for the best. I'm happy and I hope 'Mione's happy too." Mr Weasley then presses his lips to Miss Granger's temple and she smiles brightly.'
Lavenders jaw was clenched and her hands were shaking.
'Stupid, perfect Hermione Granger.' She thought venomously, throwing down the paper. Lavender never really forgave Ron or Granger for what happened in their sixth year. She was sure that Ron had cheated on her with Granger. And the whole poisoning incident? Lavender's blood boiled at the thought. She heard the water of the shower switch off and quickly hid the clipping.
"Done, Lav." Ron called, leaving the bathroom to get dressed. Lavender smiled at the pet name although there was no joy there. Lavender pulled the clipping out again. She looked at Granger's smiling face. Herm- Granger was the real one Lavender wanted to hurt. Ron was innocent in all of this. Just an innocent boy unsuspecting of Granger's ways. Granger was the one that needed to be hurt. Since Ron had cheated on her with Granger, she helped him cheat on Granger. It was just so they were even. The fact that Lavender got Ron and that Ron had lost his best friends and family was just a bonus. He did need to be hurt a little. Lavender smiled once more, hiding the clipping and moving into the bathroom.
Before showering she pulled out her perfume – it was from Italy, a gift from an old friend. The friend whom had given it to her was brilliant at potions and had added a drop of Amortentia. It wasn't enough to cause the usual symptoms of obsession but it did keep the one you love interested. Lavender placed it away carefully and got in the shower. Her plan was moving along perfectly.
Harry knocked on Hermione's office door, holding some flowers. While ducking out quickly to book them a table he had spotted the flowers and couldn't help but want to get them for Hermione. She looked up and, upon realising who it was, smiled.
"These are for you," Harry said, holding out the flowers. He felt like a school boy with a new crush but he had no idea how else to hand over the flowers.
"Thank you," said Hermione, taking the flowers. She kissed his cheek before laying the flowers on her desk. "Ready for lunch?" she asked, looking nervous again. Harry nodded, watching her curiously. Hermione grabbed her coat before noticing his wondering eyes. "Harry, what is it?"
"You. You seem nervous and it's got me worried." Hermione bit her lip, looking down. Harry lifted her chin with his finger. "What's wrong, love?"
"I'm just worried about what every one's going to say." She said in a big breath. Harry smiled and pulled her into his arms.
"Are you happy being with me?" As he asked the question, Harry felt butterflies erupt in his stomach.
"Yes, of course." Hermione said without a trace of doubt and Harry's heart soared.
"Then does it matter what people say?" Harry pulled out of the embrace enough to look her in the eyes. She shook her head, seeming almost self-conscious. "Good. Now get your coat. We're going to be late for our table." He adopted a stern expression although he couldn't stop his lips from twitching. Hermione laughed and kissed him.
"Very well darling. I do know how you hate to be late for lunch." Hermione said in a fake snooty voice. Harry laughed this time, linking his hand with Hermione's.
"Seriously though, we're going to be late." He said before apparating them to the restaurant.
Ginny sat in her room, pondering Harry and Hermione. She knew she was getting too involved in her best friend's relationship but Ginny still felt that she needed to help. The subject of her ponderings today was how to make their relationship public. Assuming they kept a low profile today then the only cat out of the bag would be that they were back from their trip. Ginny wanted something spectacular to announce their relationship – a party or a kiss at a gala. She just had to hope they would agree. Ginny was in the mood for a party – her Auror training was nearly over and she longed for the day she would be free.
Ginny made her way downstairs, hoping to put her plan into action. Harry and Hermione were in the lounge, going over work stuff. Ginny watched them for a moment, noting how even when they weren't doing anything remotely romance related they still seemed to fit together.
"Harry, Hermione." She said, making her way to the couch. Only Harry looked up.
"Hey Ginny," 'Mione mumbled, scrawling something on a piece of paper. Ginny sighed and Harry noticed her impatience.
"'Mione, stop. Gin needs to talk to us about something important, I think." Harry took the pen from Hermione's hand and she looked up wearily. Ginny knew she had to make this quick.
"I was just wondering if you two were found out today." Ginny said, eyes darting between the two of them.
"People saw that we were back and Neville saw that we were together but that's it – oh, and our supervisor, Susan Bones, knows. We thought it fair that she knew." Ginny nodded before asking:
"How do you want people to find out?" Harry and Hermione looked at one another with confusion. "I mean, do you want to make it a public thing or for it just to happen. I think that having something grand with be good – and fun. You could have a welcome home party! Act all over each other and then have a picture taken – someone can owl it to the press and bam! - You're done. And it doesn't allow press to talk to you but every one stills knows." Hermione burst out laughing at Ginny's proposal.
"Ginny, you know I'm not that type of person – besides I don't want more press hassling me. I already had 3 owls today asking about where we were. I don't need more asking for details about our relationship." Harry nodded. Ginny's brow furrowed.
"How about something at a Ministry party? Just imagine it, attending a Ministry gala together. A kiss just before you enter the function room."
"The press would still be owling us." Harry pointed out.
"However, it requires nothing from us. We don't have to organise a party – we just have to go to a Ministry gala." Said 'Mione. "Besides, that sounds like a lot more fun. And Susan is always looking for representatives from our department to go. It might get her off our backs about never going." Harry looked at her in shock.
"You're seriously considering this?" he asked. Hermione watched him for a moment.
"I won't do it if you don't want to but just think about it, Harry – think about the papers!" Harry smiled at Hermione's excitement. He remembered her in their fourth and fifth year – with the Rita Skeeter scandal and his article about Voldemort. He knew Hermione enjoyed the spotlight at times. Sometimes causing a little bit of mischief.
"Kind of fun isn't it? Breaking the rules!"
"Very well – but if this backfires, I'm blaming both of you!" Harry threatened both of the girls. Hermione smiled and leaned across to kiss him.
"Ew!" cried Ginny, fleeing the room. Harry and Hermione laughed.
Hermione entered Susan Bones' office with determination. Harry had some more work to catch up on so Hermione had taken the opportunity to enquire about the next gala.
"Miss Granger, you are making a lot of visits to me. How may I help?" Susan asked, smiling warmly.
"I was wondering when the next Ministry gala is. Harry and I would like to attend." Susan's eyes narrowed.
"You two hate Ministry galas." Hermione smiled guiltily.
"True – and our interest in the next one mightn't be the best. However, we would both like to attend as representatives of the department." Susan smiled and pulled out some parchment.
"Here – all the details on here. It's this Friday." Hermione nodded, already reading the parchment. "Promise me you won't get up to too much mischief?" Susan asked and Hermione looked up a small smirk on her face.
"Would Harry and I ever do that?" She nodded to Susan and left the office.
'Harry Potter and Hermione Granger return from mysterious holiday.
After seeming to disappear off the face of the earth about 2 weeks ago Harry Potter and Hermione Granger have returned. Sources have reported seeing them enter the Ministry together although there were no obvious inclinations about their feelings to one another. Many are questioning their relationship status and the comments that have been made about the pair.
Miss Susan Bones, Miss Granger and Mr Potter's supervisor, has said that the pair is looking forward to returning to work but made no comment on whether they are still "just friends." A friend of the couple, Mr Neville Longbottom, said that Mr Potter and Miss Granger are happy and glad to be back. This points to perhaps a more than friendly stance between the two. However Mr Longbottom refused to say anything other than that he hopes the misfortune that has previously befallen the duo is over.'
Ron looked up from the article, his heart pounding. Harry and Hermione were back; back from where ever the hell they'd been. Ron wanted to go to the Ministry immediately. To go to the Burrow and wait for them to return home. He needed to speak with them. To salvage whatever friendship he could.
Lavender arrived home as Ron considered his options. She breezed in, smiling and already gabbing about her day. Upon noticing Ron's preoccupation, she paused.
"Ron, darling, what is it?" she said, coming to stand behind him. Her hands slid over his shoulders, her lips brushing against his neck. Ron only motioned to the article, his mind lost in the myriad of scenarios that could happen if he confronted Harry and Hermione. Lavender quickly read the article, her anger bubbling as the story went on. "I have to talk to them. I need to know what is going on and what they think and –"
"Ron, please." Said Lavender, laying down the newspaper. "You know that they won't want anything to do with you. You betrayed both of them – your sister is bound to have pointed that out to them."
"But –" Ron began before Lavender cut him off again.
"But nothing. Ron, you owe them nothing. You don't have to go and explain yourself. You did only what your heart told you – you should never apologize for that. Besides, what with your fascination with Hermione, I might begin to wonder if you've really moved on." Lavender murmured these last words and shrugged her shoulders. Ron spun in his chair to face her, breathing in her perfume.
"Lavender, there is no one I would rather be with. I, just, feel as though there is a loose end left with Harry and Hermione. I need to get rid of it. I'm sorry but I need to finish that part of my life." Ron said, his arms moving around Lavender's waist. Her eyes were wide and scared. "One meeting, love. Then it's done." A smile broke across Lavender's face and she kissed Ron soundly on the lips.
'Things are going well,' she thought.