A/n: Go forth, and review! Seriously guys, I like the feedback. Suggestions are awesome, and all that lovely stuff.
Chapter 14
Storm sat lazily, spread across the sofa that resided in her music room. The old record player in the corner had been blasting out Meat Loaf's Bat out of Hell into the room for a while now. A record she had gotten from her parents for Christmas to replace one that had been broken during the move across the pond.
Storm's eyes were closed as she had her head resting on the back of the sofa. Allowing the music to absorb her entirely. Allowing it to swim through every cell and relax her totally. Captivating her mind as each song played a different scene into her minds eye. It was always a lovely feeling to be taken over by a simple tune, or a seriously rocking rhythm and Guitar riff. She had to fight the urge to get up and take one of her Guitars from the wall and play along. She wanted to more than anything, but couldn't at that moment in time. She was waiting for Hermione to get herself ready for the day ahead of them. She seemed stressed out when they had awoken, so the American had decided to give her some much needed space while they readied for the day ahead.
It was Boxing Day, and they had had a lovely Christmas day together. Swapping presents and snuggling down with hot chocolate and cookies for hours on end. Watching the snow fall from the warmth of Storm's bed. Storm had bought Hermione a large variety of books and quills, along with chocolates, and other girly things she thought Hermione may have liked. She was more than spot on, and had received a mass amount of kisses, that unfortunately had an audience and couldn't go further than just that. Hermione had also received a Gryffindor Quidditch Jersey that adorned "Griffin" written proudly and boldly on the back. It was a joke of course, but Hermione had loved it anyway and promised to wear it to all of the matches to come.
Hermione had in turn got the dark haired witch a few bits and pieces, including a new set of quidditch gloves and a large stack of Vinyl records and CD's followed by an actual CD player. A new hat joined the hefty pile of things, and Storm had promptly put it on, and wore it for the rest of the day. Hermione had almost had to force her to take it off for bed, claiming she would get too hot and wouldn't be able to sleep. Storm of course had taken it off reluctantly, and placed it lovingly on her side table.
There were a few books given, which Storm had promised to read. Most of them were muggle novels about things that were supposed to be "Mythical". Which intrigued the Shifter to no end, she loved seeing just how close the muggles got to pin pointing things that were actually as real as the day's beginning. Then finally Hermione had added a small Ukulele to the pile. Which took its place on the wall next to Storm's other instruments once the American had been forced to stop playing made up folk songs and singing made up lyrics to them.
But now, on the morning of Boxing Day a day of which Storm still didn't understand, she sat listening to her music. All dressed up smartly, with her hair combed into somewhat of a strategic mess. A pair of black jeans hugged her legs as they normally did, and she had refused to swap her boots for shoes. But had pulled on a Christmas jumper that Hermione had picked out for her and was coincidentally in with her presents the previous morning. Storm had a feeling it hadn't been coincidence at all, but it was a nice jumper. So she didn't put up much of a fight when Hermione had asked her to wear it.
The song quickly changed over to "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" and Storm smirked, this had to be one of her favourite songs and she couldn't help but smile way too smugly as it played.
Before she noticed there was someone else in the room; Hermione had sat down beside her, and leant into her side. Draping and arm over the dark haired witches stomach to draw empty patterns on her side. Storm shifted slightly to give the brunette more room.
"Hey" She spoke as she opened her eyes, wrapping her arms around the older witch beside her, giving the smaller girl a gentle squeeze.
"Hello" Hermione beamed up at her girlfriend. "Have you been waiting long?" She quizzed as she leant up to fix a stray piece of black hair that seemed to want to stick straight out behind Storm's ear.
"Not that long, not to worry" Storm smiled and let herself be fixed. "It just doesn't like doing what it's told" She joked, leaning down to kiss the elder witch's lips.
"It's much more tame than normal" Hermione laughed, shaking her head. "Are you ready to go?" She quizzed, standing up and holding her hands out to the taller girl. Noticing the smug smirk playing at the younger witches lips.
"What?" She asked, looking down at herself. She had gone for a simple pair of blue jeans and a Christmas jumper herself.
Storm just shook her head, not really sure how to explain the reason behind her apparently obvious smugness.
"I am indeed, if you're ready that is" She smiled warmly, allowing herself to be pulled up by the smaller girl.
"I'm ready" Hermione smiled and Storm nodded. Wandering over to the record player, she reluctantly shut it off and patted the side almost as if she was saying goodbye to it. The brunette raised a brow, and smiled to herself. The American was strange, and she didn't even think Storm realised how strange she actually was. But it was endearing and cute most of the time so it wasn't a massive problem. It was interesting to see the world through Storm's eyes, and Hermione did her best to do just that when she spent time with her Girlfriend.
The American grabbed her new hat and pulled it over her head, in turn flattening her fringe over her face and shielding her eyes. So much for trying to look presentable, she would surely have hat hair after this. "Right, let's go then!" Storm smirked "I'm sure they can not wait to meet me, and Ginny must be absolutely bursting to see me again" She joked, holding her hand out to Hermione who just shook her head.
"I'm sure you're right" she replied sarcastically with a laugh. Hermione was secretly dreading Ron's reaction when he met Storm. Really not completely sure how he would take the information, or the cause of the information. All she knew was that it would be bad, and there would definitely be fireworks.
Storm lead the pair down the stairs and through the kitchen shouting a quick "GOING NOW BE BACK LATER" at the top of her lungs to whoever was listening. She then waited a moment in complete silence, waiting for some form of reply. When she didn't get one she shrugged and lead Hermione towards the back door. Soon they were stood in the deep snow a ways away from the house. The sky was dull and grey, and the wind was cutting and unpleasant. Hermione looked to Storm who was stood there normally, just in her jumper and jeans. "Are you not bloody freezing?" She asked through chattering teeth as she pulled her coat around her tighter to shield herself from the snow flurries still falling.
"Nope, I'm fine" Storm said with a shrug "My ears are especially warm" She spoke, beaming a bright smile down at her girlfriend. She stepped forwards and wrapped her arms around Hermione's waist. "You should have put another coat on or something" She stated as she tried to share her body's warmth.
"I didn't realise it was going to be so cold" The brunette chattered. Grabbing her wand from her jean pocket, she wrapped her arms around the taller witches neck. "It's because we're in a valley, it's always colder here... I probably should have told you that too" Storm laughed, rubbing her hands up and down Hermione's back.
"Right well, are you ready?" She asked, looking up at the American.
"Ready" Storm stated simply.
With a soft pop they landed in the Burrow's back garden. The snow was as deep as it had been in Storm's back garden, so it didn't make much difference. It was also no warmer here than it had been in Storm's back garden.
Before Hermione could register what was happening, was out in the garden and greeting them. "Storm! So lovely to see you again" The matriarch squealed with delight as she wrapped the taller girl in an embrace the younger witch hadn't looked prepared for.
Hermione was confused as she took in the scene "Good to see you again Molly, all is well I hope?" The dark haired witch asked as she broke free from the woman's arms, trying to hide the clear shock written all over her face.
"It's just Peachey dear, When Ginny mentioned you had stayed at Hogwarts and she had befriended you, I was over the moon!" She cooed, patting the taller girls cheek.
"I didn't realise you were Ginny's mother until just! That's what I get for not sticking around to help for longer, I'm really sorry about that. I hope all was alright once I'd left" Storm blushed a light pink.
"Oh no dear, it's fine, I didn't expect you would" commented "All was well, you did what you could and were needed elsewhere. Don't fret" The oldest redhead smiled before moving to wrap a still rather confused and shocked Hermione up in her embrace.
"Hermione dear! So nice to see you, so glad you both could make it! Come in come in! You must be freezing!" She spoke as she eyed the fact the brunette was still shivering. She lead the pair the short way inside and offered them a hot drink to help warm the pair up.
They both accepted graciously, and Hermione was doing her best to catch Storm's attention. The dark haired witch was clearly shocked to have known the head of the Weasley's all along without a clue.
"I tried to help with the wounded when I had stumbled upon the great hall. I had met , and she just introduced herself as Molly, I didn't make the connection until she came out just" Storm explained quietly, her blush deepening.
"Oh, well I guess that makes sense" Hermione smiled, trying her best not to laugh at how ludicrous the situation was. It seemed everyone had come across her Girlfriend at some point during the battle. Even still it seemed more shocking that Storm hadn't come across due to being injured herself.
In a way it made her even more proud to have been able to bring the American with her. "You sure did meet a lot of people in that battle didn't you" The brunette laughed, finally allowing herself to as she shook her head.
Ginny made her way into the kitchen and stole a gingerbread man from the counter top, earning herself a swift smack from the eldest Weasley still bustling away over what looked to be an entire tray of drinks. "So you made it then" She commented with a smile as she leant back against the counter top.
"No, we got lost and are figments of your imagination" Storm answered before Hermione could.
"Oh, what a vivid imagination I must have" Ginny said just as sarcastically, though couldn't fight the grin that threatened to split her face.
"You must have missed us, you know, to imagine us in such detail" Storm spoke dryly, gesturing to the pair of them.
"Of course I did, how could I go even a day without being told to do homework, or your amazingly witty humour?" Ginny retorted shaking her head as she continued to nibble on her gingerbread man.
Hermione had busied herself trying to rid Storm of her hat as it had gotten wet when the snow had melted. "You're going to get sick, take it off" She scolded sternly as she placed her own coat on the coat rack by the back door, followed by her scarf and finally Storm's hat.
"I wouldn't nag if you would do your own homework when you needed to, and didn't leave it until a day before it's due" Hermione responded, folding her arms across her chest and with an eyebrow raised.
"Well…" Ginny floundered, trying not to meet her mothers scorning gaze that had found its way to the side of her face. Storm stood and watched the scene unfold with great amusement.
Running a hand through her messy black locks.
They were interrupted by Ron who had wandered in mumbling something about seeing if lunch was ready yet. Hermione's hand found Storm's quickly and she gave it a squeeze. Almost as if she was trying to keep herself grounded and prepare for what was about to happen.
The redheaded boy looked over the scene in front of him almost confused, before a wide smile pulled at the corners of his lips. He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Hermione's waist, pulling her firmly out of Storm's grasp. The brunette struggled to get free from the crushing hug, and when she did he held her to him. "Hermione! It's been way to long! How's Hogwarts, not the same without Harry and I driving you up the wall I suppose? I've missed you I know that's for sure" He spoke as he pulled her back in for another hug.
Storm watched the scene unfold through narrowed eyes. The green eyed monster rearing its ugly head and clouding her vision. All she saw was his big man hands where they shouldn't be, and Hermione being way too far away from her side. She cleared her throat a little bit too loudly, and looked to Ginny who seemed equally as confused, and then who was wearing a similar expression.
"Ron let go!" Hermione demanded, trying to push the boy away from her. He finally relented and looked past her to the taller witch stood glaring behind her. "Oh! You didn't tell me you were bringing a friend." He stated, moving past Hermione and sticking his hand out to Storm who looked at it like it had personally offended her. Which it had, of course. It had been way to close to her girlfriend, and that was not okay.
While Storm was weighing up her options, Ron had taken the change to drag his eyes over her form. Taking her in almost as if she was some kind of threat, not a sixteen year old girl who had come for Christmas.
Finally and reluctantly she took his hand and gave it a firm shake all while trying to squeeze as hard as possible and hopefully break his fingers.
"Storm, Storm Griffin" She introduced herself slightly coldly. Trying to keep her growing anger in check. It was probably just because he was Hermione's best friend and they hadn't seen each other for a long time; Yeh that was it. Nothing to do with the fact he was her ex whom obviously still had feelings for her.
"Ron Weasley, Hermione's Boyfriend" He announced proudly, almost as if he had felt the need to warn her off.
"What?!" Came Hermione's shocked voice from behind him echoed with Storm's very own "What?!"
"What on earth are you talking about?!" Hermione continued to address the boy as she marched around him to stand next to Storm, who's jaw had dropped for a moment. But quickly locked in place and she was now staring at him like he was insane, stupid or both.
"Did you forget while you were back at Hogwarts? Come on Hermione!" Ron joked and tried to move closer. But was stopped by Storm stepping in front of Hermione slightly.
"I don't seem to be the one who's forgotten anything. Ronald, we are no longer together. In fact we haven't been for a very long time and will never be again. I made that very clear the last time we spoke" She seethed. Her words were harsh, but true. Apparently trying to be nice didn't work when you wanted to get a message across.
"We didn't discuss it. You can't just end things and then not discuss it. That's not a proper ending, and I refuse to accept it. Therefore I am still your boyfriend." He claimed, folding his arms over his chest like a sulking teenager would.
"Ronald Weasley!" Came 's voice. Clearly as shocked by Ron's behaviour as everyone else. "Don't be so ridiculous! You moped around here for a good month after you two broke it off!"
Hermione had expected him to react badly, but nothing like this ever popped into her mind. She chanced a glance towards Storm, who was visibly shaking now and had gone weirdly quiet. But that was short lived as she soon began to speak. Quite literally the calm before the Storm.
"I don't appreciate you speaking about Hermione like she is still your girlfriend, she is not your property and if she said it was over, that is exactly when it was over. She is my Girlfriend, and that's how it's going to stay. So if you'll kindly go spin" Storm stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Her tone was bitchy and cold, and her eyes bore daggers into his own.
"She is nothing of the sort! Bloody hell are you daft? You're a girl! Hermione tell her! Tell her she's delusional!" Ron spoke, his voice raising multiple octaves and his hands flailing to motion towards the dark haired witch.
"Ron!" Came Ginny's voice, "Stop it, you're making yourself look like an absolute ass!"
"Hermione!" the redhead shrieked again, his eyes pleading with her.
"No Ron, we discussed it, it wasn't working for obvious reasons. Storm is my girlfriend, and you really need to just let it go now. I really expected a lot more from you, a lot more than this insanity" She spoke, her voice cold a scathing. Trying desperately to get through to him.
He didn't seem to be having any of it, and stepped forward to reach out to the brunette. His face contorting in rage when he found that Storm had stepped further into his path, and was blocking him from reaching out to Hermione completely now. "Move, this has nothing to do with you" He spoke through gritted teeth.
"It has everything to do with me, I won't let you touch Hermione again. She's said all that is needed, and I don't think it's necessary for you to touch MY girlfriend" Storm sneered.
"We still have things to discuss, I refuse to accept this" Ron tried again but failed when Storm grabbed his wrist.
"Then that's your problem, obviously Hermione is finished discussing anything with you, not that a discussion would make much difference. You seem unable to comprehend something you don't want to hear." The taller witch spoke, still blocking his way to the brunette stood behind her.
Ron peaked over her shoulder, and met his former best friends gaze. Her eyes were cold and confused; her hands clutched the back of the American's sweater as if holding on. Making sure Storm wasn't going to go anywhere anytime soon, or loose it completely and do something rash.
"Fine, but this isn't over" He growled, shoving the American's shoulders before walking away and leaving the room in a huff.
The tension soon eased, and Storm turned to raise a brow in her girlfriend's direction. Unsure what to make of the entire thing, she knew that was probably the reason Hermione had seemed so nervous that morning.
The brunette rubbed at her temples and groaned "Merlin" she spoke under her breath before looking up to meet Storm's confused gaze. Anger still obvious behind her dark irises. "I really did not think that's what he was going to do" Hermione grumbled, moving forward to wrap her arms around the taller witch's waist.
Storm hugged back and seemed to relax slightly under the brunettes embrace. Hermione could swear she felt the younger girls muscles ease under her touch.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realise that's what he still thought" Ginny moved over to the pair, placing her hand on Storm's shoulder.
"I'll go a have a quick word with him; could you girls take these drinks out to everybody?" Molly asked as she moved towards the doorway. Her eyes tired and weary, clearly not pleased with her youngest son's behaviour. Ron had always been protective, and somewhat jealous of anyone Hermione had given any attention. It had always been pretty bad, but it was never to this extent. The brunette was lost in thought, trying to figure out exactly what had made him act the way he did.
"Yea we'll take them out to everyone Mum" Ginny answered as Molly left. She went to go and grab the tray and levitated it before moving towards the living room. "come on, lets get you introduced to everyone else, I promise Ron's the hardest" She commented as she stopped next to the pair; addressing a sceptical looking Storm.
"Alright then" the dark haired girl sighed as she pulled away from Hermione. "Lead the way" she smiled a forced smile, still obviously uncomfortable with Ron's outburst.
Hermione smiled a warm smile up at her, shaking her head slightly as she began pulling her toward the large living area. She was met with more warmth than she could have imagined. The Weasley's living room was so homey and comfortable. It looked lived in, like a place were an actual family had spent so much time together. In a way it had reminded her of her grandmothers house.
A warm pair of arms wrapping around her body brought her back to reality. Hermione was looking up at her fondly, as if she knew exactly what was going through her mind. "Storm, this is Harry" she spoke, gesturing to the boy stood in front of the American. He was grinning a wide grin and looked like he was waiting for something.
"Ah, I believe we met" Storm laughed as she met the boy's eyes.
"We did, sorry about that by the way, I was sure you were on the other side" He smiled a wide smile before leaning forward and wrapping her in a hug.
"Not a problem, I do seem menacing and evil." She said sarcastically with a smile as she hugged him back. "Always happy to be target practice, just please ask next time" She winked as she pulled away.
"Right, well hopefully that isn't necessary any time soon, I also don't think Hermione would appreciate that so much" He chuckled, looking to the brunette who was smiling at both of them.
"If I had her back in one piece I wouldn't mind all that much... Keep her quiet for a bit" Hermione laughed, nudging Storm's side.
"Hey!" Storm feigned mock hurt, trying to twist the smile off her face. However to no avail.
"So, you should meet the others if you haven't already!" Hermione spoke cheerily, the mood from earlier having lifted almost entirely. She wrapped her fingers around Storm's jumper before dragging her off away from Harry with a quick "I'll be back!" Spoken enthusiastically and in some sort of weird accent from Storm.