Author's Notes: Hey Readers. It's been a long time. I HAVE NO EXCUSE. I'm sorry. I just lost motivation and didn't have much time. I'm not going to make any promises for the next chapter but know that I have started it. (Well the first sentence has been written). I know this is long. I'm not sure if you guys like long chapter but this fic would be about 25 chapters long if I shortened the chapters.
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER. YOU SHOULD KNOW THIS BY NOW. I ALSO CREATED SOME OC'S IN THIS CHAPTER. ANY NAMES MENTIONED THAT YOU DON'T RECOGNISE AS BEING FROM HARRY POTTER ARE PURELY MADE UP AND IT IS 100% AN ACCIDENT IF IT IS THE NAME OF SOMEONE IN REAL LIFE.
Anyway,
Without further ado I present to th thee the charity you have all been waiting for.
Enjoy x
Hermione appeared just outside the wards of The Burrow seconds later. She turned and quickly walked down the path leading to the kitchen door where she would most likely find one of the Weasley's. She opened the door into the kitchen and found Harry and Ginny sat at the kitchen table eating breakfast and talking. At the head of the table was Ron who looked like he had fallen asleep since his head was resting on his arms which were on the table. He was also wearing his pyjama bottoms and a stained vest. Sat next to him was Percy who was reading a book as usual. She couldn't make out the title from the front cover. She'll have to ask him about it later she thought because as soon as she walked into the kitchen she was pulled into tight hug.
"Hermione, I'm so glad you're here. You're just in time for breakfast." Mrs Weasley said releasing her from the hug and ushering her to a spare seat next to Percy.
"Good morning." Hermione said cheerfully as she sat down."Hey 'Mione." Harry and Ginny chimed together before going back to their conversation.
Ginny was still in her pyjamas however Harry was wearing his Quidditch uniform. He must be going outside to play Quidditch she thought but then again it could have been something Ginny asked him to wear to bed last night. She remembered the collar comment she had made on the train to Hogwarts earlier in the year and shivered.
"Morning Ron." She looked in his direction but only received a grunt in return.
"Morning, Percy." She turned to face the older Weasley who was wearing black trousers and a black linen shirt with a dark purple waistcoat. He must be going out later she thought.
"Morning." He replied distractedly.
"Good book?" She asked curiously.
"Yes, very." He answered distractedly again.
"What's the title?" She asked leaning forward to get a glimpse of the spine where the title would be sighed as he closed the book and handed it to her. Hermione took the book gently and glanced at the front page.
"Of mice and men by John Steinbeck." She read raising an eyebrow impressed by Percy's choice. "A Muggle book." She added curiously.
"Yes, Mr Green wants us to open a new Muggle section upstairs so I've been given a reading list of muggles books to read. Actually…"Percy paused to think for a moment. "Would you mind suggesting a few books for me to suggest to Mr Green. It would make me look really good and there's a management position I've been thinking about applying for and it would really help me." Percy spoke quickly and looked very hopeful.
Hermione laughed. "Of course, give me your reading list and I'll have a look and suggest a few others as well."
"Great, thanks 'Mione." He jumped up out of his seat, kissed her on the top of her head and ran up the stairs to his room. Hermione took a bite from a slice of toast to stop herself from blushing. She looked up to find Ron starting at her. She was about the day something when Mrs Wesley centre o over.
"Here you go dears." Mrs Weasley said placing her plate in front of her. "Where did Percy go?" She added with a frown.
"He went to get a reading list from his room. He'll be back in a minute. Thanks for breakfast Mrs Weasley."Hermione told her as she took a small bite from a sausage. She was still full from her first breakfast but she didn't want to seem ungrateful.
"I've told you before Hermione. You can call me Molly. You've known me for over 8 years now. I think we can be on a first name basis." She smiled at Hermione as she placed Harry and Ginny's plate down in front of them and then went to the bottom of the stairs to shout up to Fred and George.
Within seconds Fred and George were down the stairs and seemed to be having a very serious telepathic conversation with each other until they saw Hermione sat down at the table. The both came and sat down either side of her. They were both wearing their Quidditch uniform like Harry so she assumed the boys would be playing a game this morning.
"Morning 'Mione." They sang together as they turned to face her. "What have you been up to?" They asked.
Hermione's eyes flicked between the twins. "Why do you always do that? Do you know how annoying it is?"
"Yes, we do." They answer together with a cheeky smile.
"How do you do it?" She asked curiously.
The twins looked at each other and appeared to be having another telepathic conversation before they both said, "It's a secret."
"Fine then, don't tell me." Hermione huffed really wanting to know. It had bothered her for years.
"Oh come on 'Mione." Fred teased.
"We'll stop it." George added.
"Now tell us." Fred smiled.
"What have you been up to?" They both said.
Hermione rolled her eyes but gave up trying to convince them to tell her their secrets. "My Mother took me shopping on Saturday for a dress and cloak. We ended up having a look around Diagon Alley and some ice-cream. On Sunday, we packed all my things into my suitcase. Then we went to my Grandma's house for a barbecue with my entire family. It was nice to catch up with everyone especially my cousins. They've grown so much since I saw them at Christmas. Then yesterday we took my neighbour's dog for a walk and had a quiet night in playing games and watching TV." Hermione rambled on remembering how nice it had been spending time with her family. She hadn't done that in a long time.
"What's a TV?" Ron asked having taken his head off the table someone during the conversation.
"It's a box with moving pictures that usually tell a story." She answered with a smile as Ron sat down next to Harry. "And morning Ron. Are you awake now?"
"Hmmm" He replied stifling a yawn before digging into the plate his mother had just placed in front of him.
"Interesting." The twins mumbled as they also started to eat their breakfast.
Hermione was about to question what they found interesting when she heard Percy running down the stairs. He ran over to his previous seat but found it occupied by Fred. He frowned and sat down at the other end of the table.
"Here's the list 'Mione. Have you read any of them?" He asked excitedly.
"Wait a second." She mumbled as she scanned the list.
1. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
2. Emma by Jane Austen
3. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
4. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
5. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
6. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
7. Little Women by Louisa M. Alcott
8. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolsloy
9. Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
10. Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift
11. Moby Dick by Herman Melville
12. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
13. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
14. The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
15. The Woman in Black by Susan Hill
"Well this is quite a selection." Hermione said lowering the parchment.
"Have you read any of them?" He asked hopefully. "He wants my thoughts by the end of August and I'm not going to have time to read all of these." He added anxiously.
"I've read Alice's adventures in wonderland, Charlotte's web and The Chronicles of Narnia. I would say they are more of a children's book so maybe you could suggest having a muggle children's book section as there are a lot of good muggle literature out there for children."Percy was making notes next to each book on the list as she spoke."Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and The Woman in Black are classed as horror stories. You could suggest different sections for different genres of literature. I've also read Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice and Sense and sensibility. In the muggle world those books are mostly read by women." She continued.
"Great, thank 'Mione. I've only got to read six more after 'Of Mice and Men. Do you have any other suggestions?" He asked happily.
"Yes, I really loved Dracula by Bram Stoker, Frankenstein by Mary and The Complete Works of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle. Also I have been meaning to read a few of the ones on the list. I could take three and get back to you about them." Hermione offered.
"Really, you would do that?" Percy asked awkwardly.
"Of course. I'll take Gulliver's Travels, Little Women and Jane Eyre."
Hermione reassured him. "Are you at work today?" She asked.
"Yes I'm in at 10.00am until 1.00 pm. Why?"
"I need to take a trip to a muggle bookshop to buy these books. I just wondered if you would want to accompany me." Hermione answered.
"Oh, I would have loved to. It would have given me some good ideas. Maybe you could show me a muggle bookshop another time?" He asked her hopefully.
"Of course, just let me know."
"I'll go with you 'Mione. The boys are planning on playing Quidditch all afternoon. We could make a day of it and get some lunch." Ginny suggested.
"Sure, I know this great muggle cafe in London not that far away from the Leaky Cauldron."
"Sounds fun. I'll go get changed and we can leave at 10." Ginny jumped up excitedly and ran up the stairs.
Hermione stared down at her plate of uneaten food. She felt guilty for not saying it so she forced down another sausage and a ration of bacon with a few spoon fulls of bean before giving up. When Ginny came back down stairs it was 10am so they set off straight away after a quick goodbye to the rest of the Weasley's and Harry. Once outside the ways of The Burrow they apparated to the Leaky Cauldron before exiting out into the streets of London.
The first Muggle bookshop they found was only a few doors away from the Leaky Cauldron. Hermione spent a half an hour at the bookshop. She had found the three books she needed within the first five minutes and spent of the rest of the time browsing through the recently published books since she hadn't really had much of an opportunity to do so in the past couple of years. Ginny spent the hour sat in an armchair rolling her eyes and sighing whenever Hermione looked at her. When Hermione finally paid for her books she had a pile of 5 books. Including the 3 books she was going to read for Percy, she also bought Stardust by Neil Gaiman and About a Boy by Nick Hornby.
Coming out of the Muggle bookshop, they took a right and carried on walking down the busy high street until they came to a small alleyway which had a sign stating that 'Morris Cafe' was 20m down the alleyway. Walking into the cafe, they were greeted by the owner who was a friendly old lady. She wore a flowery skirt and a light blue blouse underneath her flowery pink apron. Hermione knew her as her Grandma Betty's bingo friend.
"Hello Mrs Morris." Hermione politely greeted her.
"H-Hermione. Hermione Granger. Is that you, dear?" Mrs Morris asked curiously.
"Yes it is." She replied. "It's lovely to see you after all this time." She added.
"Oh my dear." She gasped and brought her hands up to Hermione cheeks. "How long had it been? Must be coming up 8 years now. Is that right?" She asked confused.
"Yes, that's about right. The summer before I went off to school." She explained.
"That's right, that's right. You went to a boarding school in Scotland. " Mrs Morris said sadly.
"yes. How have you been?" Hermione asked.
Oh, I'm fine dear. You shouldn't worry about me. You go sit down with your friends and I'll bring over a pot of tea." Mrs Morris quickly headed off toward the kitchen as Hermione and Ginny went and sat at the table closest to the window.
Two minutes later Mrs Morris was back with a streaming pot of tea and the cups.
"Here you go my dears." She said placing the tea and cups on the table before taking a seat. "Who's your friend, Hermione?" She asked with a smile.
"This is Ginny. She's one of my best friends from school." Hermione explained.
"Nice to meet you Ginny." She handed Ginny a cup of tea.
"Thank you and- erm- nice to meet you too." Ginny returned before taking a sip from the cup.
"So how what have you been up to in the past 8 years?" Hermione asked awkwardly. She hadn't expected the women to sit down with them.
"Oh well I've mostly been running this place. It nearly got shut down you know. I had no money and refused to lend from the back. They only steal your money. But then I won the full house at bingo with your grandma Betty. £5000 overall. More then enough to pay off the bills for this place and I invested the rest. Derek helped me actually. Do you remember Derek?" She asked but didn't pause for her to reply. "My eldest grandson. He was in your class at St Stephens Primary School. He had a crush on you, you know? Ooh, are you single dear?" She asked but paused for a reply this time.
"Erm, yes... well no... It's a bit complicated." Hermione nervously answered.
"Oh, trouble in paradise." Mrs Morris smiled apologetically. "Nevermind, things will work out and if they don't I'm sure Derek would love to catch up with you. If you get my drift. She winked before asking them what they wanted to eat. The both ordered fish and chips.
Once Mrs Morris left Hermione looked at her watch which told her it was 11.05pm.
"This time tomorrow will be waiting to get married." She said nervously starting to feel sick all of a sudden.
"I know. I can't wait." Ginny admitted excitedly.
"Why are you do excited? I don't understand." Hermione frowned.
"I promised Harry I would tell anyone." Ginny replied apologetically.
"So it's about this plan of yours." Hermione asked curiously.
"My lips are sealed." Ginny laughed as their plates were laid down in front of them.
They spent the rest of the meal talking about how nice it was and why didn't they serve fish and chips at Hogwarts.
After lunch they took a walk through Diagon Alley window shopping and talking about the dresses that they would be wearing the next day.
When they returned to The Burrow at 11.30am Ginny went straight to her room to find Harry since the boys were not in the clearing where they had expected to find them playing Quidditch. Hermione went into the living room where she found Fred and George sat crossed legs facing each other on the couch.
"Hey boys, what happened to Quidditch?" She asked them but received no answer. Assuming they were having one of their telepathic conversations again, Hermione sat in the armchair near the window and threw her legs over one of the arms. She got out Little Women and began to read.
"We played 3 games." Fred finally answered 5 minutes later.
"Harry caught the snitch within 10 minutes in the first match." George explained.
"Within 30 minutes in the second match." Fred added.
"And within 45 minutes in the third match." George sighed.
"Quidditch is boring when you know who's going to win." They both complained.
"I guess it would be." Hermione nodded in agreement. "What do you have planned for the rest of the afternoon?" She asked making polite conversation.
"Nothing. Why?" They asked curiously.
"Just wondering really." Hermione answered.
"Wondering about what?" They asked raising their an eyebrow at the same time.
"Well, in the Muggle world when someone gets married they have a celebration usually the night before." Hermione explained.
Fred and George looked at each other very intrigued. "What would usually happen at one of these celebrations?" Fred asked.
"Usually the ladies have one part called a 'Hen Night' and the men have a party called a 'Stag Do' but a group party should suffice. Basically, people get together drink alcohol and have fun." Hermione explained simply.
Fred and George's eyes grew wide in excitement. They looked at each other and had another telepathic conversation before they seemed to come to an agreement.
"Would one play games at this sort of celebration?" George asked hopefully.
"Erm...What kind of games?" Hermione asked confused.
"Spin the bottle." The both answered with a smirk.
"If you get people drunk enough then I'm sure they would play." Hermione answered but regretted it straight away.
"I'm sure everyone would play sober." George smirked.
"Except for you." Fred added with an identical smirk.
"Then it's settled." The both jumped up off the couch.
"We shall have one of these celebrations." George grinned at Hermione.
"How do we prepare?" Fred asked nearly exploding with excitement.
"All we need is alcohol and snacks." Hermione replied. "And I want some Muggle alcohol too not just firewhiskey and wine." She added.
"Can we come?" The twins asked hopefully.
"Where?" Hermione asked confused.
"Muggle alcohol shopping." They answered hopefully.
"Sure." Hermione told them and laughed when they broke out smiling. She looked at her watch telling her it was 12:00pm."Grab your cloaks boys, we better get going." She smirked. She grabbed her own cloak and waited for the boys at the kitchen door. When they came back down they walked outside the wards of The Burrow before Hermione took their hands and apperated them away.
When they got back from shopping it was 1:00pm. Fred and George left their bags at the door and went upstairs to tell Ron, Harry and Ginny the plans for the night whilst Hermione went into the kitchen to set up. In their she found Mrs Weasley sat at the dining table reading the latest copy of Witch Weekly.
"Hi Molly." She greeted politely as she set the multiple bags of alcohol and snacks on the table.
Molly looked at them confused."What are in the bags?" She asked frowning.
Hermione smiled sweetly. "Just some snacks and drinks. Erm... We were hoping we could have a small celebration tonight before the partner ceremony tomorrow. Is that alright?" She asked hopefully still smiling.
"Oh, Yes that's fine. Who's 'we'?" She asked inquisitively.
"Just me, Harry, Ron, Ginny, Luna, Neville, Fred, George and Percy if he wants to." Hermione answered quickly.
"If I want to what?" Percy asked coming through the kitchen door.
"Join our celebration tonight." Hermione explained.
"What are you celebrating?"
"Our last night before the partner ceremony."
"Oh, Yes I'll join the celebration."
"Well Arthur and I won't want to intrude so we'll go visit Bill and Fleur for tea." Molly informed them as she left to send an owl to Bill.
"Do you need anything doing?" Percy asked helpfully.
"You could set the drinks and snacks out on the table. I need to go see Neville and Luna." She told him.
"Sure." He said as he started unpacking the back full of Muggle alcohol. "Erm... What is this stuff?" He asked curiously holding up a bottle of Vodka and Gin in one hand and a 6 pack of beers in his other hand.
"Just some Muggle alcohol. There's more bags of it at the kitchen door." She said as she walked out of the door. Once outside the wards she apperated to Luna's house.
Both Luna and Neville had agreed to attend the celebration and would be at The Burrow at 2:00pm. It was now 1:30pm and Hermione was in Ginny's room getting dressed. She decided to wear a pair of denim shorts with a black vest top and a see through black flowery blouse over the top. She pulled on her black heeled ankle boots and went down stairs to see how preparations were going.
She walked through the living room to find Fred and George waving their wands and pushing the furniture as far away as possible leaving a large area on the carpet. The obviously thought that everyone was going to get drunk enough to play truth or dare. Hermione rolled her eyes and went into the kitchen to find Harry and Ginny sat at the table nibbling on food and whispering to each other. She really hoped they were paired together tomorrow. It would be heartbreaking if they weren't. Percy was getting plates and glasses out of the cupboard and Ron was stood reading the labels of the Muggle alcohol and frowning at them.
"Do we have any wizard alcohol?" Ron asked hopefully.
"Oh... erm... no. I thought there might some already in." Hermione answered.
"No Mam and dad don't really drink."
"Right. I'll go get some. Shouldn't be gone too long. Don't start without me." She shouted as she grabbed her black leather jacket.
She ran out of the kitchen door and down the garden path to just outside the wards before apperating away to the Leaky Cauldron hoping she could buy some bottles of firewhisky and butterbeer.
She went straight up to the bar and asked the bartender for 3 bottles of each. He looked slightly shocked and worried at her order but took it anyway.
"Hey Granger. Have you met Fern?" Came the unmistakable voice of Blaise Zabini.
Hermione turned around expecting to find him with a girl but instead found him with his arm around a plant. She raised her eyebrow in confusion.
"Fern this is Hermione, Hermione this is Fern." Blaise introduced them.
Unsure of what to do she reached out her hand and gently shook one of the branches. "Erm... nice to meet you Fern."
"So what brings you to this neck of the woods, Granger?" Blaise asked as if nothing extremely weird had just happened.
"What... Oh... We're having a party and forgot the Wizard alcohol." Hermione explained.
Blaise gasped, "How can you forget the alcohol?"
"Are you here alone Blaise?" She asked worried. She didn't want to leave him alone in an obvious drunken state.
"Nope. Drakey went to the toilet." He pointed in the general direction of the toilets.
"Here you go ma'am." The bartender said handing over her order.
"Well... I better go. See you tomorrow Blaise." Hermione asked awkwardly. "And... Erm... it was nice meeting you Fern." She quickly left and apperated back to The Burrow.
She got back into the kitchen at 1.50 pm and place the 6 bottles on the kitchen table which was starting to look pretty full with all the alcohol and snacks. Everyone was sat around the table. Harry and Ginny were sat whispering into each other's ears. Ron was sat with a bowl of cocktail sausages in front of him. He glared at each one before putting it in his mouth. Percy was sat reading 'Of Mice and Men' taking a small sip of vodka, Fred and George were experimenting with mixing different cocktails.
"Are you the bartenders this afternoon?" Hermione asked jokingly.
"For this first hour or so." George answered with a smirk.
"I don't think we'll be sober enough after that." Fred winked.
"Well then you can make me a Vodka and Coke." She laughed and went to sit down next to Ron who had moved on to the bowl of crisps.
"Here you go 'Mione." The Twins smiled handing her a pint glass of what she hoped was Vodka and Coke. She took a nervous sip and nodded discovering it was a Vodka and Coke.
"Thanks." Hermione smiled taking another sip. 'This is actually really nice.' She thought taking a large gulp.
Fred and George shares a quick smile before going back to their experimenting.
Hermione woke up at 5am the next morning with a thumping headache. She sat up to try and find her wand but groaned at the pain that shot through her head. She reached for her bag and wand then summoned a hangover potion. After downing it she laid back down and tried to go back to sleep but after half an hour of trying she gave up and decided to get up. She threw her dressing coat on over her pyjamas and quietly left the room so she didn't wake up Ginny.
She tried to silently creep down the stair but that was impossible since every step creaked underneath her. Thankfully she made it to the kitchen without waking anyone up. She made herself a cup of tea before turning around to find the kitchen table covered in crumbs, empty bottles, spilt drinks and bowls all over the table. Sighing she set about tidying it up. Waving her wand the empty bottle flew into the bin along with empty food packets. She then waved her wand again and full bottles and fiid packets flew into different cupboards. Then waving her wand a third time, the table was wiped clean. Hermione smiled at herself as she sat down at the table with her warm mug of tea. After a few minutes she summoned 'Little Women' from Ginny's Room and continued to read it from where she had left off.
She was joined in the kitchen by Mr and Mrs Weasley at 7:30am. They seemed surprised to see her up so early.
"Oh, good morning Hemione dear. We didn't expect to see anyone up this early." Mr Weasley commented sitting down at the head of the table to read the morning paper.
"I woke up early and couldn't get back to sleep." She explained.
"I'll start making breakfast and then we'll wake everyone up at 8am. We have to be at the ministry at 11am." Mrs Weasley said as she quickly wandered around the kitchen collecting food and pans. "It's so nice of you all to tidy up before you went to bed. We got home at 10pm and it was a mess in here. I was sure I would have to clean it in the morning. What time did you all make it to bed?" Mrs Weasley asked.
Hermione had no idea. The last thing she could remember was Fred and George giving her a drink. "I'm not sure. We lost track of time but it wasn't too late." Hermione hoped she was right.
Hermione went back to her reading whilst Mr Weasley read the paper and Mrs Weasley cooked breakfast consisting of bacon, eggs, sausage, beans and toast. At 8am Mrs Weasley shouted everyone up from the bottom of the stairs. Percy was the first one down the stairs looking half asleep. His hair was sticking up in all directions. He was still wearing his Pjyamas. He sat down opposite Hermione avoiding her eye contact.
"Are you alright, Percy?" She asked concerned.
He turned to face her and glared at her. "Like you don't remember." He mumbled.
Hermione started worry now. What had she done last night? Before she could think too much into it Harry and Ginny came down the stair in their pjyamass. They walked into the kitchen and paused when they saw Hermione and Percy already sat down at the table. Hermione looked at them confused as they tried to hide their smiled.
"Morning Hermione, Percy." Ginny smirked. Harry frowned and elbowed her in the ribs. "Shh" He hissed.
Hermione narrowed her eyes and glared at them both as they sat down between Percy and Mr Weasley.
Next down the stairs was Ron still in his party clothes from last night. Hermione smiled at him but he simply glared a her and sat on the other side of Percy avoiding her eye contact.
'Why is evryone glaring at me?' Hermione thought. 'What happened last night.' She opened her book and began to read again not feeling like communicating with anyone. She looked up 5 minutes later when the twins came down the stairs dressed in their red trousers and gold shirt with red suspenders. Hermione rolled her eyes hoping they weren't planning on wearing them to the ceremony but she knew they would be.
"Good morning everyone." They greeted cheerfully as they sat down either side of Hermione.
"How are you this fine morning Hermione?" George smiled kindly.
"Fine." She grumbled a reply.
"We didn't know you were such a..." Fred thought for a moment.
"Party animal." George added.
Hermione looked between Fred and George quickly. 'What are they on about?'
"What are you on about?" She asked eyes wide in shock.
"You don't remember, do you?" George asked.
"She doesn't remember, does she George?" Fred shook his head.
"Oh 'Mione." They sighed together.
Hermione looked around at the faces of everyone at the table. Mr and Mrs Weasley looked extremely confused whilst everyone else were either glaring at her or trying not to laugh.
"Can someone please tell me what happened last night?" Hermione shouted looking at everyone. Nobody answered so she stood up and went upstairs to get ready for the ceremony.
Once in Ginny's room she through herself down on her friends bed and tried to remember last night. Bits of memory were flashing back into her mind. She remembered Luna and Neville arriving, someone put a record on and everyone danced, the twins suggested they played truth or dare, Mr and Mrs Weasley had returned and everyone pretended to act sober, Ginny apperated Neville and Luna home and then Hermione woke up. She was missing something. Something vital.
A few minutes later Ginny came into the room and sat down next to her on the bed.
"Are you okay, Hermione?" She asked nervously.
"NO." She shouted. "I don't remember last night." She added calmly. "What did I do? Please tell me." She pleaded with her friend.
"Well...erm... It was all fine until Fred and George suggested we play truth or dare. You were already pretty drunk. Everyone else was just tipsy. Anyway Fred spuan the bottle first and it landed on Luna and he asked her if the Crumple-Horned Snorkack was real, she said yes. It was all pretty innocent at first but then someone asked George who he fancied at Hogwarts, he said Alicia Spinnet. Then it landed on you and George asked you who you fancy in the circle..." Ginny paused and looked at Hermione.
Hermione was staring wide eyed at Ginny. "Who did I say?" She whispered horrified.
"Percy." Ginny whispered and turned away trying to hide her smile.
"Shit." Hermione moaned throwing herself back down on the bed. "Shit Fuck Shit Fuck Shit. Why the fuck did I say that? Oh Shit. What did Percy say?" She asked sitting up again.
"He didn't say anything. He just froze. I don't know whether it was in shock or horror. He was sat next to you but he went to get a drink and sat next to Neville when he came back."
"Oh God. Is that it?" Hermione asked hopefully.
Ginny was about to answer when Harry burst through the door. "Hey 'Mione." He smiled knowingly.
"Stop that. I'm dying of embarrassment." Hermione through a pillow at Harry and covered her face with her arm.
"Aww, you told her." Harry moaned throwing the pillow back at Hemrione and sitting down next to her on the bed. Ginny punched him on the shoulder.
"Stop being mean, Harry." Ginny snapped at him causing him to roll his eyes.
Hermione laughed. "I'm gonna miss you guys." She sighed.
"We're not going anywhere 'Mione. We'll all be living together in the Ministry Starter Estate." Harry explained.
"Yes but there's going to be hundreds of us there what if we're on opposite ends of the estate." Hermione complained.
"It'll all turn right in the end." Harry said calmly.
Hermione checked the clock on Ginny's bedside table. It read 9:07am.
"We only have about 2 hours until we have to be at the Ministry for the Ceremony. We better get ready." Hermione sighed as she jumped out of bed. She grabbed a towel and headed to the bathroom for a shower.
After a 20 minute long shower, Hermione got out, dried herself off and put on a vest top and a pair of shorts before brushing her teeth. She left the bathroom allowing Ginny in for her shower. Hermione went back into Ginny's room and got her dress and cloak out ready. She waved her wand which ironed the creases out. She then went to the mirror and looked at herself. 'How should I do my hair?' She thought to herself. 'Straight, curly or wavy?' She waved her wand to try each one before finally settling on tight ringlets. 'Now should I have it up, down or half and half.' She waved her wand again trying each one. She decided to have it pinned back with it slopped over her shoulder.
Ginny came into her bedroom still wrapped in a towel.
"Oh my goodness, your hair is gorgeous. Can you do my hair?" She asked hopefully.
"Of course, sit down." Hermione ordered.
Ginny sat down on the edge of her bed in front of the mirror and watched as Hermione waved her wand. Ginny's hair slowly braided itself into a waterfall braid. Hermione then crouched down in front of her friend and applied royal blue eye shadow to match the royal blue sash and bow on her dress. Waving her wand, Ginny's make up was complete.
"Thanks 'Mione. You're amazing at this." Ginny smiled thankfully.
"No problem." Hermione smiled back before turning to face the mirror and apply her own make up with emerald green eye shadow.
Hermione checked the clock on Ginny's bedside table. It now read 10:05am. Hermione was now starting to feel nervous. She had stomach pains and she couldn't stop pacing back and forth. "It's less then an hour now, Ginny." Hermione whispered quickly for fear of throwing up if she had her mouth open to long.
"I know I can't wait." Ginny smiled excitedly. She had put on her dressing coat.
"Will you tell me your and Harry's secret after the ceremony?" Hermione asked. She was really curious about it and hated not knowing what her best friends had planned.
"Yes of course. We'll tell you tomorrow. We'll pop round yours or you can bring your husband round ours." Ginny promised exaggerating 'husband' making Hermione want to throw up.
"Don't I'm going to be sick." Hermione groaned sitting on the bed with her head in her hands.
"Hermione don't worry about it. I'm sure you are going to get paired to someone perfect for you." Ginny tried to comfort her. "They'll be tall with amazing fair hair and of course they'll be unbelievably hot. He'll be kind, generous and have a great sense of humour. You're parents will love him and his parents will love you. He'll love to sit on the couch with you snuggled under a blanket reading a book. Then he'll carry you to bed when you fall asleep reading. He'll cook and clean without being told to. He'll... He'll just be perfect for you." Ginny hugged her.
Hermione hugged back tight not wanting to let go over her best friend. "Thanks Ginny and you'll be paired with Harry and everything will be perfect for you." Hermione whispered.
"Everything is going to be perfect for both of us. Just you wait and see." Ginny whispered back.
They continued to hug each other for a while whispering back and forth little things to make the other fell happy. When they finally broke apart Hermione jumped up happier than she had been all morning and went over to her dress.
"I think I'm ready to get dressed." She sighed with a smile.
She stepped into her dressed and waited while Ginny tied the corset tightly and the emerald bow at the back. Hermione then returned the favour and tied Ginny's corset. They both stood in front of the mirror admiring each others dresses.
At 10:40 there was a knock on the door.
"Who is it?" Ginny shouted.
"It's me." Harry shouted. "Arthur wants me to tell you that we're leaving in 10 minutes so they can get a good seat. Are you both ready?"
Hermione and Ginny looked at each other and smiled. "Yes, we'll be down in a minute." Ginny asked back.
They both put on their shoes and cloaks before making their way down the stairs. Hermione went first. At the bottom of the stairs were Mr and Mrs Wesley waiting with a Camera. There was a quick flash which blinded her for a few moments. A hand took hers and guided get into the kitchen. Once she could see again she looked up to find Percy holding her hand and guiding her. He looked quite handsome wearing black trousers and dark red linen shirt with a black waistcoat. Over the top he wore a black cloak.
"Percy." She gasped confused. "Erm... Thank you. I'm really sorry about last night." She apologised.
"It's fine. People were bound to find out eventually." He sighed dropping her hand when the reached the table.
Hermione frowned at him as he went and sat down. 'What is he talking about?' She thought.
She sat down next to Fred and George who were wearing identical outfits. As she thought they were wearing the red trousers and good shirts with suspenders but they were also wearing a red waistcoat with multi-coloured cloaks on top. There seemed to be a repeated pattern of red, blue, yellow and green on it.
Harry was stood at the kitchen door waiting for Ginny to come down the stairs. He was wearing simple black dress robes simpler to those he wore for the Yule ball.
Say opposite her was Ron and she had to bite her lips to stop herself from laughing. He was wearing the exact robes he had worn for the Yule ball. She felt sorry for whoever he was going to be paired with.
When Ginny entered the room Harry have her a big hug which was caught by a quick flash. Hermione overheard him tell her she looked beautiful and she smiled. She hoped their plan to get paired together worked.
Mrs Wesley ushered Hermione, Ron, Harry and Ginny in front of the stairs to take a picture of them then Percy and the twins were pushed towards them for a picture. After a few more pictures Mrs Wesley announced it was time to leave. Ginny gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before got into the car and Mr Weasley drove them to the Ministry.
Once they arrived at the Ministry, Hermione left them to go meet her parents by the Muggle entrance. It was 10:55 am so she early. She paced back and forth outside the phone box waiting for parents. She did receive a few of looks from people walking past but then it wasn't everyday you saw a young lady in a wedding dress and cloak pacing outside a phone box. Her parents car finally pulled up at 11:05. Her mother had opened thecat before it has even stopped. She quickly hugged her mother and father before pushing them into the phone box.
"You're late. I told you to be here at 11 am." She complained as she put a sickle in the machine and pressed '62442' sending them down to the Ministry.
"Sorry, we hit traffic." His father said distracted as he watched out the window of the phone box.
Her mother had her eyes firmly closed and looked like she would throw up at any moment. Thankfully they arrived at the Ministry a few seconds later.
"Wow. That was amazing." Her father watched as the phone box went back up into the ceiling.
"Oh God. I feel sick." Her mouth moaned.
"Come on. Well go find you both a seat." Hermione lead them through the ministry and into a large hall where a sign had been pointing saying 'Partner ceremony'.
The hall was beautiful. There were hundreds of chairs with white cloth over them and a black bow tied at the back. There was a red carpet separating about 350 chairs from about 700 more. Obviously the chairs at the front were for the people getting paired and the chairs at were for all the guests. The red carpet also separated the front section of chairs in half crashing an aisle for them to walk down. At the end of the aisle there was a beautiful arch entwined with colourful flowers. Underneath was a small table which was probably where the partners signed the marriage certificates. On the front row of seats in the first section she saw the Weasley's sat chatting. She guided her parents over to them and introduced them to everyone. Mr and Mrs Wesley insisted that they say next to them so Bill and Fluer moved over 2 seats to let them sit down.
At 11:45 Hermione, Ginny, Harry and Ron went to sit down next to their friends who had saved them a sear in the 7th row. To the left of Hermione was Seamus and Dean was sat next to as they walked down the stairs to the dining room. To the right was Harry, then Ginny, Luna, Neville and Ron. Hermione chatted to Seamus and Dean catching up while they waited for the ceremony to begin. Hermione was starting to get nervous again and just want to get it over and done with. At 12pm, the lights dimmed down a bit and the hall went silent as Kingsley Shacklebolt appeared beneath the arch.
Draco woke up again at 10am to an empty bed and the sound of the shower. He rolled onto his back keeping his eyes closed. He stayed like this for a few minutes thinking about what will be happening in 2 hours time. When he heard the shower turn off he decided it was time to get up. He threw on his dressing coat whilst he waited for Blaise to exit the bathroom.
He came out a few seconds later with his own dressing coat on.
"I sincerely hope you are at least have undewear on." Draco asked hopefully as they made their way down the stairs for breakfast.
"Nope." Blaise answered proudly.
Draco sighed as they sat down opposite his mother.
"Morning mother." He greeted politely.
"Morning dear." She replied from being the newspaper. "And morning Blaise." She added.
"Morning Cissa." He replied stuffing his face with sausage.
Draco nibbled toast to stop himself laughing when his mother lowered the newspaper for a few seconds to glare Blaise.
They sat in silence for the next 5 minutes until his mother excused herself from the table and left the dining room.
Draco was too nervous to eat so he continued to nibble his piece of toast whilst he watched in astonishment as Blaise continued to stuff his mouth with bacon, eggs, beans and sausage.
"How can you eat so much?" Draco asked starting at him.
"I'm starving. Haven't eaten since 11 yesterday morning." Blaise explained between bites.
"I'm too nervous to eat. I'll probably end up throwing it up." Draco said throwing the toast on his plate.
"You'll be fine after the Ceremony. Just eat this afternoon at the meal." Blaise didn't seem too worried that his friend wasn't eating.
At 10:35 am Blaise had finished his breakfast and Draco had finished his pumpkin juice so they went back upstairs. Draco went into the bathroom for his shower. He spent over half an hour in the shower. He had finished washing after 10 but couldn't be bothered to get out of the warmth. Once he finally got out he pulled on his underwear and trousers before grabbing his wand and drying his hair. It dried funny if he left it to dry on its own. He then pulled on his white linen shirt and dark green waistcoat and bow tie. He looked in the mirror at himself. 'It'll do.' He though as he left the bathroom.
He walked into his bedroom to find Blaise stood in front of the mirror trying to tie his bow tie. Blaise was wearing black trousers with navy blue linen shirt and a black waistcoat and bow tie. Draco went over to his friend and held his hand out. Blaise sighed in defeat and handed him the bow tie. Draco tied it in a matter of seconds.
He checked his watch. It was 11:25am. The ceremony started at 12 pm so they both put on their shoes and cloaks and went downstairs to find his mother and Mitty already waiting near the door.
His mother was wearing an elegant emerald green dress with black cloak and Mitty was wearing a black dress she had probably made from one of Draco's old pillow cases. Together they all walked across the gardens and just outside the gates and the wards of the manor before they all held onto Mitty and she apperated them directly into the ministry.
Taking a quick look around, Draco saw a sign saying 'Partner ceremony' pointing down a long corridor. They headed down the corridor and found a large hall with hundreds of seats. There were 2 main sections. Obviously the section at front of hall was four the people getting partnered and starts at the back of the hall were for the guests. Draco went with his mother to find her a seat near the back of the second section whilst Blaise went off to find his mother and her current husband.
At 11:55am they met up on the red carpet that was suppose to be an aisle and set out to find 2 spare seats. They found some just as the lights dimmed down and the hall became silent as Kingsley Shacklebolt appeared beneath an arch flowers at the front of hall.
"Good afternoon to everyone getting married today and to ask of our guests." Kingsley voice magically boomed around the ball. "I realise that many of you do not wish to be married today but this is for-"
"If he says 'the greater good' I'm going to kill someone." Hermione whispered to Harry.
"the greater good of the wizarding world."
Harry laughed and tried unsuccessfully turn it into a cough.
"We are slowly dying out due to wizarding couples not having children over the past 5 years because of Voldemort's-" Most of the hall flinched at the name. "-return and due to the casualties we stuffed as a result of his return including all those in the war. However, we must look forward into the future and the future of the wizarding world rests on the shoulders every one of you sat in front of me today. Not only the young ladies and gentlemen waiting to be partnered with each other but also with our guests. Children are our future so let's make our future happen." Kingsley finished his speech and everyone started clapping.
"Did he basically tell us to go home and start making babies?" Draco asked Blaise.
"Pretty much." Blaise answered laughing.
"Now let's start the ceremony. A gentleman's name will be read out alphabetically by surname. He will exit his row and walk down the aisle towards me. I will prick his finger to draw blood. A drop of your blood will be added to this goblet-" Kingsley pulled on the cloth to reveal an extravagant gold goblet similar to the one used in the triwizard tournament. "The name of who you be partnered to will fly out and I will read the name. They will then exit their row and walk down the aisle towards me and their partner where they make their vows and sign the certificate." Kingsley took a quick look around before looking down at his list.
"Aarden, Gregory."
Hermione looked around the hall trying to catch a glimpse of 'Gregory'. She could be marrying him. She could marry anyone of the men who will have their names read out. Hermione watched as a small, thin 20 year old walked past. She remembered him. He had been a hufflepuff perfect. He'd taken 10 points off her for reading her book as she walked to the Gryffindor common room. Apparently it was 'Dangerous Walking'. Thankfully he was paired with "Clark, Gemma." She didn't seem to pleased at all.
After a few other people, Kingsley called "Crabbe, Vincent" who trudged down the aisle towards the goblet. Hermione watched in horror as a name flew out of the goblet. She repeatedly whispered "Not me. Not me. Not me. Not me. Not me." as she watched the piece of parchment fly out of the goblet. Kingsley read the name to himself and looked up in Hermione's direction. "No. No. No. No. No. No." Tears began to blur her vision. "Brown, Lavender." Hermione sighed in relief and smiled as she watched Lavender, who sat in the row in front of her, stand up shaking and walk down the aisle with tears rolling down her face.
About 30 people later "Goyle, Gregory" was called. Draco watched his friends walk down the aisle to the arch. He followed the piece of parchment fall from the goblet. Kingsley grabbed it and read it aloud. "Jones, Megan." Draco looked around the hall trying to find the lucky girl who was going to marry his friend.
"Isn't Megan that pretty Hufflepuff in our year." Blaise whispered into Draco's ear.
Draco watched the pretty girl from their year nearly run down the ailse.
"She's eager." Blasie laughed.
"Or just wants to get it over with." Draco mumbled.
This whole ceremony was making Hermione a nervous wreck. Every time a piece of parchment fluttered down from the goblet, her heart stopped and she felt like she was going to throw up. After a while stopped listening to the ceremony and trusted Harry to tell her if her name was called.
When Harry elbowed her in the ribs and she jumped up. People around her turned look at her confused. She glanced down at Harry who was laughing at her.
"It's Neville's turn 'Mione." He whispered pulling her arm so she would sit down.
She watched Neville nervously get up and stumble down the aisle. He was shaking violently and she could see the sweat on his forehead from where she sat. She hoped he would get a nice girl.
"Abbot, Hannah." Kingsley's voice echoed around the hall.
At the arch, Hermione could see Neville smiling happily. He obviously approved of the pairing. She turned to watch Hannah nearly run down the aisle and then throw her arms around Neville excitedly. It was by far the happiest a pair had been all afternoon. She cheered along with nearly everyone in the hall when she leant up and have him a quick peck on the lips.
Hermione checked her watch and groaned. It was 2 pm. She thought it was later.
Kingsley then called "Lowther, Andrew" who was paired to an "Cummings, Abigail." There were a few more L's before the last in the L section a "Lyth, Robertus" who was paired to "Dover, Leanne."
"It's the M's next. You nervous?" Blaise asked
Draco sent Blaise a glare that said 'Shut up or I'll make you.'
"You don't look too good. Are you going to pass it?" He asked concerned now.
"I can't do this Blaise. I need to get out of here." Draco panicked and tried stand up but Blaise was squeezing his wrist keeping him firmly in place unless he wanted to cause scene.
"You'll be fine. Just calm down. Here drink this." Blaise handed Draco a tube of bright yellow liquid. Calming draught. He downed it in one gulp and felt the effects immediately.
He sighed deeply. "Everything will be fine. It's going to be alright. I'm not going to pass out. I'm not going to throw up. Everything will be fine." He muttered to himself calmly and Blaise pulled his hand away from his wrist.
Kingsley read the first name on the list. "Macallister, Julius." He was paired with "Patil, Padma." Who seemed to approve of the pairing with the way she hugged him upon meeting.
Before he knew it the next name Kinsley read out was "Malfoy, Draco." His heart stopped. 'I can do this.' He thought repeatedly as he slowly rose from his seat. Taking a deep breath he turned and walked to the end of his row. He paused at the top of the aisle and tried to ignore the way everyone staring at him as he quickly walked towards the arch and the Minister.
Kingsley smiled at him. He couldn't bring himself return it. "Good luck Mr Malfoy." He whispered holding out his hand so he could prick his finger.
He held his finger over the goblet and watched as a drop of his blood slowly fell into it. The clear liquid turned dark red instantly. He could see a strip of white rising up from the bottom the goblet. Suddenly it flew into the air and Kingsley caught it.
Draco kept eye contact with Kingsley as he it to himself.
The Minister's eyes widened with shock and he looked up at Draco before shaking his head and reading the parchment again. Kingsley looked over to one of the ministry officials and beckoned him over.
Draco heart began to beat fast. 'What is happening?'
"Is that who I think it is?" He asked unsure showing him the parchment.
'Who is it? Tell me. Tell me who it is?' He thought loudly.
The ministry official read the parchment and frowned. "Erm... It seems to be sir."
'Hurry up and tell me. It can't be that bad.' He thought nervously.
Kingsley laughed to himself. "This ought to be good." He muttered to himself before his voice boomed around the hall.
"Granger, Hermione."
Author's Notes: Hey Readers. Again. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you did then please review.
I really wanted to write the part where Hermione takes Fred and George Muggle album shopping and the Hen Night/Stag Do but it would bebe meant this chapter would be 15000 words long which is a smidge and a half too long.
So I was thinking of writing 2 one-shots about them. Anyway just let me know what you think because you may have noticed I didn't tell you the whole story about what happened between Percy and Hermione that night. No spoilers.