Disclaimer:: I don't own Harry Potter and its universe. It all is property of J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. If I get sued, the only thing they can take from me is my phone, nothing else.
-Almas Veritas—
CHAPTER 26 – Making decisions
"Class dismissed."
Hermione watched with a fond smile how the students and future Aurors left the classroom. Maybe, at one point in the past, it would have bothered her how people always seemed to dismiss the most basic spells. But now it didn't bother her. She had spent the second half of the class teaching and explaining how the basic Transfiguration spells could actually be vital for their survival in an extreme situation. Of course, she avoided mentioning any personal experience (not for lack of trying from the students) but she was intelligent enough to come up with clear examples that left her students clearly flabbergasted with surprise.
The pregnant brunette looked at her wrist watch and mentally cursed. She hurried to put her papers in her leather briefcase, slid her wand inside the sleeve of her pencil jacket as usual and made sure she wasn't leaving anything behind as she left her class room.
Many people said hi or gave her a smile and a nod as she hurried towards the elevators and after towards the fireplaces. Hermione always responded in kind, she was too polite to not do it, no matter how tired or moody she was. Even if she hadn't been on a hurry, she would have hurried to reach the fireplaces anyway. She always did. When people asked why she would 'blame' her pregnancy with a smile. But truth was the Atrium still gave her the chills even if it was completely different to how it was the last time she was there. Sometimes Hermione thought that feeling would never go away.
"Bloody hell," Hermione muttered to herself and panted slightly as she reached one of the long lines of people in front of the fireplaces. She had hurried a bit much this time. She checked her watch again: she still had time.
"Miss Granger. Hello," the man in front of her told her with a kind smile. He was tall and broad with gentle green eyes and a little soul patch beard. He was in his mid-fifties and despite the slightly intimidating scar that crossed his forehead and left eyebrow down to his left cheekbone, Hermione knew he was very kind and good mannered.
"Hell, Mr Dreyar," Hermione responded to the Head of the Auror Office with a smile. "How are you today?"
"Good, good. Thank you for asking. And you?" Christopher Dreyar asked with genuine interest.
"I'm good, too, Mr Dreyar. Thank you for asking."
"Glad to hear that. How were my future Aurors today? Did they behave?" Christopher asked with a humorous grin. Not for the first time Hermione thought he acted too joyful for someone who had seen and lived through as much as he had. But then again, Hermione understood that was exactly why he took that approach to life.
"Your future Aurors still need to learn more. They have just started. But I see good potential in them, Mr Dreyar," Hermione told him honestly.
"Fantastic. I'm happy to hear that, Miss Granger. If you don't mind me asking, how is your pregnancy?" Christopher's grin widened just a tad. He was a family man and had a certain weakness for babies.
"Oh. It's going great, Mr Dreyar. Making me tired more easily," Hermione joked and chuckled as they moved closer to the fireplace.
The Head of the Auror Office laughed whole heartedly at that.
"Yes. I remember those days from my wife's last pregnancy. And the strange mood swings," he said, obviously joking in his usual friendly way.
"I believe my girlfriend will agree with you there, sir," Hermione joked back as the fireplace got closer. There were only three people before her would-be-boss.
"Please, Miss Granger, you first," Christopher said and stepped aside to let Hermione use the fireplace first. There was only a person before them now.
"Oh, no. You go ahead, Mr Dreyar."
"I insist. Please," Christopher argued gently and knowing it was useless to argue, Hermione nodded.
"Thank you, Mr Dreyar. See you next Monday," Hermione said as she stepped inside the fireplace.
"See you next Monday," Christopher said.
As he watched her disappear among the green flames, Christopher couldn't help to think, once again, that Hermione Granger reminded him of his late sister a bit. Maybe it was the eyes, he didn't know. After everything he had seen and lived through in all his years in the Auror Office (and during the wars) Christopher had a healthy respect and admiration for that young woman and everything she had done. Not to mention he was a big fan of her girlfriend and Hermione had gotten him an autograph for free.
-Almas Veritas—
As expected Molly and Ginny were waiting for her with a goblet of cold pumpkin juice to help with the light nausea flooing caused her.
"Hello, dear," Molly told her and gave her a warm hug after she left the goblet on the coffee table. "How are you? And how's my grandson?"
"We're both fine, Molly. Thanks," Hermione told her warmly.
"That's great. I'm glad to hear that, hon," the Weasley matriarch smiled as she pulled away. "If anyone needs anything, I'll be in kitchen."
"Hi, love," Ginny told her and instantly hugged her, placing a hand against her girlfriend's belly as usual. "Had a good day at the Ministry?" The redhead asked as she pulled away but still kept her hand on the older girl's belly.
"It was good, yes. I only got bored during the time I had to wait for this last class. But fortunately it was a one-time thing. Next Monday I'll be back teaching in normal hours," the older witch replied. "And yours?" Hermione asked and placed her hand over Ginny's on her belly. Their son kicked lightly and both girls grinned wider.
"My day was completely boring. Didn't have anything to do at the office. And how were you today, baby boy? Did ya behave for Mum?" Ginny asked her girlfriend's belly. She received a kick right where her hand was. "I'll take that as a yes," the redhead said and chuckled.
"He behaved, baby. And we both missed you," the brunette said as she cupped the younger girl's face with her hands and pulled her into a warm kiss. Ginny practically melted into the kiss as she wrapped her arms around Hermione's waist as much as the belly let her.
"And I missed you too, my love," the Quidditch star practically purred as she pulled her face away, keeping their bodies pressed together, their baby boy snuggled between them. "Mmm… Have I mentioned how delicious you look in your work clothes?" Ginny's eyes drank in the sight of her girlfriend wearing a nice pencil jacket and pants combo and a dark purple blouse and low heeled pumps.
Hermione gave her a flirty grin and pulled their face closer again. She rested their foreheads together and lightly touched Ginny's lips with her own. The brunette could feel her body heath increasing and she knew she needed to keep control of herself because they had things to do.
"Not more than you, baby," Hermione said, instead.
"Ya know…as tempting as you look right now… We have something to do, love," Ginny sighed as she lowered her hands.
"I know, I know. But…" Hermione sighed as well and pulled apart too. "Did you bring my bag of clothes?"
"Yeah. It's upstairs in my room. Go change and I'll wait in the kitchen with mum," Ginny replied and pecked her girlfriend's lips one more time.
"Alright. I'll be back in a minute, baby."
Ginny smiled as her girlfriend went upstairs (totally checking out her bum) and then went to the kitchen and sat by the table with a completely obvious smirk on her face. Molly gave her a raised eyebrow and Ginny quickly tried to school her expression.
The Weasley matriarch chuckled.
"Oh, the hormones of the pregnancy," Molly said with a fond smile that quickly transformed into the famous Weasley smirk. "That was the most fun part of being pregnant. Just ask your father."
"Mum!" Ginny exclaimed, a horrified expression in her face. She wasn't a prude at all but no one wanted to hear that kind of thing about their parents. "Why did you just say that?!"
"'Cause it's true, dear. Don't be childish, Ginny," Molly told her, smirk still firm in place.
"You're evil, mum," Ginny complained and rolled her eyes at her mother. But she wasn't really upset at her Mum's teasing.
"So you're going to go see how the construction is going?" Molly asked as moment later as she sat by the table with a cup of tea.
"Yeah. Martin Powell will meet us there to show us around. He kindly agreed to do it now," Ginny replied.
"After work hours? Unusual," Molly commented.
"I know. I explained to him that for today Hermione's hours were different. And he agreed with no problem," Ginny explained. "Sure. I know that technically we're highly important clients for him. But we didn't want to abuse his kindness."
"Of course. I do understand, dear," Molly said as she nodded. "I don't know him personally but he seems nice. And I've heard a lot of good things about his work."
"He's the best at what he does. And he's fast…"
"That's great, Ginny," Molly told her and gave her a warm proud smile. "I'm really happy for you and Hermione, sweetie."
"Thanks, mum. So am I," Ginny said and grinned.
-Almas Veritas—
Hermione and Ginny were very impressed with the work Martin Powell and his crew had made with the path that connected the Weasley property and theirs. It was all cleaned up of roots and stones and they had built a type of wooden bridge over the ground. Dark wood made up the floor and railings. And a wide ornamented wooden arch marked the entrance to their property.
"This is incredible," Hermione commented as they walked hand in hand through the arch.
"Yeah. Impeccable wor—by Merlin's beard…" Ginny cut herself off as they stepped into the stone path, which led to their house, and watch the edification that would become their home.
"Oh, my…" Hermione was left speechless too.
The building itself was half-way done and it was simply a bunch of walls. Concrete, bricks and wood. But what it meant for them….neither of them was ready for it. Their own home… The two girls locked gazes. It was incredible to even think that in no time, they'd be living there. Together and building their family…
"Oh, Ginny…" Hermione breathed out and her hand squeezed her girlfriend's harder. "This is…I…"
"I know. I know, my love," Ginny said, just as emotional as her girlfriend.
Martin Powell was waiting for them at the entrance of the house and smiled kindly when he saw how affected they were. It always made him proud to see people loving his work.
"Miss Granger, Miss Weasley. Good to see you," he greeted them as they approached and all three of them shook hands. "Ready for the grand tour? I think you'd be pleased to see that we are right on schedule. The interior decorator has already begun to work on the floors and walls and we…"
His words faded into the background as Hermione and Ginny shared a meaningful look. This would be their home….
-Almas Veritas—
"You'll love it, mum! The house looks awesome!" Ginny told her parents for the third time during dinner.
"The gazebo looks incredible. And the equipment shed is ready too. Martin agreed with us in using it to store the furniture in there until the construction is done," Hermione commented to her girlfriend's parents.
"Oh. You've already been furniture shopping?" Molly asked.
"No. We're goin' the day after tomorrow," Ginny replied. "And then when it arrives I'll be at the property to receive it and store it all in the shed."
"So when will the house be ready?" Arthur asked smiling.
"The weekend after my birthday," Hermione told him. "Harry, Ron and Neville already agreed to come to help with the move. Since someone insists I don't do a thing, not even lift my wand," she added and shot a look of mock-irritation at her girlfriend.
"Love, I told you… You and Luna get to boss us around and tell us where everything goes," Ginny said and chuckled.
"Oh. That shall be fun," Hermione joked with a cheeky smile.
"Just don't abuse your power, love," Ginny joked back and then looked back at her parents. "And once we're settled…we'll get ready for Halloween," she added with a mischievous grin.
"Ginny wants to throw a small party for us and our friends," Hermione explained to Molly and Arthur. "I completely agree but I just think we need to focus on actually having a house, first. We still have a long time to plan Halloween."
"And of course, we'll do it only if you're feeling up to it," Ginny told her girlfriend. "If you're not too tired and all, being closer to your due date."
"That's why I would like to make sure we're completely settled in, before planning any party or anything like that," Hermione said logically. "And we would have to buy decoration sets."
"Shopping for that should be fun!" Ginny grinned. It was no secret she REALLY loved Halloween.
"Yes. In the meantime… I'm more concerned about tomorrow," Hermione said.
"We'll work it out, love. Don't worry," Ginny told her and grabbed her hand gently.
"What will happen tomorrow?" Arthur asked curiously.
"Oh. The meeting, right?" Molly asked as she remembered.
"Tomorrow we're meeting Sookie, dad. Remember I told you about it?"
"Oh, yeah. You did. What are you girls gonna do about it?"
"We're still undecided," Ginny said.
"We're still unsure on what to do, Arthur," Hermione commented and sighed.
"Well, dear," Molly begun. "It's a good idea to have help at hand. Specially at first once the baby is born. Of course, you know I don't mind helping, at all. But I understand you two want to do things your way and that's great. That's how you will learn how to be good parents. But trust me, you will need some help."
"I'm thinking you're right, mum," Ginny finally said.
"I think so, as well," Hermione added as she nodded.
"You girls will work it out, don't worry," Molly said confidently.
-Almas Veritas—
The next afternoon Luna did them the favour of clearing the house so they could meet with Sookie. Their blonde friend had gone with Gweny to Diagon Alley to do some shopping so they had the house all to themselves.
While Hermione prepared the tea, milk with honey for herself, and plated the brownies Gweny had made that morning. Ginny opened the door for Sookie and greeted her. The young elf seemed very nice in her polite greeting.
Sookie had big blue eyes and her big bat-like ears snuck out of her green beanie hat. She seemed to be wearing dark blue plaid pants and a brown t-shirt that was a little big on her. And brown leather shoes on her feet. Both Hermione and Ginny were definitely impressed.
After initial greetings were completed, the three of them sat with a cup of tea in the living room. Hermione and Ginny had agreed it was a good place to hold the meeting because it would create a more relaxed environment for all of them.
"So," Hermione begun, not quite sure what to say. She had never done this before. "Sookie, tell us something about yourself. About your previous work."
"Sookie's old Master, Mr Henderson, was a good man. Sookie's entire family served him and his family for a long time before Sookie was even born. Old Master Henderson had a shoes workshop and Sookie's family worked at the shop and his house. Sookie mostly served at the house. And sometimes Master Henderson sent Sookie to his daughter's house to help Miss Lucy with her children. But old Master Henderson died last year and Miss Lucy couldn't give us all jobs," Sookie explained, her expression turning sad for a moment. But then she smiled again. "Since then Sookie has been working here and there, wherever is possible, so Sookie has a great deal of experience doing lots of different things. And then Gweny told Sookie she had recommended her to Miss Hermione and Miss Ginny and Sookie feels very honoured just for getting the chance to meet such famous Witches."
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Sookie," Ginny told her with a smile.
"It is. That's why we wanted to get to know you better. You seem like a very nice elf, Sookie," Hermione added. She was smiling too. It was heart-warming to see that not all wizards and witches had been bad to their house-elves.
"Why don't you tell us a bit more? Like, you mentioned you have experience with kids," Ginny said. She wasn't exactly sure how to do this either, she had never been the possible employer. She had always been the possible employee.
"Yes. Sookie assisted Miss Lucy during her pregnancies and later with all her children. Sometimes Miss Lucy would ask Sookie to watch over her children while they played outside. Miss Lucy's children never got even a scratch while Sookie was watching them," the little elf stated proudly.
Ginny and Hermione chuckled at that.
"That's great to hear, Sookie. 'Cause as you can see, Hermione here is pregnant and she will need a hand," Ginny said and chuckled. Her girlfriend shot her a tiny glare for her joke.
"It is true that I can't do everything by myself, now," Hermione admitted with a sigh. "But I'm not an invalid," she directed towards her girlfriend. Her redhead vixen simply grinned back.
"Sookie understands when to help and when to stay out of the way," the little elf said. "It's an elf´s job to do their work and not interfere with their Masters' daily life."
Hermione chose to bite her own tongue at that.
"Don't know if Gweny told you this, Sookie, but our house is being built and is not done yet," Ginny told her.
"Gweny mentioned it, Miss Ginny, yes," Sookie nodded.
"But it should be done in a couple of weeks," Hermione added. "Let me ask you something… Do you have a place to stay? Or where have you been staying, Sookie?"
"Miss Hannah Abbott gives jobs to elves at the Leaky Cauldron. Sometimes she doesn't have jobs for every elf but still lets elves stay in her back room and gives us food, Miss Hermione," Sookie replied with obvious respect towards the owner of the pub.
"We know Hannah. She's a good friend of ours," Hermione commented, happy to hear their friend did something so good and kind.
Hermione and Ginny shared a look. They didn't need words to communicate. They had already made up their minds before even meeting Sookie.
"Sookie… we think you'll fit in nicely with us, if you want the job," Ginny told her with a smile.
The little elf obviously tried to contain her excitement but her smile and the glow in her blue eyes gave her away. It warmed their hearts to see her so excited.
"Sookie will be honoured to have such Masters," the elf said and bowed her big head.
"And we'll be just as honoured to have you with us, Sookie," Hermione told her. "But please, don't bow or anything. We're not traditional so you don't need to do that."
"And don't call us Master. Just call us by our names," Ginny said.
"Alright…Miss Ginny," the little elf said readily.
"Our friends Harry and Luna gave us the okay and we set us a room for you here, if you want to move in right away," Hermione said, not sure how this part should develop. "And we'll set up a room for you in our house. We know this is an unusual situation but it'll only be for a couple of weeks."
"Sookie will feel honoured to live under your roof, Miss Hermione. Miss Ginny. And Sookie will wear proudly the uniform robes of the Granger-Weasley Household," Sookie stated proudly.
"Uniform robes?" Hermione asked, completely confused. She had never heard of an elf wearing uniform robes.
"You used to wear special clothes, Sookie?" Ginny asked. She had never heard of such thing before. "Well, you don't have to do that with us either…"
"But…how will people know Sookie belongs to your Household?" Sookie asked, truly confused. "For any elf it's an honour to be allowed to wear the crest of their Masters."
Hermione opened her mouth to speak. To explain that they didn't need or want that from her. That they weren't like most people. But her girlfriend's hand on top of hers made her quiet and they locked gazes once more.
"It's the same reason why we still have our old Gryffindor uniforms in a box, love," Ginny said. While she didn't exactly agree with all old traditions, she understood most and knew there were things no one would be able to change. But she had also just understood that Sookie had an unusual Master and this wasn't about slavery. This was about pride. Pride of belonging to an honourable House and Master.
"Oh…Of course. Alright," Hermione said hesitantly. She had understood what her girlfriend had told her without using too many words. And Hermione thought that she would be hypocrite if she refused to allow it. "Alright. If that's what you want, Sookie. We're okay with that."
"Sookie will take care of it, Miss Hermione. Sookie is excellent at making clothes or mending them," the little elf said excitedly, proving one more time she hadn't had a traditional Master in her life.
"And pick any colour you like, Sookie," Ginny said with a grin, trying to keep the situation light.
"Sookie feels truly honoured, Miss Ginny…"
-Almas Veritas—
The rest of the meeting went wonderfully. Sookie had almost fainted when Hermione and Ginny told her they'd pay her 30 Galleons at week. The elf had tried to refuse to be paid that much but the witches had convinced her. Also, Sookie would have the weekends off and of course, major holidays. The three agreed that Sookie would move in the next morning and they'd sign the contract during the weekend, something Hermione insisted on.
The next morning Sookie and Gweny greeted them with smiles and a magnificent breakfast for the three occupants of the house – Luna had been more than impressed after meeting the new house elf and the blonde had immediately taken a liking to Sookie's joyful attitude.
After breakfast Hermione and Ginny got ready to go out. Luna was going out as well (she was planning on resurrecting her father's old magazine) so the three witches used the floor network to go to the Leaky Cauldron. As usual Hannah received them with a grin and after a nice chat (Hannah was happy to hear that Sookie would be working for them) the couple left their two blonde friends chatting at the pub.
At first they went clothes shopping. Hermione needed some more work-appropriate clothes and Ginny simply liked buying new clothes from time to time. And of course they had to buy some more clothes for their baby because neither of them could resist at seeing such beautiful things.
They stopped at Dean's and Seamus' restaurant for lunch and once they were seated, the two girls started discussing what more they had to buy.
"Well, you want to use your bedroom set for our bedroom? Or you wanna buy a new one?" Ginny asked her girlfriend while they waited for their food. "I'm cool with either option."
"My bedroom set is only a couple of years old, I see no reason to change it, baby," Hermione said, practical as ever. And Ginny nodded in agreement.
"Great. You have your bookshelves and desk. And I'm taking my desk from my parents' house, so our office-library is set too," Ginny counted out loud the things they already had.
"We already have the furniture for the nursery," Hermione added one more to the list. "And Harry, Luna and Ron said they wanted to give us a kitchen set as a gift."
"Yeah. Are we really allowing them that?" Ginny asked, unsure. "I mean…it's our house…"
"To be honest, I have no idea. But we both know we can't say no. I mean, they want to give us this magnificent gift and they're our best friends…"
"And we'd hurt their feelings, if we refused, I know," Ginny nodded.
The waiter arrived with their food so they waited to continue with their conversation. Ginny chuckled when she saw the way Hermione practically drooled over her past dish but didn't say anything and started eating her steak quietly.
"Okay. So… We have bedroom, office, nursery and kitchen all set," Ginny counted out loud. "They interior decorator in Martin's team loved all our ideas and specifications, when I talked to her last week. So that takes a heavy burden from us. Now we just need…"
"Living room, dining room, Sookie's room and sets for the three guest rooms," Hermione said. "So our friends and family will have a place to sleep when they stay over."
"And one day, more children, maybe?" Ginny asked with a grin.
"I told you, only if you're willing to carry a couple. I'm scared enough at the thought of giving birth to this one," Hermione joked and rubbed her belly fondly.
"Whatever you want, love," Ginny joked back and winked. It had become a joke between them and it always made them smile. "I have an idea, Hermione…"
"Tell me."
"Let's buy whatever we need for the living room, the dining room and Sookie's room," Ginny started explaining her idea. "Once we move in, we can buy the stuff for the guest rooms later. No one says we have to do everything at once."
"I think that's probably a good idea, baby," brunette agreed.
"We can totally do it later. One thing at the time… Also, we won't get bored," Ginny joked and they shared a laugh.
"That's a good idea, baby. I like it," Hermione agreed and nodded. She sighed contently and reached across the table to grab her girlfriend's hand. The younger girl gave her a raised eyebrow but then she grinned and lifted the older girl's hand to kiss her knuckles.
Ginny knew what her girlfriend was feeling. And it was difficult to put it into words. Every one of their dreams was becoming true and they couldn't be happier.
"So what are we gonna do for your birthday, love? Party at my parents'?" Ginny asked after dinner and while they waited for their desserts. "Mum was already planning your cake."
"Your mum spoils me way too much, darling," Hermione said and shook her head with a fond smile. She loved Molly Weasley for spoiling her so much. "To be honest, I was thinking that this year it could be just you and me. Maybe a nice dinner or something like that."
"Why?" Ginny asked and frowned slightly. "I love spending time alone with you, babe. Don't get me wrong. But we always spend our birthdays with friends and family."
"I know, I know, Ginny. And I love having all our friends and family together. But I get so tired the more I get closer to my due date… That I'm not sure I'm up for a party."
"Oh love…" Ginny grabbed her hand and squeezed gently offering her comfort. She knew it was difficult for Hermione to admit that she got tired and couldn't do everything by herself. "What do you think if…we do a birthday lunch, instead?" The redhead proposed a different idea. "That way you can take a nap afterwards and then get all pretty for me to take you to dinner somewhere nice. And maybe…a play, afterwards?" She suggested because she knew her girlfriend loved theatre.
Hermione observed her girlfriend for a moment as an idea occurred to her and then smiled.
"Remember when I explained to you what a film was?" The brunette asked.
"Yeah. It's difficult to understand how all the muggle things work for me. But I remember the general idea, yeah," Ginny replied.
"Well, how about you take me to dinner and I take you to watch a film? I haven't watched one in years. I'm sure you'll love it," Hermione proposed with a smile. "It's like watching a play made by The Magical Brothers Company," she added, referring to the best theatre company in the wizarding world.
"Mmm… Sure. I'm in, babe. It will be a new experience," the younger girl agreed and chuckled. "You know I trust your judgement, Hermione."
"Great. You won't regret it, baby," the older girl beamed. "You'll have a great time."
"Being with you, love… Every moment is great," Ginny flirted without any shame.
"Sweet talker, you…" Hermione blushed slightly and chuckled.
-Almas Veritas—
The bell chimed above them as they entered the shop. The scent of wood hit them right away and they couldn't help to inhale deeply. Who didn't love the scent of pure freshly cut wood? And wood there was everywhere they looked. All kinds of furniture were on show for the clients to see. Complete sets of furniture everywhere. Hermione and Ginny suddenly realized that it wasn't going to be that easy to pick just one.
The two witches headed towards the counter, where a young man was reading a magazine. He seemed to be quite bored as he sat there behind the counter and reading his quidditch magazine. But he saw them approach and he quickly put the magazine under the counter and stood up straight. Ginny tried to hide her smirk at that and Hermione squeezed her hand.
"Miss Granger, Miss Weasley," the young man greeted them and bowed his head lightly. "It's an honour to have you here at Carsons' Workshop. I'm Joseph. What may I help you with?"
"Hello. We just wanted to see some furniture," Hermione told him kindly. She could feel her girlfriend rolling her eyes behind her and she squeezed her hand again. Her Ginny just loved mocking the sellers and their extremely polite or over eager attitude.
"Of course. If you would wait a second, I'll go get Mr Carsons and he will speak with you," the young man said and bowed his head lightly once again before disappearing behind the door that was behind the counter.
"Ginny…" Hermione warned her girlfriend, who seemed to be about bursting out laughing. A grin pulled at the brunette's lips as well but she schooled her features just as the door opened again and the salt-and-pepper older man came through.
He greeted them with a kind smile and gently directed them towards his office, so they could talk in private. Hermione and Ginny walked hand in hand and sat on the comfortable wooden chairs in front of Tobias Carsons' desk.
"So… Miss Granger, Miss Weasley… Do you have any idea of what kind of furniture you would like?" Tobias asked them gently as he sat on his chair behind the desk.
"To be honest, we don't have much idea of exactly what we want," Ginny confessed. "Our house will have a lot of lighter and darker wood. Details in bronze and some touches of our house colours as well."
"We want practical but very, very comfortable," Hermione added. "Comfort is the priority."
"That sounds perfect, Miss Granger. Miss Weasley. How many sets of furniture will you need?" Tobias asked.
"We need for the living room, dining room, those two are important 'cause we have a lot of friends and family and it's difficult to accommodate them all," Ginny replied instantly.
"And the set for our house-elf's room. That one is the most important one because we want her to be comfortable," Hermione added seriously.
"Of course, I understand, ladies. Do you have the measures of the rooms?" Tobias asked, professional as ever, and pulled out a piece of parchment to write down everything he needed to know.
"Yes. I have them here," Hermione replied and pulled out a piece of parchment from her pocket and gave it to the old man.
Tobias smiled as he grabbed it and read it. It was true what he had heard of Hermione Granger, she was extremely well organized.
"This is perfect. Now you just need to take a look at our catalogue and chose the designs you prefer," Tobias said as he pulled out a folder from one of his drawers and handed it to his future clients. "And I would need to know when you would want them done."
"That's the part you may not like so much, Mr Carsons," Ginny joked and chuckled. "We need them in two weeks."
The man was obviously surprised, Hermione and Ginny saw it clear as day. But he quickly schooled his features and nodded.
"That's not a problem, Miss Weasley. I can guaranty you we can do the job in that time," Tobias said, confidently. These clients were way too important to let them down. "And you will get our finest pieces of work."
"If you're sure, Mr Carsons," the brunette said as she held the folder in her hands. "So, now we have to decide the designs, right?"
"Why don't you take it home with you, take a look and decide and send it back tonight with a list of what you want?" Tobias proposed. "As you will see, each piece has a code, in our catalogue. So you'll just need to write the code and any specification, if needed, on a piece of parchment and send it back with the catalogue."
"Sure. That works for us. Thanks Mr Carsons," Ginny said and nodded.
"Yes. That's very kind of you, Mr Carsons," Hermione added. "We will send you the catalogue back tonight with our choices, then," she said while putting the large folder into her beaded bag.
"And next Monday I'll come by to speak about the price. That way, you'll have time to make an estimate of how much it will cost," Ginny told him. "But don't worry, Mr Carsons, money is not an issue."
Tobias smiled from ear to ear and stood up from his chair as he extended one hand. The two girls stood up as well.
"It will be an honour to do business with you two, ladies," Tobias said as he shook their hands.
Twenty minutes later, Hermione and Ginny were back in Grimmauld Place and they were still laughing about the old man they had just met. They knew Tobias Carsons was one of the best at what he did. But his happiness at hearing that money wasn't an issue was so obvious that Hermione and Ginny just had to laugh.
Hermione instantly laid down on her back onto the comfortable couch in the living room and sighed. Ginny lifted her girlfriend's legs, sat on the couch and placed them back down on her lap so she could massage them a bit.
"Mmm… Ginny, that feels great!" The brunette moaned as her girlfriend massaged her ankles.
"You just relax, love. And let me help you a bit," Ginny said, deciding not to say out loud the cheeky and dirty comments she had thought at hearing her girlfriend moan that way.
They heard soft steps fast approaching them and Sookie appeared in their sight, a tray floating over her head with a jar and two goblets.
"Miss Ginny, Miss Hermione, Sookie brought you some pumpkin juice. Gweny informed Sookie that Miss Hermione's drinks it after flooing because it settles her stomach," the little elf spoke as the tray gently floated down to the coffee table.
"Thank you, Sookie," Hermione told her with a smile. "I'll drink some in a moment."
"Sookie, by the way… did our bags get here?" Ginny asked her as she focused on massaging her girlfriend's calves. Hermione was practically asleep by then.
"Yes, Miss Ginny. Sookie placed them in your room per Gweny's instructions, Miss Ginny," the little elf said and nodded.
"Great. Thanks, Sookie," Ginny grinned at the elf. "Could you do me a favour and wake us up for dinner? We're gonna nap a bit."
"Of course, Miss Ginny. Sookie will wake you up."
"Thanks, Sookie," Ginny said before the elf bowed her head and left the room. The redhead shook her head and chuckled. "Man, will it take some time to get used to that…"
"Mmm…Ginny…" Hermione opened her eye slightly and looked at her girlfriend. "Nap with me, baby," the brunette practically purred, her voice coated with sleep.
"Sure, love."
Hermione sleepily rolled onto her side so Ginny had enough room to spoon her from behind and smile lazily when she felt her girlfriend's arms pulling her closer to Ginny's warm body.
"Comfy, love?" The younger girl asked.
"Very," was all the other girl said. She was practically back asleep.
"Sleep well, love," Ginny whispered and kissed her girlfriend's shoulder before lowering her head to nap as well.
And not a minute later both girls were fast asleep. They didn't notice anything around them, not even Luna taking a photograph of them, or when Harry arrived home through the fireplace. The raven haired boy chuckled when he saw his two friends and made sure to not make a sound as he went to the kitchen to see his wife.
-Almas Veritas—
FINALLY! Okay. So…it took me a bit longer to finish this Chapter but here it is, at least. Hope you guys liked it. Thank you ALL once again for the support and hope you keep reading and leaving reviews 'cause you guys are what makes me write. I'm working on a schedule SO I will be able to post new Chapters every two weeks. Let's cross our fingers and hope it works. LOL
See you all in two weeks, guys. lol