Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter 29
He watched her returned to the kitchen as she left him there with nothing else to say. How much her family knew, he didn't know but he couldn't help but feel slightly alarmed. But that was the least of his worries. It was how things were between them. If it wasn't for his shock he would have taken her into his arms when he first saw her in the kitchen. He truly was overwhelmed to have her back but it only increased his guilt about what happened before. If only they had settled matters differently.
They would become friends, just like she had told him moments ago. His feelings for her may be apparent now but what about Eira. His emotions for Hermione were settled but not for Eira. He definitely had made a mess of things and all he could do now was go along with it and make the best of it.
He cursed himself as he walked out into the quidditch pitch. You've already decided, remember Arian, he told himself. Strangely, his dream of last night came into his mind in a flash but he instantly placed it aside. Maybe he should have thought on it more.
XxxXXXXxxX
"Whaaaaaat?!" exclaimed Ron upon hearing the news. "You want us to turn her in? Are you mad?!"
"What good will it do keeping her, Ronald?" Hermione asked him.
Ron stayed silent unable to comprehend this sudden change of thought.
"Hermione," Harry spoke. "We thought this was what you wanted."
Hermione sighed. "Don't get me wrong. I despise Rita more than anyone right now but it isn't wise to harbor such feelings. Besides what else can be worse than destroying her wand or sending her to Azkaban."
Rita gasped. "NO! That will not happen!"
The Golden Trio ignored her, as Unity stood to the side wondering where this was going.
"See what I mean?" Hermione said as she rolled her eyes.
"So let me get this straight," Ron began. "You went out after that bloody husband of yours…oh wait a minute, I don't think he can be called your husband after what he did, now can't he? And your taking the bastard's side?!" his voice was rising.
Hermione opened her mouth but Harry stopped her. "Listen Hermione, we care about you and we just want was best for you but we won't stay silent. If you want to turn Rita in, it better be because you want to not because of what he said." The resentment was clear in his statement.
"Harry…don't interrupt Ronald," she instructed as Ron was about to say something. "I came back here to prove that I won't let them get to me. The best way to do that is to be calm as if nothing happened. I won't stay angry. I won't give them that satisfaction in showing how affected I was. As for the matter of Rita, Arian is right," upon seeing there expressions, "Don't get me wrong, I'm not happy about it. I'm quite frustrated actually but I am handling things rather childish. Justice will have it's day on Rita."
"I rather have you do it," Ron muttered in annoyance.
Harry, however, was in thought, remembering his encounter with Wormtail and how he had pleaded for Harry to spare him. There was nothing more that Harry wanted than to kill Peter Pettigrew for betraying his parents but he ended deciding against it. "She's right, Ron."
Ron gaped at him. "Aw Harry, not you too."
"Hermione won't be any better than Rita if she goes on with it," Harry told him.
"That's right," Hermione said more relieved. The thought that she almost stood to Rita's level was enough to assure her she was doing the right thing.
"Fine," Ron muttered. "I was beginning to like your new attitude, Hermione."
Hermione chuckled. "Don't worry about that. There's no way I'm going to allow them to step over me. This time I won't stay silent."
"Yes!" Ron cheered. "Now that's our Hermione. Can't wait for later on."
"Later on?" questioned Unity, finally speaking up.
"I'll explain later," Hermione said. Turning to Ron and Harry. "I wish I could go but I'll leave Rita to you guys. There's a lot I have to do."
They nodded.
"Wait!" protested Rita. "You don't honestly want to do this…do you?"
"Trust us, we do," said Ron with a smirk.
"You were warned before. It's your fault for going against Hermione," Harry told her.
"Please, don't!"
Hermione gave another sigh. "Listen Rita, depending on what they decide to do to you, I might vouch for you for them to go easy on you. Though there will be conditions added." Hermione waved her hand, and Harry and Ron apparated before Rita could respond.
Unity then came to her side. "So? What's happening later on?"
"A party," Hermione answered simply.
"A party?"
"Yes, my friends are invited as well as their families. Basically is your guys' families with mine. It will take place here of course," she explained.
"Blimey! I can't wait!" she said happily. "Do you need any help?"
"That would be great," Hermione said smiling.
XxxXXXXxxX
It had only been two hours later when Arian decided to head in. He wanted to practice more but it wouldn't be a good idea if he delayed Hermione's wishes. At the moment she was probably getting all the preparations done.
He was heading towards the owlery when Unity came from there.
"You're a too slow cousin," she teased walking up to him. "Just sent the invitations."
He looked at her quizzically.
"Hermione told me," she answered him. "I guess she suspected you might get distracted by quidditch."
"Speaking of Hermione, where is she?" asked Arian.
"Oh, she said she had some business to attend to. Why?" she asked with a glint in her eyes.
"Nothing," he muttered as he headed, still, towards the owlery.
XxxXXXXxxX
Standing in front of an all too familiar building, Hermione couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu. It seemed like if just yesterday, she had asked Cissy to bring her to this very place. The Agustus Wizarding Hospital.
"God I've missed this place," she whispered. Taking a few deep breaths she walked right in. Knowing where Dera would be, she didn't even bother to stop at the reception and headed directly to the elevator. It wasn't long before she heard the voice speaking her destination and opening the doors. She gasped at the sight before her. Nothing had changed but she had almost forgotten the vastness of it and all it's natural resources.
The doors had just closed behind her with a snap causing her to become aware of something in the sky. She squinted to try to make out the shape and realized it was coming straight at her. As it got closer, Hermione's eyes widened as she finally recognized the creature. She smiled and started running towards it as the figure landed several feet from her.
"Luv!" she exclaimed happily as she embraced the aethonan. Luv gladly leaned into her.
"Hermione!"
Hermione released Luv and turned toward the source of the sound. She couldn't believe what she saw. Dera was coming toward hers but on the back of a flying, young aethonan.
"Dera?"
Upon landing, Dera hastily climbed down and ran towards Hermione, embracing her fiercely. "Tell me I'm not dreaming," she demanded.
"You're not dreaming," Hermione told her as she chuckled. "Is anything the matter?"
"Anything the matter?" Dera said unbelievingly, releasing her. "I don't see you after all this time and that's all you ask. Of course something's the matter. You haven't written lately and you disappeared and…"
"Okay, Dera, stop, please," Hermione said trying to calm her down. "I'll answer any of your questions as long as you answer mine."
"Alright."
Hermione then stepped away from Dera and walked towards the new aethonan. "Is this Luv's?"
Dera chuckled. "He's grown hasn't he? He's still young but strong."
"This is great," turning to Dera, "Did you named him?"
She shook her head. As if reading Hermione' s mind, she answered, "I didn't want to get attached though I have to say it's a little late for that. They'll be leaving soon."
"What?" asked Hermione.
"Luv is in great health and Jr. here is strong enough to fly. They could've left days ago but I guess Luv was waiting for you," she explained.
Luv came to Hermione and nuzzled her. That gave comfort to Hermione. It saddened her that Luv would be gone. "Jr.?" she questioned smiling. "Sorry to say this Dera but I think you already named him."
Dera gave this some thought and then groaned. "Oh no. You're right." In her despair, Jr. had also come to her side and nuzzled her just like Luv had to Hermione. When Dera looked at Jr., the aethonan made a soft sound before turning from her and running. Luv then did the same and gained on Jr., taking the lead. Both aethonans lifted off the ground and into the sky.
"I'm going to missed them," Dera whispered.
"Me too," Hermione said.
Dera fully recovered, turned to Hermione, "Now lets talk. If I remember correctly you promised me to tell me something important in your letter."
Hermione sighed. "Yes, I did."
XxxXXXXxxX
When Hermione arrived back home, it was already two in the afternoon. Everyone would be here at three, as she had said in their owls. Hurriedly she hurried upstairs towards her "new" bedroom. Upon entering it, she couldn't help but smile. They did a great job. It looked exactly the same. She then headed for her closet and hesitated a little before she opened it. Relief filled her as she noticed that all her clothes was there. Before she left, she had asked Dot to move all her clothes to this bedroom, not wanting to go herself to Arian's room. Picking out a light blue knee length dress, she headed towards the showers.
By the time she was ready, it was already three. She hastily climbed down the stairs towards the family room. Surprisingly, all of Arian's side of the family was there. 'Well they sure come right on time.' But she wasn't a bit as surprised as they were to see her.
"Hello," Hermione greeted. "I'm so glad you could have come."
"You!" Rothia said accusingly. "What are you doing here?"
"I do live here, Grandmamma Rothia," Hermione said sweetly.
Rothia looked disgusted and glared fiercely at Hermione.
"Is something wrong, Grandmamma? I could call you Grandmamma right?"
"Absolutely not!" she yelled.
"Mamma Rothia then? But oh wait….that should be for Mamma Idelle," she said turning to Mrs. Belth.
Rothia was about to explode, the others looked shocked while Eira looked warningly at Hermione. Bran on the other hand, was leaning against the wall unnoticed by the others, with a smile on his face.
Arian then came into the room and right away felt the tension in the room. 'What's going on?' He noticed his Grandmamma's expression and then noticed that Hermione just smiled. 'Uh-oh. That's not good.' "Well, it's good to have you all here," he said breaking the silence.
His family immediately turned to him, Rothia especially as if asking for an explanation. "Should we move on to the quidditch pitch? That's were the festivities will be taking place," he suggested.
"Oh yes," said Unity who just entered the room. "Come everyone."
Everyone followed except Eira and Bran. Soon it was just the four of them in the room. Eira went to stand next to Arian and Bran came forward. He greeted Arian by embracing him and gave a quick awkward hug to Eira. Last it was Hermione he greeted.
"Hello, Bran," she said smiling.
"Bloody woman," he breathed. "That was brilliant." It wasn't long before he laughed and took Hermione in his arms. "So how's my dear friend who showed up unannounced?"
"Bloody mad," Hermione joked.
"You have to be to called that woman, Grandmamma."
Arian couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable as the scene before him played. It was almost like his dream. This was definitely weird. What he feared next was Swancott coming in and causing him to make a scene but it didn't happen.
When Bran released her, Hermione turned towards Eira. She walked towards her and embraced her. "It's good to see you again," she said happily.
Eira just stood there unmoving, surprised by her reaction.
"C'mon, let's join the others," she said. "Cissy or Dot will show the rest of the guest to where we are."
Both Bran and Eira looked confusingly at her, wondering what she meant, but she only smiled.
"You two go ahead," Arian told Hermione and Eira, "Me and Bran have something to discuss."
"Alright," Hermione said leading Eira away. "Don't take too long."
Arian nodded and then turned to Bran. When he was sure the girls were gone he said, "I told you to come sooner."
"Sorry," he said. "I got side tracked but what's so important? And tell me that what the hell is going on here. Hermione?" He wasn't bothered that Hermione was back but it was just the surprise of it all. Was Hermione alright?
"Well she's back for good," he told him.
"That's great!" Bran said excitedly. "It's about time too. I mean I liked writing to her but it's much better that she's here."
"Wait, what do you mean writing to her?" Arian questioned.
"I kept in touch with her after she left," Bran answered simply. "I was worried and wanted to comfort her. Make things easier, you know."
"What the hell is going on between you two?" Arian demanded.
Bran's eyes went wide. "We're just friends," he assured him. "Though, I don't believe you have a right to react this way with our current situation. Just get to the point and tell me why you wanted to talk to me?"
Arian blinked, realizing what he wanted to tell Bran in the first place. "Well," he said nervously, "I wanted you to…um…"
"What?"
"Keep close to Hermione," he said quickly.
"Wait, what?!" Bran asked surprised.
"I said I want you too keep close to Hermione," Arian repeated and little frustrated.
"Wait, hold up," Bran said holding up his hands. "First you demand my relationship with Hermione and now your supporting it? What the hell is going on in your head?"
Arian sighed. "Do you remember what you told me in France? Do you still feel the same?"
Bran looked at him confusingly. "What exactly did I say?"
Arian chuckled but not in amusement. "Are you telling me you don't remember practically telling me your intentions with Hermione?"
"I remember," Bran said, regretting that he played dumb as a joke. "But what the hell is the matter with you? You're not…?"
"Rather you than Swancott," Arian told him harshly. "Whatever you do, don't hand her to him."
"You serious?" Bran said fully stunned. "Is this it? Is this how it's going to be? You and Eira? Me and Hermione?" he couldn't hide the frustration in his voice.
Arian hesitated. Was he doing the right thing? He loved Hermione but all his life he had loved Eira. Now he knew he was insane. His emotions were going off the radar. Arian gritted his teeth as if forcing the words out of his mouth, "At the moment, you're the one I trust to make her happy."
XxxXXXXxxX
Bran and Arian arrived at the quidditch pitch. They noticed that a new visitor had arrived.
"Bran! Arian Belth!" came the squealing girl towards them.
"Hey Dera," Bran said cheerfully, hiding any shocking expression he had moments ago.
"Hello," Arian said.
"Isn't this great?" she asked. "I'm so glad Hermione's back."
"Yea, it's great," Bran said.
"Oh, okay," Dera said confusingly as she backed away. She couldn't help but noticed some awkwardness between the two best friends. Then again, she remembered everything Hermione had told her. Of course there would be awkwardness between the two. Hermione had also told her to keep silent and act as if nothing was different.
No later did Cissy showed up with a number of people. "Mistress," she called. "Her family is here."
Hermione then turned and smiled brightly. She went and greeted them. Many had come. Harry and Ron, of course, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Tonks, Mad-Eye, Mundungus Fletcher, Charlie, Angelina and Alicia. Hermione was surprised by Mudungus appearance but didn't mind. Upon seeing Angelina and Alicia, she wondered where Fred and George were. Mrs. Weasley told her that they said they had something to do.
Hermione then told them to follow her to introduce them. Arian's family looked even more surprised now. "Everyone, this is my family. My two best friends Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. Molly and Arthur Weasley who have been closed to parents. Of course you know Charlie, Unity's fiancée. This is Angelina Johnson and Alicia Spinnet, they are engaged to Fred and George Weasley who are not here yet. And these are some members of the Order, Alastor Moody, Tonks, and Mudungus Fletcher. Oh and ignore the alcohol smell." They said hello and the other family looked a little shaken by Moody as they were disgusted by the drunken Mudungus.
Hermione then started naming off the other family. "Guys, this is Idelle and Codmon Belth. Arian's parents. Meriel and Vaddon Cardigan, Unity's parents. This is Delyth and Robat Williams, Eira's parents. Oh of course you don't know Eira." Hermione then pointed at Eira. "That is Eira, Arian's girlfriend," ignoring the gasps and disturbance, "Over there is Arian and his best friend Bran Conway. And one of my closest friends, Dera Morgan."
Hermione smiled. "Oh and I almost forgot, Grandmamma Rothia."
"YOU!" Rothia boomed coming towards Hermione.
"Oh no you don't you old hag!" Tonks said stepping in with Ron and Harry behind her.
"That's right," Harry and Ron said in unison.
"What did you say?" Rothia said venomously, looking at Tonks.
"You have another thing coming if you think I'm letting you come near Hermione and by the way I said OLD…" her mouth was then covered by Lupin who had just showed up.
"Thank goodness," Mrs. Weasley whispered in relief.
"I'm terribly sorry," he apologized. "I'm Remus Lupin. Member of the Order and Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts."
"Well who ever you are, keep that dirty mouth of hers shut," Rothia snapped.
Tonks was angered and struggled against Lupin. "Will do," said Lupin trying to hide his displeasure.
"Push over," Ron muttered under his breath.
"Well," Mrs. Weasley began, "Should we get to know each other?"
"Absolutely not," Rothia said. "We have no desire to associate with any of you."
"Grandmamma," Arian tried, realizing that this was getting out of hand.
"Stay silent Arian," she ordered.
"Grandma's boy," Ron muttered to Harry who chuckled.
Arian glared at them as well as his family.
"My wife," Mr. Weasley took over. "Just wanted to have a peaceful…"
"And I make myself clear when I say that we don't want…"
"LET ME AT HER!" yelled Tonks.
Moody grunted as he limped forward to face Rothia. He had stayed still this entire time which was completely unlike him and was tired of it. "Listen here you bloody woman, either you start respecting us or you would be wishing you did."
Mr. Belth then stepped forward in defense of his mother. Arian then tried to solve this but wasn't able too. Hermione's family was getting restless as well as Arian's.
"This isn't good," Dera said.
"Not at all," Bran said but then he smiled. "This is great!"
Dera looked confusingly at him but then forgot about Bran as someone came toward her. "Lain!" she squealed as she ran towards her fiancée. "Oh I'm so sorry you have to see this."
While they were in there own little world and the families were bickering. Hermione was getting angrier by the second. Pointing her was to her throat, she called out loudly, "ENOUGH!!!"
Everyone then went silent as she spoke. "I came back to live with Arian again and I thought I would hold this party for you to meet my family and I will say I'm not pleased with this outcome."
"No one asked you to come back," Rothia told her.
Hermione then placed her hand up to silence, Harry, Ron, and Tonks. The others had expressions that wanted to have a go at Rothia, even Mrs. Weasley. Hermione then eyed Rothia and the rest behind her. "This is my home now," she said loudly. Holding up her left hand she continued, "You see this?" she referred to her wedding ring. "I'm married to Arian so you better get used to me for the next five years Grandmamma because I'm not leaving."
This was definitely a shocker but nothing compared to what happened next. To this point, Rothia was boiling and she couldn't hold it in anymore. It happened so fast but she had no regrets. She raised her hand and slapped Hermione. Arian stood frozen.
Gasps were heard and wands were taken out by Harry and Ron, ready to strike. This was the last straw and spells were about to be said when Hermione, clasping her cheek, yelled. "No!" She knew that they were dying to fire but Hermione assured them she would handle this. "You should think before you act," Hermione told Rothia. "You're family, Unity's, and Eira's may follow you but my family isn't like that. They will not stand for your actions. Should you be reminded that these wizards behind me are powerful and in the Order? Trust me, I don't like you either and I will not let you stomp over me. I faced Voldemort and you are nothing compared to him so don't think for a second I can't handle myself."
"No one, threatens me," Rothia said darkly as she brought her hand up again. This time, Arian didn't stay still. In an instant, he was next to his Grandmamma as he held her arm back. "No, Grandmamma. I will not let you hurt Hermione."
"Arian," gasped Rothia in shock.
"Wise choice," came two voices.
Everyone then looked up to see Fred and George glaring down at Rothia, on top of Buckbeak.
"Hi, I'm Fred."
"And I'm George."
The twins introduced themselves.
"You know," Fred said. "It's not wise to anger a Hippogriff."
"And for your safety," George added. "You should know, Hermione saved Buckbeak's life and he certainly won't be happy if you lay a finger on her in his presence."
Mrs. Belth, Mrs. Williams, and Mrs. Cardigan all screamed in terror as the twins landed with Buckbeak. The husbands held their wives.
Mrs. Weasley, on the other hand, was ready to yell at her children but didn't.
"You aren't staying with that beast are you?" Mrs. Belth said in alarm.
"Don't worry," George said. "He won't harm a fly."
"He means it, literally," Fred said. "He won't harm a fly."
Rothia then nearly fainted as she staggered down, which only caused everyone to gather around her.
"Please, one person on the floor is enough," Tonks spitted out, glancing at Mudungus who had passed out, do to his alcohol, during their argument.
"Now see what this caused," Bran spoke out before Arian's family could retort to Tonk's comment. "This could all have been avoided if you would just have gotten along from the start."
"Yes," Hermione agreed. "Why don't we let the adults talk while we play quidditch."
"Wicked," both Fred and George said.
"That's sounds great," Bran said.
"Us against you," Ron said harshly, not letting his guard down.
"Alright," Arian agreed hoping this would lower the tension.
"So," Hermione said. "That means, Bran, Arian, Eira, Dera in a team. That's not enough."
"I'll join them," Lain said.
"Alright," Hermione said. "I will too."
"WHAT?!!!" the others yelled.
"Are you mad?" Ron asked.
"That's no fun," Fred said. "I guess we should pick teams. Meaning we should mix up."
"That won't be necessary," Unity said. "I will join with my family as well as him. Now were even."
They turned to see who Unity was referring to. Arian almost swore as he saw who was their new visitor.
"Devonald!" Hermione exclaimed happily running into his arms. "You came!"
"Of course I would. I thought I was bloody dreaming when I received your invitation," he chuckled releasing her but still staring at her intently. "You look beautiful." This caused Hermione to blushed and this didn't went unnoticed by Arian.
"Get over here, Swancott," Arian barked, not pleased at all. Swancott said nothing and glared at Arian. He wouldn't make a scene here. Things were bad enough already.
This cause weird glances to be passed around. Then everybody got ready but first Hermione and the rest of the girls had to change because they were all wearing either skirts or dresses. Once they came back, Charlie agreed that he would be score keeper.
"Okay pick your team names," he told them.
"You can't be serious?" Arian asked.
"I am," Charlie said.
"C'mon Arian," Unity encouraged. "It will be fun. We can call ourselves the Destroyers."
"More like Demental Family," Ron muttered which caused the others to laugh.
"Ron," Hermione warned.
"Fine," Charlie said. "The Destroyers. What about your team Harry?"
Harry looked at the others. "What should we be called?"
Ron was about to say something when Fred interrupted. "Not the Golden Trio."
"Or Ronnikins," George added laughing.
"No!" Ron snapped. "I was going to say maybe we could stick with the D.A."
"Dumbledore's Army?" Hermione considered. "Not bad."
"No," Angelina said. "Not D.A. How about H.A."
"Ha?" Ron protested. "What kind of name is that?"
The others caught on what she meant. Harry glanced at the others who nodded, except Hermione and Ron who were still confused.
"Hermione's Army," Harry told Charlie.
Charlie nodded. "Now, have all of you decided what positions you will be playing? Say it now."
Arian nodded. "Dera, Eira, and I will be chasers. Bran and Lain will be beaters, Swancott keeper, and Unity seeker."
Fred then smirked. "No competition for Harry. He's seeker."
"I'll be keeper," Ron said matter-of-factly.
"Chasers," Angelina and Alicia both said glancing at one another.
Hermione then was unsure of what position she would play but she didn't have to decide since the twins gave each other knowing looks and answered for her.
"I'm Chaser," George announced which surprised the H.A.
"Me and Hermione are Beaters," Fred said lastly.
A/N I'm so happy I don't have writer's block any longer. This is really awesome. I know I'm such a geek being excited over my own story. I just can't help it. How thing's end up is much of a surprise to me that it is to you guys. I swear. I don't plan things to turn out this way. They just do. Anyway, there are some things I do plan which will bring out a twist in this story. I'm also currently working on two new stories too: Demon's Grasp(This one got most votes than Spellbound. If you want preview of it go to Chap 16) and Blood Ties (This is my next masterpiece I swear to Merlin. I'm more excited for this one then the Demon's Grasp) Till next time.
