Previously on Is This All There Is? Chapter 36: The Never Ending Story Again
Hermione got up to tidy up, but Draco grabbed hold to her hand and pulled her back down on the couch unbuttoning her jeans trying to slide them off. "Shall I call Blaise back or do you want to settle for me?"
"I want you or no one," replied Hermione.
"Good. See that it remains that way," replied Draco as he nuzzled her neck.
/*/
Draco had just gotten the word good out of his mouth when one of their mobiles rang. "I have words for anyone who rings a mobile at this time of night and whoever it is won't like them," Striding into the bedroom, Draco picked up the phone and growled. "This better be good." Draco came striding back into the living room and shoved the phone at Hermione. "It was your mobile and it's your good friend Potter on the other end. Tell the git exactly what time it is before you sign off just so he'll know when not to call. In addition love, earlier you were very insistent we cast the Homorphus Spell so get your lovely arse off the mobile quickly. It appears we have two things to do."
Hermione took the phone and waved Draco away as she listened to what Harry was saying. When Hermione remained on the phone, Draco huffed at her and told her he would be in the bedroom. Hermione waved him away once more and began assuring Harry something was fine. Draco didn't wait to hear what it was and went to lie down. As hard as he tried to stay awake, he couldn't, and in five minutes was dead sleep.
When Hermione got off her mobile she went to tell Draco what was going on, but he was already sleeping so she did a quick wash, changed into pajamas and went back to the living room to wait for Harry…..and Alice.
Is This All There Is? Chapter 37: Those Pressing Issues
Molly with Arthur close on her heels came bounding down the stairs to see what all the commotion was about only to find George and Lee tussling with Ginny as Angelina stood in the background looking horrified.
"What's this about George? Let go of your sister and explain yourself immediately."
When Arthur spoke, Lee Jordan immediately released his hold on Ginny which freed her one arm to come around and grab George by the neck and dig in with her fingers.
"Bloody hell," yelped George as he dropped Ginny's other hand in order to grab his neck.
Now that she had been released, Ginny stood there breathing hard and glowering at her brother and Lee Jordan. Rounding on George she screamed. "Give me my bloody wand and give it to me now. Who do you think you are manhandling me? Give me my wand now."
"Stop that screaming right now Ginevra and tell us what's going on," ordered Molly, but Ginny simply stood there glaring at George.
Still rubbing his neck, George was the one to answer. "I'll tell you what's going on. Your lovely daughter saw fit to come storming into Hermione's house where she proceeded to physically attack and hex her husband as well as verbally attack one of Hermione's guests making a bloody arse of herself. Lee and I had to drag her from Hermione's house so she couldn't hurt anyone else or end up in a duel with Hermione. Of course, with her usual aplomb and decorum, Ginny saw fit to fight us all the way here. Your daughter has no shame. She brought this all down on herself and is now acting as though she was the one wronged. I suggest you have a talk with her mum because if she plans to attack Harry the way she did tonight, she may find herself on the business end of Harry's wand and she'd deserve it. Lee, Angelina and I have had it for this night. We're going home," snapped George, and beckoning to Angelina and Lee he headed to the door bidding his mum and dad goodnight as he went.
Angelina and Lee bid Molly and Arthur good night as well and followed George out.
/*/
Shaking his head and sighing, Arthur told Molly to speak to Ginny because he's had enough of her foolishness and was going back to bed. As he climbed the stairs, Arthur called back. "Don't take too long dear. You need to get some rest before going back to France. You've had a long day and a long week in which you've done nothing but run behind your children. You've seen to Ron. Now you are caught up again with a daughter who doesn't seem to have the manners of a Hag. Get it sorted Molly and come to bed. I'll wait for you."
Turning to Ginny, Molly placed her hands on her hips and waited. When Ginny sat there with her lips set in a firm line staring straight ahead Molly asked. "What was it this time? Who has done you wrong now? It certainly wasn't Harry as we all know it was you who has done him wrong. Have you finally figured out you are the one left back? I'm talking to you Ginevra. Answer me."
"Harry threw me out of our home starkers."
Molly grabbed her chest as she replied. "He didn't."
Ginny thought her mum was softening and went for Molly's chink in the armor and started to sob. "He most certainly did throw me out and then he changed the wards and locked the floo. I was lucky to have my wand or I would have been caught out without a stitch on."
Whatever Ginny thought just wasn't the case. Molly hadn't softened and she wasn't falling for her daughter's tears. "Well my question would be, why were you at Grimmauld Place at all? Hasn't Harry made himself clear? He doesn't want to see you. He doesn't want you in Grimmauld Place and he wants you to file for divorce. It would seem it is your husband who has now made a decision about the rest of his life. What you've done to Harry is despicable. You've had you're way and come out on the losing end. Move on Ginny."
Throwing her hair back over her shoulder and sticking her nose in the air, Ginny told her mother that Harry was angry as he should be, but she was sure he would come around if they could sit down to talk.
"Talk is it then?" questioned Molly. "Showing up at his home apparently with little to no clothing on doesn't sound like talking," and lowering her voice Molly looked her daughter straight in the eye as she snapped, "Seems to me you were trying to use your wiles to get Harry back. I would think you'd had enough of throwing your legs open."
Ginny turned beet red. "Mum please. I haven't….."
"Don't tell me what you haven't Ginny because I know better. I had hoped that by now you would have learned to work things out without falling on your back, but I see I'm probably mistaken. Think ahead Ginny please. You are unencumbered and you are a very good Quidditch player. Why not post around for a Quidditch position. Get out of Britain for a while. Get yourself a life away from here because I don't think there will be many who will step up to your side when the reason for your divorce becomes public knowledge. Through my interference and yours, our family name has had enough put against it. It is time we moved forward."
"Bollocks," replied Ginny. I don't intend to get a divorce. As I told you, I believe Harry will come around. So think what you will mum. You'll see it differently when Harry and I are back together."
Molly let out a sigh of exasperation as she rose from her chair. "Well think again Ginevra because your father learned from a Ministry source that Harry's solicitor filed a divorce petition on his behalf this morning and from what George told us about the goings on at Hermione's party, he's probably glad he did. I believe the divorce parchment may be what arrived for you earlier. So get yourself together and get on with your life. I'm going upstairs now to be with my husband before I have to prepare myself to go back to Bill's. A bit of advice, do something nice. Ron is allowed visitors and needs a bit of company. Go see him. You and your father may hear from Amanda as well as Ron has made some decisions. He wants to see her and I've owled her as much. You are my only daughter and I love you Ginny, but I would like for you to start acting like a responsible adult witch. Please have everything straightened out by the time I get back home in January. I hope you can find something that makes you happy." With that, Molly hugged Ginny before walking back upstairs to share some private time with Arthur.
/*/
It was a sullen Ginny who walked over to pick up the envelope laying on the table. She didn't know what the envelope contained, but she didn't believe for one minute Harry Potter would ever serve her with divorce parchment. Harry loved her, had loved her for a very long time and whenever necessary, she knew how to bring him round with her pussy. No matter what mistake she had made, Harry wasn't about to stop loving her now.
Pulling open the envelope, Ginny looked over the parchment and fell into the nearest chair. Dad's source had been quite correct. Party 1 aka Harry Potter had filed a fucking divorce petition and his solicitor was awaiting her answer.
Ginny threw the parchment down on the table. So, Mr. William Ellis, Solicitor was awaiting her response. Well let him wait. I won't be signing these parchments any time soon. I'm Harry Potter's wife and I won't be going back to plain old Ginny Weasley. Fuck them and all they stand for. Then Ginny crossed her arms and sat sullenly staring at the wall trying to figure out what to do next.
And it had come to Ginny as suddenly as the snitch when she played seeker. That black haired bint who had been all up on Harry at Hermione's house must be the reason Harry was so quick to file for divorce. The sainted Harry Potter must have been cheating even as he took her over the coals for her indiscretion, and if he was cheating, his good friend H-e-r-m-i-o-n-e must know all about it. Bloody hypocrites. Well I'll just see to this, and it won't be pretty.
/*/
Hermione sat quietly in the living room waiting for Harry and Alice to return. From what Harry had hurriedly told her, he'd had a run in with a bloke at Alice's house and felt it wasn't safe for her to remain in the flat. Hermione yawned and wished they would hurry.
It wasn't more than five minutes later that the doorbell rang startling Hermione whose eyes had closed in that short span of time. Getting up to open the door, Hermione promised herself she would make it short and sweet. Alice could stay downstairs where Harry had stayed and Harry could go to…wherever he was going.
Opening the door, Hermione was met with a flustered Alice and a scowling Harry.
/*/
As Harry and Alice stepped through the door, that bit of bright light associated with Felicia suddenly appeared on her shoulder and had shown it brightest light yet.
/*/
"Come in. I understand there was a bit of a problem. I'm glad everything turned out right. Let me just say this. It is very late and I'm quite tired so I'll show Alice to the guest room and Harry love, we'll see you tomorrow at which time other arrangements can be made."
Harry bid Hermione and Alice goodnight promising to be back in the morning to help Alice get things worked out with Hannah.
Hermione walked Harry to the door and softly so Alice couldn't hear threw his earlier words back at him. "Alice is a grown witch and it isn't up to you to save everyone."
Harry smiled, gave Hermione a quick kiss on the cheek and waved at Alice before heading out the door.
Putting her arm through Alice's, Hermione led her to the stairs. "Let's get you settled in and tomorrow we'll wait for your savior to return so we can get you some type of lodging."
The downstairs rooms were in perfect order and Alice commented on how nice it was as Hermione had shown her through. Thanking Hermione for her kindness, Alice promised she would be out of the way as quickly as possible. Hermione gave Alice a quick hug telling her she would see her at breakfast.
As Hermione climbed into bed beside him, Draco opened his eyes long enough to mutter, "About bloody time. How long have you been gone?"
"I've only been gone a short time. Go back to sleep love. We'll talk tomorrow. Actually, it is tomorrow. We'll talk later."
Pulling Hermione toward him, Draco cupped her breast in his hand, but fell back asleep before he could even pinch her nipple. Hermione wiggled into him and within five minutes was asleep as well.
/**/
When Harry awoke on Saturday morning, the first thing that crossed his mind was that he was now an almost divorced wizard. He also remembered what Solicitor Ellis had told him about the entire British wizarding world knowing he had filed for divorce by Monday afternoon. Sighing deeply, Harry realized he'd have to steel himself for what was to come because whatever came would have to be met and that was what he would do. His next thought was about Alice. Actually, it was about what a miserable son of a bitch David Justice was. Harry had meant everything he'd said to the tosspot. If Justice didn't want to become the plaything of some overly large wizard boy, he would stay away from Alice.
After showering and dressing, Harry knocked quietly on Hannah's door and asked if he could have a quick word. Hannah who was up and dressed invited Harry in and had shown him to a chair at which time Harry explained how a friend had lost her flat and at his suggestion would be stopping in later to discuss letting rooms. Hannah advised she had a set of rooms available. The rooms, while not quite on par with his were set up in the same way and could possibly fit the needs of his friend. Harry thanked Hannah, apologized for knocking on her door first thing and left to go get something to eat.
Harry made it downstairs just before noon and setting himself at one of the tables, the wizard on first service questioned if he wanted breakfast or early lunch. Harry was in the mood for breakfast food so he asked for eggs, sausage, toast, fried potatoes and a tea. Ten minutes later, the server was back with an excellent breakfast which rated an excellent tip.
After finishing up breakfast, Harry set a path for Webley Court. He smiled to himself as he thought about what would happen if Hermione and Draco were still in bed and his appearance woke them from their beauty sleep. He might find himself on the receiving end of a well thrown hex. In for a penny, in for a pound thought Harry as he pressed his finger to the bell.
/*/
Luckily, Hermione, Draco and Alice were up when Harry arrived and Alice's housing situation had been very quickly sorted. Harry advised everyone he had spoken to Hannah and there were rooms available for Alice. So while Draco and Harry remained at Webley Court, Hermione and Alice went to secure her rooms.
Hannah had been glad it was Alice and was more than willing to help. After a short discussion, it was decided Alice would be installed as a permanent tenant and could pay on a monthly basis. Alice was quick to mention that strangers were not welcome to her rooms so should anyone try to gain access, they should be turned away.
Not knowing the situation, but willing to accommodate her former barmaid, Hannah promised to see to it. Hermione sat with Alice for a bit as she got herself settled in helping her hang her things as they were brought back to size. Alice mentioned that she was a bit hesitant about classes on Monday even though Harry had made it quite clear to David he should not have any contact with her. Hermione assured her that David Justice was now a non factor. If Harry had told him to stay away, he would stay away.
Shyly, Alice glanced at Hermione thanking her for all she had done and how good it felt to have supporters.
Hermione smiled as she got ready to get back home. "Everybody deserves to have people who support them and now you have us. Study up carefully on our plan. Draco and I still have two more days at our alternate positions before getting back to Wizengamot Admin, but after that it will be bollocks to the wall for all of us.
By the time Hermione was on her way back to Webley Court, everything had been settled and Alice was happily settled into her rooms.
/*/
Draco and Harry sat silently sipping their tea for a few minutes after Hermione and Alice left until Draco finally asked, "Was it as it appeared?"
Harry set his tea down and glanced at Draco before answering. "If you thought a filthy bastard had a witch in a predicament, then yes it was. I think I handled it well considering my blood was boiling over the thought of that bloody fuck taking liberties."
Draco smiled as he took another sip. "Think that much of her do you? She seems a good sort. Now if she comes through for the team, everything will be top notch."
Even though Harry had filed his divorce petition, he was still technically a married man and therefore wouldn't comment on what he thought of Alice…..for now. Harry knew what he thought and felt, but wasn't at liberty to discuss it.
Feeling as though he had spoken out of turn, Draco changed the subject. "Within the next month, we should be seeing an influx of strangers and foreigners who will be working on the Shacklebolt Center project. Contractors, builders, decorators, etc. The Auror Department and MLE had better stay sharp as we don't know what kind of witches and wizards who will be relocating here. You might have to work for a change."
A grinning Harry told Draco, if he could handle a git like him, he could handle anyone and it was this scene of merriment Hermione found when she returned home.
/*/
After Harry left, Draco mentioned mobiles. "I believe we have two members of the team who do not have mobiles. I may not be able to get away from the CW on Monday. If you have time, please pick up a mobile for Olivia and Alice."
"I'll do that love. Actually, I may be able to pick up mobiles before Monday. Either way, I'll get them. Now. We have some unfinished business."
Before Hermione could finish her sentence, Draco was at her side running his hand up and down her back. Slapping his hand away, Hermione told him sex was not the business she meant reminding him they had to perform the Homorphus Charm on Felicia.
"Oh," remarked a deflated Draco. "How long will this take because my dick feels as though it is more important than a charm and he wants to be heard."
Hermione reached around and gently bit Draco on the shoulder. "Behave yourself Draco. This is important and should not take more than five minutes, but I need to check the book in case there is more to it. Come on git. The quicker we get this done, the quicker I'll be able to ride that big dick down into the mattress."
"Say no more," answered Draco as he dragged Hermione to the bedroom. "I'm ready to read."
/*/
There wasn't anything more to the charm. All the current couple had to do was be in agreement that it was time for their muse to move on. The hardest part for both Hermione and Draco was realizing that although Felicia would remain with them for a while, she would no longer be their girl.
Hermione had a thought. She wasn't sure how much of this she would be allowed to remember and she also didn't know if what she planned to do would work, but she was going to give it a try. Asking Draco to give her ten minutes, Hermione searched for her old journal. The journal she thought she was done with. When she found it, Hermione hastily wrote the highlights of what had transpired between her, Draco and Felicia. When Hermione was finished, she was surprised to see that several tear drops had fallen on the page. Then in a large and deliberate hand Hermione wrote:
I'll miss you my muse, but you have given me my life and my love.
Defigo
Putting her journal away again for the last time, Hermione reached out for Draco. With her head on his shoulder, the two walked back to the living room and then with wands extended, Hermione and Draco recited the words of the Homorphus Charm. Then with one last glance in the direction of her charges, Felicia smiled as a small burst of light landed on her shoulder.
Initially, neither Draco nor Hermione could see much of a difference in Felicia, but as they took a closer look at the doll, they realized the light in Felicia's eyes they had so easily taken for granted no longer shined. Their muse had truly moved on.
Draco kissed Hermione softly on the mouth, took her by the hand and led her to the bedroom where they wouldn't shag or have sex, they were going to make love. And it was during that walk from the living room to their bedroom that Draco realized he was ready to ask Hermione to take the next step with him. He didn't expect to get married right away as there was so much he and Hermione wanted to do and see, but he wanted Hermione to know he planned to be her wizard for the rest of their lives.
Draco had decided. As soon as he could, he would discuss his decision with his father and then with Harry the closest person Hermione had to family. The discussions with his father and Harry were only formalities, courtesies, because no matter the outcome of the conversations, he knew his next stop after would be to his jeweler to pick out Hermione's ring.
Then, all that would be left was for him to get Hermione to accept the ring and his proposal. Even though he was absolutely certain of Hermione's love for him, Draco also knew the recent turmoil in both their lives might make it hard for her to make another lifelong commitment so soon after her disaster of a marriage. He wasn't Ron Weasley. He meant every word he said. He was in love with Hermione Granger and would be for life. However, proving that to Hermione might be harder than asking her to be his life partner. All he could do was present himself, his promise and his ring and see what came of it.
Thank you for reading this chapter. Let me know what you think.