So... super long update... because I wait soooo long update. I may start doing longer chapter if I don't frequent updates. Hope you are all still with me on this. There will be surprises! Once again, thanks for the reviews! I greatly appreciate them!
UNTIL I FIND A BETTER PART OF ME
Chapter Thirty Seven
"So, I'll start off with…" Charlie muttered, trailing off, as his eyes darted to the book to his right. He bit his lip as he put down the manuscript in his hand and traced his finger down the page of the book he had spotted on the table. "Yes, yes, that'll work."
He gave a solid nod before he reached down and cleared off the books on top of his thick notebook. He took the quill that he had tucked behind his ear and started scribbling down some notes. His eyes narrowed as he read over his notes. He then again nodded, muttering to himself the words he wrote quietly. He took a deep breath, squeezing his eyes shut, and then once again surveyed the table he was occupying. He shook his head as he took in the fact that every available surface on the table was filled with books and manuscripts.
"Bloody hell." He groaned.
He heard a chuckle behind him and he quickly turned. He realized Harry was looking over his shoulder to witness his chaos.
"Madness, isn't?" Harry questioned, sporting a smirk. "I'm with you. A couple nights ago, I was here exactly as you are now – surrounded by books. The only thing I could really think was how Hermione would be so proud." Charlie chuckled, knowing his fiancée's love of books. "She bloody begged Ron and myself to 'participate' in the routine of studying."
"Didn't go over too well I take it?"
"If you go by how many times she rolled her eyes and sighed in frustration… certainly not." Harry patted his shoulder. "From what I heard, you never developed an aversion to books. You've wrote a couple yourself."
Charlie snorted. "Those were manuscripts of research. I wrote those years ago."
"Hermione has all of them."
"Does she?"
"That really shouldn't be a surprise," Harry told him with a shrug. "Even with her crush on you, she always had a thing for helping everything. She'd stand up for the underdog and most definitely go against the current."
Curiously, Charlie eyed Harry. He had always wondered why Harry and Hermione never paired off. They seemed more compatible than his brother and Hermione. They saw the closeness between them – every witch and wizard did. He wondered how Ginny came to terms with it. Then again, Ginny grew up surrounded by Harry, Hermione, and Ron. She would know firsthand how they were together, but she must've – at one point – been a bit curious to why they never tried. Hermione had always told him that their feelings for one another had always been platonic. Nothing more. What if Harry held a torch for Hermione? What made Ginny believe that she had Harry's heart fully?
"You speak highly of her," he remarked.
Harry frowned at him, probably noticing the shift in his demeanor. Wise wizard. "She has been best friend since twelve."
"True," he agreed. "But you never speak that highly of Ron."
"Do you speak highly of Ron?" Harry remarked dryly.
Charlie paused, looking to Harry for a moment. He chuckled at Harry's audacity and stark honesty. He patted his sister's husband on the back. He always thought Harry had this slight weakness in character – this wishy-washy nature about him. He didn't think it made him less of a man, but he had always wondered if Hermione was the one that put thoughts in his mind. He clearly had a backbone and mind of his own, even if it was overshadowed by Hermione's intellect.
"Don't get me wrong," Harry said with a shrug. "Ron's my best friend… so is Hermione. More often than not, it was Hermione bailing us out of trouble. There have been moments where Ron has come through and shown what he's really made of. Both Hermione and I have known and seen that side of him that most haven't. Unfortunately, Hermione's merits often overshadow his good qualities, but we've all always been there for one another. I don't love Ron any more or less than Hermione."
Curiosity getting the best of him, Charlie finally asked what had been eating at him for such a long time. "You seem awfully protective of her. I still remember that owl you sent me when I first came back."
Harry stopped for a moment as he was looking over the pile of books covering Charlie's table. His hand poised over the pages. His fingertips barely brushed against the inked words. He shut his eyes, squeezing them shut for a moment as if he was contemplating something. Charlie watched the younger wizard as he drew back. He seemed to be shuttered off for a moment before he looked Charlie directly in the eyes.
"If you're asking if I've ever had feeling for her…" he started.
Charlie waited, just waiting for the usual tightlipped dismissal of response. He already knew now that Harry indeed had feelings for Hermione. To his surprise, it didn't make him wary… and no, not because Harry was a married man. He also knew his feelings for Ginny were genuine especially with how he reacted when Ginny at first rejected his marriage proposal. The man was destroyed. Charlie was more curious than anything about his fiancée and her other best friend's relationship. He expected outright denial on Harry's part.
"Of course, I had and have feelings for her."
Startled, Charlie's eyes immediately went straight to Harry's. That definitely wasn't what Charlie was expecting. Ron would've skirted over it, trying desperately to remain aloof. Harry was now just staring him down with no ounce of regret confessing it. Harry just shrugged as he gave him a lopsided smile.
"We've known each other for so long, Charlie," Harry told him. "It was bound to happen along the way. Apart from Ginny, she was the only one that stayed. She's my family. But just because it makes sense that I'd eventually have feeling for her, it doesn't mean you just act upon it." He sighed then. "I'm not confessing to you that I have feelings for your fiancée and my best friend, because I want to cause trouble or anything. I just want to be very clear with you." He crossed his arms, giving him a hard look. "I knew I had started feeling something, but I was so occupied with Cho that I didn't realize it. There have been so many instances that had been warning bells, but I never realized it. When she showed up at that bloody dress for Yule Ball, I should've known and I should've known all those times that Ron hurt her feelings that I wanted to punch him." He chewed his bottom lip. "There was once during the war when Ron left momentarily and I made her happy for a moment. We were having a hard time and with Ron up and leaving us, it was just hard place to be. I was dancing with her and making her smile – like genuinely smile. I hadn't seen that smile for ages and I wanted to outright beat up Ron for never making her smile like this. I realized I wanted her just like as much as possible – really smiling. I wanted her to smile like that, because it meant so much to me. She meant so much to me."
Charlie was feeling overwhelmed with how candid and honest Harry was being. He was about to open his mouth to say something, but Harry shook his head and held up his hand. He quieted himself and told himself to be calm. He had nothing to fear. His suspicions were confirmed, but he never felt Harry was a threat not even now. Why he didn't was a mystery to him. Perhaps, it had to do with the stark honesty Harry was displaying now. He didn't even look at all apologetic for telling him either.
"I'm not telling you this start a brawl between us or have bad blood," Harry told him. "I'm madly in love with your sister. I respect her and I would never do anything to hurt or disrespect her." The serious look in Harry's eyes caused a slight smile to break across Charlie's face. He could hear the seriousness in his voice. He wasn't lying. "You asked about Hermione and me. I'm telling this to you straight up, because you deserve honesty and she deserves everything. You are everything to her and I love you for that. You make her smile – really smile – so much. I love Hermione. I will always love Hermione, but the love that Hermione, Ron, and myself share go way beyond the separations in love. If she believed that she could get what she has with you and get what she needs with me, I would've given her that hands down. What I'm trying to tell you is that I love Hermione so much that it doesn't matter what 'position' that she would've liked me to be in her life that I would have. I could tell you that I love her like my sister – that's true. Could I love her like a lover? Yes, that's true. I am whatever she needs me to be and she is whatever I need her to be. We've always known that."
Unlike Ron, Charlie understood exactly what Harry was insinuating. He's certain that Harry never told Ron any of this, because he wouldn't understand. For some reason, Charlie absolutely understood what Harry was saying. If Hermione had asked Harry to be more than a friend, he would have and he would've done it in an instant. Their friendship covered everything – there was no distinction between friend, lover, or whatever. They would be what they needed to be to the other. In this case, it had remained almost like siblings.
"I take it," Charlie croaked. "That you never filled Ron in on this."
Harry chuckled at that. "He wouldn't have gotten it. I don't think he could truly understand it. I was banking on your age and maturity here. I went on a limb and prayed you wouldn't punch me."
Charlie shrugged. "I always figured that you and her had some sort of feelings – like undefined feelings. Your friendship always seemed limitless in a sense. Something that in a way surpassed her and Ron."
"Soul mates doesn't always mean romantic pairings," Harry told him. "I also knew if I kept dismissing you that you'd eventually start hating me."
"I'm glad you were straight with me. It makes sense and I'm actually glad you two share that type of connection. It'll put me to ease now that she and I are sharing memories if you popped up in one."
Harry raised his eyebrows at that. "Sharing memories?"
Charlie groaned. "I shouldn't have said that."
"But you did." Harry smirked. "How about you walk me back to Ginny and my newly renovated living quarters? I'm certain Gin would love to see you anyway."
Charlie glanced around at the table. "I can do that… if you can help me put everything away."
It wasn't as tough to confide in Harry about drinking dragon's blood. He was glad that Harry didn't hit him. In fact, he just shrugged and wasn't at all surprised by Hermione's behavior or antics. Unlike Ron, Harry seemed to fully understand the extremes of Hermione's personality and capabilities. He liked being able to talk so openly to Harry about Hermione, especially to someone who personally knew her as well as Harry did. Harry told him that if he needed any help that he could probably go to the ministry to check out the ancient archives. Charlie told him that he'd have to talk it over with Hermione, but he was certain that she would be jumping and down at that possibility.
When they reached the DADA office and was walking down the steps from the office into the living quarters, he could hear the conversation within echoing off the walls. He smirked, seeing all the pictures aligning the staircase. There were pictures of family and friends. As he set foot in the now decorated and cozy living quarters, he could smell tea and chocolates. He smirked when he saw Ginny laying on the couch, propped up with pillows. She was sipping a cup of tea and munching on chocolate chip cookies.
"Charlie!" Ginny gasped, smiling to see him.
"Hi, Ginny," he greeted, walking over to her and carefully taking her into his arm. He gave her a peak on the cheek. "How are you feeling?"
"Wonderful now that everything is as it is," she informed him with a nod. "Hermione just left though. Were you looking for her?"
Charlie shook his head. "No, Harry told me that your new place was finally livable. I wanted to see it for myself and check in on you."
He nodded to Luna, who was sitting in the chair right next to the couch. The blond gave him a small smile. Neville and Harry were talking in the small kitchen. When he brought his attention back to Ginny and Luna, Luna had bounced up to him and delivering him a cup of tea. He tried not to seem so startled, but he didn't miss the smirk on Ginny's face as he quickly accepted the offering. He was about to take a sip of it when Luna clucked.
"I see a lot of elephants have already been addressed," she said aloud, causing Charlie to attempt to swallow down his gulp of tea. "Ginny was telling me about the elephants piling up. From what I heard, a lot of those elephants became visible. Only some squished everyone." Luna looked at him closely. "Yours still need to be addressed."
He raised an eyebrow at that. "Do you happen to be good friends with Professor Trelawney?"
"Oh, you mean Sybill?" Luna questioned. He nodded. "Oh, yes, she was overjoyed to know I'll be residing at Hogwarts."
He smirked. "That doesn't surprise me at all."
"I think she's a lovely lady," Luna told him. "That's way I find it strange that Hermione never took a liking to her. She's a pleasant lady."
"That doesn't surprise me either."
"That Hermione never took a liking to her?" Luna asked and Charlie nodded his head again. "I shouldn't be surprised. In a way, I'm not." She sighed dramatically. "I've always known that Hermione is more the rational sort. Being irrational doesn't always mean you're wrong… nor does it mean you're right. It just means you're more apt to see the elephants in the room."
Charlie paused, glancing over at Ginny, who still trying to keep calm. That bloody traitor, she knew that this conversation was bloody ridiculous… and she still was just letting it go on without attempting to redirect the conversation. When Luna glanced over at Ginny, Charlie shook his head and flipped Ginny off, which did Ginny in. Luna frowned at Ginny's roar of laughter and she eyed Charlie wide-eyed.
"I don't we believe said anything funny."
Ginny coughed, trying to cover it up. "I just – something tickled my feet."
"Well, did you or did you not see all the elephants in the room?" Luna gasped in exasperation. "Things that came to the surface that nobody expected was amiss. George and Katie were talking about how they were finally together. That elephant between them was gone. They finally talked about everything. Your mum and dad finally told you their plans of selling the Burrow. That elephant became visible." She looked over at Charlie. "You two know that there is an elephant in the room. One that needs to be addressed or your relationship will suffer. I'm telling you. You don't have to worry about dragon pox."
Charlie's mouth dropped open at that. "I know I don't have to worry about dragon pox-"
"Than what's there to worry about?" Luna huffed. "Yes, your connection is going to get stronger, but avoiding that fact is just going to cause a rift between you two. It will get stronger and more intense. The more you deal with it now – the better, I say. Sex isn't going to hurt you-"
"Okay, whoa! I don't want to be in this conversation!" Ginny gasped, shaking her head and putting her hands up. "The mention of my brother and sex… yes, I think it's-"
Luna growled, planting herself firmly in front of Charlie. His attention got ripped from his sister as he looked at the petite blond in surprised as she gave him a look.
"Bloody address the elephant in the room," she told him. Her gaze was unwavering. "Dragon's blood will only strengthen your bond not harm it." She grabbed the sides of his face and forced him down closer to her face. "Karine wants me to remind you that, it is better to strengthen your closeness, intimacy, and connection. It's too dangerous to keep apart like you have. It could mean death."
"Luna, what in the world?" Ginny gasped. "Dragon's blood? Karine? What are you are you…"
He heard Ginny's tirade. He even heard Harry and Neville come back into the room. Neville completely apologizing for his wife's actions, but Charlie remained in shock. Luna had mentioned Karine, dragon's blood… and it all bloody made sense now. The elephant in the room she was referring to was the fact Hermione and himself didn't talk about their budding and intensifying bond. Instead of being downright mysterious, she went a direct route this time. Luna never once looked away from Charlie's eyes or face until a small smile finally bloomed.
"You get it now," she said with relief. "Elephants will only grow bigger. Don't let it squish you."
Charlie nodded. "I won't…" He trailed than shook out of his trance. "Thanks," he murmured genuinely. Luna nodded in pride.
The rest sported very confused expressions on their face, except maybe Harry, who was now looking at them back and forth. None of them uttered a word, just watching them. Charlie looked around at his sister, Harry, Neville, and then back at Luna.
"The place looks great, Ginny," he told her, with a small smile. "I'm going to need to head out and see what Hermione is up to."
"Is everything okay?" Ginny gasped as he was about to turn away and head for the stairs leading to the DADA office.
He looked over his shoulder and smirked. "It's time to address the elephant in the room as Luna puts it."
Luna clapped her hands excitedly at that and Charlie gave her a nod before he headed out. Of course, not without noticing that Harry smirked, finally realizing what was going while the others were still confused.
Charlie continued his way back to the Hospital Wing. He didn't even know if Hermione was in their rooms. He could only hope. As he swung open the door, he was relieved to be greeted with the sight of Hermione removing the letters from an owl's leg. She gave him a treat, which he hooted happily. She gave Charlie a warm smile before her eyes wandered over the envelopes.
"Research went well?" she asked him casually.
He walked over to the desk to peek over her shoulder as she tore open the envelopes. "It went well. I bumped into Harry at the library."
"Not surprised," she told him. "He told me he was gearing up for classes like you."
Charlie was about to comment when he saw a delightful red skim over her cheeks until it covered her entire face and neck. What in the world would cause that reaction? He frowned, peering down at the letter in her hands, which she instinctively tugged away from his eyes. She jumped away from him a bit and quickly folded up the letter.
"Hermione?"
"Oh, just a letter from Cheryl," she gasped.
"Cheryl? Really?" Charlie questioned, reaching for the letter. "How is everyone?"
She quickly tucked the letter away into the envelope. "Everyone's fine. I just asked her something very… private."
"Did you?"
"Mm'hm," she muttered as she put the other unopened enveloped on top of Cheryl's. Charlie frowned, eyeing Hermione at her strange antics. Before he could call her out on her behavior, she looked up into his eyes. "You seemed like you were about to talk to me about something. You had that look in your eyes when you came in."
Charlie froze, torn between wanting to know what Cheryl said and having another conversation. He nibbled on his bottom lip, wondering which conversation to dive into first.
Hermione coughed, drawing his attention. "I was thinking… since you know… we aren't needed at this moment in time… we can just have that talk now."
"The talk?"
Hermione nodded. "Yes. Y'know… what's going on with us?" Her eyes darted to his, looking up into his eyes inquisitively. "I had an interesting conversation with Luna today. I figured it was time to clear the air."
"Or address the elephant?" he suggested with a smirk.
Hermione paused then chuckled. "Ran into Luna?"
"Harry invited me back to see their newly done place. She and Neville were there. Ginny said I just missed you."
"Yes, I got spooked by Luna," she admitted. "Let me guess, you did too."
"No point in denying it."
"Suppose not."
They decided to be… civil about it. Hermione suggested they sit down at the table. Charlie helped ready the table with a kettle of tea, an assortment of tea, and some biscuits that Hermione brought back from Romania. All of it was just so proper and civil that Charlie was starting to feel like he was about to go into an interview. Would the conversation be light and mental? That worried him, because he wasn't looking for a diplomatic response. He wanted to have this out – just put it all on the table. Merlin, it was like an open festering wound that needed to be cleaned out thoroughly. If the sting of salt on a wound would make them understand the seriousness of the conversation, he would use those tactics to get everything to come to the surface.
Hermione plopped two cubes of sugar into her tea cup and swirled the spoon in the liquid. Charlie just watched and waited. He wasn't certain if he should say anything just yet or if she was supposed to start the conversation. His eyes followed her movements as she took a sip of her tea. As he watched the descent of the cup from her lips to the table, he heard a huff from her as she roughly just placed the tea cup on the table.
"There's nothing civil or proper about this," she muttered, echoing his earlier sentiments. "I just want to have this out. Luna says we need to talk – like really talk. Not tiptoe on eggshells. She demanded that I rip into the issue as I would with research. Just-Just bloody throw myself into it."
Charlie smirked. "I'm starting to see why a lot of people respect Luna… even if they give her a strange look the majority of the time she talks."
"Told you," she chuckled. "The beautiful enigma of Luna."
"I'm with you and her. I think we should just completely come clean."
Hermione nodded. "Right. I completely agree… but how do we start?"
He looked across the table at Hermione. She wasn't completely opposite of him, more like adjacent to him. He reached for her, cupping her cheek in his hand. He tugged her into an unrestrained kiss. He held nothing back. He had being restraining himself to keep the intensity of their responses to one another from eliciting a response. Now, the stream of memories warped through his mind. Hermione had tensed at the sudden action, but she melted into the kiss, letting him dominate the kiss. She didn't even try to pull away, but she came along for the ride. They were walking into each other's memories. Their hearts began to beat faster and they could hear the beats rising and getting louder. Hermione reached for his arms, sinking her fingertips into his skin.
Charlie… he heard her gasp into his mind. The fear wasn't lost on him, but he continued until the painful snap inside of his chest caused him to break their kiss.
He swallowed, breathing hard, as he continued to stare into her eyes. They both continued to look in each other's eyes as they caught their breath.
"I think," he said. "It's impossible to truly talk about what's fully going on, because we are going through it." She nodded her head at the assessment. "But I think it's safe to assume not to run away from what's going on between us. I know I said I'd take it slowly if that's what you wanted, but there was nothing slow about us. When the pieces fit together, we came together naturally. I think we should play this out naturally not stall it."
Hermione looked down momentarily. She played with her teacup then nodded her head in agreement. "I saw the memory of you and Tonks. The morning that Tonks left for good and you were leaving for Romania."
He nodded his head, remembering that memory. It was painful for him to remember, because he truly had loved Tonks. His eyes met Hermione as she looked up into his eyes.
"I'm not like Tonks," she whispered. "I'm not as strong as her. I'll probably never be a strong fighter like she was physically. She was different – much different. I confess that she was a much better fit for you than me." Charlie opened his mouth to protest, but she put up her hand to silence him. "But I won't leave you like she did." His heart clenched at that. "In that retrospect, I won't runaway, because of distance, because of how dangerous your job is, or keep you from what you need to accomplish. The memories I think help us realize our own fears and insecurities. These are the secrets that we keep that we may not even realize have meaning behind it." She reached over the table and grabbed his hand. "I love you, Charlie. I think Luna is right… it's time to address the big elephant in the room and conquer it by every memory we share with one another, with every new symptom we are blessed with through the connection, and I think it's time that I show you that I'm not like Tonks at all." She leaned over and kissed him without hesitation. "I will fight for you and fight with you."
A smile finally broke through the shock and Charlie kissed her knuckles. I will fight for you and with you. Always.
Charlie had decided to go to Hagrid's old hut to completely flush out the class schedule and plans, leaving Hermione to have a wealth of personal time. Poppy had dropped up another manual for her and Olivia. Apparently, Olivia was moving in today and Poppy was taking a personal day. Poppy had already shown Olivia her new room the other day. She was left in charge if anyone needed Poppy's help. If it was an emergency, she would contact Poppy immediately, but she was far along in her apprenticeship and studies that she would be fine if something came amiss.
After skimming through the manual, she decided to take a break. She scanned the desktop and realized the envelopes were still sitting at the corner of the desk. She flushed, remembering that Charlie almost read Cheryl's letter. She chewed her bottom lip and shook her head. The last thing she wanted was to scare Charlie with her new shift of emotions towards children. She was still even unsure about it, but it couldn't hurt to ask. She sighed, plucking the opened envelope and looked over the letter.
Hermione,
It's so good to hear that you and Charlie got back safely. You two are sorely missed at the Reserve. You two seemed to bring so much excitement and life. We can't wait to have you back. It's so sappy, but we really consider you two family.
Such great news on Charlie's brother! I always suspected Charlie would actually make a great father, but he was just so stubborn. Reminds me of somebody else I know… As for the question, it can be hard. It's hard knowing that my husband can potentially not come back to me after he leaves the tent. I owe you so much for healing him that day. I don't know what I would've done.
Would I ever change it if I could? Would I choose not to have a family if I knew what I know now? No, I wouldn't change anything. I love Anton with every fiber of my being. He is a great and loving husband and father and has provided us well. I wouldn't change anything. He's a dragontamer. He will always be one and I fell in love with that man.
As for you two: you both went through that when you were in Romania. Anton told me about the fight you and Charlie had. In a way, you already went through that phase and both of you didn't run away. You could've just hung up your shoes and called it quits then, but you didn't. You two are still together and happy. I would have a serious talk with Charlie. Just bring it up to him and see what he says about the possibility of starting a family when you come to Romania.
We are all a huge community here. That's what I love about the Reserve. Everyone treats everyone here like family. You, him, and your possible family would never be alone.
Love,
Cheryl
Hermione couldn't help but smile at that. It almost sounded like the Burrow… or even Hogwarts right now. She was looking forward to her future in Romania. She missed the Reserve as well. Now that Jasmine seemed to warm up to her, she was certain that she could truly find a home there. She quickly scribbled a letter back to Cheryl before she looked over Micah's letter. Micah was informing her of some new research he was doing. She bit her lip, reading over the fascinating experiments he was conducting. She was about to write him a letter when she heard a thump then a muffled curse.
She frowned, looking up and towards the door. There was once again voices then more bumps. She then heard laughter. Curious, she walked over to the door and swung it open. Her eyes widened when Ron, who was leaning on her door went sprawling out. The box he was carrying spilled out all over him and she jumped back putting a hand over her mouth. She stared down at Ron in shock until she heard eruption of laughter coming from the hallway. Her eyes shifted and she saw Olivia leaning against the doorframe of her new room laughing. George had to put down the box he had been carrying so he didn't tumble over laughing. Katie was leaning against the wall just beside herself.
"Bloody hell, Hermione," Ron muttered, shaking his head.
"Maybe you shouldn't lean against doors?"
Ron rolled his eyes. "How was I supposed to know it was going to bloody open up?"
Hermione frowned for a moment then looked at Ron incredulously. "Because it is a door."
Ron looked about ready to protest, but Hermione's remark started another fresh round of laughter. Ron started muttering to himself as he started picking up the stuff off the floor into the box again. Hermione decided to not mention that he was indeed a wizard and simple spell could help him. She was going to until Olivia ushered her inside her new place, which she quickly sidestepped a kneeling Ron, who was still a storm of muffled curses.
"This place is so amazing," Olivia gushed. "I certainly missed out going here."
Hermione smiled. "I have a copy of 'Hogwarts: A History', if you'd like to borrow it. It has all this amazing facts. You can read up on Hogwarts if you'd like."
"Would love that." Olivia beamed as she helped Katie push a huge box unto the desk. "Thanks Katie."
"No problem," Katie told her. "I think you have like how many boxes-"
"Why didn't you all use a shrinking spell?"
George's eyes widened at that. He and Ron shared a look before they groaned. "Why didn't we, Ron?"
"Oh, this is my fault?" Ron gasped.
"Everything is your fault, mate."
Ron scowled. "Wanker."
Olivia chuckled, shaking her head at their antics. "Be good you two."
Hermione smiled at how well she fit in with everyone. It was like she belonged there and that made Hermione happy. She made the right decision letting Ron go. She saw the evidence right in front of her. Ron was clearly back to his old self – that old goofy self. She glanced over at Olivia and Katie. Katie had taken a seat behind the desk. Olivia was seated on her new bed. The girls clearly exhausted by the whole ordeal.
"How about you two rest? Unpack?" George suggested.
Ron nodded. "We'll head back to your place to shrink the rest of yourself and bring it over."
"Sounds wonderful." Olivia smiled appreciatively.
Katie gave them a thumbs up and George a smile as well. Both of them left to do what they suggested, leaving Hermione with both Katie and Olivia. Olivia crawled backwards on the bed and patted the side of the bed to have Hermione sit down.
"Sorry," she said sheepishly. "I haven't quite got everything set up."
Hermione sat down the bed. "It's alright. I don't mind."
"I'm glad. I wanted to thank you again for this. I know I wouldn't have got this without your help."
Katie cleared her throat, drawing Hermione's attention. "I should absolutely thank you for helping George. He told me that he talked to you and saw him see the light. I want to thank you for listening to him. I know you didn't have to."
"He's family… which make you all family."
Olivia blushed at that. "I really hope so."
"Ron is quite taken with you," Hermione spoke up, causing Olivia and Katie to exchange surprised looks. It was probably, because they didn't expect or think she wanted to get in a conversation about Olivia and Ron's relationship. "I'm certain you'll make it into the family."
Tears shimmered in her eyes. "Well… well… thank you. I know with your history together-"
"In the past," Hermione interrupted quickly.
That was the last thing she wanted to talk about especially with Ron coming back into the room eventually. Olivia shot her a nervous look, thinking she overstepped her boundaries. Katie chewed her bottom lip and looked down. She patted Olivia's hand and caused the girl to look at her. There was confusion and sadness in her eyes.
"I'm not ashamed of the past Ron and I shared," she told her honestly, causing both girls look at her. "Katie knows how Ron and I were in school." She paused, eyeing Katie, who nodded in confirmation. "We grew up together, fell for each other, loved each other, and fell out of that proverbial tree."
Katie smirked. "I honestly thought you would've fell for Harry not Ron."
"I probably should've," Hermione told them honestly. "Harry and I – we love each other very much. We always have. He knows it and I do, but it's not something that we ever acted on. We fell for different people, but I wouldn't ever doubt our chemistry or compatibility. I don't think we ever needed to take that path."
"I understand," Katie told her softly. "I was actually like that with George. He was my best friend in Hogwarts. I loved him and he loved Angelina. I loved them both so I let it go… and fell into the arms of Oliver Wood."
"Seriously?" Olivia cried out in surprise. "You know Oliver Wood?"
Both Katie and Hermione exchanged looks before they burst out laughing. "Oh, yes, we knew him. I was on the Quidditch team and he was my Quidditch Captain." Katie gestured to Hermione. "He was in our House. All of us actually knew him – Ron, Harry, George, Hermione, and myself. We were all in the same House."
"I can't believe you actually dated him though."
"I'm not," Hermione piped in before Katie could answer. "Katie was an awesome chaser. You know Angelina, right?" Olivia cast Katie look before nodding. "They both were on the team with George. It doesn't surprise me that Oliver fell for someone on his Quidditch team."
Olivia nodded. "But you said you were in love with George at that time?"
"I was, but he was hung up on Angelina… who hung on George's twin Fred."
"But didn't she kiss George?" Olivia questioned in confusion.
"Yes, she did… and shamelessly squealed about it via owl… after George spent that night shagging me to sunrise."
Hermione winced at that before finishing the story. "Then the stupid git talked to me and realized how bloody dumb he was."
Both Olivia and Katie looked at Hermione then burst out laughing at that. That's when the boys decided to show up with the rest of the stuff. Both of them stopped short at the laughing ladies. Both of them shook their heads at them.
"It's never good when you walk into the room and women are already laughing," George informed Ron.
Ron sighed. "Definitely not."
"What did I miss?" George finally spoke up.
Katie smirked. "That I really need to spend more time with Hermione."
Hermione just winked at George, who was now looking at with an inquisitive and narrowed gaze. He mouthed playfully 'traitor' and she just grinned at his response then shrugged. Ron promptly told her that Harry was looking for her. She cursed, realizing that she was supposed to 'babysit' Ginny while Harry went to the library. Luna and Neville had decided to go on a trip to Hogsmeade, leaving her to sit with Ginny.
She rushed off to Harry and Ginny's part of the castle. Ginny greeted her with a smile when Hermione bounded down the stairs. She had some pillows fluffed up behind her with her legs propped up.
"I'm so sorry," Hermione apologized. "Olivia was moving in across the hall. I got caught up talking to her and Katie."
Ginny smirked. "Making friends with Ron's new flame?"
"She's really nice."
"She is," Ginny told her honestly. "I'm just glad that whatever flared up from her arrival seemed to calm down. I was a bit worried, because I saw how hurt you looked seeing her."
Hermione nodded at Ginny's assessment. "I was. I'm not going to lie about it. I didn't lie to Charlie about it either. There would be no point in hiding that plus he walked in on Ron and myself arguing about it… with Harry and George."
"Bad timing," Ginny murmured.
"Definitely."
Ginny fiddled with the blanket covering her waist and legs. Hermione could tell that she was in deep thought. She was chewing at her bottom lip and Hermione went to sit down in the seat next to the couch. Ginny looked then, gazing into Hermione's dark eyes. She sighed, looking away momentarily before she explained what was eating at her.
"I-I got an owl from the mediwitch when she came to see me when you were in Romania," Ginny whispered then looked Hermione straight in the eye. "I already know you know, because you were working with her." Hermione bit her lip. "My body is too delicate to actually carry a child to term. With all that dark magic, Tom pretty much made it impossible for me to have a child. I only have one good ovary left, but it-it doesn't matter now because I can't bear a child."
Hermione took a deep breath then nodded. "I do know that."
Tears soon fell. Ginny placed a hand over her mouth and her chest, just breaking down right in front of her. Hermione wanted so badly to tell her that she could fix this – that she could make certain that they have a child. She knew that Ginny wanted to have at least one child that was biologically theirs then they could look up magical adoption. She had been whimsically hoping that somehow this could happen, but it seemed like fate once again stepped in the way. Hermione could imagine what she was now thinking – the tabloids and the gossipy tongues.
She had talked to mediwitch when she got back, because she had an idea. With her now ingesting dragon's blood, she had wondered if it was even possible. The mediwitch had assured her that there were ways to keep the child protected. She had even given her all the information, but she had yet talked it over with Charlie… or anyone really. She wasn't even certain if she was comfortable going through this. As she couldn't bear to look at Ginny as she cried, she instead glanced at the magicked picture of Ginny and Harry smiling. This could spell trouble for them and she knew it.
That's when Harry decided to waltz in with Charlie in tow. They must've met up at the library again. Both of them stopped short and she watched as Harry quickly tried to calm Ginny down, but she fought against his comfort. She was just so overwhelmed with the reality of her situation. Hermione got up and walked over to Charlie, who was wearing a concerned look on his face.
"What happened?"
"She-She found about-"
"I can't have children!" Ginny abruptly shouted, causing Harry to freeze. "Did you hear that, Harry? I told you exactly what I was afraid would happen would actually happen. You didn't want to believe me! Nobody bloody believed me! All those tabloids are bloody true now and I'm such a bloody-"
"Ginny, stop it," Harry growled, trying to take her into his arms. "It doesn't matter! How many times have I told you that it doesn't matter-"
"It matters to me!" she cried out, shaking her head and pushed at him, not accepting his touch or comfort. "I wanted to give you the one thing you've ever asked for! I wanted to give you a child – our child." She curled her arms around her. "And I can't. I'm not woman enough to give you that." She pushed Harry away, causing him to fall backwards a bit on the floor. "We should've never gotten married. You'll hate me. I guarantee you'll end up hating me."
Hermione felt pain slice through her heart and she knew it was coming from Charlie. Harry brushed at his face.
"All I want Ginny is you."
Ginny looked into his eyes. "Bloody hell, I can't give you want you want, Harry!"
Harry's hands clenched into fists. He once again tried to talk her out of her way of thinking, but everyone could tell it was a losing battle. Hermione hadn't even talked to Charlie about the possibility. She didn't have any time now. Harry turned slightly, looking over at Hermione for help. It hurt, because she wanted to alleviate her best friend's pain. She wanted to heal over Ginny's heart.
And she could.
She grabbed Charlie's hand, waiting for him to look deep into her eyes. If I could alleviate their pain and give them what they want, would you let me?
Charlie's eyes widened at that. She didn't think he quite understood the details of what she was saying. She didn't expect him too. Charlie glanced over at his sister and Harry, who were indeed an emotional mess. She could feel Charlie's pain spreading through herself and body. She squeezed his hand and he looked over at her.
Do whatever you can. I hate seeing her like this.
With that, Hermione nodded and gave him a quick peck on the lips. The couple had gone quiet, except for the tears. Ginny refused to look at anyone and Harry was perched next to her on the floor, gazing at her hopelessly. Hermione crouched down then in front of Harry. He looked surprised to see her there. She reached out and grabbed his hand. She then reached out and grabbed Ginny's hand, who looked at her hand and then at Harry's then met her eyes.
"One child, right?" she asked them, looking back and forth between them. "You're asking only for one child."
Ginny looked over at Harry, swallowing hard, and then she nodded. Hermione nodded in agreement as she glanced over at Charlie once.
Anything, right? she asked.
Charlie nodded. Anything.
"I was talking to your mediwitch," she told them. "You do have one good ovary with good eggs within it. Tom Riddle somehow never got to it." She took a deep breath. "She can transplant physically your egg and Harry's… um… into me. The baby will be all yours. I'd-I'd be willing to do that for you… just-just this once."
Ginny's eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. Harry didn't quite understand yet what Hermione just suggest. She could feel Charlie's canvas of emotions and then acceptance and warmth. She smiled, knowing Charlie was onboard with this if it was what Harry and Ginny wanted.
"You'd…" Ginny swallowed then began to shake. "I-I can't ask that of you, Hermione."
Harry frowned. "I don't understand what's-"
"She's saying that she'll be a surrogate mother," Ginny interrupted.
"Surrogate?"
"Meaning she would carry our child inside of her and give birth."
Shocked, Harry looked over at Hermione then to Charlie and back to Hermione. "Hermione, we can't ask you to do that for us. We can't-"
Hermione squeezed both of their hands. "Yes, you can. You know you can, because I know if I asked you two, you would do it for me and Charlie." She looked into Ginny's eyes. "You can't tell me you wouldn't, because I know you and I know you would." Ginny bit her lip then nodded her head. Hermione knew Ginny would do it for her and her older brother if they had the same issues and the desire like Ginny and Harry had to start a family. "One child, right?"
Both Ginny and Harry looked at each other and then at Charlie. Hermione looked over at Charlie, who just smiled and nodded his head to give his blessing. She looked back to her best friend and her soon-to-be sister-in-law. They finally both nodded their heads, breaking down with all the emotion overwhelming them. Hermione was swiftly brought in their folds of their arms.
Hope I didn't lose you along the way with this update. :)