Chapter 53
Moving Back Home
(Hermione's PoV)
"This photo was taken on my first day of school," Hermione said, "Years before I found out I was a witch."
To pass the time, and keep her mind off of what Ron and Harry were doing, Hermione was showing Mr. Weasley pictures of her in her photo album. She turned the page, and Mr. Weasley's eyes brightened.
"I thought you might like this one, Mr. Weasley," Hermione said.
It was a photo of Hermione in the background, and a model airplane near the foreground flying away. Hermione's father had given her the airplane for Christmas when she was nine years old.
"An airplane," Mr. Weasley said, "I thought they were much bigger than this!"
"This is a toy, Mr. Weasley," Hermione said, chuckling, "It is supposed to be that small."
"Do they work the same way though?" Mr. Weasley asked.
"Well, this is just one that you would throw with your hand," Hermione said, "and it would float in the air until it landed on the ground. Real airplanes are much different."
Behind Hermione, she heard the sound of something ringing. She turned around quickly, then found the source of the sound. It was the magical clock on the wall. Ron's hand on it was spinning around. Hermione walked over to the clock and took it off the wall.
"I thought I recognized that," Mr. Weasley said, "This is the clock I gave you and Ron when you moved in here, isn't it?"
"Yeah," Hermione said, looking at the clock, "Is that normal, Mr. Weasley? For it to spin and not stop?"
"It usually happens when it is having trouble deciding what the person is doing," Mr. Weasley said, "Ron's not at work, but technically he is doing his job as an Auror, and he is also traveling, and depending on what is down there, he could -"
"He could be in Mortal Peril," Hermione said, quietly.
Mr. Weasley gave her a comforting smile.
"I'm sure he's just fine, Hermione," he said, "Come on. How about we start packing some of this stuff up? That way we can be ready to leave shortly after they get back."
Hermione nodded and put the clock back on the wall. Then, she and Mr. Weasley took their wands from their pockets. Hermione jabbed her wand toward the hallway, and the closet door opened. A number of flattened cardboard boxes floated out onto the floor in front of her.
"I knew there was a good reason I kept most of the boxes when we moved in," Hermione said.
She pointed her wand at the boxes, and they started to return to their shape.
"How about you pack the stuff out here?" Mr. Weasley said, "I'll pack the stuff in the kitchen. That way, you can watch for Ron on the clock."
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley," Hermione said.
"I know what it is like to keep an eye on that clock," Mr. Weasley said, "I've done it many times in my life with my own clock. Maybe more than Molly has."
He chuckled and pointed his wand at one of the boxes. It floated into the air, and he pushed it into the kitchen. Hermione looked back at the clock. Ron's hand was now going back and forth between "Work" to "Traveling". She just wanted his hand to land back on "home".
She sighed and pointed her wand at the bookshelf on the other side of the room. The books started to fly two by two off the shelf and rest neatly in one of the boxes.
A few minutes later, as Hermione was finishing packing most of the small things into a couple of boxes, she heard the ringing sound from the clock again. Ron's hand landed on "Traveling" then moved over to "Home". Hermione turned her head to the door, just as it opened. Harry walked in, followed by Ron. Hermione rushed over to Ron and hugged him.
"I was so worried," Hermione said.
"I'm fine, Hermione," Ron said, chuckling, "I was never in any danger."
"So nobody was there?" Hermione asked.
"Someone was at the house," Harry said, "Shortly before we got there. They apparated away just as we were walking down the street. They must have seen us. "
Hermione gasped. Mr. Weasley walked out, followed in tow by two floating boxes filled with dishes and glasses.
"Ah, boys!" Mr. Weasley said, "Right on time. We were just in the middle of packing. Did you find anything?"
"Mirror shards," Ron said, "Someone had broken the mirror. I found one piece, then quite a few more when we were looking around."
"That reminds me!" Harry said, "Do you have any Floo Powder left here, Hermione?"
Hermione waved her wand at one of the boxes, and the bag of Floo Powder floated in the air.
"Are you going somewhere?" Hermione asked.
"No," Harry said, shaking his head, "Just needing it for quick contact."
He walked over to the fireplace and started a small flame with his wand. Mr. Weasley returned to the kitchen to finish packing in there.
"So... packing?" Ron asked, "I'll take the bedroom. Or – er – do you want to pack up the bedroom, Hermione?"
"How about you just work together?" Harry asked. "You'll get things done quicker. Besides, I'm sure it is natural for you two to -"
"Finish that sentence, Harry, and I'll tie your tongue in a knot," Hermione interrupted him, blushing madly.
Hermione turned and looked at Ron. Ron looked as if he wanted to say something, probably to Harry. Hermione took his hand in hers and dragged him into the bedroom. Behind her, Hermione could hear Harry snickering.
"I mean it, Harry!" Hermione said.
She pointed her wand at a couple of boxes and they flew over her head and into the bedroom. Hermione shut the door to the bedroom just as Harry was sticking his head into the green flame. Hermione turned around and noticed that Ron looked rather annoyed at something.
"Something wrong?" Hermione asked him.
"No," Ron said, "Not at all."
He walked over to the dresser and pointed his wand at it. Hermione's make-up and perfume flew off the top of it and gently dropped into the bottom of one of the boxes. He gave a very resigned sigh.
"Do you think he knows?" Ron asked. "Harry? That we've –?"
He paused and motioned toward the bed.
"Yeah, Ron," Hermione said, "I do."
"Oh," Ron said.
He blushed rather madly, and pointed his wand at the dresser drawers. Piles of clothes shot out of various drawers and landed in another box. Hermione walked over to the closet and pointed her wand at it. Clothes floated off the hangers, folded instantly, and dropped in the box with the other clothes.
"Do you think," Ron asked, "that Harry and Ginny –?"
"I don't know, Ron," Hermione said.
"Oh," Ron said, "I just thought that – you know – you and Ginny would talk about stuff like that."
"Not at all," Hermione said.
"Oh," Ron said, again.
"They do still sleep in separate bedrooms, don't they?" Hermione asked.
"Sure, I guess so," Ron said.
"Well, then," Hermione said, "I think that is a good enough answer for me."
Ron resumed packing, and Hermione noticed that his mood seemed to have improved quite a bit.
-
(Harry's PoV – a couple minutes earlier)
Harry stuck his head into the green fire and a few moments later, after a dizzy spinning, he was looking out of the fireplace of the office of the secretary for the Minister of Magic.
"A-anyone there?" Harry said, coughing, "This is Auror Harry Potter needing assistance."
Kingsley's secretary walked up to the fire.
"Auror Potter!" she said, "How may I help you?"
"I need to speak to the Minister immediately," Harry said, "This is concerning the Priority Threat."
"One moment, Mr. Potter," the secretary said.
The secretary walked into the Minister's office. A minute later, she returned with Kingsley following in her stead. He walked over to the fireplace.
"Harry," Kingsley said, "How may I help you?"
"Is this a secure line, sir?" Harry asked.
"Of course," Kingsley said.
"Ron and I have discovered a house," Harry said, "believed to be one of the locations of the rogue group of wizards. Unfortunately, the suspect apparated before we were able to get inside."
He then gave Kingsley the address.
"Well done, Harry," Kingsley said, "I will send out members of the Magical Forensics Squad, to give a thorough sweep of the location, along with a group of Aurors to search the surrounding area. Are you still in the area?"
"Only temporarily, sir," Harry said, "The house was located just down the street from Ron's residence, where he lived with Hermione Granger. Ron had no clue that the suspects were so close until today. I am currently at Ron's house."
"Is Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger in any danger?" Kingsley asked.
"We believe that is likely, sir," Harry said, "We are in the process moving them to the Burrow for a while."
"My best wishes to them, Harry," Kingsley said, "Will Mr. Weasley still be able to return to work?"
"He has not given any indication of a different opinion than that, sir," Harry said.
"Good," Kingsley said, "Then I expect a full verbal report from both of you, on how you discovered this location, given to me by this time tomorrow. Is this understood?"
"Yes, sir," Harry said.
"The squad will be in the area shortly," Kingsley said.
"The area is a highly populated with Muggles, sir," Harry said, "There was no risk of danger today, but -"
"I will order the use of a stealthy operation," Kingsley said.
"Thank you, sir," Harry said, "Good day, Minister."
"Good day, Harry," Kingsley said, "Again, job well done today, especially when it is your day off."
"Just doing my part, Minister," Harry said.
Kingsley smiled, and Harry backed out of the fireplace, coughing as he did so.
-
(Ron's PoV)
Shortly before they left the house, Harry and Ron met up. at the house down the street, with the Magical Forensics Squad and the group of Aurors to explain to them what they had found. The Magical Forensics Squad told them they would do a thorough sweep of the house, and would have the results of their findings by the following morning.
By two-o-clock in the afternoon, everything from Ron and Hermione's old house had now been moved back to the Burrow. Ron had moved back into his bedroom, and was now in the process of moving things around his room to his fancy. Hermione had taken up residence in Ginny's old bedroom. Everything from their that dd not fit, or have a place, in their bedrooms were moved into the garage.
Ron had expected that Hermione would have to sleep in Ginny's old room, though he had not been too happy about it. Of course, he never expressed his feelings to someone like his mother, but he was sure Hermione was aware of his objections.
As Ron was putting his clothes in his dresser, there was a knock on his door.
"Door's open," Ron said.
The door opened and Hermione walked in.
"Hi, stranger," Ron said, rolling his eyes.
Hermione gave him a look that basically confirmed that she was aware of his objections.
"How's the new accommodations?" Ron asked.
"Not as welcoming as the old ones," Hermione said, with a grin.
"I was just thinking of the same thing," Ron said.
"You're surprised I'm back in Ginny's room then?" Hermione asked.
"No," Ron said, "I know it would happen, but that does not mean I do not object. Our house was our key to privacy. Now we're under the watchful eyes and ears of my mother again."
"You seemed to have forgotten one particular useful little spell for times like this," Hermione said, before taking her wand out and pointing it to the door, "Muffliato!"
"Still doesn't mean I'll be able to wake up to the sight of you every morning," Hermione said.
"That is what my alarm clock is for," Hermione said, "I could wake up early enough before your Mum comes checking."
Ron grinned. "You really do think of everything," he said.
"Mmhmm," Hermione said.
She walked over to Ron and kissed him softly on the lips.
"What would I do without you?" he asked her.
"You'll never have to find out," Hermione said, with a grin.
(Hermione's PoV)
That evening, Mrs. Weasley made a big Halloween dinner for everyone. Harry and Ginny had remained at the Burrow for the day, to help Ron and Hermione finish moving everything in, and now everyone was seated in the kitchen, enjoying a wonderful meal.
"It is so wonderful having someone else in this house once again besides Arthur and myself," Mrs. Weasley said, grinning. "It is odd not having my children in this house when I've been used to it for thirty years now."
"It is certainly refreshing," Mr. Weasley said, "though I wish the circumstances of such thing had come in a different form."
"I must say, Ron, Hermione," Mrs. Weasley said, "the timing could not be more perfect, given that your wedding is in seven months. We'll have plenty of time to prepare for it."
"Hermione and I have already discussed quite a few bits of our wedding plans, Mum," Ron said.
Hermione glared at Ron, when she realized he had hurt his mother's feelings.
"What Ronald forgot to say, though" she said, "is that we still have plenty more plans to go through, Mrs. Weasley. You are more than welcome to help us."
Mrs. Weasley's mood instantly brightened.
"Any thoughts for your best men, Ron?" Harry asked.
"Do you honestly think I wouldn't ask you to be up there with me, Harry?" Ron replied
"Just curious," Harry said, grinning.
"I'm only having three best men, though," Ron said, "I'm keeping one spot open for Fred. It is only appropriate given that we've chosen to get married on the date of his death."
Tears instantly appeared in the eyes of Ron's mother.
"I'm sure he would have loved that, Ron," Mr. Weasley said.
"It is only appropriate," Ron said, "given that we've chosen to get married on the date of his death."
Conversation remained on Hermione and Ron's wedding plans throughout dinner. After dinner, Hermione pulled Ginny away to have a discussion with her.
"I thought it would be more appropriate if I asked you first," Hermione said, "before you decide to go the unconventional route Harry had chosen. Ginny, would you like to be one of my bridesmaids for my wedding?"
"Of course, I would!" Ginny said.
"I wouldn't accept just yet, Ginny," Hermione said. "Especially when you hear my thoughts for my other bridesmaid choices. One of them is Fleur. I thought I should tell you given that you aren't exactly comfortable around your sister-in-law."
"It doesn't matter how I feel about Fleur," Ginny said. "It is your decision to ask her, given that it is your big day. Of course, I'll accept your offer to be your bridesmaid."
Hermione squealed lightly and hugged her best friend.
"Besides," Ginny whispered, "I will soon have a much better sister-in-law."
Hermione grinned.
"Seven months," she said, "Wow. Time really flies by."
"I'm sure it'll fly by much faster in the coming months," Ginny said.
"Have you and Harry decided anything about your wedding?" Hermione asked.
"Yes," Ginny said, and Hermione noticed a touch of a frown in her lips, "We've decided to put off our wedding for a while. Maybe even for a few years. He's not exactly ready to get married as quick as you and Ron are."
"Ginny," Hermione said, sighing, "Ron and I have only made this decision to get married this soon, because we realize how much we love each other, and we don't need to wait any longer."
"I wish Harry felt that way," Ginny said, "But he knows that I am focused on Quidditch. And I know that Quidditch careers don't last very long when one is focused on having a family."
"Well, then that is a good reason to put it off," Hermione said, "You're very good at what you do. You should enjoy that for a few years, before you decide on having a family."
"What about you and Ron?" Ginny asked, "Are you guys considering family?"
Hermione blushed.
"Not right off the bat," Hermione said, "We've decided to wait for that, I think. Mostly because Ron respects my parents too much, and I've promised my father I wouldn't make him a grandfather until he's fifty. He's only in his mid-forties. Besides, we're focused on our careers as well."
"So," Ginny said, "you and Ron haven't –?"
Hermione blushed even deeper.
"I didn't say that," Hermione said, grinning.
She noticed Ginny looked a little envious.
"So," Hermione said, "I guess that means you and Harry -"
"I haven't even moved out of his second bedroom yet," Ginny said.
"Harry's always been shy about that type of thing," Hermione said. "When he's ready, you'll know."
Ginny nodded.
Late that evening, after Hermione was sure that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had gone to bed, she crept out of her new bedroom and up the stairs towards Ron's room. The door was slightly ajar when she arrived, and she gently pushed it open. Ron was still wide awake when she walked in. She cast the Muffliato Charm on the door, and walked over to the bed. Ron raised the covers, and Hermione laid down and cuddled next to him.
"Ah, now I feel right at home," Ron said.
Hermione nodded in agreement.
"By the way," she said, "You know the question you asked me earlier about your sister and best friend?"
Ron frowned.
"You talked to Ginny about that, didn't you?" he asked.
"Yeah," Hermione said.
"All right," Ron said, "I'm ready. Let me hear it."
"I can confirm that your suspicions are false," Hermione said.
Ron looked at Hermione with raised eyebrows. He then grinned.
"Probably not for too long though," Hermione said.
"Okay," Ron said.
"You're okay with that?" Hermione asked.
"If there is one person who would never do anything to hurt Ginny," Ron said, "It is Harry."
Hermione kissed Ron and smiled at him.
"That is one of the sweetest things I've ever heard you say," she said.
Ron grinned. Hermione set the alarm on the clock, then nestled her head against Ron's shoulder and drifted off to sleep, happy to be in his arms once again.
-
Aww, I really loved this chapter. I needed some good light moments in a story that has become so serious as of late. Speaking of that, for those of you wishing for some more Harry/Ginny moments in my story, you'll get your wish sometime during the next chapter!
Hope you liked this chapter!
