Thank you to all of my readers and reviewers. Here is another chapter for you and I apologize for the longer wait…bloody group projects…I hope you enjoy!! Please forgive the errors; I'm sure they are rampant. Let me know and I'll fix them.
Chapter Fifty
'Hurry up Mum! If you're not over here in 2 minutes, you're going to be left behind!'
Wendy Granger came around the corner holding a small suitcase in her hand and a disbelieving frown.
'I still don't understand how that little magazine there is going to transport us miles away.'
Hermione sighed and took the small suitcase from her mum as Montgomery Granger stood to the side with a slightly amused look on his face. He'd been hearing this same argument for the past couple of days and it always ended the same way: Hermione begging her mother to simply believe her and Wendy grudgingly agreeing, if only for a little while.
'Mum, I've told you before its magic! I've already tried to explain the magical theory behind it but you won't listen. Just, please…for the sake of my sanity, come hold on to it.'
Wendy continued to frown at her daughter as Hermione opened her bag and deposited the suitcase inside. Monty chuckled amusedly.
'That's rather convenient, now isn't it?'
Hermione smiled at her father before glancing at the clock on the wall and upon seeing the time, motioned for her parents to come quickly.
'Come here, both of you. Now, hold on and don't let go.'
Monty instantly did as his daughter asked, having long ago recognized that she knew what she was talking about. Wendy looked at the two with a small frown but finally grabbed a hold of the magazine when Hermione gave her a pointed look. Hermione looked back at the clock.
'Right…hold on…five, four, three, two, one.'
It felt as though Monty was being pulled through a tunnel by a rope around his waist. He found he probably wouldn't have been able to let go of the tattered old magazine even if he'd wanted to. Just as he was getting used to the odd feeling of being pulled into oblivion, his feet made hard contact with snow-covered ground, making him stumble and fall to his hands and knees.
'Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god, oh my god…'
'Mum…breathe, mum, breathe.'
Monty looked up to see his wife sitting in the snow, rocking back and forth, his daughter trying to calm her down.
'It's not possible…it's just not possible…how the bloody hell did that work…'
'Mum! Mum! Look at me!'
Wendy brought her dazed look up to meet her daughter's eyes.
'You're okay…I've been trying to tell you, its magic…'
Wendy continued to stare at her daughter, finally nodding slowly.
'Magic…yes, magic…'
The door behind Monty burst open and two redheads came out of a rather interesting house.
'Hermione, are you all right?! Goodness!'
Molly came bustling out and went to help Hermione with her still shaking mother. A warm and slender hand helped steady Monty as he tried to stand and he looked into the fiery cinnamon eyes of the youngest Weasley.
'You okay there, Mr. Granger?
Monty smiled and let out a shaky laugh.
'Yes, I do believe so; quite a ride that was.'
Ginny giggled as she helped her friend's father toward the waiting warmth of the Burrow.
'I agree, portkeys take some getting used to. Actually, most magical means of transportation take some getting used to.'
Molly and Hermione had finally gotten Mrs. Granger out of the snow and were slowly making their way toward the door. Arthur met Monty at the door with a smile and a handshake.
'Hello, again! Welcome, welcome!'
Ginny let her dad take Mr. Granger the rest of the way in and turned back around to lend help to the still rather shaken Mrs. Granger.
'I just can't believe it! That was nearly halfway across the country!'
Hermione sighed as she continued to steer her mum toward the door.
'I told you what it would do, Mum. You just wouldn't believe me.'
Wendy stopped walking and turned to her daughter, gripping her arm and looking her straight in the eyes.
'I'll never doubt you again, Hermione, never!'
Hermione grimaced a little as her mum's grip on her arm bordered on torture.
'It's okay now, Mum, really. Let Molly take you inside for some tea, okay?'
Wendy nodded her head slowly and allowed Molly to take her the rest of the way into the warm Burrow. Hermione rubbed her arm and shook her head in frustration and amusement as she walked the remaining distance to Ginny.
'I told you I'd have to spend my time trying to convince her.'
Ginny barely heard the words that Hermione was saying; she was too preoccupied in looking over the face she'd missed. Sure, it was only for a couple of days, but those soft pink lips, rosy cheeks, smooth skin, and deep brown eyes had been missing, making it that much harder. Hermione looked up and a smile instantly spread across her face and happiness filled her as she looked into the sparkling hazel eyes she'd been dreaming about.
'Hey, you…'
Ginny giggled and closed the remaining distance, embracing the brunette in a crushing hug.
'I'm so glad you're here; I've missed you.'
'I know, luv. I've missed you. We should probably head in, though; your mum may need some help.'
Ginny pulled away with a nod, her eyes unable and unwilling to leave the stunning brunette in front of her. Hermione turned to wait for Ginny to enter before she closed the door and giggled when she saw the wide smile still on the redhead's face and the dancing hazel eyes.
'You look like Christmas came a day early.'
'Well, maybe it did. I've got all I want right here.'
Hermione searched Ginny's face as a few tears came to her eyes. She pulled the redhead into another hug, placing a kiss on her neck to let her know how touched she was. Ginny simply held her close, wanting to convey how sincere she was. The sound of conversation pulled the two from their comfortable embrace and Hermione pulled away, quickly wiping an escaped tear.
'Come on, they'll be worried we got lost, if we don't hurry up.'
Ginny giggled but obeyed, removing her coat and following Hermione into the sitting room. Upon entering, Hermione found her dad and Arthur sitting in the pair of comfortable chairs, and by the excited look on Arthur's face, her dad was explaining some sort of muggle device. On the other side, her mum sat on the couch beside Molly, slowly drinking a cup of what she assumed was Molly's famous calming blend.
'It's quite alright, Wendy. Drink some of this and it will help.'
Wendy took a slow drink and visibly relaxed, looking appreciatively at the cup.
'My, that does help. It's not some potion, is it?'
Molly shook her head and smiled warmly.
'Oh no, just a simple blend of chamomile and lavender. Sometimes the best solution is the simplest.'
Hermione came up beside her mum and sat down, laying a comforting hand on her arm.
'How are you doing now?'
Wendy turned to smile at her daughter, covering her hand with her own.
'Much better, thanks to Molly. That was quite the experience…I don't think I'll ever doubt you again.'
'Don't say that, her ego's already big enough.'
Hermione laughed as Molly shot a warning glare at her daughter, who simply shrugged and watched Hermione amusedly. Wendy's eyebrows had shot up in surprise, but upon seeing the friendly exchange between her daughter and friend, she smiled and sat back comfortably on the couch and sipped her tea.
Molly and Arthur showed Hermione's parents around the Burrow. Hermione had told them a lot about her stays at the home, but there are just some things about a magical house that can't be simply explained. Hermione followed them around and smiled to herself as her parents observed Molly demonstrate various things quietly, before launching into a tirade of questions, often having to be answered by Hermione since many times Molly didn't understand what exactly they wanted to know. Arthur was simply delighted, often returning their list of questions with ones of his own.
Molly started cooking while Wendy, Hermione and Ginny sat at the table looking through old photo albums. The few magical photos Hermione possessed had always fascinated Wendy and her excited exclamations of interest and awe could be heard throughout the house followed by Molly's cheerful story-telling.
'Oh! Is that Ginny?'
Molly looked over Wendy's shoulder at the first picture taken of the entire Weasley family after Ginny was born. Molly sat on her bed with a bundled up Ginny in her arms. A one-and-a-half-year-old Ron sat beside her, looking down at his new sister with awe. The twins fought with each other, both trying to get on the bed first as Percy tried to keep their rough-housing away. Bill and Charlie stood beside the bed, smiling proudly at their new sister.
'Oh yes! We'd just gotten back from St. Mungo's and the boys couldn't wait to see their new sister. There was always at least one of them hovering over her for about a week!'
'Now it seems they can't get away from her fast enough.'
Ginny glared at the smirking brunette and nudged her in the side.
'It's not my fault they're intimidated by my amazing personality.'
'Intimidated?! Hardly!'
Charlie Weasley walked through the doorway and Ginny's indignant frown turned into an excited smile as she jumped up to hug her brother.
'Charlie! When did you get here? We didn't hear you come in.'
Charlie released his sister to hug his waiting mother.
'Just popped in upstairs. I didn't want to scare Hermione's parents by appearing in the middle of the sitting room.'
Molly released her son and gave him a small kiss on the cheek.
'Thank you, dear. I'm glad you got my owl; I didn't want any more surprises than to be expected for their visit.'
'Not a problem, Mum. I take it this must be Hermione's mum then?'
If it hadn't been for the friendly smile and bright blue eyes, the stocky redheaded man would have been rather imposing in his heavy leather jacket as he approached Wendy with his scarred hand extended.
'I'm Charlie, Ginny's older brother.'
'Which one, exactly? She's got quite a few…'
Charlie let out a small bark of a laugh.
'Too true! I'm the second oldest.'
Wendy cocked her head in thought for a moment.
'Dragons. You work with dragons in Romania.'
Charlie smiled and nodded.
'Right. I see where Hermione gets her memory; doesn't forget a thing, that one.'
Wendy smiled at her blushing daughter and laughed.
'Yes, thank god for that! If she'd inherited her father's memory, she'd forget her own name!'
The group dissolved into laughter, ending with Ginny giving her brother a hard punch in the arm.
'OW! What was that for!?'
'For your little comment earlier on my personality! Hermione's not the only with a good memory, Charlie.'
'Yes, but at least she's fun to be around unlike some people I know…'
Ginny's jaw dropped in indignation before it was replaced with a mischievous glare. Charlie dashed from the room as Ginny ran after him.
'I'll show you what fun is!'
Hermione laughed to herself as Molly followed the two, her hands on her hips and voice clear as day.
'Ginevra Weasley, get off your brother! I saw that, Charlie! I don't care how much snow is on the ground, I'll still make you two de-gnome the garden the hard way if you don't stop it!'
Wendy turned her amused face to her daughter.
'Are they always like that?'
Hermione nodded.
'Always. I don't think I've ever visited without at least one of them getting into some kind of trouble.'
Wendy shook her head in amazement as she turned back to the photo album.
Hermione and Ginny spent some time decorating the house, Monty watching them with awe and fascination as they conjured wreaths, baubles, and other festive things. After a little while, Monty fell into an old game he used to play after Hermione's first year. Hermione would say a spell and he'd try to guess what it did by its name. Ginny would chip in, amused at his knowledge of Latin, Greek, and other root words. It was no wonder Hermione took so well to magic, it appeared she'd already known the base of many spells before she even knew she was a witch.
Ginny really enjoyed spending time with the Grangers. She noticed the habits Hermione seemed to have picked up from both of her parents. Monty would gesture fiercely when he was explaining something and Ginny noticed a spark in his similar dark brown eyes that she'd seen in Hermione's eyes so often. Wendy's laugh was reminiscent of Hermione's, full and honest, as she tucked her brown curls behind her ear much like her daughter. Seeing the origin of things she loved in the other witch made her love her more, and she had to control the urge to lean over and kiss the brunette as they hung ornaments on a small tree.
The rest of the Weasleys arrived throughout the evening, slowly filling up the house with friendly conversation and activity. Even though the kitchen would be crowded, all of the Weasleys were coming for dinner. Charlie was going to stay with Bill and Fleur for the night, returning the next day, while the rest of the Weasleys (and Grangers, of course) were to stay at the Burrow for Christmas. Andromeda had taken Teddy the day after Ginny had gotten home, but was supposed to join them on Christmas day along with Luna, her father, and Daphne.
Finally, the eight Weasleys and three Grangers sat down at a food-filled and crowded table. Hermione sat in between Ginny and her dad and across from her mum and Mrs. Weasley. Monty looked approvingly over the various dishes, all of which looked quite good.
'Molly, this looks absolutely fantastic! No wonder Hermione always wants to stay here.'
Molly's cheeks turned pink as she motioned for everyone to start serving themselves.
'Thank you, Monty. It's nothing really; I'm so used to cooking for a big group of people, it's become second nature.'
Arthur nodded in agreement.
'So much so that we usually have more leftovers than we know what to do with! Luckily, at least one of the boys stops by every week to fill up their cupboards.'
Monty chuckled as he took a pork chop from the plate Hermione held for him.
'I don't think I can blame them.'
The food slowly disappeared from the table as the two families spent a good couple of hours eating and talking. Arthur continued to ask various questions about muggle life which Monty kindly answered, finding it rather interesting trying to explain things he took for granted everyday.
'It makes the coffee for you? But how does it know when you want some?'
Monty smiled and shook his head.
'No, it doesn't turn on by itself. You have to put the coffee and water in it then push the start button.'
'Oh! Then it makes the coffee? How does it heat the water? Or do you put hot water in it?'
Hermione smiled behind her glass, shaking her head slightly in amusement, as her father continued to explain how a coffeemaker worked. She looked across the table and was even more elated to see her mum and Molly talking with each other. She was pulled from her musings by the feel of a hand giving her leg a small squeeze and the sweet breath of the beauty beside her grazing her ear as Ginny leaned over to whisper.
'I'm so glad our parents have hit it off. Your dad is really great with my dad's non-stop questions.'
Hermione suppressed the shiver that ran down her spine as she smiled and entwined her fingers with the hand on her lap.
'I'm really glad, too. Besides the apparating, this day has been amazing.'
Ginny returned Hermione's smile and dropped her hand reluctantly after another squeeze as not to raise any suspicions. Hermione's smile faltered a little at the loss, instantly missing the warmth that Ginny's touch always brought. She noticed the same flash of loss on Ginny's face and had to control the urge to lean over and place a comforting kiss on her red lips.
After quickly helping Molly clean the kitchen, the group migrated to the sitting room afterward, filling all of the available seats and some of the floor. George and Charlie played Wizard's Chess while Bill, Percy and Arthur talked quietly by the fire. Molly watched her knitting while talking with Monty who watched the needles hover mid-air with quiet fascination. Wendy sat beside Fleur on a loveseat in the corner, conversing comfortably in French which she had learned during summers at her grandparent's house.
Hermione laid with her feet in Ginny's lap, much like she had over the summer, as she admired the Christmas tree over the side of the couch. She loved the way the firelight reflected of the different colored baubles and how the enchanted snow continually collected on the boughs. She gave a small contented sigh and smiled when her gaze met smiling hazel eyes. The rest of the room's occupants dissolved as she lost herself in the emotions swirling in them…passion, admiration, and above all else, love.
The spell Hermione was under was broken by a knock at the door. Everyone looked at the door in confusion and surprise, no one moving until there was another knock. Molly and Arthur both stood and headed toward the door. Hermione saw Bill and Charlie both draw their wands discretely, just in case. The group waited with bated breath as they heard the door open with a small creak. They all jumped when they heard Molly's excited scream.
'GREAT MERLIN'S BEARD!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!?!'
Those still waiting in the sitting room exchanged more questioning looks and turned their full attention to the hallway as they heard someone being led in by an overly excited Molly Weasley.
'Look everyone! Look who's come home!'
Hermione shot up and stood staring, open-mouthed, at the person being ushered into the room. She couldn't believe her eyes as the world stopped around her and she forgot to breathe for what felt like an eternity until finally she exhaled one word.
'Ron…'
