This is the last chapter of this section of Fremione and the Weasleys. I won't be posting any more of my writing on the fan fiction site. I stopped posting new fics here about a year ago and have only continued to post the rest of this story for the benefit of the handful of people who were leaving kind and respectful comments. I don't read PMs or reviews.
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Everybody froze when they heard the bell. And, for a few moments, there was almost complete silence in the great hall. Then, much to the relief of those present, a familiar voice rang out.
"I suggest we all find our families and friends and take a seat," Minerva called out, in the same friendly, take-charge tone of voice that she used to address the hall when it was full of students.
Charlie was standing next to the professor, and offered her his arm, which she took with a smile. He looked around for Lauren and saw that she was already sitting next to Molly, who had just finished settling Elliot and Teddy into a shared cot which had been placed under a strong silencing charm so that could sleep through the noise. Charlie smiled at his partner and then led his old teacher towards the tables at which the Weasleys were assembling. There were fewer seats than people, so Fleur sat on Bill's lap, Ginny and Hermione snuggled up with Harry and Fred and, with a quick glance towards the wooden wall that was now rising, Penelope accepted the offer of Oliver's lap.
"Och, he won't care," Oliver muttered, winding one arm around Penelope's waist in a friendly manner as he nodded towards the dais where Percy had headed when the Wizengamot's ball rang. "He's sat up with me enough nights while I talked about the wizards I fancied … he'll know you're safer with me than any of these scallywags!"
"Oi!" George laughed, from his other side. "Who're you calling a scallywag?"
Oliver simply raised one eyebrow, causing those around him to laugh, which was good because it broke the tension a little. But they soon quietened again when the wooden barrier finally lifted and the Wizengamot were on full view again. Hermione immediately looked for Draco, but he was not sitting in the seat he had occupied when the wall had fallen. She frowned, confused, and wondering whether that had any significance. And, if so, whether it was a positive or negative sign. But she didn't have time to go further, for an elderly wizard rose from his seat, looking at Percy.
Percy, in turn, looked at Seamus and Dean, who gave him a thumbs up sign. They had set up remote screens so that the verdict would be beamed to pubs and gathering places around the wizarding world. From Appleby to Holyhead, Hogsmeade to Tinworth, witches and wizards would know their fate just nanoseconds after those sitting in the great hall itself.
"All set, Sir," Percy said.
"Very well," said the elderly wizard. He cast a sonorous charm on himself. "We have met," he began, slowly, "and considered the evidence put before us."
"He doesn't sound very happy," Ginny whispered to Harry, who pulled a face, agreeing with her.
"D'you think he's just being formal?" Fred asked Hermione, who shrugged as she whispered back.
"Hard to tell. Can't see Draco…"
Before Fred could reply, the wizard spoke again.
"We have considered the request to repeal the proposed marriage law and remove all trace of it from the books. We have listened to your presentation. We have…" He paused to indicate the hearts and bootees that were still littering the platform. "We have taken into account the breadth and depth of feeling about this law, and the promises to achieve the same ends without it."
Fred, Hermione, George and Angelina were using their shared bonds to search each other's thoughts and feelings about where the wizard's conversation was going. But they were all equally unable to read him or his intentions. Annoyingly, Percy's face wasn't giving anything away either. It was frustrating that he couldn't find a way to let them know, Fred thought, even though at the same time he understood that it was Percy's job to remain impartial. At least when he was in front of the Wizengamot. They looked at Kingsley, who was also on the dais, but couldn't tell anything from his expression either. Maybe he hadn't been told before everyone else, Hermione thought, and both twins nodded.
"We are grateful for your service to the safety and security of the wizarding world," the speaker of the Wizengamot continued, looking directly at Harry, Hermione and Ron and then casting his gaze around the room, wanting to ensure that everyone felt included in his remarks. "We honour our shared losses, and we hear your petition. We are aware that change is needed." He made a sweeping gesture with his left arm, and suddenly Fred's voice was whispering in Hermione's ear.
"There he is!"
"We have welcomed new, younger, members to the Wizengamot, and they have been most helpful in helping us to reach a decision this evening. We have committed to change." A collective inhalation of hope went around the room. "But," the wizard warned, "change takes time."
"Just fucking say it," Fred whispered under his breath. He had little patience for the drawn-out way in which the wizard was sharing their verdict. The elderly man was clearly enjoying his moment in the limelight.
"Time, however, is not the only factor," His eyes rested on Lauren next. "We are grateful for your perspective, Madam Doctor." He searched the room for some of the elder witches. "And for your commitment to our younger generation. However…"
He paused and swallowed. Hermione's heart sank, along with many of those in the room.
"It would be irresponsible of us to sign the petition as prepared. It states that we would not be able to bring in a law on this topic for another generation. If those who have promised things do not make good on those promises, or if some unforeseen event occurs, such a decision could lead to the end of our kind."
"Oh Gods," Molly's voice was louder than she intended. "After all that work, and they're going to say no."
"But neither," the wizard continued, having clearly heard Molly's words but not wanting to acknowledge them directly, "are we saying no. We have formulated a compromise. It was suggested by one of our younger members, who followed it with a rather interesting way of getting our attention. But I will leave that story for them to tell."
Fred nudged Hermione through their bond. Slowly, she turned her head to look at him and then followed his gaze with her own. He had found Draco, who had moved halfway across the Wizengamot's platform to sit next to Susan. But more than that; the blond wizard sat with his arm around Susan, who was snuggled into his side. Hermione's eyes widened, and then Draco saw her watching them. His eyebrows raised, but in a friendly way. She watched as he whispered something to Susan, who turned and gave Hermione a slightly embarrassed but happy smile. Hemione's face lit up in happiness for what she thought she was seeing. But she couldn't keep her attention on them, because she knew that the elderly wizard was about to share information on this so-called compromise.
"We have agreed to accept your plan, and to give our population five years to make good on these promises. Our arithmancy expert has calculated that if at least eighty percent of these commitments are honoured within that time frame, and those of you who have pledged to have families have at least begun to do that, we can remove the option from the books completely." Murmurs began as he continued. "I trust that will be a suitable compromise. It allows us the option to revisit the issue if there is a need to do so but, I hope, gives you all the freedom and knowledge that, if you do what you have said you will, there will never again be talk of a marriage law."
The mumbling had started halfway through the final part of his speech, and by the time he had finished it had turned into a low buzz of excitement. The wizard looked very pleased with himself as the room then erupted into a cacophony of cheers and applause. There was more hugging, Ron would later tell everyone, than if England had won the quidditch world cup with Harry catching the snitch while riding on the back of Hagrid's motorbike.
Everything seemed to happen at once, and there was chaos for a good five minutes. Kingsley moved quickly to shake the hand of the elderly wizard, and then Percy joined them. More hand shaking ensued. Lauren found herself at the centre of a load of people who wanted to hug and thank her. Hermione hugged Fred and then George, and was then engulfed by so many Weasleys that it took her a good couple of minutes before she could look back up to the platform in the hope of catching the eye of the couple that she knew had played an important part in the conversation. But by the time she had been hugged and congratulated by everyone, the two of them were standing beside her, having been brought over by Percy.
Before Hermione could speak to Draco, though, she was pounced upon by Lee, who was even more excited than usual. "You were fab, and Lauren was fab, and they were fab, and we were all fab," he was singing. Verity was beaming beside him, and being hugged by Fred and George.
"Project K worked brilliantly," she said to Hermione, pulling a rose petal from her pocket. "Kardiala," Verity said, using the spell that Hermione and Lee had created and taught to everyone, and another tiny red heart formed. This time, rather than sending it to the front of the room, Verity directed it into Lee's hair, where it attached itself to one of his dreadlocks.
"You look gorgeous," Verity confirmed, when he felt it land and struck a pose for the benefit of those around him. There was more laughter, and then they were kissing, and everyone was kissing. It seemed like it was contagious. Fred was beside Hermione, and kissing her, and for a blissful moment it was just the two of them.
"We did it, love," he said, and when she looked into his eyes she would have happily given up the rest of the party just to be alone with him. "Plenty of time for that now," he winked, reading her thoughts. "We're free agents now. Just a few products to make, and the rest of our time is ours."
"Til we put you on the babysitting rota," George said, coming up on Hermione's other side so that she was squeezed between the two men.
"Oh Gods," Hermione said. "This is just like the night before your wedding!"
"Hermione Granger-Weasley!" Angelina tried to sound shocked at Hermione's statement, but she knew full well what had actually happened that night, and she couldn't help but laugh at the memory George had shared with her, of Hermione wedged so well in between the two drunken men and Crookshanks that she had needed to sleep under a cooling charm.
And then George scooped Angelina up before they both went in search of Alicia, and Hermione finally had a chance to speak to Draco and Susan, who were chatting softly together nearby. "You two?" she asked happily, her question directed mostly at Susan.
"Us two," the other witch replied, showing Hermione a ring on her left hand with a gentle smile. "Just as it looked like it might not be going our way, Draco interrupted the conversation, made an impassioned speech and then came straight over to me and made me a traditional proposal to get hand tied for a year and then consider marriage. It was a bit more dramatic than I might have liked, personally," she whispered into Hermione's ear, "but it had the desired effect on the old guard. He almost melted a couple of the witches with his charm. You remember the ones who couldn't take their eyes off Elliot and Teddy?"
"Well how marvellous … congratulations!" Hermione said, her heart full of joy for her friend, whose face was a picture of happiness. She turned her attention to the wizard who was still holding Susan's other hand. Draco leaned down and gave Susan the softest kiss, as she cradled his face in her hand. Rather than the usual sneer, his face held a tender look for the Hufflepuff. A slow smile began to spread across Hermione's face as she contemplated her next words.
But Draco had seen the look on her face and spoke before she could. "Don't get all fucking mushy on me, Granger," he warned, but he gave her a tentative, awkward hug. Just a small one.
"I'm very happy for you," she said. "But be nice to Susan, or I'll punch you in the nose again!" And Draco actually laughed, his face sporting a look that might even be admiration, which gave Hermione hope that they might one day even be friends.
"What a brilliant team effort," Arthur declared, clearly not wanting anyone to get more or less praise than others. Everyone really had played a part.
"Absolutely," agreed Lauren.
"Thank you for your part, Draco," the elder wizard said, offering his hand to Draco. "And congratulations."
"Indeed," said Draco, shaking Arthur's hand formally. "Sir," he said respectfully, bowing his head. Arthur responded by pulling the younger man into another hug. If Lucius had given the boy more hugs, he figured, then he might have been a very different wizard. But Draco was young, and the Weasley family were nothing if not relentless in their belief that love could conquer many things. Molly confirmed that philosophy by arriving at her husband's side and then giving more enormous hugs to Draco and Susan, along with an effusive offer that, if Susan needed any help with wedding planning, she only need floo to The Burrow and ask.
"So it's all really okay now?" Ginny asked Harry. Harry turned to Hermione, who laughed. None of them could fully take it in and, she suspected, they would need to keep reminding each other for a while to come.
"It's all okay!" she said. As long as we all stick to our promises, and get on with our weddings and partnerships and babies, it's all okay."
Hermione felt herself being hugged from behind and then a deep voice whispered in her ear as she was engulfed in a pair of muscular arms. "Well done, sweets," Charlie said. "My Lady Mione helps rescue us all … again!"
Hermione rested her hands on Charlie's. "Well Lauren was wonderful," she said. "And I think your boy helped too. Did you see the way the elderly witches were watching him and Teddy?"
"I did," Charlie chuckled. "And by this time next year I hope a few of us will be on the way to giving them some more playmates!"
"Really? You two as well?" Hermione gasped.
"Oh, we're not there yet," Charlie added, with a quick glance at Lauren. "But once we've moved the house and set up my cabin for the whole family, I think we might both be ready to make Elliot a sister or brother. You ready for another dance?"
Seeing as Fred and George had disappeared to enlist a couple of the house elves who were running the cloakroom to give out hangover truffles to those who had earned themselves a second sample box, Hermione was delighted to have some 'big brother' time with Charlie.
"How are things going?" he asked, wanting to check back in with her. "Can I help you this week?"
"Really good," she said. "And I'm sure the boys would love some help, but I've followed your advice and cut down my commitments. So this month I am a free agent who only has to think about making one potion, catching up with friends and drawing up a timetable. And buying school supplies," she said, with a happy expression which made Charlie laugh.
"You like buying school supplies, I'd venture?"
"It's my secret guilty pleasure," she told him. And then her face fell a little. "I used to love doing it with my mum, in August, before I went back to school. We would go to W H Smith and stock me up, and then have hot chocolate at Marks and Spencer's café afterwards."
Charlie held her closer. "Soon," he whispered. "I'm sure they'll find them soon."
Hermione nodded, and allowed Charlie to tell her about his and Lauren's plans for the autumn, and their desire to have Angie and George move to The Burrow first if Angie wanted to be settled there before she gave birth.
"It'll all work out perfectly, I'm sure," she told him, and Charlie nodded.
"What a crazy, crazy few weeks it has been."
Hermione looked over at the now-sleeping Elliot, and smiled, hugging Charlie a little tighter. They were dancing more slowly than many of those on the dance floor, who were partying like there was no tomorrow. The sense of relief that everyone felt was palpable, and it was clear that the party would be going on until very late. Maybe even til dawn. Without exception, every adult Weasley was on the dance floor, though few were with their own partners. They were using the ball as a chance to catch up with each other, to deepen friendships, to make plans to get together. More than one witch made a special trip to thank Fleur for the wonderful rest that she had provided that afternoon, and she urged them to allow her to make it a regular thing.
The evidence of happiness and romance was everywhere. Lee and Verity had found a quiet window seat, and were snogging themselves silly. Seamus and Dean were sneaking kisses in between their self-appointed role as music technicians, and Penelope was rewarding Percy for his work in a quiet corner of the great hall.
"The quiet ones are always the worst," Fred said, as he grabbed Hermione for another dance, nodding her towards Percy and Penelope in one corner and then Oliver and his boyfriend in another. Hermione laughed, but she was soon caught up again in the dancing and celebrations, and she shared a three-way dance with Ron and Harry, and then one with Lee before accepting Draco's hand for a turn around the hall.
It was another half hour before Fred was back in Hermione's arms, and they laughed together as he promised her that he and George had paid the elves who were going to help him distribute product samples. "We've given them a load of sugar quills," he said, "and promised them six boxes of troll chocolates when we make the next batch. They love them!"
Hermione laughed. She felt freer than she had for a long time, and as the song finished and they walked to the edge of the dance floor and towards the open doors, she told Fred that.
"It's all good now," he said. But before he could continue, Kingsley approached Hermione.
"May I borrow you for a moment?" he asked with a smile. The older wizard held out his hand, which Hermione took, thinking he was asking her to dance. But he tucked it into the crook of his arm, and continued to walk her towards the doors, beckoning Fred to follow them. "I'll need you too, son," he said, a bit mysteriously.
The Minister of Magic led them behind the greenhouses, commenting that this wasn't the most salubrious place for the conversation he needed to have, but noting that at least it was private enough. Carefully, he invited Hermione to sit on the bench beside him, and then indicated to Fred that he should sit on Hermione's other side. Hermione looked at Fred, searching his mind through the bond to see if he knew what this was about, it was immediately clear to her that he had no idea.
"I have some news for you," Kingsley said softly. "It's good news, don't worry. As of this week, we have found your parents."
Hermione gasped, and her eyes filled with tears.
"Are they okay?" she said, and Kingsley nodded.
"They're just fine," he said, "and enjoying the hospitality of the private wing of St Mungos. On the Ministry, of course," he added quickly. "The healers would like them to stay in St Mungos for another couple of days, and your parents have agreed." Kingsley smiled. "I understand they're enjoying the food."
"How? When?" Unusually, Hermione was finding it hard to form sentences. She had begun to shake from the shock of the news, and Fred had shifted over so he could hold her close, in his arms. He could sense her concern, and then many questions that filled her mind, and used their bond to try to calm and reassure her.
"We located them a few days ago," Kingsley said, wondering whether he should have brought Molly out to be with Hermione as well, but then deciding that, as she was a grown, married witch, he should let her at least make that decision on her own. "A couple of experienced aurors went on a top-secret mission to retrieve them. Your parents have been in our care since this morning, and they entered the UK just as we were all gathering here. We wanted to ensure that they were safely back in England before we told you." He checked Hermione's face. "Forgive me, but it seemed kinder, especially with everything that was going on. This way, you can see them as soon as you want. First thing tomorrow morning if you like. The healer in charge says tonight is also an option if you're desperate to go over, but they are quite jet lagged, so they might not be awake."
"Will they … will they know who I am?" she asked, not entirely sure whether she wanted to hear the answer.
"They will," Kingsley said, touching her arm gently. "Our aurors used the information you gave us to restore their memories, and they're just fine. Tired, but fine. And they seem to understand why you made the decision you did."
"They do?" Hermione was surprised to hear that. She had fully expected that it would take months of recriminations before things were healed, given her actions. Fred looked a bit shocked as well.
Kingsley pulled an apologetic face. "There's something else that I've been withholding from you," he said. "Forgive me. I hope you'll understand that I didn't want you to worry even more. But – and we have told your parents this, which helped a lot in their coming to understand your decision – just a day and a half after you sent them away, Death Eaters broke into their house and placed tracing charms on it. If you hadn't done what you did when you did it…" He didn't need to finish the sentence.
"And they understand that?"
"I'm not saying you won't need to have a few difficult conversations, but yes, I think in general they understand. Your actions saved their lives, and they're grateful for that." Kingsley smiled, and squeezed Hermione's hand.
He didn't add that, according to the aurors who had brought them back, the Grangers seemed determined to go back to Australia and stay in the semi-retired situation which they now loved, but which they now realised they would probably have taken another fifteen years to reach if not for Hermione's actions. They both seemed to be pragmatic people who didn't want an argument to get in the way of their relationship with their only daughter. Although, Kingsley reasoned to himself, they might well change their minds once they realised her situation, and the fact that she was thinking about starting a family within a year or two.
"We have, however," Kingsley added, "left it to you to tell them that you're married." He waggled his eyebrows. "Couldn't let young Fred here off that easily!"
Hermione turned to Fred, her eyes full of tears. His own eyes watered in response to her emotion, and he cradled her head to his chest. "Well, love," he whispered. "You did say you wanted to spend August catching up with some people…"
For the second time that day, Minerva McGonagall found herself watching Hermione from a castle window. This time it was one of the first floor staff bathrooms, where she had gone in order to take a moment to look out over Hogwarts' grounds; now full of couples and small groups, enjoying the evening breeze and celebrating their second victory of that summer. Celebrating their love and their relationships, new and old.
Minerva smiled to see Molly and Arthur, as much in love as ever. Neville and Hannah were chatting with Bill and Fleur. George had lifted Angelina onto a wall and was kissing her tummy. Percy, now working the crowd with Penelope by his side, as ever. She chuckled to see Charlie, Lauren and Filius Flitwick grouped together, the latter pair in deep conversation. And then shook her head slightly when she saw Ron and Luna, walking side by side but not touching, and wondered what the outcome of that rather interesting situation was going to be.
And then she turned back to watch Hermione and Fred. Kingsley had hugged Hermione and then left them together on the bench behind the greenhouses. He had told Minerva the news when they had danced, just a few moments before, and asked the witch her advice on breaking the news. Minerva's only suggestion had been to be straightforward and not leave anything out, for Hermione's wits were sharp. The headmistress had been full of concern and watched Hermione's face closely, wondering if the young witch would want to go to St Mungo's immediately she heard the news. It would be a shame for her to miss the end of the party, she thought. But, Minerva noticed, it hadn't taken Fred long to have Hermione smiling and focused on him again. His face was as expressive as ever, as he chatted away. Hers was happy too; excited and planning. Hermione appeared to have decided that she was happy to stay at the party knowing that the time to visit her mum and dad would come. Which was, indeed the case; she was looking forward to seeing them the next morning, and then to spending the weekend with them and Fred. Hermione was looking forward to that, and to Sunday dinner at The Burrow. And to a lifetime loving the man of her dreams; the man who had knelt before her and offered himself to her just a few weeks before.
Tears filled Minerva's eyes as she watched Fred take Hermione's cheek gently in his hand so he could kiss her. The headmistress again remembered Lily and James, the couple that Fred and Hermione so reminded her of, but whose time together in the mortal world had been so short. She sent loving thoughts that she hoped would reach the young couple, wherever they were. "You'd be so, so proud of him," she whispered, as she watched Harry, looking content as he held Ginny's hand while they chatted to Molly and Arthur, perhaps making wedding plans. Minerva gave a quiet whisper of thanks for Harry's life; for those that had survived. She whispered a prayer that those who had been lost would find peace in another world until they were all one day reunited. And then she looked down at Fred and Hermione one more time, thanking the gods and the moon and stars for the events that meant that the young couple would now be able to enjoy their life together in peace.
Until they found out at Christmas that their entire family had been playing bingo with their sex life…
