Hello, my darlings. The usual stuff, I own nothing. I am just playing with other people's toys. Thank you all for reading, reviewing, favoriting, or leaving kudos. And a Happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans.
Chapter 21 The Moment of Truth
Kreacher delivered the post a week later handing Hermione and Harry identical thick cream envelopes. Hermione opened hers and skimmed the contents. "Invitation to Charlie and Bea's wedding in two weeks," she reported. "We're allowed a plus one." She leered at Viktor.
"Would be my honor."
"Good, nothing says pathetic and trouble in paradise like bringing your pseudo brother as your plus one." Harry pretended to be insulted before joining in the laughter. "Charlie slipped in a note. The invitations were addressed before our pop-up wedding. Of course, you are expected." She kissed him, "Alright, I'm off to see if my plan worked, or if it's back to the drawing board. Wish me luck."
Viktor kissed her, "You are brilliant, no need of luck."
"You're biased," she told him.
"He's not wrong," Harry said.
"You're also biased," she laughed, "but, thank you both."
Per her employee's request, Hermione evaluated Katie's flat first. "If Cassius's works and mine doesn't, I don't want to know." She refused to accept any reassurance on the matter. Katie chose to mark the runes in chalk on her walls in her kitchen. Hermione inspected each one, running her finger next to the marking, nodding to herself in satisfaction. She grinned, pleased by the thrum of latent energy. "What was given, now I take. Grant me your power to give us light." A bright white light illuminated the room. "It worked?" cried Katie. "How long will it last?"
Hermione shrugged, "Until the magic is used. Could be a while. Let me know how long it last, will you?"
"Ha ha, Hermione. Seriously, how long will my kitchen be lit up?"
"I honestly have no idea. This is something either completely new or so old we've forgotten all about it."
Katie stared at her in shock, "Oh."
"Yeah, oh. You coming with to Cassius's?"
"Sure, why not? Mine worked, I'm good."
Mrs. Warrington welcomed them with a smile, "Good morning, girls. Come in. Cassius is in the ritual room. Please excuse the smell, Matthew blew up his potions lab again.
They made their way through the house, fighting to keep from gagging. "Does it feel like we were just told to go play?" whispered Katie?
"Totally."
They found a gagging Cassius waiting for them. The smell seemed worse on the lower level. "Sorry, my brother is an idiot. His lab is over there." He pointed across the hall. "Not even a bubblehead charm blocks it."
"Because the charm pulls in the oxygen surrounding you. " Hermione replied.
"That makes perfect sense."
Hermione clapped her hands. "Okay, while I check the runes, you guys go open the lab door and every door and window you can."
She entered the room and examined the runes. Like at Katie's, they glowed in the dim light. She listened to the footsteps moving about above her. Once they slowed to a halt, she raised her hands. "What was given, now I take. Grant me your power to raise the wind. Sweeping, cleaning, cleanse the air of this place." A sweeping wind rushed from the room, flowing through the house, and clearing out the funky odor.
Footsteps raced back to the ritual circle. "Another success?" questioned Katie. At Hermione's nod, she squealed and hugged the other witch.
Cassius grinned widely, "Thanks for clearing the smell."
"Had to do something with all that energy," Hermione shrugged.
"Now what?" Katie asked.
"You two go back to business as usual, I make arrangements to move forward."
Hermione danced into the front parlor of Grimmauld Place, surprising the occupants. She hugged Harry, kissed Viktor soundly, before spinning Teddy around in a circle. "Good news?" Remus inquired with a raised eyebrow.
"The best. Stage one was a success. Now to the hard, scary part: replicating it for a specific purpose." She looked at Viktor, "Have you officially given up your apartment, yet?"
"No, should I have?"
"Not yet. You said your friend Sasha and his wife would be willing to be human guinea pigs. I figured they would be more comfortable at your place."
"You're that far along with things?" asked Tonks.
"As of today, I am."
The auror nodded, "Fleur mentioned a school friend who was having issues."
"Ask her to contact them and send me names and information. Nevena and Sigurd both know couples as well. Make sure to tell her to stress we are keeping this quiet. There will be confidentiality clauses for anyone they have to tell." She pursed her lips. "I made an appointment with Kingsley tomorrow morning. Have to get him to work out the logistics of international travel, housing, and funds."
"I'll go floo Fleur." Tonks leapt to her feet.
"I will write Sasha." Viktor kissed her forehead on his way out of the room.
Teddy wandered over, "Does this mean godparents day is canceled Saturday?"
"What? Never! Where are we dragging Harry this time?"
"Daddy thinks I'm big enough for the Eye now."
"Then to the London Eye we go. I bet we'll be able to see the house row from the top."
"Wow," Teddy grinned at her amazement. "That would be so cool."
"I'm going to go change," Hermione informed them. "Sigurd and Nevena are coming with Annika to discuss wedding plans." She encountered her mentors at the foot of the stairs. Delighted she was ready for volunteers, her mentors hurried off to contact the couples they had in mind. Annika and her three sisters headed towards the kitchen to begin wedding planning.
Twenty minutes later a casually dressed Hermione headed for the kitchen. Surprised to find it empty, she went in search of the group. The volume when she opened the dining room door knocked her back momentarily. The three eldest Holgersson sisters screamed to be heard over one another about flowers, venues, and dresses. Annika attempted to cut in only to be shushed. "Harry's rich he can afford it," one snapped. Hermione felt her temper begin to rise at that remark.
"And you need a nicer house. One more fitting your station," another said looking around in disdain.
Regardless of how correct her statement was, it pissed Hermione off even more. Annika slumped down in her chair. Harry looked at her defeated and hopeless. His head snapped up when Hermione purposely scraped her foot against the wooden floor, his battle instincts kicking in, still honed year after the war ended. They made eye contact. Hermione raised a questioning eyebrow. Harry raised one in return. At Hermione's nod of support, he stood up. "Enough," he roared. "I am not marrying any of you. I'm marrying Annika. This wedding is going to be what she wants. We're going to live where we want. The answer to how welcome you will be there depends greatly on the next things you say." After a moment of silence, they resumed yelling, one in Swedish.
"Silence!" yelled Hermione, stepping fully into the room.
They stopped yelling, the eldest looking sneered, looking Hermione up and down. "We're Annika's sisters. We're here to make sure she gets the wedding of her dreams. Who are you to order us?"
"I'm Hermione, Harry's sister. I'm here to make sure gold-digging slags don't use my brother's wedding to live out their dreams. Now, Harry, Annika, let's discuss what you want in a wedding." Harry opened his mouth, "And do not say that you don't care. I will hex you." She looked at Annika, "That goes for you, too."
Before either the bride or groom could speak, another sister interrupted. "Harry Potter is an only child, everyone knows that." The blonde witch raised her wand in a threatening manner.
"I lied to a madwoman while she tortured me. Do you really think I'm afraid of you? Now, be silent." She looked back at the other two, "Now, venues, go."
Annika swallowed nervously, watching Hermione with wide eyes. "I always liked pictures of beaches with cliffs. Could we do something like that?"
"For both reception and ceremony, or just ceremony?" Hermione asked, writing down cliffs.
"Just the ceremony," she looked nervously at Harry. "My friends, Kevin and Justine, just opened a restaurant in Diagon Alley. They gave me a job when I really needed one. Hosting Harry Potter's wedding reception in their party room would give them a lot of free advertising."
"Of course, we will use your friend's place."
Hermione made another note, "Portkeys to and from the ceremony. Next?"
"Despite their behavior this evening, I would like my sisters as bridesmaids."
"I asked Ron to be my best man. I'll ask Neville to be a groomsman. Mione, would you be my groomswoman?"
"I would be honored."
The last sister started to object, "She's female. Your attendants symbolize your ability to protect your bride. That's why they're male."
"Hermione has stood shoulder to shoulder with me for seven years fighting dark wizards. She's walked into hell and back with me. When we've proven we mean it when we say we'd die for each other a dozen times over. Ask around, none of those stories are an exaggeration. She meets your requirements without a penis."
"Thank you, Harry, I think."
"Look at this. Progress." Sigurd returned beaming at everyone. He looked over Hermione's shoulder. "Anything more specific than cliffs with beaches?"
Harry looked at Hermione. She nodded, "While Dover is the most famous, East Sussex and Cornwall have more secluded spots. I'll get Harry a list."
"Thanks."
Sigurd clapped his hands, "Splendid, plans in motion."
Nevena shook her head at his antics. "Speaking of plans, the Morgenssens are interested."
"As are the Corales."
"Wonderful, I'll you know about the arrangements tomorrow."
Hermione read Fleur's note that her friends accepted and eagerly awaited instructions when Viktor slipped into their room. "Sasha and Elaine are packing as we speak. Her boss arranged a portkey for tomorrow. They both have indefinite paid leave."
"Wait, what?"
"Sunshine, experiment could be huge. Who wants to be known as employer who did not help? You say paint skin green, they ask what shade?"
"I guess, I just didn't expect that."
Viktor kissed her forehead, "You and Harry are both very humble. In your minds nothing you did was extraordinary."
"Harry did amazing things, thank you very much."
"And who was by his side the whole time?"
"Ron and I."
"I rest my case." Hermione rolled her eyes. He laughed, "Let me have this. Maybe the last time." She laughed and shoved him playfully. "Now, to celebrate." He swept her off her feet and carried her to the bed.
Hermione encountered minimal resistance in arranging a meeting with the Minister of Magic. "Don't you have important meetings or something?"
"Of course." He looked up from the report in front of him.
"Yet, somehow, you can meet with me at the drop of the hat."
"When I told the Belgium ambassador I needed to meet with a ritual master on urgent business he couldn't agree to reschedule fast enough."
"And if he hadn't?"
"I would have name-dropped and arranged to meet with him when we finished."
"Did you use Granger or Krum?"
"Granger. I know you don't want a media circus around your marriage, or if you were going to keep your last name."
"Appreciated, you can use Krum. Call me old-fashioned, but I intend to be Hermione Krum personally and professionally."
"Well, then, what can I do for you, Mistress Krum?"
"I have a working theory for a better fertility ritual," she said softly. He started to speak, looking excited, "Stop! It is only in the first stages. I have four international couples lined up to volunteer. They need lodging and possibly funds to live off of. I would prefer they emulate as normal a life as possible."
"We can certainly find something for them to do here if need be."
"I have no idea their professions, to be honest," she admitted.
"Hermione, everyone wants you to succeed. We're going to do just about anything you ask. You just have to tell us what you need."
"Three places to live and eight jobs for now."
"Three places?"
"Viktor's friends are staying at his flat."
"Do you need any assistance with the media?"
"No, part of the request included a non-disclosure agreement. The last thing any of us needs is a media frenzy. They can tell their employers and immediate family they are taking part in an important experiment."
"I can have this all together by the end of the week. I'll bring you the flat or house keys and any possible job openings." He paused, "Are you set on four couples?"
"Not necessarily, why?"
"I have a former coworker who falls under this law. He and his wife have never had any luck in the children department. They always wanted children but resigned themselves to not having any. The rituals are their last option, and they share your reservations about them."
"Ask them if they're interested and send me their names. I'll have Katie send you the non-disclosure she wrote up."
"Thank you, Hermione."
"You're welcome. So, how much time do we have to kill before the Belgium ambassador arrives?"
He gave her a sheepish smile, "Another ten minutes." She laughed and let him order tea.
While Viktor invited Hermione to meet his friends' portkey arrival, she insisted on going to his flat and cleaning it up and airing it out. She ignored his insistence that it would be fine. She knew if she was moving to a foreign country and into someone else's home, she would want it to be, at the least, as clean as possible. She boxed up Viktor's remaining personal items as well. Not sure of their food preferences, she put together a simple beef stew for dinner. The front door opened just as she put the finishing touches on the meal. "Welcome home tempor..." she trailed off at the sight of Nikolina Krum coming through the door. "Hello, what, why, how?" she stuttered in confusion.
Nikolina pulled her into a fierce hug, "You wonderful, sweet girl. Vanko and I are so proud to call you daughter." She kissed Hermione's forehead. "When Sasha said he was going to visit Viktor in England but didn't know when he would be back, we just knew." She reached over and pulled Viktor into the embrace. "You are too busy to be planning a wedding now."
Hermione chuckled, "I know, that's why you were doing it."
"No, no. You are too busy for traveling and all that. We will come to you. Viera and little Riva can travel now."
"But, Mama, we're married in the wizarding world in England." Viktor protested.
"Let's eat and we can discuss this. We're being rude to Sasha and Elaine." Hermione patted his chest. She pulled away and greeted the Pettronovs. "Welcome to England. Thank you for being willing to help."
Elaine surged forward, "Thank you for thinking of us." She hugged Hermione. "When this works it will change so many things for so many people."
"If it works you mean." All four Bulgarians look at her like she is insane. "Never mind, let's eat." She herded the others to the table and served dinner.
Nikolina allowed her son and his friends to catch up before directing the subject back to weddings. "I would like to see some kind of ceremony or binding."
Hermione looked over at Viktor, gauging his reaction to his mother's words. She smiled fondly at the hint of guilt and yearning she saw there. "The druids had a binding ritual. They believed that it bound the two souls together for all eternity."
"They believed? You do not believe?" teased Sasha.
"I would like to believe it, but since no one has ever returned to let us know how if it works I can't say for certain it works."
Viktor chuckled, "That's my girl, the logical romantic."
"Ha, ha. Are you interested in risking it or not?"
"Nothing would make me happier, book bug." He squeezed her hand. "When?"
"Not this weekend, we have Charlie's wedding and godparents day. Then there is a three-week break before Neville's wedding. We could do it in there."
Nikolina smiled, "Is that enough time?"
"Since you're here to plan the reception and Nevena is alreadys. here to perform it? Yes. You have our lists."
"Do you have a venue in mind?"
"The Haven has a ballroom," Viktor mentioned, "and that would keep the press away."
"I like the Haven for the reception, but I would like to have the ceremony at the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye." Hermione smiled shyly.
"If it makes you happy, while you're doing something to make Mama happy, I would attend starkers if you told me to."
"Thank you, I think."
His mother patted his hand, "Sweet boy. If Sasha and Elaine do not mind, I will stay the night and port home tomorrow. I will be back Friday to see this Haven and get started."
"Splendid. Minister Shacklebolt will have a list of employment opportunities ready by Friday. I'll arrange a meeting for all the couples to go over everything."
"Mistress Granger, we're set for money. Both of our employers gave us paid leave."
"First, call me Hermione. Second, I appreciate that, but I want you to live as normal of lives as possible. Which means going to work most days."
"Of course, Hermione."
When Hermione tried to clean up, both Nikolina and Elaine shooed her away. "You cooked, we will clean," Nikolina told her firmly.
"And I need to rearrange this kitchen properly."
"I never understood Viktor's organization," Hermione laughed.
"What organization?" he questioned confused.
"Exactly," Elaine said, "now, go."