Three weeks.
That is how long the peace lasted before reality came crashing down around them once again.
Ever since their cosy night in, they'd gone out on a date at three times a week - either having a quick lunch in the day, a cosy dinner at one of their flats or at a nearby muggle restaurant, or one time they even took her out to a lovely boat restaurant before a walk by the Thames. It was her favourite so far. Sometimes she popped out for coffee, especially now that she had an assistant to mind the shop, and brought them some as well to indulge in when the mornings got hectic.
And as August gave way to September and the children departed for Hogwarts, the twins slowed down as well, enjoying slower but still early mornings with their designs, sometimes inviting her over for breakfast to spend some time together before the responsibilities of the day had to be dealt with.
Their soul bond was very much alive anytime they were together, and they were all starting to feel the pull of it, to bring them closer and encourage them to consummate the fledgling magic tethering them together. But they were taking their time, getting used to being in each other's space, the occasional touch lingering when the demand from the bond got too strong. But so far it has been on her terms and Hermione relished both their respect and affection as she got used to the fact that she had two soulmates.
It was one of those slower mornings when she arrived at the twins' flat with their favourite drinks and a bag of pastries to share, smiling warmly at George who opened the door for her looking still a bit rumpled and sleepy in his pyjamas.
"I'm sorry, am I too early?" she asked as he pulled her in for a careful hug and just breathed her in for a moment, their magical cores pulsing happily at being so close to each other.
"Not at all, I was having a lazy morning. Have a bit of a headache and haven't slept well," he admitted. They weren't too much of a common occurrence but ever since the curse blasted his ear off, he would suffer from them occasionally.
Hermione set down the food and drinks and searched her handbag, coming back with a small brown glass pot. "This may help if you'd like to give it a try. It's invaluable for the first week after I get my braid done and my head and scalp are tender. Just apply it lightly and gently work it into the skin and it sinks right in, if you'd like?" she offered.
He took it from her and looked at the soft shimmering gel-like texture that looked nice and cooling. "Thank you, are you sure you have enough?" he checked, not wanting her to be left without.
"Plenty. This is my travel pot, I have the whole thing back at home because I buy the stuff in a massive pint pot," she grinned, shrugging when he chuckled at her shrewdness. She set her bag down and patted the sofa seat, offering for him to sit down while she applied it.
He looked a bit hesitant so she was about to back off but then he sat down and held up the small pot for her. "I…other than Freddie, no one's ever touched this bit," he admitted.
"I promise to be gentle. Unless you want me to get Fred to do it?" she offered, not sure where their boundaries were.
He shook his head and opened his knees up for her to step closer to reach his temples and his aching neck muscles. She pushed the sleeves of her soft jumper up to her elbows and carefully began working a small amount of the salve over his temples, down past the hairline and to the tense neck muscles. As she gently worked her fingers down down to the top of his shoulders, she felt his hands come up to hold onto her curvy hips and his forehead rested against her belly. It's been a long time since someone touched her so intimately, and she felt her belly muscles draw in a little self-consciously.
"No please don't…you're so soft, I like the way you feel," he hummed, perfectly relaxed under her touch as his nose nuzzled her soft belly through the jumper once she relaxed. "And the way you smell. Like jasmine and parchment."
She gently lay her hand across the back of his neck, her thumb running through the short hair at the nape comfortingly as she felt the tension in his shoulders lower further thanks to the salve taking effect and smoothing out the pain.
"I like the way you feel too," she admitted. "Did you know I can always tell when you were in your development room because I catch a hint of gunpowder in your hair every time?" she smiled and he could hear it in her voice, reassured she liked it.
He hummed and his hands squeezed the curve of her waist in response, keeping her rooted even though she finished the massage. She flicked her wrist and the pot was closed and resting on the table as she just gave into her instinct and reached her other hand into his short coppery curls, gently carding her fingers through the strands as he rested against her. She wasn't sure how long they stayed that way before she sensed someone's gaze on her and looked up to see Fred, freshly showered by the look of his damp t-shirt, leaning against the doorway and just taking them in as they had their moment.
"Bathroom free?" George murmured, sensing his twin's presence as well.
"All yours, we'll wait for you with breakfast," Fred promised, letting them untangle themselves in peace.
George got up and picked up her hand to kiss the palm in silent thanks for her help before heading towards the bathroom.
And before she could feel self-conscious over the intimate moment between them, Fred was by her side and wrapped an arm around her middle to pull her in for a greeting kiss that landed very much close to the corner of her lips. "Morning beautiful," he greeted with a soft grin.
She felt her cheeks heat with a blush at his soft greeting. "Morning. I brought some food and coffee to start the day with. Though I missed my delivery of the Prophet," she realised.
"Oh, it should have been delivered here as well, hold on," he left her to settle on the sofa before heading for the kitchen where their mail was usually dropped off.
And then there was silence.
As the seconds ticked by, Hermione became a bit worried, twisting her head to try and see into the space. "Fred? Everything alright?"
He walked in, newspaper in hand as his eyes flicked over the rows, taking in the article on the front page. He cursed quietly before rubbing a hand over his face and passing it over.
Exclusive: Wizarding World's first soulmate triad in nearly two centuries!
Her heart dropped in her chest and she sat down before her knees buckled as she looked over the two photos they've managed to catch of the three of them together, usually heading out for lunch or disappearing in the Leaky to muggle London. They tried to be as careful as possible, to appear friendly without further gossip arising, but then she recalled Pansy's words about there being records of soul mates and though the Ministry may try to keep it secret, there was no accounting for human error and bribery to gain information.
So this is it, they'd been made, the whole world knew. Was she ready for this? Not in the slightest. But when she looked up at Fred to take in his expression, he was watching her carefully, gauging her reaction as he worried the skin around his thumbnail with his forefinger.
She turned back to the newspaper and flicked to page two, just to check for any other headlines or interviews. "Well, looks like gossip is still more important to people than the education reform," she observed before setting the paper down. "Do you have a pencil I can borrow for the sudoku?"
He blinked at her for a moment before realising she wasn't going to make a big deal of it and summoned a pencil for her reflexively. "It's the Prophet, of course that's the case. Even though the gossip is us this time."
Hermione hummed and folded the paper, already working on the numbers in the squares with practised ease. "I'll have to warn Sylvia, and you should maybe speak to Verity. You know how business booms after these kinds of articles, just so people can come in and gape at you for a few minutes," she pointed out as he settled beside her and summoned plates for their breakfast.
He groaned quietly and rubbed a hand over his face. "I just want some peace after being trampled by the Hogwarts lot for the past four weeks. Lee is going to have his hands full once the Hogmead weekends begin…."
She looked up from the paper and smiled proudly at his words. "I'm still so proud of you for opening a new branch and expanding successfully."
"Thanks," he grinned, this time a little bashful at the praise. "I maintain we could be a force to reckon with if you only joined our development," he hinted again.
She chuckled and cupped his cheek with a sweet smile. "Not a chance," she grinned toothily, making him laugh at the cheeky glint in her eyes.
The moment was however interrupted with a loud thump that made them both jump. Fred rushed to the kitchen, letting in a slightly dazed little owl that landed semi-successfully on the table with a smoking red envelope. Hermione scooted back in her seat just as George came in and froze at the sight of the smoking missive.
Fred jogged back in and quickly opened the howler before it could explore, dropping down beside Hermione with a protective hand on her knee.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS? NOT ONLY DO YOU FIND YOUR SOULMATE AND NEGLECT TO TELL ME FOR WEEKS, BUT I HAVE TO FIND OUT FROM THE PROPHET OF ALL PLACES? YOUR FATHER IS RUNNING FOR MINISTER AND YOU DARE CAUSE THIS SCANDAL? I AM ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED WITH THE BOTH OF YOU!
WE WILL DISCUSS THIS ON SATURDAY, AND YOU BETTER BRING THAT WRETCHED GIRL WITH YOU SO SHE CAN ANSWER FOR HERSELF!
Hermione didn't realise she was trembling until she found herself lifted into a lap, her knees bent a little and legs stretched out over another. She let out a shaky breath and blinked rapidly to stem the tears of old wounds. No, she would not cry for Molly Weasley again. She knew that the woman barely tolerated her when they were younger, remembering well the cold shoulder she received when the rumours about her dating both Viktor and Harry broke in the Prophet. And after the war, she was just a disappointment. Molly Weasley had a plan, you see - her precious daughter was to marry the Chosen One, and her heroic son would have the childhood friend kind of love they could be famous for. Instead, and Ginny matched with Draco whom apparently Molly still occasionally hissed at from what the twins told her, and Ron matched with Lavender whom the matriarch instantly fell in love with when she proclaimed her sole purpose was to look after Ron and have his family. It appeared Molly Weasley decided that she got a much better daughter-in-law in her ex-classmate and could be rid of Hermione for good. Except, now she couldn't.
She knew bonding with Fred and George meant accepting the Weasley family as well, and had somehow hoped for a warmer welcome but it didn't seem likely now at all. She at least wished for a few allies at the dining table if nothing else, safe in the knowledge that Bill and Fleur were her friends at least.
"Hey," Fred encouraged her to come back out of her thoughts and she looked at them both, suddenly realising their position and the pull of their magic to get even closer.
"Goodness, let me down, I'm crushing you," she squirmed a little and felt his arm tighten around her hips to steady her.
"You are doing no such thing, though if you continue to rub against me like that, we may have another problem," he chuckled, grinning when she raised a brow at the warning. "You're just fine where you are, thank you," his other hand came down to rest on her thigh, squeezing the thick of it gently to see if she accepted the more intimate touch.
She looked between them for a moment, allowing herself to relax into the comfort of their arms after a moment with a deep sigh. "This is not…unexpected but still I had hoped that this wouldn't be such an issue."
"It isn't," George said simply, his hand rubbing her ankle soothingly as she directed her gaze to him. "It's not an issue for us. Bill and Fleur will be happy to welcome you into the family, Charlie just moved back and will be only glad to have someone reasonable to discuss creature rights with, and the rest of them can sod off for all I care. Don't mind a thing anyone says, you are our soulmate and we are quite frankly ecstatic about the fact, so that's all that matters as far as I'm concerned," he pointed out.
She suddenly realised how her reluctance may be coming off to them both, "Oh no- that's not…I'm happy, really happy actually, I'm enjoying spending time with you and getting to know you as my soulmates. I wouldn't change that for the world now, but Molly never particularly liked me. And by the sound of it, she didn't exactly expect you to share a soulmate between you," she pointed out.
"Then she is deaf and blind because everyone else in the family expected it. Even dad," Fred pointed out. At her surprised look he nodded and explained. "When we re-opened the shop after the war, he came by one afternoon to check on us and ask how we're doing. We've been seeing Angelina at that point, but she asked that we only say she's dating George to start with, in case it didn't work out between us."
Hermione frowned at those words. That didn't seem particularly fair to the twins and though her relationship being discussed publicly in the newspapers was exhausting, she wouldn't have denied the fact if someone asked.
"The point is, dad came in and asked how our girl was. As it was so busy, I didn't notice his phrasing until I answered that we were all good, before realising what I'd said. But dad only smiled, asked that we bring her for Sunday lunch again that was that. Really, this is no scandal for him, we promise you."
Hermione took his words in before finally nodding. "Alright, let's do this and I guess we'll know who's in our corner afterwards," she said with as much resolve as she could, before realising something else. "Why Saturday? Weasley lunches are on Sundays."
"Saturday is Victoire's blessing day at the Weasley family magical stones so the whole family is invited," George explained as he handed her her coffee to finally start on their breakfast.
She sipped it while in thought, already trying to decide what to make for the little girl for such a magical occasion. Maybe a lovely little bracelet that would grow with her, with a sweet little opal charm for a bit of sparkle. Yes, she could see it in her mind's eyes very clearly, feeling her magic rise a little in response to the challenge.
She felt Fred's breath on her ear before his soft rumbling words resonated with her. "I don't know what you're thinking about but your magic is starting to feel a little too good, so I'm going to shuffle you between us, love."
His words made her register the press of him against her bum so she cleared her throat as she shuffled to sit properly on the sofa between them, crossing her legs for comfort and to stem the need for more friction. Because as exhausting as it was to think of Molly, this was the closest they've been since this whole soulmate thing started, and she was admittedly enjoying the feel of them both surrounding her like this. Yes, this was definitely worth braving the Weasley matriarch.
They landed just outside the Burrow and Hermione took one more deep breath as she steadied the handmade plum tart she brought as a peace offering.
"Sure you're alright?" George checked in for the third time, his hand on her lower back.
She grit her teeth before trying to shake it off, her jaw set in worried anticipation. "Okay, ground rules. If you ask me that question one more time, I might scream or spontaneously apparate back to my flat. If someone blows a casket, I'm out of here. I will not wreck that little girl's special day so she can hate me for the rest of her life. And finally, if you abandon me, so help you Merlin you will be very sorry," she finished and looked straight ahead at the path leading to the garden, the happy laughter of children filtering through.
The two men were silent only for a moment before George coughed to stifle a laugh and Fred looked at her with a grin. "Duly noted. Though it does suit you when you get feisty, just might have to get you worked up more often."
Her elbow landed with unerring precision under his ribs, forcing a wheezy laugh out of him as George took her hand with a snicker and began leading them down the path to the house.
"Ah there you are! Good to see you boys," Arthur smiled at them widely and hugged each twin before looking at Hermione. "And Hermione, welcome. We have missed you but I'm sure your time abroad was very exciting," he smiled warmly and she felt soothed as he greeted her with a kiss to the cheek.
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley. I'm glad to be home and reconnecting with everyone. And thank you for having me today," she offered a little shily.
"Oh I think we're well past that, call me Arthur. You are after all part of this family now. Victoire was very excited to see her auntie as well," he offered her his elbow and she found herself taking it, allowing him to lead her over to the table to set down her offering and towards Bill and Fluer who were sitting at one end of a large table.
She felt the twins at her back as she greeted the couple, but saw them chase after the kids soon after, leaving her in the care of their older brother and his wife. She enjoyed catching up with them both, and even discussed visiting Bill's new curse-breaking company to do some training for his three colleagues around embedding wards without detection. Victoire however soon demanded her parents' attention so she slipped away and picked up a glass of wine, taking a larger sip than was perhaps necessary.
She tensed as she felt a presence beside her, the greeting leaving her in no doubt as to who just joined her. "Granger. I can see you finally managed to tame that bird's nest on your head. Though switching it up for the medusa-look is new."
"Huh, good to see your tongue is still as sharp as your chin, ferret," she flipped back, the habitual insults actually making her shoulders relax a bit.
He only grinned and took a sip from his glass. "I wasn't sure you were going to show up."
"And why was that, Malfoy," she asked pointedly.
"I mean, some of the Sunday lunches are manageable, but a two-year old's blessing party is something else. I think there may have been some glitter in my wine earlier, and it will not live inside my digestive tract forever," he drawled and she had to suppress her laughter, not quite getting away with her amused grin as she turned to look at him.
He looked well, much different to the skinny scared boy whom she gave testimony for in front of the Wizengamot. He was still tall, but much broader in the shoulders now, his hair cut stylishly and mercury gaze just as piercing as she remembered. "Have you ever thought you'd be part of the Weasley clan?" she asked as she looked out over the garden again, leaning back against the fence behind them casually, hoping it wouldn't wrinkle her dress.
He snorted. "Me? No. You? Absolutely," he snickered when she glared at him and raised his hands in mock surrender. "You may think it wasn't obvious but you're so hot for red. Always have been. And you know what gave you away?"
"Do enlighten me," she raised a pointed brow at his audacious claims.
"I caught you counting their freckles under your breath one day," he nodded to the twins who were helping Victoire pick her next game.
"Oh you did? I thought you were too busy looking at Harry's arse," she mused, grinning when she heard him snicker at her audacity.
"Oh please, Potter? He was more annoying than anything, he's barely tolerable now. Oliver Wood though, that was a universally recognised great arse. Shame he was a sodding Gryffindor, or I would have tried my luck despite the age difference," he shrugged.
Hermione rolled her eyes to the heavens. Slytherins, honestly. "Your wife and soulmate is a Gryffindor," she pointed out.
This time it was Draco who turned to look at her incredulously. "Is she though?" he pointed out.
Well, when you think about it Ginny was certainly ferocious and brave but also had a vicious streak and cunning in spades. "Fair, I'll accept that. How did you find out you're soulmates anyway?"
He leaned back against the fence beside her with an amused grin. "Accident actually. I was out for the night with Theo and Blaise at Millicent's new club a couple of years back and we ended up bumping into each other by the bar."
"Millicent Bullstrode? She owns a club?" her eyebrows couldn't have been any higher if she tried.
"Much to her family's horror, yes. She's also soul bound to Padma Patil, they are the Queens of night life these days. You should check out the club, it's called the Heist, on Horizon Alley."
"Huh, you know I can see that working," Hermione mused as she imagined the two women together - smart business, dedication and beauty. "And how is the new Lady Malfoy?"
Draco grinned at the sight of his wife walking out from the kitchen, looking very healthy and positively glowing in the midday sunlight. "Still playing for the Holyhead Harpies. They got close to winning the cup last year."
"Oh? Who beat them?" Hermione asked curiously, not usually interested in Quidditch but it felt like there was a story there.
"My team," he grinned and straightened up away from the fence. "Welcome to the madhouse and the Weasley family outcasts," he tipped his glass to her and she surprised herself by clinking her glass against his in this new amicable world.
"Thanks for the warm welcome. I have no doubt it cost you effort to not be a prat for five seconds," she grinned toothily at him, seeing he recognised her sharp smile still after all these years when his gaze narrowed a little. But in the end he merely tipped his head her way before heading off to meet his wife by the table, leaving her once again alone.
Hermione took a sip of her wine, feeling her mood improve somewhat before crashing right back down as Lavender came sidling up to her with a sugary-sweet smile that would put anyone off their lunch. "There you are, mum needs our help in the kitchen, I've come to fetch you."
Gritting her teeth Hermione followed her toward the door to the kitchen, raising her hand to stop the twins who had started for them. If she was going to be forced into a confrontation today, she would have it on her own terms and away from the little girl who was here to celebrate her magic today.
She walked in behind Lavender, instantly noting Molly's forced nonchalant air as she continued to decorate a truly lovely cake.
"Hello Mrs Weasley, you needed some help?" she asked, going along with the farce.
Molly huffed a little, to which Lavender looked all too pleased as she folded her arms and watched the beginnings of the confrontation. Hermione wasn't sure what she ever did to the girl, they'd always been chalk and cheese but she wouldn't actively try to make another woman feel anything less than welcome without good reason.
"I don't need help, but clearly my boys do, to get away from you," Molly straightened and looked at her properly, taking in her composed expression.
"I'm afraid that won't be possible as we are soulmates and our bond is protected under the law," she countered calmly, trying to reason first.
"Ha, protected by law. You haven't completed any bonding yet. And how could you possibly form a triad? My boys will each find a girl of their own, a nice girl that will make them happy."
"I think Fred and George are both clear on what they want and how they would like to share their life with someone. And why couldn't that be me?" Hermione asked, wondering what she had done to personally offend the formidable matriarch.
"How could it be? You clearly have a taste for famous wizards, even though you haven't actually managed to lure any of them into marriage so far. My sons are successful business men, of course you would be interested in them," she sniffed at her. "Not to mention poor Ron, the way you encouraged his affection and then left him heartbroken. Thankfully he found Lavender here to bring him happiness, his true match."
Hermione was too stunned to speak for a moment before finding her words. "Mrs Weasley, I've been friends with Ron and with most of your children while growing up. I have no intentions of hurting anyone, and though our friendship isn't what it used to be, I never led Ron on about my feelings, and we continued to be friends despite our souls not matching. I am very happy for him and for everyone in your family who has found their happiness with a soulmate and would never dream of jeopardising it," she said clearly, hurrying on when she saw Molly open her mouth to interrupt.
"As for your other allegations against my character, these have always only ever been vicious rumours. I have respect for the success of the Wheezes but quite frankly I have more capital at my disposal than your sons do, considering my own career path. I don't want or need their money. I am getting to know your sons as my soulmates before we take the next steps to our lives together. I hope you can come to accept that," she offered, clearly leaving the ball in Molly's court to do with as she pleased.
"You-" Molly looked positively livid. "Get out of my house."
Hermione took a deep breath and stayed her ground. "It's Victoire's blessing day. I will not come to your home without invitation after today but I would like to stay for your granddaughter," she argued, willing to ignore the woman for one day before going back to keeping her distance.
"She barely knows you, she won't care. You're being a nuisance," Lavender responded instead, clearly happy to drive her out as well. When Molly didn't contradict her, Hermione had her answer.
Hermione took a deep breath before nodding. "Very well."
Walking out of the kitchen with her head raised was the most difficult thing she had to do but she kept her pace even as she walked over to Fleur. The blonde noted something was going on and leaned in to speak to her quietly, aware that Bill was likely to pick up the quiet words and understand.
"Je suis désolé, je dois partir. J'espère qu'elle aime son cadeau. Je viens bientôt déjeuner?" she murmured.
Fleur looked thunderous but nodded. "D'accord, nous allons le gérer ici," she promised as she leaned down to kiss her cheek, "ça ira chérie."
Hermione gathered her purse and found the twins both looking at her with a frown. She shook her head minutely to let them know she wasn't welcome to stay and headed for the path to the front of the house to get to the apparition point. She waited until she was out of sight of the garden to take a shuddering breath, not expecting them to follow, and conflicted about wishing them to stay for Victoire and coming with her to get away from the toxic matriarch.
And a few moments later she felt two hands on her lower back, grounding her as she was pulled into apparition, her eyes shutting down against the tears of rejection.