Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, brilliantly created by J.K.
Rowling. Most situations are based on those created by J.K. Rowling. Song
credit: "Seduces Me," performed by Celine Dion, words by Dan Hill.
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Happy New Year
The friends left Hermione's parents the next day to spend the rest of the holidays with the Weasley's. Harry reflected that he had never had such a nice holiday, and he couldn't help but wish that it was just one of many more to come. Still, he looked forward to the rest of the vacation as the four friends traveled by Floo Powder to the Burrow.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley welcomed them with open arms. Harry smiled when he saw that the house was already full. He had always thought of the Weasleys as his family, but now that he was with Ginny, the feeling was even stronger, and he couldn't help but think that he would love to be a part of the family, officially. Hermione was thinking the same thing as she greeted Ron's brothers and their various significant others. Bill was there, with a new girlfriend (he always seemed to come to family events with someone they had never met), Charlie was there with Dawn, the woman he had been dating since the summer, Percy and Penelope (who were married just over a year) were there, and there was also George, Fred, Katie and Angelina. It was once again a full house.
"I just love when all my children are at home!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed as they sat at dinner that evening. "And I am so pleased that we're going to ring in the New Year together. Your father has so many wonderful things planned!"
"You'll love it!" Mr. Weasley added.
"So tell me dears," Mrs. Weasley said, addressing Harry, Ron, Ginny and Hermione. "How was your Christmas?"
"Wonderful," said Hermione. "My parents were so happy to have everyone in the house."
"And we're so pleased that they did," said Mrs. Weasley. "You know, Hermione, we're going to have to have your parents to our house one day."
"I'm sure they would accept right away," said Hermione. "Of course, they would have to come in the car. I don't think they're quite cut out for Floo Powder."
"No, certainly not!" Mrs. Weasley said, and she smiled. "We don't want them getting stuck anywhere."
"So what kinds of things do you have planned dad?" George asked, changing the subject.
"Now, now, son, that's my secret!" said Mr. Weasley. "You will find out soon enough. After all, New Year's is just three days away."
Though Fred and George pressed their father for more information, Mr. Weasley refused to give any up, insisting that they wait until New Year's Eve. Still, Fred and George continued to harass their father, until Percy stood and clinked his spoon on his glass. He stood, pulling Penelope with him.
"Since the whole family is gathered tonight," said Percy. "I will take this opportunity to inform you that Penny and I are bringing a new addition to the family this August. Penny is pregnant."
Everyone at the table applauded, and Penelope's cheeks turned a little red. "How wonderful! Arthur, isn't it wonderful? A new addition to the family. A baby!"
"Yes," said Arthur, and he wasn't embarrassed at the tears that shone in his eyes. "One of my sons is going to be a father himself. I couldn't be prouder, Percy."
"Thanks dad," said Percy, and everyone could see that he was incredibly happy. There seemed to be an aura about him that exuded happiness. The same thing surrounded Penelope.
"Have you thought of names?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"We haven't gotten quite that far," said Penelope. "But we're talking." She took Percy's hand and smiled at him.
"Oh!" said Mrs. Weasley. "I can't imagine this week getting any better!"
* * *
The week did get better. Mrs. Weasley was in her element whenever she was surrounded by family. She joked to Mr. Weasley that they should buy some property around their house and build seven houses so each of their children could always live close by. Mr. Weasley seemed to like the idea, but the children groaned at the thought of always being so close to mum and dad. "They do grow up fast," Mrs. Weasley mused. "You better cherish everything that baby of yours does, Percy."
"I plan to, mum," said Percy, and he seemed to drift off into another world as he thought of the baby-to-be.
New Year's Eve arrived, and Mr. Weasley disappeared from the house long before Fred and George woke up. Mrs. Weasley, the only one privy to the surprise, still refused to give them any information, and told her sons to occupy themselves helping her clean the kitchen. Fred and George waved their mother away and made up some excuse about having to do some work for the joke shop, so they wouldn't have to set the table.
Mr. Weasley returned at six o'clock in the evening. "Is everybody all ready for tonight's celebration? All well rested?" Everyone nodded.
"No celebrating until after dinner," said Mrs. Weasley and she urged everyone into the kitchen to eat. Dinner seemed a celebration itself. Mrs. Weasley had made everyone's favorite dish, it seemed, and they all ate with gusto. They were so full when they were done that Fred and George almost forgot that their father had a surprise for them.
Almost.
"Come on, dad, let's get to the good stuff!" Fred exclaimed.
"I'd like to wait until midnight," said Mr. Weasley. "So we can ring in the New Year in style. But anyone interested, come on outside."
Fred and George were the first to leave the table. Harry and Ron quickly followed, as did Ginny and Hermione. Soon, the entire family was shivering in the backyard as Mr. Weasley showed them what was in the bag he brought back from Diagon Alley.
"Fireworks!" Mr. Weasley said proudly. "Wizard friendly! Instructions for wand usage included!"
"Excellent!" said Fred.
"Bloody brilliant!" Ron exclaimed. "Light 'em up!"
"Nope," said Mr. Weasley, shutting the bag. "Not until midnight."
This announcement was met by groans from the boys, Harry included, but they turned and headed into the house for dessert anyway. They were back outside at five minutes to midnight, anticipating what was to come. Mr. Weasley set up the fireworks so that he would be ready when the time came. The family - now wearing proper outdoor attire - gathered around him.
"Ten seconds!" Charlie exclaimed, putting an arm casually around Dawn's shoulders.
"Nine... eight... seven... six...five...four...three...two..one... HAPPY NEW YEAR!"
Ron hugged Hermione. "Happy new year," he said.
"Happy new year," she said to him, and she leaned to kiss him. As soon as their lips touched, the first of the fireworks exploded in the air.
* * *
The celebration continued well into the night. Hermione stood off to the side and watched the family run around and carry on with each other. Her vision honed in on Ron and she smiled. She loved the look of boyish wonder on his face whenever he looked up at the fireworks. She loved the way the fireworks lit up his face as he ran around laughing, playfully punching his brothers and Harry. She fell in love with him all over again as she watched the way he helped his mother light one of the fireworks. And then she knew. It was time. She was ready. Without a word to anyone, she headed into the house to wait for Ron.
After a few minutes, Ron noticed Hermione's absence. "Hey?" he said to Harry. "Where has Hermione gone?"
"Dunno, mate," said Harry. "Maybe she got tired."
"I'm going to look for her," said Ron, and he headed into the house.
* * *
Ron found Hermione in his bedroom. His breath caught when he saw her standing at his window, watching the fireworks and other festivities. He watched her for a moment, then quietly walked up behind her and snaked his arms around her waist. "Hi love," he whispered in her ear.
Hermione smiled, "Hi," she said back. "I was wondering how long it would take you to find me."
"Tired?" Ron asked.
"No," Hermione said with a sigh.
"What were you thinking about?"
Everything you are
Everything you'll be
Touches the current of love
So deep in me
Every sigh in the night
Every tear that you cry
Seduces me
"You. And me. Us."
"What about us?" Ron asked.
Hermione turned in his arms so that they faced each other. "Just that we've been together for a while now."
"I know," said Ron, obviously proud of that fact.
"And I love you more than anything in this world - or the muggle one," Hermione explained.
And all that I am
And all that I'll be
Means nothing at all
If you can't be with me
Your most innocent kiss
Or your sweetest caress
Seduces me
"I love you too," said Ron, but he suddenly felt scared. "What's this all about, Hermione?"
I don't care about tomorrow
I've given up on yesterday
Here and now is all that matters
Right here with you is where I'll stay
"This," Hermione began, and she kissed him, "is about being ready."
"Ready?" Ron asked. "Ready for wh -? Oh!"
Hermione smiled, "Yes."
"Are - are you sure? Really, really sure?" Ron asked, with a slight squeak in his voice.
"Yes," said Hermione. "But if you aren't -"
"No, Hermione!" Ron exclaimed quickly. "Believe me, I am so ready. But it's up to you. I don't want to do anything you don't want me to."
"Ron, I swear, I'm really, really ready," said Hermione. "Now just kiss me."
Ron did as he was told and kissed her passionately. However, Hermione could tell by his body language that he was still holding back. She pulled away from his kiss and whispered, "Ron, I meant it. I want you, every part of you. Now, just think with your heart."
Ron kissed her again and this time he let his heart be his guide. They never let each other go, except to make sure the doors were locked (Ron had long before asked his father to charm the room against Fred and George's random apparitions). Ron led Hermione over to his bed and laid her down gently before kissing her again. He looked down at her and brushed her hair from her forehead.
Everything in this world
Every voice in the night
Every little thing of beauty
Comes shining thru in your eyes
And all that is you becomes part of me too
'Cause all you do seduces me
"I love you," Ron said breathlessly. "So much."
"I love you too," Hermione said, and she pulled him down to kiss him again, and they made love for the first time.
And if I should die tomorrow
I'd go down with a smile on my face
I thank God I've ever known you
I fall down on my knees
For all the love we've made
Every sigh in the night
Every tear that you cry
Seduces me, Seduces me
And all that you do... Seduces me
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Happy New Year
The friends left Hermione's parents the next day to spend the rest of the holidays with the Weasley's. Harry reflected that he had never had such a nice holiday, and he couldn't help but wish that it was just one of many more to come. Still, he looked forward to the rest of the vacation as the four friends traveled by Floo Powder to the Burrow.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley welcomed them with open arms. Harry smiled when he saw that the house was already full. He had always thought of the Weasleys as his family, but now that he was with Ginny, the feeling was even stronger, and he couldn't help but think that he would love to be a part of the family, officially. Hermione was thinking the same thing as she greeted Ron's brothers and their various significant others. Bill was there, with a new girlfriend (he always seemed to come to family events with someone they had never met), Charlie was there with Dawn, the woman he had been dating since the summer, Percy and Penelope (who were married just over a year) were there, and there was also George, Fred, Katie and Angelina. It was once again a full house.
"I just love when all my children are at home!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed as they sat at dinner that evening. "And I am so pleased that we're going to ring in the New Year together. Your father has so many wonderful things planned!"
"You'll love it!" Mr. Weasley added.
"So tell me dears," Mrs. Weasley said, addressing Harry, Ron, Ginny and Hermione. "How was your Christmas?"
"Wonderful," said Hermione. "My parents were so happy to have everyone in the house."
"And we're so pleased that they did," said Mrs. Weasley. "You know, Hermione, we're going to have to have your parents to our house one day."
"I'm sure they would accept right away," said Hermione. "Of course, they would have to come in the car. I don't think they're quite cut out for Floo Powder."
"No, certainly not!" Mrs. Weasley said, and she smiled. "We don't want them getting stuck anywhere."
"So what kinds of things do you have planned dad?" George asked, changing the subject.
"Now, now, son, that's my secret!" said Mr. Weasley. "You will find out soon enough. After all, New Year's is just three days away."
Though Fred and George pressed their father for more information, Mr. Weasley refused to give any up, insisting that they wait until New Year's Eve. Still, Fred and George continued to harass their father, until Percy stood and clinked his spoon on his glass. He stood, pulling Penelope with him.
"Since the whole family is gathered tonight," said Percy. "I will take this opportunity to inform you that Penny and I are bringing a new addition to the family this August. Penny is pregnant."
Everyone at the table applauded, and Penelope's cheeks turned a little red. "How wonderful! Arthur, isn't it wonderful? A new addition to the family. A baby!"
"Yes," said Arthur, and he wasn't embarrassed at the tears that shone in his eyes. "One of my sons is going to be a father himself. I couldn't be prouder, Percy."
"Thanks dad," said Percy, and everyone could see that he was incredibly happy. There seemed to be an aura about him that exuded happiness. The same thing surrounded Penelope.
"Have you thought of names?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"We haven't gotten quite that far," said Penelope. "But we're talking." She took Percy's hand and smiled at him.
"Oh!" said Mrs. Weasley. "I can't imagine this week getting any better!"
* * *
The week did get better. Mrs. Weasley was in her element whenever she was surrounded by family. She joked to Mr. Weasley that they should buy some property around their house and build seven houses so each of their children could always live close by. Mr. Weasley seemed to like the idea, but the children groaned at the thought of always being so close to mum and dad. "They do grow up fast," Mrs. Weasley mused. "You better cherish everything that baby of yours does, Percy."
"I plan to, mum," said Percy, and he seemed to drift off into another world as he thought of the baby-to-be.
New Year's Eve arrived, and Mr. Weasley disappeared from the house long before Fred and George woke up. Mrs. Weasley, the only one privy to the surprise, still refused to give them any information, and told her sons to occupy themselves helping her clean the kitchen. Fred and George waved their mother away and made up some excuse about having to do some work for the joke shop, so they wouldn't have to set the table.
Mr. Weasley returned at six o'clock in the evening. "Is everybody all ready for tonight's celebration? All well rested?" Everyone nodded.
"No celebrating until after dinner," said Mrs. Weasley and she urged everyone into the kitchen to eat. Dinner seemed a celebration itself. Mrs. Weasley had made everyone's favorite dish, it seemed, and they all ate with gusto. They were so full when they were done that Fred and George almost forgot that their father had a surprise for them.
Almost.
"Come on, dad, let's get to the good stuff!" Fred exclaimed.
"I'd like to wait until midnight," said Mr. Weasley. "So we can ring in the New Year in style. But anyone interested, come on outside."
Fred and George were the first to leave the table. Harry and Ron quickly followed, as did Ginny and Hermione. Soon, the entire family was shivering in the backyard as Mr. Weasley showed them what was in the bag he brought back from Diagon Alley.
"Fireworks!" Mr. Weasley said proudly. "Wizard friendly! Instructions for wand usage included!"
"Excellent!" said Fred.
"Bloody brilliant!" Ron exclaimed. "Light 'em up!"
"Nope," said Mr. Weasley, shutting the bag. "Not until midnight."
This announcement was met by groans from the boys, Harry included, but they turned and headed into the house for dessert anyway. They were back outside at five minutes to midnight, anticipating what was to come. Mr. Weasley set up the fireworks so that he would be ready when the time came. The family - now wearing proper outdoor attire - gathered around him.
"Ten seconds!" Charlie exclaimed, putting an arm casually around Dawn's shoulders.
"Nine... eight... seven... six...five...four...three...two..one... HAPPY NEW YEAR!"
Ron hugged Hermione. "Happy new year," he said.
"Happy new year," she said to him, and she leaned to kiss him. As soon as their lips touched, the first of the fireworks exploded in the air.
* * *
The celebration continued well into the night. Hermione stood off to the side and watched the family run around and carry on with each other. Her vision honed in on Ron and she smiled. She loved the look of boyish wonder on his face whenever he looked up at the fireworks. She loved the way the fireworks lit up his face as he ran around laughing, playfully punching his brothers and Harry. She fell in love with him all over again as she watched the way he helped his mother light one of the fireworks. And then she knew. It was time. She was ready. Without a word to anyone, she headed into the house to wait for Ron.
After a few minutes, Ron noticed Hermione's absence. "Hey?" he said to Harry. "Where has Hermione gone?"
"Dunno, mate," said Harry. "Maybe she got tired."
"I'm going to look for her," said Ron, and he headed into the house.
* * *
Ron found Hermione in his bedroom. His breath caught when he saw her standing at his window, watching the fireworks and other festivities. He watched her for a moment, then quietly walked up behind her and snaked his arms around her waist. "Hi love," he whispered in her ear.
Hermione smiled, "Hi," she said back. "I was wondering how long it would take you to find me."
"Tired?" Ron asked.
"No," Hermione said with a sigh.
"What were you thinking about?"
Everything you are
Everything you'll be
Touches the current of love
So deep in me
Every sigh in the night
Every tear that you cry
Seduces me
"You. And me. Us."
"What about us?" Ron asked.
Hermione turned in his arms so that they faced each other. "Just that we've been together for a while now."
"I know," said Ron, obviously proud of that fact.
"And I love you more than anything in this world - or the muggle one," Hermione explained.
And all that I am
And all that I'll be
Means nothing at all
If you can't be with me
Your most innocent kiss
Or your sweetest caress
Seduces me
"I love you too," said Ron, but he suddenly felt scared. "What's this all about, Hermione?"
I don't care about tomorrow
I've given up on yesterday
Here and now is all that matters
Right here with you is where I'll stay
"This," Hermione began, and she kissed him, "is about being ready."
"Ready?" Ron asked. "Ready for wh -? Oh!"
Hermione smiled, "Yes."
"Are - are you sure? Really, really sure?" Ron asked, with a slight squeak in his voice.
"Yes," said Hermione. "But if you aren't -"
"No, Hermione!" Ron exclaimed quickly. "Believe me, I am so ready. But it's up to you. I don't want to do anything you don't want me to."
"Ron, I swear, I'm really, really ready," said Hermione. "Now just kiss me."
Ron did as he was told and kissed her passionately. However, Hermione could tell by his body language that he was still holding back. She pulled away from his kiss and whispered, "Ron, I meant it. I want you, every part of you. Now, just think with your heart."
Ron kissed her again and this time he let his heart be his guide. They never let each other go, except to make sure the doors were locked (Ron had long before asked his father to charm the room against Fred and George's random apparitions). Ron led Hermione over to his bed and laid her down gently before kissing her again. He looked down at her and brushed her hair from her forehead.
Everything in this world
Every voice in the night
Every little thing of beauty
Comes shining thru in your eyes
And all that is you becomes part of me too
'Cause all you do seduces me
"I love you," Ron said breathlessly. "So much."
"I love you too," Hermione said, and she pulled him down to kiss him again, and they made love for the first time.
And if I should die tomorrow
I'd go down with a smile on my face
I thank God I've ever known you
I fall down on my knees
For all the love we've made
Every sigh in the night
Every tear that you cry
Seduces me, Seduces me
And all that you do... Seduces me