Disclaimer: I do not own these characters, brilliantly created by J.K.
Rowling. Most situations are based on those created by J.K. Rowling.
Chapter Seventeen: The Award
"I hope he makes it home in time," Ginny said, referring to Seamus' hasty exit.
"I'm sure he will," Hermione said.
"Hermione! Ginny!" They turned and saw Lavender Brown again. "You didn't tell me that you'd won an award! Congratulations!"
"Thanks," said Hermione. "It was nice, actually, to get something back after so many years of work."
"So, when did you get this thing anyway?" Lavender asked.
"Actually," said Ginny, "it was just this past September."
* * *
The owl came on Hermione's twenty-seventh birthday. Ron had gathered Hermione's parents, his parents, Harry, Ginny, James and Lily, and of course Emma and Olivia for a small party. Just as Hermione was about to cut into the cake, the owl swooped in and dropped the letter - right into the icing. Ron groaned, but Hermione picked up the letter immediately, noticing the return address. "Ginny," she said immediately as she scanned the letter. Ginny came over and they read together.
Dear Mrs. Weasley and Mrs. Potter,
Thank you for the submission of your extensive volume of research entitled "Breakthroughs in Mind Reading." We are pleased to inform you that we have decided to publish the work.
We are also pleased to inform you that your work has won the Rilka Riggelo Award for Research for your efforts. An awards ceremony will be held this Saturday, September 22nd. Please respond by return owl if you intend to come to the ceremony.
Again, we offer you our congratulations!
Sincerely,
Bella Saxley Parchment Publishers
"Oh my god!" Ginny exclaimed, and she hugged Hermione. "I can't believe they accepted it!"
"What is it?" Hermione mother asked curiously.
"It's informing us that we won an award, mom," Hermione explained. "For a book we've been working on for the longest time."
"That's wonderful darling," Hermione's father piped in, and he took a look at the letter.
Now it was Ron's turn to congratulate his wife and sister. He hugged Ginny, quickly, and then embraced Hermione tightly and kissed her, not caring that many of their family and friends could see them. Harry did the same with Ginny, and soon everyone was talking at once, congratulating the women and sneaking in extra hugs.
"We all have to go to the ceremony of course," said Hermione. "You'll all come, won't you?"
"Of course!" Mrs. Weasley was the first to pipe in. "I wouldn't miss it!"
"Nor would we," said Mr. Granger. "Though, are we allowed?"
"What do you mean, dad?" Hermione asked.
"Because it's.. well, it's a wizard award, isn't it?" he asked. Hermione nodded. "So are we allowed to go?"
"I'm sure it will be fine," said Hermione. "And I'll see if I can make special arrangements anyway. You are my parents, after all. I want you to be there." Hermione found herself swept up in her father's embrace again.
"I'm so proud of you," he said.
"Thanks, dad."
* * *
"Hermione? Are you ready to go?" Ron called up to her. He had just dropped Emma and Olivia off at Percy's house. Hermione had stayed behind to finish getting ready.
"Just about," she called back, and she finished putting on her earring and then walked down the stairs. "Are the kids okay?"
"Yup," said Ron. "Phillip whisked Emma away to play games the moment with got there, and Percy and Penelope are probably still talking baby talk with Olivia."
"Great," said Hermione. "And you gave them the information?"
"Of course," said Ron, and he smiled at her. "You look beautiful." He kissed her cheek.
Hermione blushed and said, "Thanks. You're not so bad yourself."
"I try," Ron said, and he took her arm and they headed out of the house.
* * *
"DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT give them any of your joke candy," Ginny said to Fred as she and Harry were headed out of the door.
"Of course not," Fred said seriously.
"I MEAN it, Fred," said Ginny. "Especially Lily. She's too little for candy anyway."
"Gin, I won't give them anything," he said. "However, I can't speak for Stacey and Brian."
"Keep an eye on them then!" Ginny exclaimed, frustrated. She turned to Harry. "Maybe we should have left the kids with Charlie."
"I am insulted!" Fred said, but with a smile. "You don't trust me with my own niece and nephew?"
"Fred, come on," said Ginny. "I just don't want them exposed to any of your silly tricks tonight. I want to enjoy myself."
Angelina came into the room laughing. "Ginny, Harry, I assure you that I will personally keep an eye on Fred. After all, let's face it. Even with all the children here, he's the one who needs the most looking after."
Ginny laughed and relaxed. Angelina WOULD be there, and she certainly would keep Fred in line. "All right then," she said.
"We really should go though, Gin," said Harry. "Don't want you to miss your award."
"Right," said Ginny. "Bye James!" She had to call out to him, as James had disappeared into the next room with his cousin Stacey.
"Bye mum! Bye dad!" his small voice called back.
"Bye Lil," Ginny said, placing a kiss on her daughter's forehead. She handed the four-month-old to Angelina.
"Have a great time," Angelina said. "Let us know how it went."
"We will," said Harry, and he took Ginny's hand and they headed out the door.
* * *
"There you are!" Hermione exclaimed when she saw her parents rushing down the street. "I was afraid you'd gotten lost."
"Well, this is a little hard to find," said her father. "But really we just had trouble parking the car."
"Are you ready?" Ron asked, and he opened the telephone booth. The awards ceremony was to be held in the Ministry of Magic. He dialed the number and gave the information requested. As soon as the four adults had their visitor badges, they were brought down into the ministry.
Once inside, they were surprised to find it quite busy. Though not nearly as crowded as it would be on a work day, the ministry lobby was filled with witches and wizards dressed up to attend the ceremony that would take place in one of the large banquet rooms. "It's on this floor," said Hermione. "Down the hall a bit." She turned to her parents. "We have to show our wands for inspection." They joined the line of people waiting, with Mr. and Mrs. Granger looking around, quite fascinated with their surroundings.
Once their wands had been inspected, Ron, Hermione and Mr. and Mrs. Granger walked down the hall and entered the room. "Very nice," Mrs. Granger said as she looked around at the shining decorations. "This IS a prestigious award, isn't it?" Hermione nodded.
"There are my parents," said Ron, and he pointed. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley stood and waved. The four made their way over to them, and were greeted with hugs and kisses.
"We were worried you'd be late," said Mrs. Weasley when they were settled into their seats. "Ginny and Harry aren't here yet. They had to drop James and Lily with Fred. I trust you had no problems leaving Emma and Olivia with Percy." Ron shook his head and Mrs. Weasley smiled.
"Here they are now," said Hermione when she caught sight of Harry and Ginny. They made their way to the table and once again the greetings ensued.
"It looks wonderful in here," said Ginny as she sat down and took a good look around.
"Well, it is one of the Ministry's more important nights," said Mr. Weasley. "After all, this is when they hand out their commendations and awards. This was where Harry would have gotten his."
Harry blushed a little bit. After he had defeated Voldemort, the wizarding community wanted to give him an award. He accepted the award, but didn't want to go to the ceremony, preferring to spend a quiet evening at the Burrow with his friends. Mr. Weasley saw Harry's reaction. "Though I thought it nice that you didn't come Harry. Sometimes these things can get a little silly. And you were so young then, and you'd been through so much." Harry smiled and nodded in appreciation.
The family talked for a few more moments and then the lights in the room faded until just a dim glow was left. A man walked onto the stage. "Good evening, witches and wizards. For those of you who don't know me, I am Merlin Zerfold, head of the Awards and Commendations Department at the Ministry of Magic." This statement was followed by a bit of applause.
Merlin continued, "I am pleased and excited to welcome you to tonight's ceremony, celebrating the achievements of your fellow witches and wizards over the past year. Now there's a lot to get to, and then dinner, of course, so let's get started right away!"
The family had not realized just how many awards would have to be given out that night. They found themselves growing weary of hearing all the other names being called. Hermione could hear Ron's stomach grumble, and it made her giggle. "Couldn't we have eaten BEFORE this?" he asked as the awards list grew longer and longer.
Finally, the award they had been waiting for was announced. "Now, the Rilka Riggelo Award for Research. I am pleased to announce that it goes, this year, to the youngest recipients ever. However, their commitment to their research and the wonderful volume put out by these two witches has been substantial. Therefore, it is with pleasure that I give the Rilka Riggelo Award for Research to Hermione Weasley and Virginia Potter!" The crowd applauded, though the loudest applause could be heard where Hermione and Ginny had been sitting.
The two women walked up to the stage, and smiled at the crowd around them. Ginny spoke first. "Thank you so much for this award. Hermione and I have spent a good amount of time researching the field of Mind Reading and making sure that we treat our patients to the best of our ability."
Ginny looked at Hermione, urging her to add something. "When we sent our manuscript in for publication, we had no idea it would turn into this. Ginny and I are truly honored that we have been chosen for this award. And of course, we are grateful for the people around us who made this all possible."
"Specifically," Ginny piped in, "our family. My mum and dad, my brothers, and especially my husband Harry, who kept our two wonderful children out of the way and gave Hermione and me the chance to work."
"And to my own parents," said Hermione. "For all their support - always. Also to my daughters, who are always understanding when their mum has some work to do. And to my absolutely wonderful husband Ron, who still manages to surprise me almost everyday. Without their love and support I probably would not be standing here today."
"Thank you," she and Ginny said together. The end of their speech was met with applause and the two women headed off the stage and into a room at the side of it for pictures.
* * *
"How long do pictures take?" Ron asked impatiently. Though he had gotten to eat, he was still eager for Hermione to return to the table. "Their food is going to get cold."
"Ron, they've been back there for forty-five minutes," Harry said. "I'm sure they're getting interviewed for the Daily Prophet or something like that." Ron nodded, and continued eating.
Mr. Weasley was taking to Mr. Granger about various muggle appliances. "Fascinating," he kept saying, especially when Mrs. Granger described the uses of a blender. Mr. Weasley had been thrilled when his son had married a muggle-born witch, and every time he saw his in-laws he peppered them with questions, always thinking of something new. The Grangers didn't seem to mind, as when they were in the wizarding world, they had just as many questions as Mr. Weasley did.
"Ronnie, dear," said Mrs. Weasley. "Put your napkin in your lap."
Ron looked up at his mother. "Mum!" he said. "I know how to take care of myself."
Mrs. Weasley smiled and gestured at the napkin that still sat next to his plate. "I know you do, Ronnie," she said. "But I don't have anyone but your father to take care of now. I miss it." Ron smiled at his mother, and grabbed the napkin, placing it in his lap. Harry snickered, and Ron glared at him.
"It's not funny," he said.
Harry smiled widely. "Yes it is," was all he said. However, he wasn't laughing when Mrs. Weasley reached over and smoothed a bit of his hair down.
"I still need to take care of my boys," she said, and it made Harry proud, as always, to know that she included him so thoroughly as one of her children. Harry smiled at her.
Hermione and Ginny returned finally, and they sat down to dig into their dinner, which Mrs. Weasley had zapped with her wand to make sure it didn't get too cold. "What were you doing back there?" Ron asked Hermione.
"Pictures, questions, plus we had to wait on a lot of lines. There were people before us who were getting their pictures done as well," Hermione explained. "Why? Did you miss me?"
"Of course," said Ron.
The following Monday, Hermione and Ginny returned to work, and hung their award on the wall. Though most of their patients already knew that they were going to receive it, they still congratulated them and made a point of admiring it. There were also some who had no idea that Hermione and Ginny had won it, and they too admired it and shared their congratulations with the two women. Most of them also mentioned that they wanted to read the book just as soon as it was ready.
Chapter Seventeen: The Award
"I hope he makes it home in time," Ginny said, referring to Seamus' hasty exit.
"I'm sure he will," Hermione said.
"Hermione! Ginny!" They turned and saw Lavender Brown again. "You didn't tell me that you'd won an award! Congratulations!"
"Thanks," said Hermione. "It was nice, actually, to get something back after so many years of work."
"So, when did you get this thing anyway?" Lavender asked.
"Actually," said Ginny, "it was just this past September."
* * *
The owl came on Hermione's twenty-seventh birthday. Ron had gathered Hermione's parents, his parents, Harry, Ginny, James and Lily, and of course Emma and Olivia for a small party. Just as Hermione was about to cut into the cake, the owl swooped in and dropped the letter - right into the icing. Ron groaned, but Hermione picked up the letter immediately, noticing the return address. "Ginny," she said immediately as she scanned the letter. Ginny came over and they read together.
Dear Mrs. Weasley and Mrs. Potter,
Thank you for the submission of your extensive volume of research entitled "Breakthroughs in Mind Reading." We are pleased to inform you that we have decided to publish the work.
We are also pleased to inform you that your work has won the Rilka Riggelo Award for Research for your efforts. An awards ceremony will be held this Saturday, September 22nd. Please respond by return owl if you intend to come to the ceremony.
Again, we offer you our congratulations!
Sincerely,
Bella Saxley Parchment Publishers
"Oh my god!" Ginny exclaimed, and she hugged Hermione. "I can't believe they accepted it!"
"What is it?" Hermione mother asked curiously.
"It's informing us that we won an award, mom," Hermione explained. "For a book we've been working on for the longest time."
"That's wonderful darling," Hermione's father piped in, and he took a look at the letter.
Now it was Ron's turn to congratulate his wife and sister. He hugged Ginny, quickly, and then embraced Hermione tightly and kissed her, not caring that many of their family and friends could see them. Harry did the same with Ginny, and soon everyone was talking at once, congratulating the women and sneaking in extra hugs.
"We all have to go to the ceremony of course," said Hermione. "You'll all come, won't you?"
"Of course!" Mrs. Weasley was the first to pipe in. "I wouldn't miss it!"
"Nor would we," said Mr. Granger. "Though, are we allowed?"
"What do you mean, dad?" Hermione asked.
"Because it's.. well, it's a wizard award, isn't it?" he asked. Hermione nodded. "So are we allowed to go?"
"I'm sure it will be fine," said Hermione. "And I'll see if I can make special arrangements anyway. You are my parents, after all. I want you to be there." Hermione found herself swept up in her father's embrace again.
"I'm so proud of you," he said.
"Thanks, dad."
* * *
"Hermione? Are you ready to go?" Ron called up to her. He had just dropped Emma and Olivia off at Percy's house. Hermione had stayed behind to finish getting ready.
"Just about," she called back, and she finished putting on her earring and then walked down the stairs. "Are the kids okay?"
"Yup," said Ron. "Phillip whisked Emma away to play games the moment with got there, and Percy and Penelope are probably still talking baby talk with Olivia."
"Great," said Hermione. "And you gave them the information?"
"Of course," said Ron, and he smiled at her. "You look beautiful." He kissed her cheek.
Hermione blushed and said, "Thanks. You're not so bad yourself."
"I try," Ron said, and he took her arm and they headed out of the house.
* * *
"DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT give them any of your joke candy," Ginny said to Fred as she and Harry were headed out of the door.
"Of course not," Fred said seriously.
"I MEAN it, Fred," said Ginny. "Especially Lily. She's too little for candy anyway."
"Gin, I won't give them anything," he said. "However, I can't speak for Stacey and Brian."
"Keep an eye on them then!" Ginny exclaimed, frustrated. She turned to Harry. "Maybe we should have left the kids with Charlie."
"I am insulted!" Fred said, but with a smile. "You don't trust me with my own niece and nephew?"
"Fred, come on," said Ginny. "I just don't want them exposed to any of your silly tricks tonight. I want to enjoy myself."
Angelina came into the room laughing. "Ginny, Harry, I assure you that I will personally keep an eye on Fred. After all, let's face it. Even with all the children here, he's the one who needs the most looking after."
Ginny laughed and relaxed. Angelina WOULD be there, and she certainly would keep Fred in line. "All right then," she said.
"We really should go though, Gin," said Harry. "Don't want you to miss your award."
"Right," said Ginny. "Bye James!" She had to call out to him, as James had disappeared into the next room with his cousin Stacey.
"Bye mum! Bye dad!" his small voice called back.
"Bye Lil," Ginny said, placing a kiss on her daughter's forehead. She handed the four-month-old to Angelina.
"Have a great time," Angelina said. "Let us know how it went."
"We will," said Harry, and he took Ginny's hand and they headed out the door.
* * *
"There you are!" Hermione exclaimed when she saw her parents rushing down the street. "I was afraid you'd gotten lost."
"Well, this is a little hard to find," said her father. "But really we just had trouble parking the car."
"Are you ready?" Ron asked, and he opened the telephone booth. The awards ceremony was to be held in the Ministry of Magic. He dialed the number and gave the information requested. As soon as the four adults had their visitor badges, they were brought down into the ministry.
Once inside, they were surprised to find it quite busy. Though not nearly as crowded as it would be on a work day, the ministry lobby was filled with witches and wizards dressed up to attend the ceremony that would take place in one of the large banquet rooms. "It's on this floor," said Hermione. "Down the hall a bit." She turned to her parents. "We have to show our wands for inspection." They joined the line of people waiting, with Mr. and Mrs. Granger looking around, quite fascinated with their surroundings.
Once their wands had been inspected, Ron, Hermione and Mr. and Mrs. Granger walked down the hall and entered the room. "Very nice," Mrs. Granger said as she looked around at the shining decorations. "This IS a prestigious award, isn't it?" Hermione nodded.
"There are my parents," said Ron, and he pointed. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley stood and waved. The four made their way over to them, and were greeted with hugs and kisses.
"We were worried you'd be late," said Mrs. Weasley when they were settled into their seats. "Ginny and Harry aren't here yet. They had to drop James and Lily with Fred. I trust you had no problems leaving Emma and Olivia with Percy." Ron shook his head and Mrs. Weasley smiled.
"Here they are now," said Hermione when she caught sight of Harry and Ginny. They made their way to the table and once again the greetings ensued.
"It looks wonderful in here," said Ginny as she sat down and took a good look around.
"Well, it is one of the Ministry's more important nights," said Mr. Weasley. "After all, this is when they hand out their commendations and awards. This was where Harry would have gotten his."
Harry blushed a little bit. After he had defeated Voldemort, the wizarding community wanted to give him an award. He accepted the award, but didn't want to go to the ceremony, preferring to spend a quiet evening at the Burrow with his friends. Mr. Weasley saw Harry's reaction. "Though I thought it nice that you didn't come Harry. Sometimes these things can get a little silly. And you were so young then, and you'd been through so much." Harry smiled and nodded in appreciation.
The family talked for a few more moments and then the lights in the room faded until just a dim glow was left. A man walked onto the stage. "Good evening, witches and wizards. For those of you who don't know me, I am Merlin Zerfold, head of the Awards and Commendations Department at the Ministry of Magic." This statement was followed by a bit of applause.
Merlin continued, "I am pleased and excited to welcome you to tonight's ceremony, celebrating the achievements of your fellow witches and wizards over the past year. Now there's a lot to get to, and then dinner, of course, so let's get started right away!"
The family had not realized just how many awards would have to be given out that night. They found themselves growing weary of hearing all the other names being called. Hermione could hear Ron's stomach grumble, and it made her giggle. "Couldn't we have eaten BEFORE this?" he asked as the awards list grew longer and longer.
Finally, the award they had been waiting for was announced. "Now, the Rilka Riggelo Award for Research. I am pleased to announce that it goes, this year, to the youngest recipients ever. However, their commitment to their research and the wonderful volume put out by these two witches has been substantial. Therefore, it is with pleasure that I give the Rilka Riggelo Award for Research to Hermione Weasley and Virginia Potter!" The crowd applauded, though the loudest applause could be heard where Hermione and Ginny had been sitting.
The two women walked up to the stage, and smiled at the crowd around them. Ginny spoke first. "Thank you so much for this award. Hermione and I have spent a good amount of time researching the field of Mind Reading and making sure that we treat our patients to the best of our ability."
Ginny looked at Hermione, urging her to add something. "When we sent our manuscript in for publication, we had no idea it would turn into this. Ginny and I are truly honored that we have been chosen for this award. And of course, we are grateful for the people around us who made this all possible."
"Specifically," Ginny piped in, "our family. My mum and dad, my brothers, and especially my husband Harry, who kept our two wonderful children out of the way and gave Hermione and me the chance to work."
"And to my own parents," said Hermione. "For all their support - always. Also to my daughters, who are always understanding when their mum has some work to do. And to my absolutely wonderful husband Ron, who still manages to surprise me almost everyday. Without their love and support I probably would not be standing here today."
"Thank you," she and Ginny said together. The end of their speech was met with applause and the two women headed off the stage and into a room at the side of it for pictures.
* * *
"How long do pictures take?" Ron asked impatiently. Though he had gotten to eat, he was still eager for Hermione to return to the table. "Their food is going to get cold."
"Ron, they've been back there for forty-five minutes," Harry said. "I'm sure they're getting interviewed for the Daily Prophet or something like that." Ron nodded, and continued eating.
Mr. Weasley was taking to Mr. Granger about various muggle appliances. "Fascinating," he kept saying, especially when Mrs. Granger described the uses of a blender. Mr. Weasley had been thrilled when his son had married a muggle-born witch, and every time he saw his in-laws he peppered them with questions, always thinking of something new. The Grangers didn't seem to mind, as when they were in the wizarding world, they had just as many questions as Mr. Weasley did.
"Ronnie, dear," said Mrs. Weasley. "Put your napkin in your lap."
Ron looked up at his mother. "Mum!" he said. "I know how to take care of myself."
Mrs. Weasley smiled and gestured at the napkin that still sat next to his plate. "I know you do, Ronnie," she said. "But I don't have anyone but your father to take care of now. I miss it." Ron smiled at his mother, and grabbed the napkin, placing it in his lap. Harry snickered, and Ron glared at him.
"It's not funny," he said.
Harry smiled widely. "Yes it is," was all he said. However, he wasn't laughing when Mrs. Weasley reached over and smoothed a bit of his hair down.
"I still need to take care of my boys," she said, and it made Harry proud, as always, to know that she included him so thoroughly as one of her children. Harry smiled at her.
Hermione and Ginny returned finally, and they sat down to dig into their dinner, which Mrs. Weasley had zapped with her wand to make sure it didn't get too cold. "What were you doing back there?" Ron asked Hermione.
"Pictures, questions, plus we had to wait on a lot of lines. There were people before us who were getting their pictures done as well," Hermione explained. "Why? Did you miss me?"
"Of course," said Ron.
The following Monday, Hermione and Ginny returned to work, and hung their award on the wall. Though most of their patients already knew that they were going to receive it, they still congratulated them and made a point of admiring it. There were also some who had no idea that Hermione and Ginny had won it, and they too admired it and shared their congratulations with the two women. Most of them also mentioned that they wanted to read the book just as soon as it was ready.