Chapter Eight
It had been only about a week since Hermione had come back into his life and he was already very accustomed to her. Her huge collection of movies; her weird habits; even her mothering. It was hard to stay for a late night movie every evening then go home alone. He had never watched half of the movies she owned; he just knew how much the fact that it was always her choice meant to her. He had a feeling that she was used to being home alone while Brent was at 'work' late. She had total control of the house and she loved it.
They did indeed finish the walls around the second room. The structure for the floor is up for both rooms and is ready for the plywood to be put down. The roof of the rooms were the main concern, but they had the basic idea for the outline. The idea was to build the frame on the ground, then levitate it into place and nail it down. Ginny said she'd watch all the kids at the house for the day. It would be the last day Harry and Ginny would be there, therefore Molly was going to do some shopping during the day, then come and cook a big dinner with Ginny.
The current situation in the Weasley family was tense. Everyone knew Ginny was pregnant, but Ginny had only told Molly. This dinner would lead to her 'big announcement.' Bill had arrived unannounced and was also waiting for tonight to tell everyone why the unexpected visit. The dinner was also a celebration for Hermione's divorce. Finally, it just so happened that they were all expecting a 'We're back together' speech from either Ron or Hermione. Sad news was Ron and Hermione had no idea about this and had no intention of discussing it between themselves, let alone the whole family.
This time Hermione wasn't in a skirt and could maneuver around quite easily. While Ron, Harry, Bill and Arthur measured and built the structure of the roof Hermione started on the floor in one of the rooms. She had been instant that there was to be more support than needed on the floor boards so that when walking around there would be no creaking would be heard. Ron found this humorous and even went to the extent of buying double the plywood needed so she could 'double up'. Hermione didn't see how this would improve the problem, but didn't argue.
The sun was blistering hot on her neck. As the day continued she had to shed more clothes. Finally she was in shorts and a fitted workout shirt nailing the nails by a hammer since the boys had the rented electric nail guns. By the time Ginny called them in at one o'clock for lunch Hermione had already finished one and a half of the rooms.
"How far along are you boys?" Ginny questioned as she gave them all lunch. Hermione looked up in interest, though continued to eat hungrily.
"Just finished the first frame actually," Ron replied. "And dad has finished with all the measurements as I understand it."
Arthur nodded in agreement, "yes. Bill has already cut some of the pieces. So, where are the children?"
"In Destin's room; they're all fascinated with her muggle toys."
Destin ran in, almost on cue, and headed straight for Hermione. "Mum?" Destin asked cautiously, not wanting to interrupt, but with tears in her eyes.
Assuming that it had something to do with, 'He won't give me my toy back' she sang, "Destin." Three small kids followed her from her room slowly; all seemed frightened.
"We were playing with some of the boxes, but we needed to cut -"
"Faster if you're hurt," Hermione interjected.
"Cut my hand, need a Band-Aid. No blood is anywhere," she promised.
Hermione got up to help her daughter quickly while Ron sat paralyzed because to the blood flowing out of Destin's cupped hands. "That's not a bid deal anymore, never say that. You're more important than carpet silly," Hermione smiled and Destin giggled. "Now show me your cut." Hermione instructed as she pulled a box of glow-in-the-dark Band-Aids. Destin put out her hand that was now completely covered in blood. Hermione's eyes widened in shock. She rolled her eyes, muttered, "Just like your father," and picked Destin up, placing her hand in running water. Hermione grabbed a wrap instead of the Band-Aids as all the blood washed off, revealing a deep cut which ran across the palm of her hand.
"I want the orange Band-Aid."
"Well you need to wrap a cut this deep silly. But I'll give you and your cousins some Band-Aids to play with, m'kay?" Destin nodded. Hermione gave Destin a hand full of Band-Aids, "I think you'll be fine -" she started.
"You think?" Ron interrupted suddenly. He stood up and came towards Hermione. "Shouldn't you have Ginny look at it to be sure? I mean you should be more positive about - "
"Ron, don't worry. She'll be fine for tonight at least. I'll get -"
"Would you stop offering my services with out asking me Ronald?" Ginny suddenly snapped. She turned to Hermione, "Not that I wouldn't love doing it, it's just that . . . Oh that's the baby." Ginny rushed off to comfort the small infant.
Bill started laughing, soon joined by Harry. "I feel for you Harry, really I do; these mood swings must be tough."
Hermione chuckled and finished with Destin's hand. "Now don't use it very much, understand?" Destin nodded. "If you need to cut something ask someone to help. We'll see how your hand is tonight or in the morning. If it doesn't stop bleeding soon call me?" Hermione instructed softly but firmly.
"Yes Mum, thanks." Destin ran off impressing her cousins with her new bandage.
Hermione smiled, "She's tough that one." She sat back down and started eating. "Well I'll be done the floors in about an hour or two. I could help you guys if you need it."
Bill stared at her in astonishment. "Where'd you get this one Ron?" Ron looked up confused. "She doesn't panic when her kid is bleeding, can build a house, cook, clean and knit. All without complaint I should add."
Hermione laughed and before Ron could respond she explained, "Well Destin is very clumsy like Ron; that wasn't the first time that happened." Harry almost choked on his lunch and Ron's face turned a light red. "I helped out during a neighbor's renovation; I'm a fast learner. Finally, I was a stay at home mom for seven years with one kid; of course I cook and clean."
Bill laughed. "What about all the knitting and sewing?"
It was Ron's turn, "She learned that when she tried to knit all of the Hogwarts house elves hats, mitts and scarves. You know, to free them." Harry chuckled discreetly but didn't dare to show anything in fear of Hermione. Bill, unaware of Hermione's powers, laughed loudly.
Instead of attacking innocent Bill, she turned to Ron. Without even reaching for her wand Ron dad turned into a weasel. Bill stopped dead, while Harry laughed loudly.
"What just happened?" Bill nudged Harry.
"Hermione just turned your youngest brother into a weasel; that's what," Harry explained grinning.
"But she doesn't -"
"Doesn't need one. This gave me great amusement in sixth and seventh year. Whenever they had a fight I'd get to see Ron Weasley; the weasel."
Hermione seemed to think that was enough and turned Ron to his good ol' ... well back to normal.
Ron muttered in hatred, "I've always hated that."
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A/N: No what I love about these? Nobody ever really reads em! Hahaha, a/n I mean. Anyway, I love all my reviews, so glad you enjoy. But what can I say? I have millions more of excuses about late updates but it don't matter much. I'll try my best. A little foreshadowing on chapter nine: Dinner and a Movie. Lol, I really didn't realize that sounded like the show until just now! Mkay, now Review!
