Chapter Three * Love Hits Hard *
Hermione parked her jeep in front of the large house, excitement at spending the day with Clara bubbling inside of her. She opened the old gate and walked up the large stone steps. She was about to knock on the wooden door when it opened suddenly and something dove around her waist, squeezing her tightly.
"Clara! You scared me half to death!" she cried, laughing.
"What took you so long! I thought you would never come!" the little girl said, letting go of Hermione's waist and taking her hand instead.
Hermione just smiled since she was right on time. "What time do you want her home?" she asked the surly-looking woman.
"Don't bring her back before ten o'clock. She's too much of a nuisance," Cathy retorted, glaring at the happy pair.
Hermione stared at her, surprised. But before she could reply, Cathy continued. "Aren't you engaged to Harry Potter?" she asked, peering at her through critical eyes.
"Yes, I am," Hermione answered, trying not to bite the older woman's head off.
"Hmm, that was a bit of a surprise when I found out. You don't seem like his type," Cathy gave her the once over then shook her head. "No, not at all. Not into the pretty types is he?"
"Well! I -" Hermione was about to shout but Clara spoke up.
"Oh, you're just jealous Miss Cathy. You know, if you don't stop being so mean you'll never get married!" Clara told her then ran down the steps and towards the car.
"Have a nice day," Hermione said, biting her lip so as not to burst into laughter. She turned on her heel and followed Clara to the car.
"Is she always like that?" she asked the girl, once they were on their way.
Clara shrugged, Cathy's behaviour didn't seem to bother her. "Yup," she answered, staring at the scenery. "So what are we going to do today?"
"Well ... you don't mind going to someone's else's house, do you?"
"Who's?" Clara asked, turning excited eyes towards Hermione.
"Ron's family. They all want to meet you. And Harry is waiting for us too."
"Oooh! I can't wait to meet the Harry Potter! I heard he ..."
Hermione smiled as Clara went on and on about how great Harry was. "I agree ..." was all she said as the little girl got more and more excited with every word.
"My my! You're so tall! And pretty!" Mrs. Weasley said, smiling down at Clara.
"Thank you, ma'am," she said, politely, her blue eyes shining.
"But you're so thin! Come, do you like, what do muggles call it? Peaner Butten and Jam sandwiche?"
"It's peanut butter and jelly sandwiche," Harry corrected, covering a smile.
"Right, right. Come on, Clara. We have cookies, or chips if you prefer ..." Mrs. Weasley's voice faded as she took Clara by the hand and led her towards the kitchen.
"You know, I think I'm going to follow them. I'm starved!" Ron said, trailing after his mother.
"What else is new?" Lavender commented with a laugh. "I'll come with you, babe. Don't want you to eat up the whole kitchen."
"Oh, Ginny and Malfoy should be here soon. So should Fred and George," Ron told Harry and Hermione just as he disappeared.
"This should be fun," Harry laughed, leading Hermione to the backyard, hoping to catch some alone time before everyone arrived. "This was a good idea. I miss everyone."
"Me too. But Ron and Lavender's wedding is coming up, you know the party she threw for Ginny and Draco ..." Hermione said, remembering the day Ginny and Draco got married. It seemed as if Molly had invited the whole wizarding world.
Harry leaned back into the hammock and wrapped Hermione closer to his body, resting his chin on the top of her head. He smiled, also remembering that day. "I wonder what our wedding will be like?"
"That reminds me. When do you want to have it? We have been engaged for three years," Hermione told him, glancing up into his face.
Harry caught her lips with his own. "Whenever you feel like getting married," he murmured against the kiss.
Hermione just gave a small nod and wrapped her arms around his neck. She suddenly wanted to get closer to him, as close as possible. "Uh huh ..." she mumbled, pushing her lips against his. "Mmm ..."
"Harry! Hermione! Where are -" Ron stopped, an annoyed look coming over his feaures. "Must you guys do that every five seconds!"
"What is it Ron?" Harry asked, pulling only slightly away.
"The rest of the family's here. Mum's done with dinner. Now come on! Before I let everyone come look for you guys and see you like that. I'm used to it ..."
"Uh huh. Be there in a second," came Hermione's muffled reply as she just brushed a hand through the air.
Ron shook his head and turned to leave. "Those two ..."
Harry smiled down at her, his heart beating harder than usual. Too bad they weren't at home .... "We should get up. As much as I don't want to ..."
Hermione smiled back and stood up, giving him one last kiss. "Come on, let's go. We'll catch up later," she told him, a seductive smirk on her lips.
"Oooh, promise?" Harry asked, jumping out of the hammock.
"Promise."
"So Harry, when are you two planning on getting married?" Mr. Weasley asked the pair.
Dinner was done and the friends and family were lounging outside in the beautiful summer air.
Hermione and Harry smiled at each other. "We haven't set up a date yet," Harry told them.
Hermione nodded in agreement, trying to keep her eyes open but Harry's fingers trailing through her hair was making it very difficult to stay awake.
"Well, you all know Potter. He's not much for planning things beforehand. He's more of a do without thinking type of guy," Draco drawled from close by.
"Oh yes. He likes to jump then look," Ginny added, smiling at Harry.
"Ha ha ha. Aren't you guys just hilarious? Have you been taking joke lessons from Malfoy, Ginny?" Harry asked, smiling at the couple. "Besides, it feels like we're married already. I mean we've been together for so long that I have to stop myself from introducing Hermione as my wife!" Harry told the large group, causing many "aws" to ripple through the group.
"Why do people get married?" Clara asked from her seat next Kyle and Kellie, Bill's twins.
"Because when two people love each other, they want to start a family together and spend the rest of their life together," Lavender explained, stroking Ron's hair as he lay with his head in her lap.
"So do you love Hermione, Harry?" Clara asked, turning large curious eyes back to the main couple.
"Very much."
"Then do you hit her?" Clara asked, causing everyone to collapse into surprised silence.
Hermione sat up and looked at Clara. "No, honey, why would he hit me?"
"Because my daddy used to hit my mummy and when I would ask my mummy why she was crying she would say it was because daddy hit her. When I asked her why daddy hit her she told me he hit her because he loves her," she told them, not knowing why everyone was staring at her sadly.
Tears formed in Hermione's eyes and she stood up. "Come on, hon. Let's go talk," she took Clara's hand and led her back into the house.
"I'm going to go to," Harry told the group before standing up and following them into the house.
"Poor little girl. I can only imagine what she's seen," Mrs. Weasley said, wiping her eyes.
Everyone else just nodded, watching the retreating backs of Harry, Hermione, and Clara.
"Did I say something wrong?" Clara asked, once they were seated on the couch.
"No, of course not," Harry told her, smiling reassuringly.
"Then why was everyone looking at me like that?"
"They were just surprised, that's all. Do you, um, really think you hit people you love?" Hermione asked, taking the little girl's hands in her own.
Clara just nodded, still confused.
"Sweetie, your mum just told you that so you wouldn't feel sad. People don't hit those they love. That's wrong."
"Yeah. I would never hit Hermione. I would never ever hurt her because I love her so much," Harry said.
"So my daddy didn't love my mommy?" Clara asked,
"I wouldn't say that ... it's just not something you do. It was very wrong for your daddy to hit your mum. It hurt her and it made her cry. But I can't say that he didn't love her ..." Hermione tried to explain. "I'm sorry, Clara ..." she hugged the little girl tightly.
"It's okay. Whenever I see my mummy again, I'll tell her that it wasn't okay for daddy to hit her. Then she'll know!" she said, smiling brightly.
Hermione and Harry exchanged glances over Clara's head. Hermione wasn't able to find information on Clara's mom except that she was young when she had Clara. She did hope that Clara found her one day though.
"You do that, hon. She'll be very glad to hear that," Harry said.
"Good. I'm going to go play with Kellie now. You should see all the toys Mrs. Weasley has given her!" Clara cried, giving both Harry and Hermione a hug before running back outside.
Hermione sighed and leaned back into Harry's chest, closing her eyes. "Can you believe they called that child stupid and mental? She's so smart!" Hermione said, shaking her head angrily.
"I hope she does find her mum. Life without one is not life at all," Harry added, sadly.
Hermione looked up at him and kissed him softly on the lips. "I've been doing research but so far I've found nothing."
"Well, keep trying. I'll try asking around also. From what you told me about that Cathy, Clara would be more than happy to leave that home."
"Uh huh. We should get going though. I said I would bring her home by ten."
"All right. Let's go say our good-byes. Besides, I can't wait for you to fulfill your promise!"
"You called for me, My Lord?"
"Yes, Lucius. I want you to tell the girl's mother that it is time to make herself known. Also, tell Parzatti to keep a close watch on Potter's house and his loved ones. I have a couple of surprises for his mudblood."
"Surprises, sir? May I ask what?"
"You are being extremely foolish for asking me a question but you are lucky because I am in a good mood, so I shall tell you. I have composed a potion that will grant me access to the mudblood's dreams. I will make her worst fears haunt her nights until she goes mad."
"Ah, that is very wise, My Lord."
"Of course it is. Now go and leave me to my plans."
"Yes, Master."
"Your books and intelligence will not be able to help you here, mudblood. Neither will your precious Potter! Not only will I lure you to me but I will make you go against the people you love most. As soon as I get you out of the way, I will be able to kill that pathetic excuse for a wizard and take over what is rightfully mine," Voldemort let out a menacing laugh and clapped his grotesque hands together.
"Sweet dreams, mudblood!"
Author's Note: This chapter is not as good as I had hoped it would be but oh well. I blame it on sickness and a lot of it :) Anyway, hope you enjoyed it nonetheless.
Thank you to everyone who reviewed, I love you guys!
Also, someone asked me for longer chapters. I hope this is long enough for now. I promise I'll *try* and make them longer!
Please review!
Twisted*Angel
Hermione parked her jeep in front of the large house, excitement at spending the day with Clara bubbling inside of her. She opened the old gate and walked up the large stone steps. She was about to knock on the wooden door when it opened suddenly and something dove around her waist, squeezing her tightly.
"Clara! You scared me half to death!" she cried, laughing.
"What took you so long! I thought you would never come!" the little girl said, letting go of Hermione's waist and taking her hand instead.
Hermione just smiled since she was right on time. "What time do you want her home?" she asked the surly-looking woman.
"Don't bring her back before ten o'clock. She's too much of a nuisance," Cathy retorted, glaring at the happy pair.
Hermione stared at her, surprised. But before she could reply, Cathy continued. "Aren't you engaged to Harry Potter?" she asked, peering at her through critical eyes.
"Yes, I am," Hermione answered, trying not to bite the older woman's head off.
"Hmm, that was a bit of a surprise when I found out. You don't seem like his type," Cathy gave her the once over then shook her head. "No, not at all. Not into the pretty types is he?"
"Well! I -" Hermione was about to shout but Clara spoke up.
"Oh, you're just jealous Miss Cathy. You know, if you don't stop being so mean you'll never get married!" Clara told her then ran down the steps and towards the car.
"Have a nice day," Hermione said, biting her lip so as not to burst into laughter. She turned on her heel and followed Clara to the car.
"Is she always like that?" she asked the girl, once they were on their way.
Clara shrugged, Cathy's behaviour didn't seem to bother her. "Yup," she answered, staring at the scenery. "So what are we going to do today?"
"Well ... you don't mind going to someone's else's house, do you?"
"Who's?" Clara asked, turning excited eyes towards Hermione.
"Ron's family. They all want to meet you. And Harry is waiting for us too."
"Oooh! I can't wait to meet the Harry Potter! I heard he ..."
Hermione smiled as Clara went on and on about how great Harry was. "I agree ..." was all she said as the little girl got more and more excited with every word.
"My my! You're so tall! And pretty!" Mrs. Weasley said, smiling down at Clara.
"Thank you, ma'am," she said, politely, her blue eyes shining.
"But you're so thin! Come, do you like, what do muggles call it? Peaner Butten and Jam sandwiche?"
"It's peanut butter and jelly sandwiche," Harry corrected, covering a smile.
"Right, right. Come on, Clara. We have cookies, or chips if you prefer ..." Mrs. Weasley's voice faded as she took Clara by the hand and led her towards the kitchen.
"You know, I think I'm going to follow them. I'm starved!" Ron said, trailing after his mother.
"What else is new?" Lavender commented with a laugh. "I'll come with you, babe. Don't want you to eat up the whole kitchen."
"Oh, Ginny and Malfoy should be here soon. So should Fred and George," Ron told Harry and Hermione just as he disappeared.
"This should be fun," Harry laughed, leading Hermione to the backyard, hoping to catch some alone time before everyone arrived. "This was a good idea. I miss everyone."
"Me too. But Ron and Lavender's wedding is coming up, you know the party she threw for Ginny and Draco ..." Hermione said, remembering the day Ginny and Draco got married. It seemed as if Molly had invited the whole wizarding world.
Harry leaned back into the hammock and wrapped Hermione closer to his body, resting his chin on the top of her head. He smiled, also remembering that day. "I wonder what our wedding will be like?"
"That reminds me. When do you want to have it? We have been engaged for three years," Hermione told him, glancing up into his face.
Harry caught her lips with his own. "Whenever you feel like getting married," he murmured against the kiss.
Hermione just gave a small nod and wrapped her arms around his neck. She suddenly wanted to get closer to him, as close as possible. "Uh huh ..." she mumbled, pushing her lips against his. "Mmm ..."
"Harry! Hermione! Where are -" Ron stopped, an annoyed look coming over his feaures. "Must you guys do that every five seconds!"
"What is it Ron?" Harry asked, pulling only slightly away.
"The rest of the family's here. Mum's done with dinner. Now come on! Before I let everyone come look for you guys and see you like that. I'm used to it ..."
"Uh huh. Be there in a second," came Hermione's muffled reply as she just brushed a hand through the air.
Ron shook his head and turned to leave. "Those two ..."
Harry smiled down at her, his heart beating harder than usual. Too bad they weren't at home .... "We should get up. As much as I don't want to ..."
Hermione smiled back and stood up, giving him one last kiss. "Come on, let's go. We'll catch up later," she told him, a seductive smirk on her lips.
"Oooh, promise?" Harry asked, jumping out of the hammock.
"Promise."
"So Harry, when are you two planning on getting married?" Mr. Weasley asked the pair.
Dinner was done and the friends and family were lounging outside in the beautiful summer air.
Hermione and Harry smiled at each other. "We haven't set up a date yet," Harry told them.
Hermione nodded in agreement, trying to keep her eyes open but Harry's fingers trailing through her hair was making it very difficult to stay awake.
"Well, you all know Potter. He's not much for planning things beforehand. He's more of a do without thinking type of guy," Draco drawled from close by.
"Oh yes. He likes to jump then look," Ginny added, smiling at Harry.
"Ha ha ha. Aren't you guys just hilarious? Have you been taking joke lessons from Malfoy, Ginny?" Harry asked, smiling at the couple. "Besides, it feels like we're married already. I mean we've been together for so long that I have to stop myself from introducing Hermione as my wife!" Harry told the large group, causing many "aws" to ripple through the group.
"Why do people get married?" Clara asked from her seat next Kyle and Kellie, Bill's twins.
"Because when two people love each other, they want to start a family together and spend the rest of their life together," Lavender explained, stroking Ron's hair as he lay with his head in her lap.
"So do you love Hermione, Harry?" Clara asked, turning large curious eyes back to the main couple.
"Very much."
"Then do you hit her?" Clara asked, causing everyone to collapse into surprised silence.
Hermione sat up and looked at Clara. "No, honey, why would he hit me?"
"Because my daddy used to hit my mummy and when I would ask my mummy why she was crying she would say it was because daddy hit her. When I asked her why daddy hit her she told me he hit her because he loves her," she told them, not knowing why everyone was staring at her sadly.
Tears formed in Hermione's eyes and she stood up. "Come on, hon. Let's go talk," she took Clara's hand and led her back into the house.
"I'm going to go to," Harry told the group before standing up and following them into the house.
"Poor little girl. I can only imagine what she's seen," Mrs. Weasley said, wiping her eyes.
Everyone else just nodded, watching the retreating backs of Harry, Hermione, and Clara.
"Did I say something wrong?" Clara asked, once they were seated on the couch.
"No, of course not," Harry told her, smiling reassuringly.
"Then why was everyone looking at me like that?"
"They were just surprised, that's all. Do you, um, really think you hit people you love?" Hermione asked, taking the little girl's hands in her own.
Clara just nodded, still confused.
"Sweetie, your mum just told you that so you wouldn't feel sad. People don't hit those they love. That's wrong."
"Yeah. I would never hit Hermione. I would never ever hurt her because I love her so much," Harry said.
"So my daddy didn't love my mommy?" Clara asked,
"I wouldn't say that ... it's just not something you do. It was very wrong for your daddy to hit your mum. It hurt her and it made her cry. But I can't say that he didn't love her ..." Hermione tried to explain. "I'm sorry, Clara ..." she hugged the little girl tightly.
"It's okay. Whenever I see my mummy again, I'll tell her that it wasn't okay for daddy to hit her. Then she'll know!" she said, smiling brightly.
Hermione and Harry exchanged glances over Clara's head. Hermione wasn't able to find information on Clara's mom except that she was young when she had Clara. She did hope that Clara found her one day though.
"You do that, hon. She'll be very glad to hear that," Harry said.
"Good. I'm going to go play with Kellie now. You should see all the toys Mrs. Weasley has given her!" Clara cried, giving both Harry and Hermione a hug before running back outside.
Hermione sighed and leaned back into Harry's chest, closing her eyes. "Can you believe they called that child stupid and mental? She's so smart!" Hermione said, shaking her head angrily.
"I hope she does find her mum. Life without one is not life at all," Harry added, sadly.
Hermione looked up at him and kissed him softly on the lips. "I've been doing research but so far I've found nothing."
"Well, keep trying. I'll try asking around also. From what you told me about that Cathy, Clara would be more than happy to leave that home."
"Uh huh. We should get going though. I said I would bring her home by ten."
"All right. Let's go say our good-byes. Besides, I can't wait for you to fulfill your promise!"
"You called for me, My Lord?"
"Yes, Lucius. I want you to tell the girl's mother that it is time to make herself known. Also, tell Parzatti to keep a close watch on Potter's house and his loved ones. I have a couple of surprises for his mudblood."
"Surprises, sir? May I ask what?"
"You are being extremely foolish for asking me a question but you are lucky because I am in a good mood, so I shall tell you. I have composed a potion that will grant me access to the mudblood's dreams. I will make her worst fears haunt her nights until she goes mad."
"Ah, that is very wise, My Lord."
"Of course it is. Now go and leave me to my plans."
"Yes, Master."
"Your books and intelligence will not be able to help you here, mudblood. Neither will your precious Potter! Not only will I lure you to me but I will make you go against the people you love most. As soon as I get you out of the way, I will be able to kill that pathetic excuse for a wizard and take over what is rightfully mine," Voldemort let out a menacing laugh and clapped his grotesque hands together.
"Sweet dreams, mudblood!"
Author's Note: This chapter is not as good as I had hoped it would be but oh well. I blame it on sickness and a lot of it :) Anyway, hope you enjoyed it nonetheless.
Thank you to everyone who reviewed, I love you guys!
Also, someone asked me for longer chapters. I hope this is long enough for now. I promise I'll *try* and make them longer!
Please review!
Twisted*Angel
