Thanks for not killing me upon my return. While I was gone, I would call
my parents and they would tell me how hostile my reviewers had become. I'm
sorry I couldn't write.
All right, most of the excitement in this story is over, but we still have
a few loose ends, right? Ron and Hermione's parents have to be informed of
their child's intentions of getting married. Also, Ron has to be
introduced to his new role as Grand Master of the Sentinels.
McGonagall looked slightly amused as Ron related how he, Harry, Hermione and Ginny had been able to get back to Florida. When Ron had mentioned Mathias, her eyebrows had shot up onto her forehead. She brought a hand up to her mouth and Ron was sure she was covering up a smile. "He did say that he had some business in New Orleans." McGonagall mumbled, perhaps thinking that Ron couldn't hear.
"Who said that, Professor?" Ron asked bluntly. He didn't appreciate being the butt of some joke.
McGonagall flinched slightly; surprised that Ron had been able to hear her. "Never you mind, Weasley. This is the workings of far smarter people than us and I'll be damned if I mess it up."
Ron had no idea what McGonagall was talking about and it must have shown on his face because she began smiling again. Ron was about to ask another question when Quentin, from his bed, asked, "Where is Harry, now?" He looked genuinely concerned from his seat on the bed. Quentin was shirtless, but Ron could see a heavy medical bandage wrapped around his stomach.
During Ron's escape from the horrible Sentinel compound, Quentin had been horribly wounded. But now, under Neville and McGonagall's expert eye, he had recovered at an amazing rate.
Ron turned to the large boy. "He's back in our room. He's really tired."
Quentin brought his bare feet to the floor and pushed himself out of the bed. McGonagall gave a snort of surprise and moved to push the boy back into the bed. Quentin ignored her and moved to a chair where one of his T-shirts was draped over.
Short of magic, McGonagall knew that she had no way of making the boy listen to her. She gave a tragic sigh and sat down onto the bed herself. "Fine. Go see him." She said in a tired voice.
Quentin gave her a winning smile (that would have won him the hearts of hundreds of young women if he hadn't been to shy to do anything about it) and said. "Thanks, Professor."
Then he did something that sent Ron into gales of laughter. Quentin leaned over and kissed McGonagall on the cheek. It was the kiss that a son gives his mother when she allows him to something against her better judgment.
McGonagall gasped and slapped her hand to the spot that Quentin kissed, her eyes blazing. Quentin ran out of the room, a huge smile on his honest face.
Ron wasn't able to follow the large boy. He was laughing too hard.
***
Harry was woken by a shout of surprise. He forced his heavy eyelids open and saw Hermione being bear hugged by a very happy Quentin Boyd. Harry could see tears forming in both of their eyes.
Quentin began hugging everyone in the room. Even thought he hadn't gotten to know Ginny very well, he wrapped her up so tight that Harry could hear her ribs creak under the pressure. In his happiness, Quentin even hugged Fred and George, who he had been with the last three days. The only person who didn't get a hug was Malfoy, who had a look on his face that said: Go ahead. I dare you.
Quentin finally turned to Harry, who felt too tired to push himself out of bed. Quentin kneeled next to the bed a huge smile on his face. "You OK, Harry?"
"Yeah Quentin, I'm fine. Nothing a few days rest won't cure."
***
"WHAT?!" Harry screamed.
Ron smiled widely. "We're getting married, Harry." His hand tightened around Hermione's who sat next to him on the bed across from Harry.
Harry sat in shock. Harry had known that his friends would be getting married. It would be almost impossible if they didn't. Because if the Sentinel bond,
Ron would begin to waste away after a few weeks of being away from Hermione. It had been obvious that they would always be together, but the news still came as a shock. These were his best friends. The ones he had grown up with. It was strange that they would do something so.adult, so mature as getting married.
Harry couldn't fight the smile that began to break out on his face. He looked at Ron seriously. "Well.I guess if someone has to get stuck with your ugly face-", he turned to Hermione. "it might as well be you."
Ron let out a huge whoop of happiness and Hermione smiled brightly. Harry could see that they had wanted his approval desperately. They had been a group, but now Harry could see that Ron and Hermione would grow closer as their love grew. He saw that they wanted his support and he gave it to them whole-heartedly. He would have wished them good luck in their life together but he knew they would be wasted words. Ron and Hermione didn't need luck. Their love was so pure that nothing would ever break it. Not that they wouldn't fight. No, their fights would probably get even worse. But because of the bond, they would never have to doubt each other's love.
"This is great!" Ron yelled. He turned back to Harry and asked, "Would you be my best man?"
Harry smiled. "I would be honored, Ron. Someone's got keep you out of trouble."
Harry shook Ron's hand solemnly and hugged Hermione tightly. "Congratulations." Harry whispered in her ear. Tears were flowing freely down her face.
"Thank you, Harry." she sobbed. "You're the best friend we could ask for."
A thought suddenly struck Harry. "Have you guys told your parents?" he asked the both of them.
They actually managed to look embarrassed. "My parent love Hermione." Ron said sheepishly. "There won't be a problem there."
Harry noticed that Hermione didn't say anything. "What about your parents, Hermione? What will they think?"
Hermione shrugged slightly. "It doesn't really matter what they think. We're getting married." she said levelly, as if asking Harry to try and stop them.
Harry snorted. "Don't be so tragic, Hermione." he teased lightly. "This doesn't have to turn some Shakespearean angst situation. We just have to think this through."
Harry saw his friends' faces light up. Maybe this was why they had come to him before telling their families. They had known that Harry would think of a way out of this potentially poisonous situation.
"How do you think they'll react?" Harry asked Hermione.
Hermione shrugged again. "My mother will understand after I talk to her. She might be shocked but she knows I'm not stupid. My dad." she left it unsaid.
"I remember him." Harry said dryly.
"The last thing he told me was to watch his daughter." Ron said miserably. "He said that if you got into any trouble, it would be my ass."
"I think I was included in that threat." Harry said quietly.
Ron shook his slowly. "So, not only did you get yourself into a relationship, you got into a relationship with the guy who was supposed to make sure you didn't get yourself into a relationship."
Harry couldn't help laugh. Hours ago they had escaped certain death from the most powerful wizard in the world, and throughout the entire ordeal, Ron had never panicked. Now, faced with the prospect of facing Hermione's father, Ron almost shook with anxiety.
Hermione didn't look much better. "Why don't we just get married, now? We can tell them later.when they can't do anything to stop it."
Ron almost looked ready to accept this suggestion, but then his chin hardened and he shook his head quickly. "We can't run from this, Hermione. We're getting married, nothing can stop that, now, but it would be better if we had your parent's blessing".
Hermione nodded weakly.
Harry nodded as-a matter-of-factly and said brightly, "Well, there is only one thing left to do." He turned to Hermione. "Do you think your parents are home this week?"
Hermione's parents were indeed home, but Ron thought that it would be better if they saw to his parents first. He knew that their marriage had support in that corner and that was something he really needed.
All the rest of the Gryffindor class would be taking a plane back to England the following morning. Ron decided that waiting for the plane would waste too much time. He knew that they would have to use the hotel's fireplace to get home.
Harry said his goodbyes to Quentin. Quentin had shaken Ron's hand and wished him good luck in his marriage.
Ron had smiled and said, "Have you ever been to England?"
Quentin had said that he hadn't ever been there.
Ron laughed and patted the large boy on the back. "Well start making plans. You're invited to the wedding. We'll find you a beautiful British girl to turn your dismal days into better nights."
Quentin had nodded seriously and said, "I'll be there. I promise."
Ron, Harry, Hermione, Fred, George and Ginny all made their way toward the hotel's basement. The door on the elevator had almost closed when they heard, "Hold the door!" ring across the hall.
Ron reached out and stopped the elevator door from closing. It rebounded against his hand and opened all the way. Running towards the elevator was Draco Malfoy; his broom slung over one shoulder.
Draco ran into the elevator.
Harry turned to him. "What are you doing, Draco? The plane leaves tomorrow."
Draco snorted. "I don't trust those hunks of metal. I'd much rather travel by safer methods." he said casually but Harry could see color blossoming on his pale cheeks.
"Draco, we're going to Ron's house and-" Harry didn't know how to finish. While he knew now that Draco was a trustworthy man, he also knew that Malfoy might not be welcome in the Burrow.
Draco sneered at Harry. "I know what you're thinking, Potter, and you don't have to worry about it. I'll leave as soon as we get there."
"Screw that." George said violently. "You're welcome at our house. I don't care about what you did before. You helped us save Ronnie-kins and that earns you a place at the table."
Draco looked slightly taken back. He obviously hadn't been expecting acceptance.
Ron put one of his large hands on Draco's shoulder. "How do you like meat loaf? My mom's a wonderful cook."
Draco had to hide the unwanted smile with a cough.
Ron was the first one to step out of the Burrow's fireplace and into his living room. The smells of the house assailed his nose and he was immediately comforted. A weight that he hadn't even been aware of fell off of his shoulders.
He listened for sounds of his parents moving around the house and heard nothing. He looked over at the clock as saw that the two hands that represented his parents were pointed at HOME. So they had to be somewhere. Ron looked out of the window and saw his mother working in the garden. She often worked there when she was stressed out.
Ron ran to the back door and flung it open. His mother, who was bent over one of her plants, looked up at the noise and froze. Her eyes stopped on Ron and she began to tremble. Large shears slipped from her limp hand. She brought her hand to her mouth and Ron could see tears forming her large eyes.
Ron was holding her before he even thought to move. He lifted her plump form in the air with a cry of delight. When he set her back down, his mom was practically shooting tears out of her eyes.
"W-W-We Th-Thought you were d-d-d-" she wailed, unable to finish the thought.
"I'm fine, mum." Ron whispered "I'm home, now."
"Ronald!" came a hoarse yell from behind Ron. He turned and saw his father sprinting towards him. Ron caught the small man in a rough embrace.
"My boy!" was all Arthur Weasley could get out before bursting into tears, like his wife.
Dinner at the Burrow was huge. Not only did the family celebrate Ron's return, they also had extra mouths to feed.
At first, the Weasley's reaction to a Malfoy in their midst was one of polite reservation. They weren't rude towards the boy, just withdrawn. He was after all the son of the worst wizard alive, exempting Voldemort. Ron had come home from school for years with the horror stories of what Draco had done. It was no surprise that they left him at arms-length.
But once the twins began telling the story of Ron's rescue, their attitude towards the thin boy changed quickly. When the twins were done with the story and Ron's parents had been told what Draco had risked for their son, Mr., Weasley shook the boy's hand and Mrs. Weasley gave him an extra helping of meat loaf. This time, Draco couldn't hide his smile.
Hours later, the whole group, tired from eating all that meat loaf, collapsed in the living room. Mr. Weasley sat in an old, comfortable chair, a content smile on his lips. Mrs. Weasley sat next to Ron on the large couch. She seemed to not want to lose contact with him. Hermione sat on Ron's other side, her small hand lost in his.
Harry and Ginny laid on the floor in front of the fireplace, Harry's arm wrapped contently around her shoulders. She had fallen asleep in his arms shortly after dinner. Harry wasn't going to complain.
Fred and George sat off in one corner, talking excitedly about the trinkets they had used during the escape and how they could sell them on the market.
Draco sat in the last chair, staring contently at the flames dancing in the fireplace. For the first time in Harry's memory, Draco looked completely relaxed.
Ron cleared his throat loudly. He turned towards his parents and said, "Hermione and I have an announcement."
"What is it, Ron?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
Ron swallowed loudly and took the plunge. "Hermione and I have decided to get married."
Mrs. Weasley gasped loudly. Mr. Weasley barely reacted. He just nodded slightly. "Thought so." He said brightly. "Have you thought of a date?"
"Arthur!" Mrs. Weasley screamed. "They're too young to get married!"
Mr. Weasley actually looked at Ron and Hermione as if checking to see if Mrs. Weasley was right. After a moment he smiled. "They are rather young, aren't they? Well, at least they'll grow old together."
"Arthur, you're not thinking clearly." She turned to Ron and Hermione. "You haven't thought this through."
"Oh, come on, Molly!" Mr. Weasley scoffed "They were made for each other. And, frankly, they can't be separated. Ron's bond won't allow it."
Mrs. Weasley sucked back in her next comment. She obviously hadn't been thinking about the bond. "I forgot about that." A smile spread out on her plump face. She turned to Hermione. "Welcome to the family."
Hermione squealed and threw her arms around Mrs. Weasley. They both laughed and hugged each other tightly. After about a minute of this, Mrs. Weasley pushed Hermione to arm's length. "What do your parents think of this whole thing?"
Hermione averted her gaze to the fireplace as if seeing something there that was very interesting. "Uh.we haven't told them."
Draco's low whistle could be heard across the room.
McGonagall looked slightly amused as Ron related how he, Harry, Hermione and Ginny had been able to get back to Florida. When Ron had mentioned Mathias, her eyebrows had shot up onto her forehead. She brought a hand up to her mouth and Ron was sure she was covering up a smile. "He did say that he had some business in New Orleans." McGonagall mumbled, perhaps thinking that Ron couldn't hear.
"Who said that, Professor?" Ron asked bluntly. He didn't appreciate being the butt of some joke.
McGonagall flinched slightly; surprised that Ron had been able to hear her. "Never you mind, Weasley. This is the workings of far smarter people than us and I'll be damned if I mess it up."
Ron had no idea what McGonagall was talking about and it must have shown on his face because she began smiling again. Ron was about to ask another question when Quentin, from his bed, asked, "Where is Harry, now?" He looked genuinely concerned from his seat on the bed. Quentin was shirtless, but Ron could see a heavy medical bandage wrapped around his stomach.
During Ron's escape from the horrible Sentinel compound, Quentin had been horribly wounded. But now, under Neville and McGonagall's expert eye, he had recovered at an amazing rate.
Ron turned to the large boy. "He's back in our room. He's really tired."
Quentin brought his bare feet to the floor and pushed himself out of the bed. McGonagall gave a snort of surprise and moved to push the boy back into the bed. Quentin ignored her and moved to a chair where one of his T-shirts was draped over.
Short of magic, McGonagall knew that she had no way of making the boy listen to her. She gave a tragic sigh and sat down onto the bed herself. "Fine. Go see him." She said in a tired voice.
Quentin gave her a winning smile (that would have won him the hearts of hundreds of young women if he hadn't been to shy to do anything about it) and said. "Thanks, Professor."
Then he did something that sent Ron into gales of laughter. Quentin leaned over and kissed McGonagall on the cheek. It was the kiss that a son gives his mother when she allows him to something against her better judgment.
McGonagall gasped and slapped her hand to the spot that Quentin kissed, her eyes blazing. Quentin ran out of the room, a huge smile on his honest face.
Ron wasn't able to follow the large boy. He was laughing too hard.
***
Harry was woken by a shout of surprise. He forced his heavy eyelids open and saw Hermione being bear hugged by a very happy Quentin Boyd. Harry could see tears forming in both of their eyes.
Quentin began hugging everyone in the room. Even thought he hadn't gotten to know Ginny very well, he wrapped her up so tight that Harry could hear her ribs creak under the pressure. In his happiness, Quentin even hugged Fred and George, who he had been with the last three days. The only person who didn't get a hug was Malfoy, who had a look on his face that said: Go ahead. I dare you.
Quentin finally turned to Harry, who felt too tired to push himself out of bed. Quentin kneeled next to the bed a huge smile on his face. "You OK, Harry?"
"Yeah Quentin, I'm fine. Nothing a few days rest won't cure."
***
"WHAT?!" Harry screamed.
Ron smiled widely. "We're getting married, Harry." His hand tightened around Hermione's who sat next to him on the bed across from Harry.
Harry sat in shock. Harry had known that his friends would be getting married. It would be almost impossible if they didn't. Because if the Sentinel bond,
Ron would begin to waste away after a few weeks of being away from Hermione. It had been obvious that they would always be together, but the news still came as a shock. These were his best friends. The ones he had grown up with. It was strange that they would do something so.adult, so mature as getting married.
Harry couldn't fight the smile that began to break out on his face. He looked at Ron seriously. "Well.I guess if someone has to get stuck with your ugly face-", he turned to Hermione. "it might as well be you."
Ron let out a huge whoop of happiness and Hermione smiled brightly. Harry could see that they had wanted his approval desperately. They had been a group, but now Harry could see that Ron and Hermione would grow closer as their love grew. He saw that they wanted his support and he gave it to them whole-heartedly. He would have wished them good luck in their life together but he knew they would be wasted words. Ron and Hermione didn't need luck. Their love was so pure that nothing would ever break it. Not that they wouldn't fight. No, their fights would probably get even worse. But because of the bond, they would never have to doubt each other's love.
"This is great!" Ron yelled. He turned back to Harry and asked, "Would you be my best man?"
Harry smiled. "I would be honored, Ron. Someone's got keep you out of trouble."
Harry shook Ron's hand solemnly and hugged Hermione tightly. "Congratulations." Harry whispered in her ear. Tears were flowing freely down her face.
"Thank you, Harry." she sobbed. "You're the best friend we could ask for."
A thought suddenly struck Harry. "Have you guys told your parents?" he asked the both of them.
They actually managed to look embarrassed. "My parent love Hermione." Ron said sheepishly. "There won't be a problem there."
Harry noticed that Hermione didn't say anything. "What about your parents, Hermione? What will they think?"
Hermione shrugged slightly. "It doesn't really matter what they think. We're getting married." she said levelly, as if asking Harry to try and stop them.
Harry snorted. "Don't be so tragic, Hermione." he teased lightly. "This doesn't have to turn some Shakespearean angst situation. We just have to think this through."
Harry saw his friends' faces light up. Maybe this was why they had come to him before telling their families. They had known that Harry would think of a way out of this potentially poisonous situation.
"How do you think they'll react?" Harry asked Hermione.
Hermione shrugged again. "My mother will understand after I talk to her. She might be shocked but she knows I'm not stupid. My dad." she left it unsaid.
"I remember him." Harry said dryly.
"The last thing he told me was to watch his daughter." Ron said miserably. "He said that if you got into any trouble, it would be my ass."
"I think I was included in that threat." Harry said quietly.
Ron shook his slowly. "So, not only did you get yourself into a relationship, you got into a relationship with the guy who was supposed to make sure you didn't get yourself into a relationship."
Harry couldn't help laugh. Hours ago they had escaped certain death from the most powerful wizard in the world, and throughout the entire ordeal, Ron had never panicked. Now, faced with the prospect of facing Hermione's father, Ron almost shook with anxiety.
Hermione didn't look much better. "Why don't we just get married, now? We can tell them later.when they can't do anything to stop it."
Ron almost looked ready to accept this suggestion, but then his chin hardened and he shook his head quickly. "We can't run from this, Hermione. We're getting married, nothing can stop that, now, but it would be better if we had your parent's blessing".
Hermione nodded weakly.
Harry nodded as-a matter-of-factly and said brightly, "Well, there is only one thing left to do." He turned to Hermione. "Do you think your parents are home this week?"
Hermione's parents were indeed home, but Ron thought that it would be better if they saw to his parents first. He knew that their marriage had support in that corner and that was something he really needed.
All the rest of the Gryffindor class would be taking a plane back to England the following morning. Ron decided that waiting for the plane would waste too much time. He knew that they would have to use the hotel's fireplace to get home.
Harry said his goodbyes to Quentin. Quentin had shaken Ron's hand and wished him good luck in his marriage.
Ron had smiled and said, "Have you ever been to England?"
Quentin had said that he hadn't ever been there.
Ron laughed and patted the large boy on the back. "Well start making plans. You're invited to the wedding. We'll find you a beautiful British girl to turn your dismal days into better nights."
Quentin had nodded seriously and said, "I'll be there. I promise."
Ron, Harry, Hermione, Fred, George and Ginny all made their way toward the hotel's basement. The door on the elevator had almost closed when they heard, "Hold the door!" ring across the hall.
Ron reached out and stopped the elevator door from closing. It rebounded against his hand and opened all the way. Running towards the elevator was Draco Malfoy; his broom slung over one shoulder.
Draco ran into the elevator.
Harry turned to him. "What are you doing, Draco? The plane leaves tomorrow."
Draco snorted. "I don't trust those hunks of metal. I'd much rather travel by safer methods." he said casually but Harry could see color blossoming on his pale cheeks.
"Draco, we're going to Ron's house and-" Harry didn't know how to finish. While he knew now that Draco was a trustworthy man, he also knew that Malfoy might not be welcome in the Burrow.
Draco sneered at Harry. "I know what you're thinking, Potter, and you don't have to worry about it. I'll leave as soon as we get there."
"Screw that." George said violently. "You're welcome at our house. I don't care about what you did before. You helped us save Ronnie-kins and that earns you a place at the table."
Draco looked slightly taken back. He obviously hadn't been expecting acceptance.
Ron put one of his large hands on Draco's shoulder. "How do you like meat loaf? My mom's a wonderful cook."
Draco had to hide the unwanted smile with a cough.
Ron was the first one to step out of the Burrow's fireplace and into his living room. The smells of the house assailed his nose and he was immediately comforted. A weight that he hadn't even been aware of fell off of his shoulders.
He listened for sounds of his parents moving around the house and heard nothing. He looked over at the clock as saw that the two hands that represented his parents were pointed at HOME. So they had to be somewhere. Ron looked out of the window and saw his mother working in the garden. She often worked there when she was stressed out.
Ron ran to the back door and flung it open. His mother, who was bent over one of her plants, looked up at the noise and froze. Her eyes stopped on Ron and she began to tremble. Large shears slipped from her limp hand. She brought her hand to her mouth and Ron could see tears forming her large eyes.
Ron was holding her before he even thought to move. He lifted her plump form in the air with a cry of delight. When he set her back down, his mom was practically shooting tears out of her eyes.
"W-W-We Th-Thought you were d-d-d-" she wailed, unable to finish the thought.
"I'm fine, mum." Ron whispered "I'm home, now."
"Ronald!" came a hoarse yell from behind Ron. He turned and saw his father sprinting towards him. Ron caught the small man in a rough embrace.
"My boy!" was all Arthur Weasley could get out before bursting into tears, like his wife.
Dinner at the Burrow was huge. Not only did the family celebrate Ron's return, they also had extra mouths to feed.
At first, the Weasley's reaction to a Malfoy in their midst was one of polite reservation. They weren't rude towards the boy, just withdrawn. He was after all the son of the worst wizard alive, exempting Voldemort. Ron had come home from school for years with the horror stories of what Draco had done. It was no surprise that they left him at arms-length.
But once the twins began telling the story of Ron's rescue, their attitude towards the thin boy changed quickly. When the twins were done with the story and Ron's parents had been told what Draco had risked for their son, Mr., Weasley shook the boy's hand and Mrs. Weasley gave him an extra helping of meat loaf. This time, Draco couldn't hide his smile.
Hours later, the whole group, tired from eating all that meat loaf, collapsed in the living room. Mr. Weasley sat in an old, comfortable chair, a content smile on his lips. Mrs. Weasley sat next to Ron on the large couch. She seemed to not want to lose contact with him. Hermione sat on Ron's other side, her small hand lost in his.
Harry and Ginny laid on the floor in front of the fireplace, Harry's arm wrapped contently around her shoulders. She had fallen asleep in his arms shortly after dinner. Harry wasn't going to complain.
Fred and George sat off in one corner, talking excitedly about the trinkets they had used during the escape and how they could sell them on the market.
Draco sat in the last chair, staring contently at the flames dancing in the fireplace. For the first time in Harry's memory, Draco looked completely relaxed.
Ron cleared his throat loudly. He turned towards his parents and said, "Hermione and I have an announcement."
"What is it, Ron?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
Ron swallowed loudly and took the plunge. "Hermione and I have decided to get married."
Mrs. Weasley gasped loudly. Mr. Weasley barely reacted. He just nodded slightly. "Thought so." He said brightly. "Have you thought of a date?"
"Arthur!" Mrs. Weasley screamed. "They're too young to get married!"
Mr. Weasley actually looked at Ron and Hermione as if checking to see if Mrs. Weasley was right. After a moment he smiled. "They are rather young, aren't they? Well, at least they'll grow old together."
"Arthur, you're not thinking clearly." She turned to Ron and Hermione. "You haven't thought this through."
"Oh, come on, Molly!" Mr. Weasley scoffed "They were made for each other. And, frankly, they can't be separated. Ron's bond won't allow it."
Mrs. Weasley sucked back in her next comment. She obviously hadn't been thinking about the bond. "I forgot about that." A smile spread out on her plump face. She turned to Hermione. "Welcome to the family."
Hermione squealed and threw her arms around Mrs. Weasley. They both laughed and hugged each other tightly. After about a minute of this, Mrs. Weasley pushed Hermione to arm's length. "What do your parents think of this whole thing?"
Hermione averted her gaze to the fireplace as if seeing something there that was very interesting. "Uh.we haven't told them."
Draco's low whistle could be heard across the room.