To Jamie: I'm nineteen years old. Sometimes I feel thirty and other times
I feel twelve.
To Everyone: I don't know the geography of England. JK Rowling may have
mentioned where Hermione lived exactly, but I didn't get the memo. In
other words, I'm going to say that Hermione's house is north of the Burrow.
If this is wrong, I apologize.
To Everyone: Thanks for all the support you have given me in my decision to enlist. It was actually surprising how everyone reacted. My life has changed drastically, but I feel like I'm finally doing something worthwhile. Plus, I still have all the time I need to write and read. Hell, in a couple of months, I'll be able to write these stories in different language. Oh and thanks for all the belated 'Happy Birthdays'. They really mean a lot.
Harry awoke early the next morning. He pushed himself up out of Bill's old bed quietly, trying to not wake Ron, who had slept in the bed next to him. To his surprise, when he looked over to where his friend was supposed to be sleeping, he found the bed empty and unmade.
Harry through on a T-shirt and went down the stairs to the kitchen. He remembered nostalgically the time he and Ginny had made breakfast together. He knew that had been the first time he had realized he was in love with the red-haired girl. He had just been too confused with thoughts of Susan.well, some things were better left alone. Thought of Susan's betrayal and violent death still made Harry miserable, but he knew that he would get over it.
Harry, still wondering where Ron had gone, walked over to the living room, where his shoes were. He froze when he saw Ginny standing by the bay- window, crying. Her cheeks were wet and she was breathing uneasily.
Harry moved to her side. "Gin, what's wrong?"
Ginny jumped a little at Harry's voice and looked up into his face. Harry saw that her tears were not tears of sorrow or pain, they were.something else.
She smiled slightly and threw her arms around his shoulders and hugged him tightly. She continued to sob.
"Ginny," Harry said uncertainly. "What is it? Why are you crying?"
Ginny pushed him to arm's length and pointed out the window.
Harry looked to where she was pointing and couldn't help but smile. Out in the lawn, Ron and Hermione, barefoot and smiling, moved in perfect unison as they turned in the calf-high grass. They were dancing. Harry recognized it as the dance that they had done at the interscholastic banquet. The two of them twirled in perfect circles and their steps were confident. Harry marveled at the flawless movements that the two were accomplishing.
Harry wondered how the two were dancing in perfect unison, but realization hit him a moment later. Over the last few days, Harry had noticed that Ron and Hermione often stared at each other, not saying anything. Harry had thought that they were merely looking into each other's eyes or something sappy like that. But now he remembered that during Ron's capture, Hermione had always known which direction he was. Their bond had obviously evolved even more.
It was hard to imagine, but Harry had the feeling that they could look directly into each other's mind. It was an amazing thought.
Their dance continued to get faster and faster and they spun around in tight circles, their feet hardly touching the ground. Harry was amazed at the level of athleticism Hermione was displaying. Hermione wasn't exactly useless when it came to physical exertion, but she had never been a natural athlete. But out on the lawn, she looked like a professional dancer.
Harry shook his head slightly. It probably had something to with their bond. Harry couldn't imagine that Ron could change that drastically and Hermione stay the exact same.
Their dance slowed and finally stopped. Ron and Hermione stood still, staring at each other. Hermione's chest heaved and sweat beaded on her forehead from the speed of the dance. Ron wasn't even breathing hard.
Ron leaned over slowly and kissed Hermione lightly on the mouth. He began to pull away, but Hermione threw her arms around his neck and pulled him back down.
Harry and Ginny, still watching from their viewpoint in the house, averted their eyes respectfully.
(((((((((())))))))))
Ron decided to leave early that morning. If this showdown with Hermione's parents was inevitable, he wanted it over as soon as possible. Though it had only been a matter of days since he and Hermione realized their love for each other, it felt like he had been waiting years to with her.
Ron shook his head and smiled at the memories of the previous night. He and Hermione had snuck out of the house and into the surrounding countryside. They simply had wanted to be alone with each other.
When his every touch sends powerful torrents of magic into Hermione, and vice versa, it is extremely hard to keep their hands off of each other. Things had escalated quickly in the waist high grass, miles away from the house.
Surprisingly, even to himself, it was Ron who broke off the intoxicating contact. They had reached a point where he knew that if they had continued touching, he wouldn't have been able to control himself.
And by the look on her face, Hermione had gone beyond that point. HE had to hold her at arm's length to allow her wits to return to her
She had shaken her head slightly and looked up at him. "What's wrong? Don't you want to?"
There had been no accusation in her voice. She could see his every thought and knew that he wanted it as badly as she did.
Ron had wiped his forehead and slumped back in to the grass. Pushing Hermione away had been one of the hardest things he had ever done. "You know I do."
"Then, what's the problem?" she had asked reaching out to touch his face.
He had to dodge her touch. He had known that any more contact would send him over the edge.
What is the problem?, he asked himself. Ron had been raised in a different environment than Hermione had. Muggles looked at sex as something to rush into and master. The wizarding world viewed sex as something to be shared only between husband and wife. Ron had always balked at this idea, claiming that he would have sex the first opportunity that he had.
But now that it had come, and with their marriage so close, he wanted to wait.
Hermione, of course, had seen all of this in his head and smiled. She nodded and fell back into the grass next to him. She looked over at him wryly and began fanning herself with her hand.
(You have no idea what you do to me, Ronald Weasley.) she sent to him silently.
Ron had smiled and reached out and grabbed here hand. He felt the magic leap out of him and into her and felt it coming from her too, but it wasn't as strong, now that they were no longer in the moments of extreme passion.
They lay in each other's arms until morning and returned to the house. After the dance, he had gone into the house and gotten ready to leave.
Ron now stood in the driveway, waiting for everyone else. They had decided to go the old fashioned way. Ron had loaded a small suitcase into the new Anglia's magically enlarged trunk. Ron's folks had bought a new car after the last one was totaled in second year. It hadn't been modified to fly, but it still drove, and that suited Ron just fine. A nice long drive though the countryside would be good for everyone.
Ron looked toward the house and saw Harry descending the front steps to where Ron stood. Ron looked at his friend with a tinge of regret. There had been a time when they had been all that each other needed. Best friends. And in the early years, Hermione had been there, and both Ron and Harry would probably be dead if she hadn't been, but as far as their friendship went, Hermione was just an added bonus.
But as the years past, Hermione became a central element of their lives. The third leg of the tri-pod, so to speak. And while Harry and her relationship had stopped at a brother-sister relationship, Ron and Hermione had become more and more attached to each other.
Ron now looked at Harry, and a sharp stab of nostalgia shot through. Harry was his best friend and always would be. But Hermione was his life, now. He didn't regret this at all, he just knew things had been much simpler when they were kids.
As always, Harry picked up on Ron's mood immediately. He had always been able to do that at a glance. He sighed heavily and leaned back on the small car. "We've come a long way, Ron." He said in little more than a whisper.
Ron leaned back on the car next to his friend. "Yeah." he mumbled.
"Things are going to be different now."
Ron shrugged, noncommittally. "I suppose."
Harry nodded, looking over the countryside. "Yeah, things'll be different. You'll be the only married couple in Hogwarts, for starters."
This had already occurred to Ron.
Harry snickered softly. "I wonder if they'll let you two live together."
Ron snorted. "Somehow, I don't think so. Even if we are married, Hogwarts still looks down on sexual acts."
Harry flinched slightly at the word 'sexual'. He didn't want to think of his friends that way. He knew he would have to come to terms with it soon, but not yet. "Let's just get you married, first."
Ron nodded. "Yeah."
Both boys looked towards the door when they heard it open, admitting Hermione and Ginny. Behind them came Mrs. Weasley and Draco. Mrs. Weasley had a broad arm around Draco's shoulder and was talking to the boy excitedly. Draco had stopped trying to hide his smiles the previous night.
Hermione had invited everyone to her house. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had declined saying that this was a job for the younger generation. The twins also, respectfully declined. They had every intention of going back to America and retrieving their flying bus.
Draco had said that he would just continue on to Hogwarts on his own, claiming that Dumbledore was waiting. Ron had scoffed this idea, insisting the pale boy come along. Hermione had agreed saying that anyone who had risked their life for her was welcome anytime.
Draco put on a mighty fight. He flatly refused to come until Harry insisted, as well. That seemed to be the acceptance he had been waiting for because all resistance disappeared at that point. He had wanted to go, but needed Harry's willing say-so.
When it was time to go, everyone leaving made their way to the car. Everyone received a huge, smacking kiss from Mrs. Weasley, including Draco, who blushed until her roots were scarlet.
When they got in, the seating arrangement was as follows: Ron drove while Hermione navigated, knowing the best ways to get back to her own house. Harry and Ginny sat next to each other in the back seat, Ginny next to the window. Draco sat on Harry's right.
The car started and purred like a new-born kitten and before long, they had left the Burrow, on their way north to Hermione's house.
The ride north was very smooth. Ron drove for about three hours before Harry took over. Neither had licenses, but they figured if they didn't break any rules, they wouldn't be pulled over anyway.
Hermione lived in a very affluent town. She had never bragged about her wealth. In fact, she had never mentioned it, but Harry had reasoned that the daughter of two dentists probably lived pretty easily. His assumption wasn't wrong, at all.
Hermione lived in a very secluded sub-division next to the biggest, nicest looking golf course he had ever seen. Huge jets of water were being shot onto the course's fairways and Harry could hear lawnmowers in the distance.
"I don't know much about golfing," Harry said and they drove by. "but my Uncle Vernon would go all the time and I would have to sit in the car if no one was there to take care of me. And I think this might be the nicest course I've ever seen."
Hermione looked out the window and shrugged dismissively. "I've never really paid attention before."
Harry shook her head in wonder. If she could just shrug off something like this.how rich was she? It had never been important before. He looked over at Ron and saw the same thoughts racing through his friend's mind.
Hermione directed Harry through the winding roads of the sub- division. As they past the huge, pillared homes, Harry realized that they were in for an interesting weekend. The homes were bigger and more expensive looking than anything Harry had ever seen before.
In the back seat, at the sight of the expensive homes, had begun to slump further and further in the seat. He already looked uncomfortable.
Harry realized that Ron was not in his element, surrounded by wealth and he was going to have a hard time impressing the Grangers.
Under Hermione's direction, Harry turned the car onto a long, cobbled road that curved off into the woods. Harry drove on this road for several minutes before saying, "This is a long road. And I haven't seen any houses on it."
Hermione laughed lightly. "There better not be any houses!" she said with a smile. "This is my driveway."
All the blood drained from Ron's face. "This road is your driveway? Why is it so long?"
Hermione shrugged. "My parents like seclusion."
Finally they came to a heavy, black, metal gate. Worked into the metal in huge swirling letters was, 'The Grangers.' Next to the gate sat a tiny watchman's shed, and when Harry pulled up, an old, stooping man emerged from within. He waved Harry to a halt and walked up next to the driver's side window.
Harry saw the old man wrinkle his nose in disgust at the shabbiness of the car, and felt an immediate dislike for him. He made a gesture that told Harry to roll down the window with a wrinkled, spotted hand.
Harry rolled down the window and the man almost stuck his head in. "Listen, kid," he said and Harry could smell the alcohol on his breath. "I don't know what made you pull of onto this road and I don't care which one of your degenerate friends dared you to do it, but you're not welcome here. Take your piece of-"
"Hello, Henry." Hermione said evenly from the back seat.
The old man's head whipped to Hermione. He had never bothered to look into the back seat. "Miss Hermione!" he exclaimed uneasily. He looked worried now. "How good it is to see you."
"Show us through, Henry." Hermione said calmly.
"Yes! Of course, Miss Hermione. Everyone will be so glad to see you."
Hermione nodded. "Yes, I look forward to talking to my parents."
This seemed to worry the old man even more. He began to wring his hands in front of them. He looked like he wanted to say something to cover up his earlier rudeness, but couldn't come up with anything. He scurried over to the shed and disappeared inside. A moment later, the heavy gate was opening.
Draco, who had barely said a word the entire ride, said, "That man needs to be fired. Drinking on the job. My father would have him flogged."
Harry accelerated as soon as the gate allowed to car to go through. Within seconds, one of the biggest houses he had ever seen sprang into view. Its huge pillars dwarfed even those of the mansion in Hogsmeade. Even Draco looked impressed.
It took a moment for Harry to catch his breath. "Damn, Hermione.why didn't you ever tell us."
Hermione looked at the massive house through the window. "Because it's not important. I don't want it anymore."
Ron looked like his heart had fallen into his feet. "Not important!" he exclaimed miserably. "I'm such a fool."
"Why?" Hermione asked. "This?" she yelled pointing out the window at the house. "It doesn't mean anything! It not important to me.
Ron shook his head slowly. "How could I ask your parent's permission? What do I have to offer?"
Harry gripped the steering wheel. "Hermione, how the hell does your family have all this money? I know dentists are pretty well off, but this looks like royalty!"
Hermione sighed. "My father inherited all this. And he's a smart man with smart investments."
Harry drove the car up towards the house. A small man came running up to the car, wearing a nice suit.
"Who's this guy?" Ginny asked from the passenger side.
"The chauffer." Hermione stated. "Stop the car and let him take it."
Harry brought the car to a halt and switched off the ignition. When the man came to the car everyone got out. Ron moved to the trunk to get the luggage, but the small man said. "Don't worry, young master. You're luggage will be taken car of."
Ron shrugged and moved back to the group. Hermione began waling towards the front door of the house when it suddenly opened. Hermione's parents must have been informed of their arrival, because Hermione's mother came running across the lawn.
Hermione ran towards her mother and they both hugged tightly. By the time the rest of the group caught up, Mrs. Granger was looking into Hermione's face in shock.
"You look so much older." She said quietly.
"A lot had happened." Hermione said.
When the others caught up, Mrs. Granger looked up at them. Harry saw her eyes pass over all of them and settle on him. "Hello, Harry. Nice to see you."
Harry smiled and nodded. "Nice to see you too, Mrs. Granger"
Strangely, she didn't say anything to Ron. She looked at the others and waited for the introductions.
Looking puzzled, Hermione said, "Mum, you remember Ron." She said, gesturing to Ron, who looked as puzzled as Hermione.
Mrs. Granger looked back to Ron and squinted as if trying to see something far away. Recognition dawned on Mrs. Granger's face. "Of course! Ron! How silly of me. It's good to see you, too, Ron."
She didn't recognize him, at first, Harry thought. She looked right past him as if she had never seen him before. It seemed Ron had changed more than they had realized.
It was understandable, though. The last time Mrs. Granger had seen Ron, he had been an awkward, gangly, unsure sixteen year old boy who had been uncomfortable under her gaze. While he was captured by the Sentinels, Ron had lost weight and gained a few inches in his frame. And while this could have made him look even ganglier, it didn't. His broad shoulders and long legs were those of a man and the only thing that betrayed his youth was his honest face and boyish features. Ron was a presence wherever he went and he could dominate a room just by walking into it. It was no shock that Mrs. Granger hadn't recognized him.
Hermione introduced Draco reintroduced Ginny. Ginny and Mrs. Granger had met briefly a few years ago, and Mrs. Granger hugged her like an old friend.
Mrs. Granger, her arm around Hermione led the group into the house. The foyer was massive with double staircase and a huge chandelier hanging above them.
"Is dad here?" Hermione asked, her voice echoing around the huge room.
Mrs. Granger nodded. "He's in the office, trying to expand his empire." She said with a fond smile. "We've had to deal with a law suit. One of our employees doing shabby work."
"Speaking of which," Hermione said. "Henry, the gate guard, has been drinking on the job. And he was rude to my friends."
Mrs. Granger shook her head sadly. "Again? He's been working here for years, but since his wife left him, he's been drinking heavily. I guess he'll have to go."
Hermione suddenly looked ashamed. "I didn't know that his wife left him."
Mrs. Granger snorted. "Don't feel sorry for that one. He beat her until she left. The only reason we were holding onto him was because he's been working here so long."
"Oh. OK, then." Hermione said.
"I'll give his shed a call and let him go." She said. "Go find your father. We'll have the cooks make a big dinner."
"All right, mum." Hermione said. She turned to the others. "I'll find my dad. Make yourselves at home."
She began to move off but Ron stopped her. "When should we tell them?"
She took a deep breath and said, "We'll tell them tonight. At dinner."
I'm not sure if JK Rowling has ever made any mention of how much money Hermione's family. Like I said in the story it isn't really important. But money in any form intimidates Ron, so I thought it would great if she was really, really rich.
Next chapter: the show down finally begins. Henry the gate guard comes back and tries to stir up trouble and Draco MAY meet a girl.
To Everyone: Thanks for all the support you have given me in my decision to enlist. It was actually surprising how everyone reacted. My life has changed drastically, but I feel like I'm finally doing something worthwhile. Plus, I still have all the time I need to write and read. Hell, in a couple of months, I'll be able to write these stories in different language. Oh and thanks for all the belated 'Happy Birthdays'. They really mean a lot.
Harry awoke early the next morning. He pushed himself up out of Bill's old bed quietly, trying to not wake Ron, who had slept in the bed next to him. To his surprise, when he looked over to where his friend was supposed to be sleeping, he found the bed empty and unmade.
Harry through on a T-shirt and went down the stairs to the kitchen. He remembered nostalgically the time he and Ginny had made breakfast together. He knew that had been the first time he had realized he was in love with the red-haired girl. He had just been too confused with thoughts of Susan.well, some things were better left alone. Thought of Susan's betrayal and violent death still made Harry miserable, but he knew that he would get over it.
Harry, still wondering where Ron had gone, walked over to the living room, where his shoes were. He froze when he saw Ginny standing by the bay- window, crying. Her cheeks were wet and she was breathing uneasily.
Harry moved to her side. "Gin, what's wrong?"
Ginny jumped a little at Harry's voice and looked up into his face. Harry saw that her tears were not tears of sorrow or pain, they were.something else.
She smiled slightly and threw her arms around his shoulders and hugged him tightly. She continued to sob.
"Ginny," Harry said uncertainly. "What is it? Why are you crying?"
Ginny pushed him to arm's length and pointed out the window.
Harry looked to where she was pointing and couldn't help but smile. Out in the lawn, Ron and Hermione, barefoot and smiling, moved in perfect unison as they turned in the calf-high grass. They were dancing. Harry recognized it as the dance that they had done at the interscholastic banquet. The two of them twirled in perfect circles and their steps were confident. Harry marveled at the flawless movements that the two were accomplishing.
Harry wondered how the two were dancing in perfect unison, but realization hit him a moment later. Over the last few days, Harry had noticed that Ron and Hermione often stared at each other, not saying anything. Harry had thought that they were merely looking into each other's eyes or something sappy like that. But now he remembered that during Ron's capture, Hermione had always known which direction he was. Their bond had obviously evolved even more.
It was hard to imagine, but Harry had the feeling that they could look directly into each other's mind. It was an amazing thought.
Their dance continued to get faster and faster and they spun around in tight circles, their feet hardly touching the ground. Harry was amazed at the level of athleticism Hermione was displaying. Hermione wasn't exactly useless when it came to physical exertion, but she had never been a natural athlete. But out on the lawn, she looked like a professional dancer.
Harry shook his head slightly. It probably had something to with their bond. Harry couldn't imagine that Ron could change that drastically and Hermione stay the exact same.
Their dance slowed and finally stopped. Ron and Hermione stood still, staring at each other. Hermione's chest heaved and sweat beaded on her forehead from the speed of the dance. Ron wasn't even breathing hard.
Ron leaned over slowly and kissed Hermione lightly on the mouth. He began to pull away, but Hermione threw her arms around his neck and pulled him back down.
Harry and Ginny, still watching from their viewpoint in the house, averted their eyes respectfully.
(((((((((())))))))))
Ron decided to leave early that morning. If this showdown with Hermione's parents was inevitable, he wanted it over as soon as possible. Though it had only been a matter of days since he and Hermione realized their love for each other, it felt like he had been waiting years to with her.
Ron shook his head and smiled at the memories of the previous night. He and Hermione had snuck out of the house and into the surrounding countryside. They simply had wanted to be alone with each other.
When his every touch sends powerful torrents of magic into Hermione, and vice versa, it is extremely hard to keep their hands off of each other. Things had escalated quickly in the waist high grass, miles away from the house.
Surprisingly, even to himself, it was Ron who broke off the intoxicating contact. They had reached a point where he knew that if they had continued touching, he wouldn't have been able to control himself.
And by the look on her face, Hermione had gone beyond that point. HE had to hold her at arm's length to allow her wits to return to her
She had shaken her head slightly and looked up at him. "What's wrong? Don't you want to?"
There had been no accusation in her voice. She could see his every thought and knew that he wanted it as badly as she did.
Ron had wiped his forehead and slumped back in to the grass. Pushing Hermione away had been one of the hardest things he had ever done. "You know I do."
"Then, what's the problem?" she had asked reaching out to touch his face.
He had to dodge her touch. He had known that any more contact would send him over the edge.
What is the problem?, he asked himself. Ron had been raised in a different environment than Hermione had. Muggles looked at sex as something to rush into and master. The wizarding world viewed sex as something to be shared only between husband and wife. Ron had always balked at this idea, claiming that he would have sex the first opportunity that he had.
But now that it had come, and with their marriage so close, he wanted to wait.
Hermione, of course, had seen all of this in his head and smiled. She nodded and fell back into the grass next to him. She looked over at him wryly and began fanning herself with her hand.
(You have no idea what you do to me, Ronald Weasley.) she sent to him silently.
Ron had smiled and reached out and grabbed here hand. He felt the magic leap out of him and into her and felt it coming from her too, but it wasn't as strong, now that they were no longer in the moments of extreme passion.
They lay in each other's arms until morning and returned to the house. After the dance, he had gone into the house and gotten ready to leave.
Ron now stood in the driveway, waiting for everyone else. They had decided to go the old fashioned way. Ron had loaded a small suitcase into the new Anglia's magically enlarged trunk. Ron's folks had bought a new car after the last one was totaled in second year. It hadn't been modified to fly, but it still drove, and that suited Ron just fine. A nice long drive though the countryside would be good for everyone.
Ron looked toward the house and saw Harry descending the front steps to where Ron stood. Ron looked at his friend with a tinge of regret. There had been a time when they had been all that each other needed. Best friends. And in the early years, Hermione had been there, and both Ron and Harry would probably be dead if she hadn't been, but as far as their friendship went, Hermione was just an added bonus.
But as the years past, Hermione became a central element of their lives. The third leg of the tri-pod, so to speak. And while Harry and her relationship had stopped at a brother-sister relationship, Ron and Hermione had become more and more attached to each other.
Ron now looked at Harry, and a sharp stab of nostalgia shot through. Harry was his best friend and always would be. But Hermione was his life, now. He didn't regret this at all, he just knew things had been much simpler when they were kids.
As always, Harry picked up on Ron's mood immediately. He had always been able to do that at a glance. He sighed heavily and leaned back on the small car. "We've come a long way, Ron." He said in little more than a whisper.
Ron leaned back on the car next to his friend. "Yeah." he mumbled.
"Things are going to be different now."
Ron shrugged, noncommittally. "I suppose."
Harry nodded, looking over the countryside. "Yeah, things'll be different. You'll be the only married couple in Hogwarts, for starters."
This had already occurred to Ron.
Harry snickered softly. "I wonder if they'll let you two live together."
Ron snorted. "Somehow, I don't think so. Even if we are married, Hogwarts still looks down on sexual acts."
Harry flinched slightly at the word 'sexual'. He didn't want to think of his friends that way. He knew he would have to come to terms with it soon, but not yet. "Let's just get you married, first."
Ron nodded. "Yeah."
Both boys looked towards the door when they heard it open, admitting Hermione and Ginny. Behind them came Mrs. Weasley and Draco. Mrs. Weasley had a broad arm around Draco's shoulder and was talking to the boy excitedly. Draco had stopped trying to hide his smiles the previous night.
Hermione had invited everyone to her house. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had declined saying that this was a job for the younger generation. The twins also, respectfully declined. They had every intention of going back to America and retrieving their flying bus.
Draco had said that he would just continue on to Hogwarts on his own, claiming that Dumbledore was waiting. Ron had scoffed this idea, insisting the pale boy come along. Hermione had agreed saying that anyone who had risked their life for her was welcome anytime.
Draco put on a mighty fight. He flatly refused to come until Harry insisted, as well. That seemed to be the acceptance he had been waiting for because all resistance disappeared at that point. He had wanted to go, but needed Harry's willing say-so.
When it was time to go, everyone leaving made their way to the car. Everyone received a huge, smacking kiss from Mrs. Weasley, including Draco, who blushed until her roots were scarlet.
When they got in, the seating arrangement was as follows: Ron drove while Hermione navigated, knowing the best ways to get back to her own house. Harry and Ginny sat next to each other in the back seat, Ginny next to the window. Draco sat on Harry's right.
The car started and purred like a new-born kitten and before long, they had left the Burrow, on their way north to Hermione's house.
The ride north was very smooth. Ron drove for about three hours before Harry took over. Neither had licenses, but they figured if they didn't break any rules, they wouldn't be pulled over anyway.
Hermione lived in a very affluent town. She had never bragged about her wealth. In fact, she had never mentioned it, but Harry had reasoned that the daughter of two dentists probably lived pretty easily. His assumption wasn't wrong, at all.
Hermione lived in a very secluded sub-division next to the biggest, nicest looking golf course he had ever seen. Huge jets of water were being shot onto the course's fairways and Harry could hear lawnmowers in the distance.
"I don't know much about golfing," Harry said and they drove by. "but my Uncle Vernon would go all the time and I would have to sit in the car if no one was there to take care of me. And I think this might be the nicest course I've ever seen."
Hermione looked out the window and shrugged dismissively. "I've never really paid attention before."
Harry shook her head in wonder. If she could just shrug off something like this.how rich was she? It had never been important before. He looked over at Ron and saw the same thoughts racing through his friend's mind.
Hermione directed Harry through the winding roads of the sub- division. As they past the huge, pillared homes, Harry realized that they were in for an interesting weekend. The homes were bigger and more expensive looking than anything Harry had ever seen before.
In the back seat, at the sight of the expensive homes, had begun to slump further and further in the seat. He already looked uncomfortable.
Harry realized that Ron was not in his element, surrounded by wealth and he was going to have a hard time impressing the Grangers.
Under Hermione's direction, Harry turned the car onto a long, cobbled road that curved off into the woods. Harry drove on this road for several minutes before saying, "This is a long road. And I haven't seen any houses on it."
Hermione laughed lightly. "There better not be any houses!" she said with a smile. "This is my driveway."
All the blood drained from Ron's face. "This road is your driveway? Why is it so long?"
Hermione shrugged. "My parents like seclusion."
Finally they came to a heavy, black, metal gate. Worked into the metal in huge swirling letters was, 'The Grangers.' Next to the gate sat a tiny watchman's shed, and when Harry pulled up, an old, stooping man emerged from within. He waved Harry to a halt and walked up next to the driver's side window.
Harry saw the old man wrinkle his nose in disgust at the shabbiness of the car, and felt an immediate dislike for him. He made a gesture that told Harry to roll down the window with a wrinkled, spotted hand.
Harry rolled down the window and the man almost stuck his head in. "Listen, kid," he said and Harry could smell the alcohol on his breath. "I don't know what made you pull of onto this road and I don't care which one of your degenerate friends dared you to do it, but you're not welcome here. Take your piece of-"
"Hello, Henry." Hermione said evenly from the back seat.
The old man's head whipped to Hermione. He had never bothered to look into the back seat. "Miss Hermione!" he exclaimed uneasily. He looked worried now. "How good it is to see you."
"Show us through, Henry." Hermione said calmly.
"Yes! Of course, Miss Hermione. Everyone will be so glad to see you."
Hermione nodded. "Yes, I look forward to talking to my parents."
This seemed to worry the old man even more. He began to wring his hands in front of them. He looked like he wanted to say something to cover up his earlier rudeness, but couldn't come up with anything. He scurried over to the shed and disappeared inside. A moment later, the heavy gate was opening.
Draco, who had barely said a word the entire ride, said, "That man needs to be fired. Drinking on the job. My father would have him flogged."
Harry accelerated as soon as the gate allowed to car to go through. Within seconds, one of the biggest houses he had ever seen sprang into view. Its huge pillars dwarfed even those of the mansion in Hogsmeade. Even Draco looked impressed.
It took a moment for Harry to catch his breath. "Damn, Hermione.why didn't you ever tell us."
Hermione looked at the massive house through the window. "Because it's not important. I don't want it anymore."
Ron looked like his heart had fallen into his feet. "Not important!" he exclaimed miserably. "I'm such a fool."
"Why?" Hermione asked. "This?" she yelled pointing out the window at the house. "It doesn't mean anything! It not important to me.
Ron shook his head slowly. "How could I ask your parent's permission? What do I have to offer?"
Harry gripped the steering wheel. "Hermione, how the hell does your family have all this money? I know dentists are pretty well off, but this looks like royalty!"
Hermione sighed. "My father inherited all this. And he's a smart man with smart investments."
Harry drove the car up towards the house. A small man came running up to the car, wearing a nice suit.
"Who's this guy?" Ginny asked from the passenger side.
"The chauffer." Hermione stated. "Stop the car and let him take it."
Harry brought the car to a halt and switched off the ignition. When the man came to the car everyone got out. Ron moved to the trunk to get the luggage, but the small man said. "Don't worry, young master. You're luggage will be taken car of."
Ron shrugged and moved back to the group. Hermione began waling towards the front door of the house when it suddenly opened. Hermione's parents must have been informed of their arrival, because Hermione's mother came running across the lawn.
Hermione ran towards her mother and they both hugged tightly. By the time the rest of the group caught up, Mrs. Granger was looking into Hermione's face in shock.
"You look so much older." She said quietly.
"A lot had happened." Hermione said.
When the others caught up, Mrs. Granger looked up at them. Harry saw her eyes pass over all of them and settle on him. "Hello, Harry. Nice to see you."
Harry smiled and nodded. "Nice to see you too, Mrs. Granger"
Strangely, she didn't say anything to Ron. She looked at the others and waited for the introductions.
Looking puzzled, Hermione said, "Mum, you remember Ron." She said, gesturing to Ron, who looked as puzzled as Hermione.
Mrs. Granger looked back to Ron and squinted as if trying to see something far away. Recognition dawned on Mrs. Granger's face. "Of course! Ron! How silly of me. It's good to see you, too, Ron."
She didn't recognize him, at first, Harry thought. She looked right past him as if she had never seen him before. It seemed Ron had changed more than they had realized.
It was understandable, though. The last time Mrs. Granger had seen Ron, he had been an awkward, gangly, unsure sixteen year old boy who had been uncomfortable under her gaze. While he was captured by the Sentinels, Ron had lost weight and gained a few inches in his frame. And while this could have made him look even ganglier, it didn't. His broad shoulders and long legs were those of a man and the only thing that betrayed his youth was his honest face and boyish features. Ron was a presence wherever he went and he could dominate a room just by walking into it. It was no shock that Mrs. Granger hadn't recognized him.
Hermione introduced Draco reintroduced Ginny. Ginny and Mrs. Granger had met briefly a few years ago, and Mrs. Granger hugged her like an old friend.
Mrs. Granger, her arm around Hermione led the group into the house. The foyer was massive with double staircase and a huge chandelier hanging above them.
"Is dad here?" Hermione asked, her voice echoing around the huge room.
Mrs. Granger nodded. "He's in the office, trying to expand his empire." She said with a fond smile. "We've had to deal with a law suit. One of our employees doing shabby work."
"Speaking of which," Hermione said. "Henry, the gate guard, has been drinking on the job. And he was rude to my friends."
Mrs. Granger shook her head sadly. "Again? He's been working here for years, but since his wife left him, he's been drinking heavily. I guess he'll have to go."
Hermione suddenly looked ashamed. "I didn't know that his wife left him."
Mrs. Granger snorted. "Don't feel sorry for that one. He beat her until she left. The only reason we were holding onto him was because he's been working here so long."
"Oh. OK, then." Hermione said.
"I'll give his shed a call and let him go." She said. "Go find your father. We'll have the cooks make a big dinner."
"All right, mum." Hermione said. She turned to the others. "I'll find my dad. Make yourselves at home."
She began to move off but Ron stopped her. "When should we tell them?"
She took a deep breath and said, "We'll tell them tonight. At dinner."
I'm not sure if JK Rowling has ever made any mention of how much money Hermione's family. Like I said in the story it isn't really important. But money in any form intimidates Ron, so I thought it would great if she was really, really rich.
Next chapter: the show down finally begins. Henry the gate guard comes back and tries to stir up trouble and Draco MAY meet a girl.