A/N: It seems as though every time I finish a chapter I get a little done of the next one. It'll now be my habit to post a teaser after I finish each one. What do you all think so far of my process of leaving a small teaser, and what do you think of my story? I know the Fleur part is a bit left in the dust, but I assure you I'm not joking about her importance.
Chapter 3: The Consequences of Choice Lie in the Future
The Potter house was full of energy as dinner was being prepared. Once Hermione had made sure all evidence of her tears was gone, she went downstairs to help everyone. For a brief moment she thought she'd pass out from all the hugs and greetings of happiness, but soon the young witch had fallen back into the steps of her life before she moved away.
As the large group ate in silence, Harry resumed his position of the silent watcher type, and glanced briefly from person to person. The elder Weasleys were happily conversing with Moody and Lupin. Tonks had a mischievous glint in her eye as she chatted with Fred and George; she had become a sort of prankster consultant with them over the years. The other Weasley brothers spoke with Lupin about their jobs, but eventually steered the talk to Quidditch, as usual. Lastly, his wife was sharing a quiet discussion with Hermione. A melancholy air surrounded Ginny, as if far off memories and regrets were at the forefront of her mind. Cautiously, Hermione placed her hand on Ginny's as a way to comfort her. Without warning, they stood up and excused themselves from the group. Harry, with all his powers and inquisitive intellect, could not figure out for the life of him what they were up to.
While the dinner group held two less members, the talking and laughter continued. No one thought to stop the women from leaving, after all, Hermione would of course want some one on one time with everyone. A little while later, Lupin paused in the telling of a crude joke.
"So, why don't Mexicans make good firefighters? Because they can't tell the difference between..." his brief pause was quickly followed by a choked gasp. Remus Lupin, brave werewolf, loyal friend, and former marauder of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, collapsed into a heap on the Potter's floor.
Tonks was in her element, having studied extensively on magical healing, she conjured a stretcher, ice packs, heat packs, thermometer, strange vials of oddly colored liquids, a large metallic instrument that buzzed softly, parchment and ink, and finally an owl. She scribbled a quick note and thrust it at Moody, who in turn tied it to the owl and tossed it out the window like a frenzied baseball pitcher.
"Dumbledore will be on his way shortly, then we can decide what to do. I was afraid this might happen... what with his condition and all." Her brow furrowed in anxiety as the wizened old wizard flew through the window. Apparition was impossible in Big Hollow, just like at Hogwarts. Dumbledore was completely silent in his entry, and remained that way as he took the buzzing instrument and chanted a few words, running it over Lupin's body like a handheld metal detector.
"Harry," his tone was soft, yet worried, "would you mind retrieving your wife and Hermione from outside?" Blue eyes pierced frightened green, letting Harry know the situation was serious. "They love Remus as much as you do, they certainly should be here right now.
"Of course Professor, of course," Harry trailed off, full of so much and so little at once he thought he might be ripped in two.
When everything was going so great, and happiness was all around, he couldn't understand why this was happening to him now. His forehead creased and mouth frowned, not knowing why Tonks knew of a condition Harry was oblivious to. Of the muddled mess of emotions, anger and fear dominated sadness and a need to help. Tromping down the hallway, chugging his butterbeer, Harry tried to calm himself and slow his pace as he approached the front door. As he stopped, he heard the tail end of a conversation- much like Ginny had earlier that evening.
"For so long... I've waited, and wanted..."
The young witches stood on the porch, night's blanket shrouding Big Hollow in a sea of shadows. Red-haired and tall, Ginny looked intently at her fidgeting, uncharacteristically nervous friend. Her hands were limp at her sides, her foot tapped quickly up and down, and her throat contracted sporadically every time she tried to speak. Hermione was definitely a wreck.
"Ginny," she took her hand, "there's something I've always wanted to tell you. It has to do with why I've been away for so long..."
"Hey, you don't have to go telling me your secrets," Ginny smiled warmly, trying to give Hermione comfort, "you know we're all just glad to have you back."
Slightly frustrated, as if any further interruptions would prohibit her from letting it all out and cause her to explode, Hermione replied, "Just stop, please... I don't just want to say this, I need to. Would you hush while I say this?" Ginny saw the pleading in Hermione's watery eyes, and simply nodded in reply.
"For so long... I've waited, and wanted..." her nerve failed, so she gave up and pulled Ginny into a close hug. It wasn't a normal hug at all, her chin didn't rest on Ginny's shoulder or chest; rather, Hermione was leaned back ever so slightly, just a breath away from touching Ginny with her lips.
At Hermione's sudden movement, Ginny faltered. She thought she was prepared for anything, but this closeness, this intimacy, tossed her mind into a blender. And before any other thoughts could surface, she felt warmth against her. Soft, not-quite-smooth yet not-quite-rough, and very feminine tasting lips met hers in what can only be described as desperate passion.
A slight creaking of the door and the shattering glass broke the silence that had surrounded the women in their kiss. Hermione jumped away feeling guilty, frightened, and hopeful... there Harry stood, open-mouthed, watching them... but Ginny had returned the kiss.
A/N What do you all think of how this chapter ended? A bit short, I know, but I thought it would be appropriate. Thanks for all the reviews! Bonus points to those who know the punch line to Lupin's joke.