Disclaimer: Hermione, Ginny, Draco, & Ron do not belong to me. (unfortunately) sigh Other characters belong somewhat to me. But honestly, who can own characters that are inspired by people you know? raised eyebrow Do not sue me. I have no money. You can ask my Personal Financial Management professor, if you like. On to the chapter!
Hermione stood nervously on the step of Ginny's – Virginia's – flat. It was now two days after the Ball, the agreed date for their luncheon. Why do I feel like I'm back at Hogwarts, waiting to put on the Sorting Hat? Stop being silly, Hermione. Ginny isn't going to kill you; she's one of your closest friends. So just knock on the door, and STOP STALLING! She raised her hand and knocked firmly.
The door opened slowly. For a moment, Hermione expected to see a butler standing at the door, waiting to show her in. However, there was no elderly butler – or even a youthful butler – to admit her. Belatedly, she remembered the charm she herself had placed on Ginny's front door. It let in anyone who Ginny was expecting without any trouble, but would not open at all for unexpected guests. Hermione had placed it on the door when persistence reporters or customers had forced their way into the flat when they were unwanted. She shook her head. Honestly, Hermione, you can't lose your head now. You've worked too hard to let Ron make you go insane.
Cautiously, she stepped into the foyer. "Ginny?" she called, trying to figure out where in the flat Ginny was hiding.
" 'Mione? Come on back, we're in the parlor. I'm running a little late, sorry."
"Not a problem. I think I'm early." She made her way towards the parlor, which was tastefully decorated in pale blues and whites. When she stepped into the parlor, however, she was a little surprised. For sitting in one of the white chairs was Sabrina Côté, Seth's fiancée.
" 'Rina? What are you doing here?" She asked.
Sabrina looked a little confused for a moment. Then it seemed to click in her head. "Bella! Fancy meeting you here. I mean, I knew Virginia was meeting an old friend, but I didn't expect…" She turned to Ginny. "But of course, you are a Weasley. I forgot that. And everyone knows your family's closeness with Hermione…" She shook her head. "Honestly, I don't know where my mind is at these days."
Ginny laughed. "I guess you two have met. And Miss Côté, I believe your mind is on your wedding dress."
Sabrina laughed. "Of course, silly me! But please, Virginia, call me Sabrina, or Rina. Miss Côté sounds so formal, and I won't be using it for much longer."
Ginny smiled at Rina, "Then you must call me Ginny, Rina. After all, it looks like we're going to become good friends."
Hermione had taken her customary seat during this exchange. "So, Rina, you're going to have Ginny make your wedding dress, are you?"
Rina smiled at Hermione. "Not just my wedding dress, Bella – or should I call you 'Mione now?"
" 'Mione, I think. It's less confusing that way."
Rina shrugged. "Whatever floats your boat, 'Mione, dear. As I was saying, Ginny's also agreed to make my bridesmaid dresses. Which reminds me, would you?"
"Would I what?" Asked Hermione, a bit confused.
"Would you be one of my bridesmaids, silly." was Sabrina's reply.
Hermione was shocked. "But I've only known you for a few days…"
Sabrina laughed, " 'Mione, darling, I've known all about you – as Rene, of course – for many months. We just weren't ever properly introduced. I've even seen you sing several times. Besides, we agreed that we definitely were going to like each other, and Seth is ecstatic that I want you in the wedding party."
Ginny must have seen Hermione's dazed expression, for she laid a comforting hand over Hermione's. " 'Mione, you'd be a wonderful bridesmaid. Besides, it would give you some practice." She smiled impishly as she said the last sentence.
"Practice? What would I be practicing for, Ginny?" Hermione asked.
"Why for my wedding, silly! You don't honestly think that you would be left out of it, do you?"
Hermione's attention focused sharply on Ginny. "Are you telling me you're engaged, Virginia Molly Weasley?"
Ginny laughed. "Don't be silly. But I will be one day, and you are going to be in my wedding party, so this would be great practice. Besides," she grinned wickedly here, "it would mean I'd get to design another dress for you. How can you resist?"
Hermione stared for a moment at Ginny; then burst into laughter. "Who can refuse an offer like that?" She teased Ginny. Turning to Sabrina, she said, "Rina, it would be an honor to be a part of your wedding party."
Sabrina and Ginny looked at each other for a moment before squealing and throwing their arms around Hermione.
A/N: WOW!!!!! I'm SO excited. 100 reviews! Thank you ever so much. I'm SO pleased. BIG HUGE BEAMING SMILE I'm glad that people like this story. Okay, onto actual reviews now…
Give Me Stitchez: Okay, I'm working on continuing it, just have to struggle with the characters sometimes wink
Tried to write a non-edge-of-seat chapter… Did it work?
Allie: Your vote has definitely been dutifully noted in my notes for future chapters. A beta-reader is someone who reads my story before I post it, and critiques it for me. I have two beta-readers, enoimreH and Laura-Grace. enoimreH has been my beta-reader for what feels like forever. I think she volunteered to beta-read for me in the reveiw for the fourth chapter of this story… Laura-Grace is more recent. Somewhere around chapter 15, I think… Both of them are wonderful people.
EVERYONE: if you leave your email address, I'll let you know when I update the chapters. I know that sometimes they're slow in coming, which is why I'm offering this.
Much love to you all.
~Jenie~