Meet The Parents: Chapter Two-That's what I was afraid of
Hermione sighed and crossed her legs in front of her. She wasn't particularly enjoying herself, though this little get together was a belated party for her birthday (she had been rather busy the month before and her mother and Mrs.Weasley refused to not celebrate). Most of the people there were old acquaintances from Hogwarts whom she didn't particularly care for and friends of the Weasleys. The word dull was flashing through her mind as she watched the men and women spread out along the Burrow's backyard chitchat unexcitingly.
Hermione would not have minded the uninteresting gathering had a certain blond haired man been there to argue and make fun of the obvious lack of festivity with. But, of course, her favorite company for such humdrum occasions as this had refused to come, saying there was work he needed to do at the office. Hermione had tried to remind him that it was a Sunday, and all branches of Malfoy Industries were closed for the day, but he had replied that in the international office located in the U.S. it was not Sunday. Hermione had grudgingly let him go to the 'office', though she knew the U.S. office was closed as it was being remodeled that week, knowing if Draco did not want to be somewhere, he simply wouldn't be there. Consequently, Hermione was left to deal with the tedious task of simply sitting and looking pretty all by herself.
Suddenly, a pair of hands was clamped over her eyes and she made a muffled little shriek. "I'll give you one guess as to who's behind you and if you get it wrong I'll tell the whole world you had a crush on Snape after your fifth year." A soft feminine voice said behind her. Hermione beamed and jumped out of her seat, recognizing the voice instantly. "Ginny!" she shrieked joyously, wrapping her arms around the tall redheaded girl. "Hermione, happy birthday!" she laughed, hugging her back tightly. After a moment or two of joyous shrieks of laughter, both girls let go. Hermione smiled as she looked her friend over.
Ginny really had changed since their Hogwarts days. No longer did she have a tom-boyish look about her, and no longer did she have a shy school girl personality. Ginny had always been very pretty, even the Slytherins admitted that, but she had never been the type to flaunt it or even recognize that she was. Now, her career was focused on her image. Ginny had taken up singing, and now had a career in the music scene. She was now a famous pop star in the wizarding world. Hermione had found this a laugh when Ginny had told her. Ginny had always been one of those girls who listened to the same grunge rock as her brothers and couldn't listen to a "lip-synching, talent-less floozy's" c.d. for more than five minutes. Hermione had asked her why she would sing like the girls she couldn't stand, and Ginny had shrugged and replied "someone has to show the world how fake they are." Hermione couldn't have been more proud of her friend than when she did just that. Ginny had made it to the big times, and had given the world a dose of her down-to-earth reality. She and Ginny were now even closer than Ron and Harry, even with Ginny always on the road. Over the years the redheaded girl had become more than her friend's little sister, now they were like siblings themselves. It was wonderful to see her again.
"Gin, what're you doing in town? You're supposed to be in France right now." Hermione said, looking at her friend curiously. Ginny smiled and waved a hand dismissively. "I needed a vacation, my manager is driving me insane, besides, wouldn't want to miss mum's get together would I? Who knows what the woman would do if I skipped out." She laughed. Hermione shook her head, laughing softly. She knew Molly would send Ginny on the biggest guilt trip if she had rejected an invite. "Well, I'm glad you're here, there's no one to talk to at this thing." she said, sitting back down. Ginny rolled her eyes at her and sat in the chair beside her. "Oh Herms, there's plenty of people to talk to, you're just anti-social. Speaking of anti-social, where's your over grown ferret at, shouldn't he be here?" she said distastefully. Hermione sighed, slapping Ginny's arm lightly. "Draco is working, and we aren't anti social." She scolded. Ginny gave her a smile. "Sure you're not." Ginny mocked. Hermione moped giving her a hurt look. "I am not" she insisted. Ginny giggled, but otherwise, remained quiet.
"Hello Hermione." A deep voice said behind the two girls. Hermione smiled softly at the new comer, noticing sadly that her other friend was now scowling. "Hello Harry, have a nice vacation?" she asked the extremely tanned dark haired man. Harry shrugged, pushing up the glasses that were slipping off his nose. "It was alright, would've been better if Tiffany hadn't run off with someone else half way through." He said with a wiry grin. Hermione gave a sympathetic sigh, nudging Ginny, who was trying not to laugh, in the ribs. "Oh, well, I told you she was bad news. I'm sorry to hear it though." She said, glaring at Ginny. Harry shrugged again, his green eyes sweeping over the girl beside her. "What exactly is so funny Gin-gin? I could have sworn I just read that Anton just left you for his ex-wife. At least Tiffany went off with some one new." He said a hint of agitation in his voice.
Hermione inwardly sighed. Those two were always fighting when they saw each other now. Everyone wished they would just get back together already and stop trying to make the other jealous with a new beau every two weeks. "Oh, I'm sorry your highness, I forgot you actually believe what the tabloids say. Anton and I are just fine. Too bad about Tiffy, I was so sure you would let her stay with you. Still a problem for you isn't it?" Ginny said giving him a sweet smile. Harry looked about ready to come back with something he would later regret, so Hermione decided to intervene. "Harry, did you check what I asked you about?" she said sharply. Harry looked puzzled for a moment as he looked back to her, but soon recovered. "Oh, yeah I did. I was right. I double checked all the logs and the wards. Malfoy hasn't had any contact with anyone suspected of dark activity except for blondie. No need to worry about Lucius, he's clean so far." He said, nodding. Hermione sighed and made a disappointed face. Ginny gave her an exasperated look. "Herm that means it's safe and you can stop fighting with ferret boy." She said, as if Harry's statement needed explaining. Hermione looked between her friends and pouted. "I know, that's what I was afraid of." She grumbled. Hermione seriously did not want to go.
XoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxO
A/n: Alrighty then. Extremely boring chapter two is upfor your viewing displeasure. Please leave a comment on this, my other half has yet to read this one so I need a critic(flame me.I dare you.). Ta
-->Laura
