There For You
Author's Note: Ok,ok. It's been two months. String me up now. I'm so sorry everyone! I've been planning the rest of the series and what I need to get done in what order. It's very complicated! I also know I told someone I would be updating on Friday night and today is Saturday but I'm sick again so I chilled in bed last night and caught up on some much needed Z's. So, instead of going on and on about why I haven't updated, I'll just get on with the chapter, k? Here it is!
Chapter 27: Body Paint, Stones, and Knowledgeable Doctors
"So, we'll need a bit of parchment and I can write down the song," Hermione said. Ginny heaved her bag toward her and fished out a spare piece of parchment and a quill, and handed it to Hermione. "Now turn the lever again, Ron."
"I don't want those mad little dolls out again! And how am I supposed to get in for my 'real gift' anyway? After the song, they shoot back inside and close the lid again!"
"Maybe it has a handle or something you didn't notice before," Harry suggested.
"Just turn it, they don't hurt you or anything," Hermione said.
"They didn't grab your cheeks," Ron muttered and started turning the handle. The humming began again before the little clones popped out, but Ron dodged them before they could make contact. Then the song began again (I've reposted it so you remember it):
"Ronnie, Ronnie, Ronnikins
It is your birthie-day
We could not see you face-to-face
You're too damn far away!
Instead we sent our mini-selves
We know you'll love them so
But don't get too attached to them
In case it does not flow!
We hope your party is top notch
Though it's not our biggest concern
We've far too much to worry about
Of which you will soon learn!
If you lift the lid, you will find
The real gift underneath
But you must open it alone
Or we'll knock you in the teeth!
So, have fun on your special day
Don't snog Hermione long
She was just in hospital you know
You need to get her strong!
We'll be in touch soon, don't worry
Now we must go, we're in a hurry!"
They listened to it twice for Hermione to fill in what she missed the first time. Ron's eyebrows were wrinkled the whole time.
"I suppose there were a few unusual things in there. What do you think?"
"Ok," Hermione looked at the first stanza, "basically your nickname, it's your birthday, and they can't see you as you're far apart. Nothing strange there. So they sent themselves, you'll love them, but you can't get attached because 'it' may not flow. 'It'? They want you to have a good party but they've other things to worry about, that you'll learn of eventually. If you open it your real gift is underneath but they want it a secret. Have fun, don't snog me because I was in hospital and I need to get strong, they'll contact you soon, they're in a hurry to go." She finished speaking and sat staring at the page.
"Well, they can't see you so they sent themselves miniaturized, but how does that help them see you? Do you think it's some sort of camera? I doubt it's so you can see them," Ginny said.
"I think you have a point about the camera or some sort of device like that because they mentioned that 'it' may not flow," Hermione agreed. "What would need to flow? And they have things to worry about but I don't think any specifics are mentioned in this because they say they'll contact you soon so you'll know eventually. Your gift is in the box but they only want you, and I'm sure they know we'll all find out about it, to open it to be a secret. At least that's what I think."
"Come on, it could just be a gag gift or like I said, something inappropriate."
"Not by the language used."
"Well, besides the fact that you were in hospital and have to get well, why do they stress that?" Harry asked Hermione. She shrugged.
"Why don't I just open it? Maybe something in it will help," Ron said.
"Did you find out how?" Ginny asked.
"It said lift the lid so I think the lever is for the song." He pulled up on the top of the box and it lifted off, revealing a short but wide, round jar. Ron lifted it out and examined it. The label read: WWW's Chocolate Frog Body Paint. Stuck to the bottom was a note. "Ron, we made this just for you, wink wink. Enjoy." 'Interesting,' Ron thought.
"What is that?" Hermione asked. He looked up at her with wide eyes. He made to stuff it in his robes but Ginny snatched it out of his hands. She read it and wrinkled her nose.
"It is an inappropriate gift…Weasley's Wizard Wheezes' Chocolate Frog Body Paint. Well I'm thoroughly grossed out." Hermione's jaw dropped.
"They sent you body paint! That's so…but that's so…we don't…uh…"
Harry chuckled and reached back into the box as Ron took the jar back and put it in his pocket with a glare to his sister. "There's more." It was another note, folded in two. "'Ron,'" Harry began, "'First, hello Harry, Hermione, and our dear baby Ginny. We knew 'alone' to you would mean with three others. The actual point of this box was not to injure your precious ickle face or to make Hermione mad at us, though when we next see you Hermione, we'll look forward to a lecture. As you may have noticed in our song, some things are going on. We won't go into detail here as notes are never a safe way to do so. This box is actually a two-way telephone we devised off real telephones but run by magic. When it is necessary to talk to you since we won't see you at all until June, 3 months away, we'll call. This will also be good to have at Grimmauld Place, as we won't be able to visit regularly. So no attention is brought to the box when we are calling, we left a small stone W for you to carry with you at all times. It will activate and if possible, come back to your box, turn the lever and we will speak to you through our small selves. If contacting us is necessary turn the lever once clockwise, twice counterclockwise, and then three times clockwise and we will answer if we can. You must only talk to mini-Fred and mini-George. Also so the box does not attract unwanted attention, the lid camouflages into the box and the lever can be pushed to the side and folded into the box. You are not in any immediate danger so do not feel as though the song meant you were in trouble, nor us. Happy Birthday Ron and keep the stone with you at all times. Speak always in private and burn this letter once read. Good-bye all. F G'"
"Brilliant," Ron muttered. He took the lid and put it on the box and watched until you could no longer see a lid existed at all. He then pushed on the lever and it too camouflaged into the black of the box. "They created a magical tellyfone." He removed the lid again and took out the Letter W made of red stone that was about the length and width of a thumb.
"Telephone, Ron," Hermione said quietly, taking the note from Harry and skimming it.
"You mean we can talk to them? By voice?" Ginny asked excitedly. "We won't be so isolated from them anymore!"
"I don't think it's meant to call them on a whim, but to inform them and us of anything important going on," Hermione said, handing the note back to Ron. "You need to burn that so no one knows how to work the box." He nodded but Ginny looked crestfallen.
"What would we need to tell them? And how often are we actually going to hear from them? I thought I could call them and talk…I miss them." Harry put a hand on hers. "It says how we can call."
"Ginny…this phone…we can't just chat on it whenever we fancy. It's got to be for important things. It's for Grimmauld Place as well. I think they'll be calling us more than we will to them. And it will be in Ron's room. You can't just walk into the boys dorm whenever you feel like it." Ginny's lip trembled.
"I, but I…I know all that. I just thought…" She sniffled and looked down for a moment. The others looked as her sadly when her head snapped up. "I think talking to my brothers is an important reason!" She was suddenly angry. "I miss them so much you can't understand and I want to hear them! Did you hear what they called me? Dear baby Ginny! They miss me too! I am not passing up an opportunity to talk to them every day!" Tears fell down her cheeks and she stood up and stalked off.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione had decided to leave Ginny alone for a while before going after her. They knew she was just sad and she'd calm down. The boys went back to finishing the rest of the party food while Hermione read over the note again. Ron took a bite of cake and nudged Harry softly.
"Hey, you know how we said we would tell them about the…you know, the Prophecy you told me about?" Harry nodded, eyes on the floor. He knew they needed to know but he hated talking about it. "Don't you think it's about time? I know we said we would when they were both better…Ginny is and Hermione can't walk around too much but she's basically fine, right? I think it's time."
"I suppose," Harry sighed. He rubbed his face roughly, leaving a smudge of chocolate on his nose, which he wiped off angrily. "I just…they'll be so damn worried."
"Of course they will but it's time."
"All right, stop saying it's time. We'll tell them soon…I think it should be on the weekend though, next Friday? I don't want to get into it right before a school week. By then, Hermione should be walking."
Ron wanted to tell them as soon as possible, like the next night, but it was Harry's news to tell.
"Ok, next Friday then."
Harry and Ron left Hermione to sleep and went to find Ginny. She wasn't in the common room so Ron asked one of her roommates to go check her room. The girl returned saying Ginny was asleep. They decided to wait to talk to her until the next day.
"We really need to figure a safe way up to the girls dorms, you know, without suddenly losing the stairs holding you up," Ron said.
"She's asleep now, no point in a safe way at the moment. We'd only be watching her sleep. Not very exciting for you, now would it?" Harry said.
"I was thinking Harry…maybe I should talk to Gin by myself."
"Why?"
"Because, she's my sister and I think I understand better what she's going through. No offense, mate."
"None taken."
"I just think I as her brother need to talk to her about this. Mind you, I'm not desperate to talk to those two nuts but I do miss the family and I can see why Ginny would be so mad."
"I can understand it as well but it will probably comfort her more coming from you. I can comfort her other ways later," Harry grinned, waiting for Ron's reaction.
"You bloody pervert, that's my sister!" He shoved Harry's shoulder and mocked gagging. Harry just laughed and ran up to the boys' dorm. Ron followed, shuddering.
That night, Harry finally cracked open his journal. Knowing he would be telling his girlfriend and best girl friend about his fateful prophecy on Friday night was very disconcerting. He only wrote a few sentences to start out with, figuring he would build up to bigger entries. Despite the fact that it was an inanimate object, he felt odd about sharing his feelings with it. Opening up had never been an easy task for him but maybe a journal would help.
"Ok, Hermione, it's time for you to walk," Madame Pomfrey announced a few hours after the party was over, Ron standing beside her. Hermione nodded determinedly and swung her legs around off the bed. Ron took her left hand and Madame Pomfrey took her right. She scooted forward off the bed until she was all the way off the bed and pushed up with her legs as they pulled up on her arms. Her legs held her momentarily before they started to wobble under her and Ron put his arm around her waist.
"Come on, Hermione, you can do it," he said as she groaned in frustration. She set her jaw firmly and forced her legs to straighten and hold her.
"Good, now just stand here for a bit," Madame Pomfrey said. "We'll let you go if you think you can stand by yourself. Hermione nodded and focused on the wall across from her. After taking a few breaths, she pulled her hands up from theirs and they let go. She stayed up for a good thirty seconds, as Ron constantly oscillated toward her like he was on a balance beam, ready to catch her. She looked at him and smiled.
"I've got it, Ron. Stop moving around like that." He stood up straight and shrugged sheepishly. Hermione sat down carefully. "Let me sit a second then I'll try again, without any help."
"Just don't overtire yourself," Madame Pomfrey warned. Hermione nodded.
She stood up, sat down, stood up, and sat down again several times. Her legs felt a bit shakier each time as they worked but Hermione was determined to do it. After her sixth stand, she shook dangerously and Ron took hold of her arm. "I think it's time to rest now," Madame Pomfrey said. "You did well though. Tomorrow you can try a few steps, all right?" Hermione sighed and got back into bed.
"I want to be walking now."
"All in good time." The nurse handed Hermione a goblet of purple potion and left the room. Ron sat down next to her and smiled as she drank her potion, staring at the blanket.
"That was brilliant!" Ron exclaimed. "You were standing for a couple minutes at a time there!" Hermione set the cup down and pursed her lips.
"Lucky me, I can stand. How is that brilliant? I can't even walk!" Ron stared at her in confusion.
"But you're half way there! You can't expect to be up running around all over school when you've spent weeks in bed. You were in a coma if you've forgotten. Take it slow."
"Don't act like you're some knowledgeable doctor. I know I was in a coma. But just walking shouldn't be taking so bloody long!" She closed her eyes.
"It's not doctor stuff, it's common sense. I was just trying to help," he replied dejectedly. He was surprised she'd even said bloody but he was afraid to mention it. He noticed a tear falling down her face.
"I'm sorry, Ron. I'm just frustrated. I feel like I should be up by now and not just sitting and standing for ten minutes. Why did I have to feel weaker and weaker instead of stronger?"
"I don't know, your body has to get used to the feeling again."
"I just feel so alone in here all the time and I can't eat with everyone and I feel so…worthless!"
"Hermione, you are not worthless. You showed your worth in how you got here. You risked your life in front of Voldemort and now you're paying the price of how valuable you are." She sighed and nodded.
"Thank you. That's exactly what I needed. You're so sweet." He took her hand and grinned.
"It is my job after all." He kissed her cheek. "I'm sure Fred and George would be happy to make another creepy doll that could talk back to you when everyone else is in class. It probably wouldn't say anything useful but that's the twins." She laughed.
"No, I think that would be a bit too scary if I had to talk to a doll. I wish Madame Pomfrey would let Crookshanks in here but she thinks a cat would be too unsanitary in an infirmary."
"Look, I think you're only going to be in here another week. I'll come in everyday after classes and help you walk. As long as you don't get too tired, ok?"
"All right. One more week. I can handle it." Ron hoped he wasn't wrong about it only being a week. She'd kill him if it were more.
"Right. So, you realize you said bloody don't you?"
"Oh shut up. In times of anger I think it's acceptable."
"I don't think I can look at you the same," he said, mock upset. "How can I let such a badmouth around other people? How can I let you around our children? How Hermione, how?" She shoved him lightly and smiled softly.
"I like it when you talk about us having children. You'll be such a good dad." She lightly rubbed his hand as it held hers. For some reason, her saying that made him think about the prophecy he and Harry still had reveal. The future was so unknown. He knew he wanted children with Hermione some day but what if something bad happened? He shrugged.
"Thanks. You'll be a good mum…but only if you clean that mouth of yours!"
Author's Note: Ok, I updated! And I'll start writing the next one right now! One thing I realized I forgot (since I've forgotten many things in this fic so far) is that Hermione probably would have dropped her wand at the Riddle House when she fell down the stairs. For simplicity and the fact that Hermione's been doing homework the past few weeks, she didn't lose it. Harry picked it up or something. I need to pay more attention to detail, I know. Also, the chocolate body paint is dedicated to 'Mione Weasley. I put that in because of her. Hey, who's seen Napoleon Dynamite? I watched it finally since my classmates are always talking about it. It was so weird but so funny! Lol, "It took me three hours just to do the shading on your upper lip." Oh man, great movie. So, guess what? I'm going to do individuals! It's been a long time since I have but I promised I would so here they are!
Individuals:
'Mione Weasley: Ah, thanks for being so understanding. Junior year of school can be a bitch and I've been back to dance classes since my ankle is feeling better so I've been really busy. That's great you were cast as Dorothy! I hope it went well, or is going well, or whatever. And thanks for still reading, I think I lost a few readers for my irregular updates. You rock! And about the inappropriate bit the twins put in, I added that just for you! I wasn't going to have anything bad in it but when you said that, I just had to!
BenjiMaddenFreek: Don't worry, I will.
Bheckie: Yeah, school's tough. I hate AP US history! It's so hard and actually, I should be reading a chapter in my book right now…oh well. The end of year test is going to suck! Lol, no I didn't want to kill myself but it was tough. I'm back now. Not quite as good as I was before but I working on it. Thanks!
MsMissProngs: There is now!
HugglesAll: Wow, thanks so much! I hope you liked the update!
Esrb99: Thanks so much! I thought the box was a pretty cool F/G invention; glad you liked it. And I'm sorry! I totally forgot you asked me to read your fic! I just put it into my fave's and I'll read it asap!
Katepotter13: Wow, thanks so much! I'm glad you liked it so much!
SoftballQueen33: Thanks for the encouragement. Sorry I took so long updating!
Shortywithbrains: Hey, thanks for still reading my fic! I've been so bad about posting. Glad you like my little comic relief bits. When they come to my mind, I just have to put them in.
Magicher1: Glad it was a believable gift! So did you guess right?
Dnd4ever: Thank you!
Sea-me-surf: As I've said many times, don't think that I won't update! I am not quitting this story! Thanks, I'm glad you liked it so much! Sorry I didn't update again forever.
True-gryffindor: Thank you very much! I tried to update faster but failed, shame on me.
Penelope Richmond: Thank you! And I'll e-mail you back in a sec!
Cheese Diva: Yay, you're still reading my fic! I've lost reviewers, I know it. I'm glad you liked it, thanks for the nice comments. You give such great reviews, you rock! Yes, I am very busy so I understand if you are too!
Magnolia Lane: Hey! I'll be answering your e-mail really soon! Gotta finish these first! I'm glad you liked it. No secrets revealed yet about the Order but soon. It's the whole point behind the dolls. Lol, yeah I like Ron's little duh moments like bringing her the hair book but one reviewer complains to me about how dumb I make him look. I don't think he's that stupid in this, do you?
Memommy27: Thank you! Sorry it took me so long to update again!
Mental357: Oh, thanks so much for reading! I love having new R/Rers!
Silver Warrior: Lol, don't worry too much. The twins are a little nutty but they are still sane. Hope the chapter alleviated some of your fears.
Sweetsistamuffin: Lol, cool name! Wow, thanks, that's a lot of reading in 3 days! I'm flattered! Thanks again!
Triniroo: I know, I'm sorry! Anyway, don't worry too much about the twins and all. Hopefully this helped clear some of your worries.