Disclaimer: Not mine, but J.K.'s
A/N: Hey y'all, how's it going? I'm sorry this took a while, but I'm glad you liked the last chapter! I'm glad everyone liked the "sex" scene, lol. If I write any more, it won't be any more graphic than it was. I believe sex is something special for the bedroom, and doesn't need to be written out any more than that. Also, I know- Norah Jones didn't exist back then, but I like her music, so let's pretend she does. Or if it bothers you that much, then just imagine it to be Ella Fitzgerald or Billie Holiday- another two awesome jazz singers. Also, good point GreenEyedUnicorn – I hadn't considered those points really, so this chappie is dedicated to you. Now, onto the chappie!
Love Means Never Having to Time Travel
Chapter Twelve: Proposals are Catching
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"Doubt that the stars are fire; doubt that the sun doth move; doubt truth to be a liar; but never doubt I love."-Shakespeare
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"I swear, proposals are catching," Hermione said with a laugh at dinner.
"I have to agree with you," Fred nodded as he applauded politely with everyone else.
It was nearing the end of March, and in the past few weeks, several couples had announced their engagements. Most notably, Frank Longbottom and Alice Taylor. Anthony Collins and Melisande Goyle also announced their official betrothal in the Daily Prophet, as did a number of other Slytherins with arranged marriages. It seemed that James and Lily's engagement had a domino effect.
"We should join the engagement parade," Fred joked.
"Yeah, except we're already married," Hermione laughed, then switched to mind-speak. "I wish we could be here for Lily and James' wedding though. I would love to have that memory to add to Harry's pensieve."
"Remus was there I'm sure, so we'll just ask him to add it before Harry's birthday," Fred pointed out. "And besides, as nice as it's been here, I'm dying to get back to our family and friends. Not to mention I don't want to have to worry about accidentally slipping something about the future anymore."
"Don't worry, I know, and I completely agree. There's just a part of me that can't help but want to stay. We've built up a new life for ourselves; we have friends and careers, not to mention each other. I guess that's the main reason I'm nervous about going back, even with all the anticipation at the same time. I wonder how everyone will react to the fact we're married, and for nearly a year. Or it will be by that point."
"Don't worry. All my brothers love you. Ginny will finally be thrilled to have a sister, since all my brothers seem to be content with dating right now, nothing serious. And Mum will be absolutely beside herself with joy to have another daughter, and to know that you're a part of her family finally."
"I know that, or my brain does, but the rest of me can't help but be nervous," she sighed. Fred grabbed her hand and pulled her closer, giving her a quick kiss.
"Well don't be," he whispered in her ear as he helped her up from her seat. "You've no reason to. Now come on, we've got a while till class starts, and I can think of some things to do in that time."
"Insatiable, aren't you," Hermione smirked as she purposely rubbed up against him in a manner that screamed seduction.
"Only for a taste of you," his voice was husky as he whispered in her ear, sending chills up and down her spine.
It had been a few weeks since they had made love for the first time, and things couldn't have been better between the two of them. They were closer than ever, knowing each other intimately, both physically and mentally. There had been a slight scare when they realised they had forgotten the contraceptive charm, but luckily, Hermione didn't get pregnant. It wasn't that neither of them wanted children; they both wanted a large family. However, neither was sure if there would be any effect on a fetus when the time came for them to travel back to the future. Not to mention, both agreed that they were a bit young to be having children.
"While I could say the same back, we have a few papers left to finish grading," she answered, laughing at the pout he put on.
"I thought we finished them last night?"
"Nope, someone distracted me," she poked him in the chest. "So I couldn't finish."
"Well it's not my fault you're so pretty and I can't keep my hands off you," he shot back.
Since that first time they made love, they seemed to have an insatiable need to be close to each other physically. They hadn't had sex again, but the need to kiss, and touch, and just cuddle distracted them a great deal, though it had been partly expected. Hermione and Fred had done a fair amount of research on blood-marriage-bonding, learning all they could about it. Hermione had, logically, wondered how it was that they had been married through the simple act of sharing blood, when there were things like wars with a good deal of that going on. Traditionally, it was used in ancient times when women were treated like slaves. The blood-bonding allowed for the husband to keep track of the woman, and secured her loyalty and fidelity to him. Apparently, there were also several requirements that had to be met before it could work. The couple had to be a male and female, not more than fifteen years apart, and not older than thirty, as well as able to have children. Luckily, or unluckily for them, they happened to meet all those requirements.
"Do those lines even work?" She laughed as she hugged his arm.
"Not for me, though they certainly seem to work for Sirius," he joked, referring to the numerous girls Sirius dated, or more accurately, shagged.
"Oh I know," Hermione rolled her eyes.
As much as she liked Sirius, both now and the little she knew him in the future, she couldn't stand several aspects of his behaviour. He was often loud, crude, and uncouth, unless he was talking to a girl, and then he was flirting shamelessly, using cheesy pick-up lines and cliché sentiments. He loved women, everything about them, from their looks, to their bodies, to the way they spoke and moved. He would charm a girl into his bed, and then that was usually it for her. The only thing that made it somewhat all right was the fact that the girls knew this, and didn't expect any emotional attachments.
Hermione suspected that Sirius' prowess with the girls was just one more reason that Severus disliked him. If things had been tense between the two before, it was increased tenfold now. Severus had in no way forgiven Sirius, or any of the marauders, for the incident. He was still a little cool towards her also, especially after having drugged his hot cocoa that night to make him sleep. He had been furious with her in the morning, and had stormed into her room, yelling. Like natural siblings, they argued furiously with each other, while an amused Fred simply threw up a silencing charm. Severus was angry that they had drugged him, even though he understood her reasoning why. But like any Slytherin, he wasn't about to back down, and had left the room in a huff. Things had improved between them, though there were still tense moments.
Again, Hermione had wondered if she was allowing her relationship with Severus to become too familiar, but like usual, she couldn't bring herself to care too much. She truly considered Severus to be a brother, just like Harry and Ron were. And as long as they weren't in classes, she had no qualms with his behaviour towards her. She had deserved his anger, since she probably shouldn't have given him sleeping potion laced hot cocoa. But she also knew he was stubborn, and wouldn't take any willingly, hence her rationalization for what she had done.
"Stop feeling guilty about Snape," Fred nudged her in the ribs with his elbow, bringing a stifled squeal from her.
"Don't do that!" she smacked him on the arm. "And how'd you know I was thinking about him?"
"You had that kinda sad, kinda contemplative look on your face," he answered. "And it means you're either thinking about him, or the future. As we've just had a talk about the future and all, I guessed it was Snape's turn to occupy your thoughts. Merlin, that sounded creepy. I should be the only guy occupying your thoughts."
"Oh shut it," she laughed. "But yes, I was. I guess I'm just hoping he'll completely forgive me. I only had his best interests at heart. Besides, you know me, I hate having people angry with me if I can help it."
"I know, but did you stop to think that maybe it's better this way?" Fred asked the question hesitantly as they entered their small study.
"Why?" Her tone was low, a warning sign to Fred that she was getting angry, but trying to keep her temper in check.
"Well, you're always worried about us affecting the future," he began gently. "This way, we don't have to worry about him getting too close, and thus getting hurt even more when you leave. You can just let him grow into his own person knowing you've helped him. And when we get back to our time, you'll be able to talk to him again, and explain what happened."
"Like he'll give me a chance to?"
"He will if you silence him and tie him to his chair," Fred smirked at that image.
"Fred!"
"You know I'm kidding Mya," he grinned, but quickly spoke when she gave him a look of disbelief. "Okay, so maybe I'm not. He's a lot like Ron in some ways, though Ron would kill me if he heard me say that. Snape is stubborn. He knows he shouldn't be holding a grudge, but his pride won't let him forgive you totally. But again, just don't worry about it. As far as we know, we've done all we're supposed to do to help him. So just be content with that bit of knowledge, and don't worry about him. Especially since we know he's okay in our time. Even if he is a total git."
"Honestly," she rolled her eyes with a huff.
"Honestly," he mimicked her, tugging out the chopsticks holding her coiled braid up, and then undoing the braid. "I like your hair down."
"It's too hard to deal with down, and always gets in my face," she nearly purred, as Fred was currently running his fingers through her hair, lightly massaging her scalp, and then moving down to her shoulders and neck. "Though I'll leave it down if you keep doing that. I think you've got magic hands."
"Well I am a wizard; everything about me is magical," he waggled his eyebrows up and down.
"Oh I love you," Hermione giggled as she wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.
"I love you too," he whispered back, bending down slightly as he wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her off the floor as he straightened back up.
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"You know what day is coming up, don't you?" Sirius said excitedly, throwing himself into one of the armchairs in the corner where James, Peter, and Remus were working on Transfiguration homework. Lily had gone to the library to look up something for an independent charms project she was doing.
"Uh, Easter hols?" Peter answered absently, not really looking up from the parchment he was scribbling away on.
"No!" Sirius slapped his hands down on the table, gaining their attention. "April first…which is…?"
"Only the number one day specifically sanctioned for pranks and mischief making everywhere!" James' eyes lit up as he caught on to what Sirius was so excited about.
"Exactly! And you know what that means of course."
"That we have to uphold our legacy as the most brilliant pranksters in all of Hogwarts," Remus gave a slight grin, shaking his head in amusement.
"Yes!" Sirius pumped a fist into the air. "Now, we just have to come up with a prank."
"What do we want to do this time, something to the Slytherins?" Peter asked, putting down his quill with a sigh. He wouldn't be getting anymore work done for the evening.
"As fun as that is, I think we should go big!" Sirius exclaimed, throwing his hands up, emphasizing his words. "Something that will affect the entire school and professors."
"Sounds good," James nodded enthusiastically. "Though I think we should make it harmless. You guys know I love pranking, but I also want to stay on my fiancé's good side. So I think we should do something fun, but harmless. We want people to laugh, not get angry or uncomfortable."
"She's already got you by the balls man," Sirius groaned.
"I agree with Prongs," Remus and Peter said at the same time. They looked at each other, chuckling, before Peter motioned for Remus to speak.
"We're nearing NEWTS and OWLS and the finals Padfoot, we don't want to stress anyone out," Remus gestured to all the textbooks lying on the table in front of him, James, and Peter. "The teachers are piling on homework, and people are already studying for the various exams. If we do a prank, a light-hearted prank, we'll be remembered a lot more fondly by everyone than if we did a cruel one. You know it Padfoot. Besides, a prank that de-stresses people will make you a hero among the girls, I'm sure."
"Well, when you put it like that, how can I refuse?" Sirius grinned and clapped Remus on the back. "Now, what do we want to do?"
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"What on earth is going on?" Hermione stared around in amazement as she and Fred walked into the great hall.
It was April first, and Hermione and Fred had gone to the great hall for lunch like usual. However, the scene in front of them was anything but. The long tables were gone, as was the floor. It was replaced by dozens of red and white checked picnic blankets spread out on lush green grass covered ground. Each blanket could hold about ten students, and also had a large picnic basket in the middle of it, that presumably held food and dishes and silverware.
"I don't rightly know, but I presume this is thanks to the marauders," Fred replied as they made their way towards the front of the hall where a table had kindly been left up for the professors who were not as limber as they used to be, and needed chairs.
"Ah, Greg, Mya, how are you both today?" Albus greeted from where he was sitting on a picnic blanket. However, he was comfortably reclining on a bright purple bean bag.
"Quite fine sir, and yourself?" Mya smiled as a few dozen butterflies suddenly appeared, landing on people's noses.
A purple butterfly flew towards her and landed on her nose, as did a green one to Fred. Hermione giggled at the tickling sensation it caused from landing on her nose. It sat there for a few seconds before disappearing with a pop. As it did, Hermione felt a warmth spread through her body, and instantly felt a sense of calm come over her.
"The marauders it seems, have decided the staff and students needed a vacation from stress. At least for the afternoon," Minerva smiled from her spot on the cloth. "Brilliant bit of transfiguration if I do say so myself. The whole floor into a grassy spread. Unbelievable."
"And their charm work!" Filius squeaked as he clapped his hands, delighted. "The butterflies are a bit of conjuring, but they've had a serenity charm added in, as well as a time charm so they disappear upon a few seconds contact with skin!"
"It seems to have been a good idea," Hermione observed as she looked around the great hall from her spot on the blanket.
All the students were talking and laughing, enjoying the 'picnic' that had been made. Even the Slytherins seemed to be admiring the skill it had taken. At that moment, the four boys walked in, and were greeted with a large round of applause. They took bows, enjoying the limelight, and James waved his wand and glittering words appeared above his head.
The Marauders would like to wish everyone a happy, relaxed, and stressed free April Fool's day. Enjoy!
Everyone clapped once more, and some of the Slytherins even called out their compliments. James caught sight of Lily waving at him from about mid-way in the hall. Smiling broadly at the sight of her, he immediately bounded towards her, Peter and Remus following behind at a more sedate pace. Sirius also started to follow them, but a few blankets in, one of the Hufflepuff sixth years gave him such a fetching smile, that he found himself stopping there to enjoy his lunch, as well as a bit of flirting with a pretty girl.
"I think those boys are growing up," Pomona gave a watery smile. "Everyone is growing up so much faster than they should have to."
"There, there," Albus smiled, patting her on the hand. "I know precisely what you mean, my dear. War can do that to anyone. However, I don't think this latest prank was so much growing up, as much as it was being courteous to their fellow students, and showing an understanding of the circumstances. This I believe is thanks to a sense of wisdom that is almost beyond their years."
"Come now Albus," Otto spoke up a moment later, breaking the sad silence that seemed to encompass their blanket. "This is supposed t be a relaxing day. Those four have given it a good start, so let's help them with it."
"What do you suggest Otto?" Albus smiled, his eyes twinkling.
"Start with cancelling the rest of today's classes for one thing," Otto replied propping himself up with one elbow.
"Maybe organise some impromptu quidditch games for the afternoon," Hermione threw out a suggestion.
"Good idea love," Fred pressed a kiss to her temple. "Students against students, or even some students against teachers. Anyone can play, house doesn't matter. And maybe this evening we can hold another dance party. Just real casual, to let students blow off more steam."
"I'll give my nephew a call, the one who works at the WWN, and have him send over someone to DJ for the dance," Otto spoke up again.
"Wonderful!" Albus nodded his head as he stood up, casting sonorus on himself. "ATTNETION STUDENTS, PLEASE, FOR A FEW ANNOUNCEMENTS. AFTERNOON CLASSES HAVE BEEN CANCELLED. INSTEAD, WE WILL BE HOSTING SEVERAL PICK-UP GAMES OF QUIDDITCH, OPEN TO EVERYONE. WE WILL ALSO HAVE A CASUAL DANCE PARTY THIS EVENING, IN KEEPING WITH OUR STRESS-FREE DAY OF RELAXATION. THANK YOU."
Immediately, cheers and applause broke out, and several students went over to James, Sirius, Peter, and Remus to congratulate them on their 'prank' which had led to the 'stress-free day of relaxation' for them all. The teachers also shared looks because one, they were happy that the students were so happy, and two, because they had their afternoons free from lessons, and could also relax.
As soon as lunch ended, Fred immediately headed for the quidditch pitch, as did a number of students. Hermione met up with Lily and several of the other seventh year girls, and they made their way to the pitch also, but to watch and not play. As they seated themselves, they noticed the boys had already split up into teams. They Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs had merged their two teams, picking the best players from each. The Slytherins and Ravenclaws had done the same, as well as having taken on Fred as a beater. Hermione knew that Fred was an experienced player, but as he flew around, she couldn't keep her heart from jumping to her throat each time he performed some risky maneuver. Lily also appeared to feel the same, and would occasionally grab at one of her friend's arms, hiding her face each time James did a crazy stunt.
When their game finally ended, with the Gryffindor-Hufflepuff team winning, it was nearing dinnertime. Everyone headed to their dorms; the boys to shower and change, and the girls to also get ready. Casual dance though it may have been, they all wanted to look nice. Hermione threw on a pair of black trousers with a lightweight sweater in a delicate shade of lilac. Fred emerged from the shower in gray slacks and a black button-up shirt.
"Ready to go?" He asked as he finished spiking up his hair.
"Yeah. I wonder if the marauders have planned anything else for today?" She mused.
"Well you never know with those four, but I'd say no. I think they're content with what they did this afternoon," Fred replied absently.
"Are you okay?"
"Huh? Yeah, of course, why?"
"Your mind seems to keep wandering."
"I've just got something on my mind," Fred shrugged his shoulders. "Nothing bad, don't worry. It'll be resolved by the end of the evening."
"Okay. You know where to find me if you need to talk," she gave his hand a squeeze.
They walked the rest of the way to the great hall in a comfortable silence. When they entered the great hall, Hermione couldn't help but give a little squeal of delight. Albus had really gone all out for a simple party. The great hall now resembled a nightclub; little round tables lined three of the walls. The fourth wall held a bar serving all sorts of non-alcoholic beverages, next to a large table piled high with food. On the dais where the teacher's table usually was, now sat the DJ and his equipment. Floating around in the air were different coloured lights shining down and illuminating the floor, as well as the occasional strobe light.
"Grab a table?" Fred suggested as he too looked around in awe.
"No, let's go dance!" She grabbed his hand and dragged him out onto the floor just in time for an upbeat song. Watching the students around them, they easily picked up on some of the more popular disco moves, laughing as they did so. They tore up the dance floor for a good two hours, dancing both with each other, as well as a few of the braver students who asked.
"You wanna get a breath of fresh air?" Fred asked as a particularly fast song came on.
"Sounds wonderful," Hermione nodded, wiping her forehead.
Between the dancing and all the people in the great hall, it was rather warm. Lacing his fingers through hers, they walked outside and onto the grounds, making their way towards the lake. It was a beautiful sight; the sun was setting, it's crimson and gold heat reflecting off the smooth surface of the water. Nearing a large, flat boulder, Fred lifted Hermione up onto it, before hopping up to sit next to her, both silently enjoying the moment.
"I love thee, as I love the calm
Of sweet, star-lighted hours!
I love thee, as I love the balm
Of early jes'mine flow'rs.
I love thee, as I love the last
Rich smile of fading day,
Which lingereth, like the look we cast,
On rapture pass'd away.
I love thee as I love the tone
Of some soft-breathing flute
Whose soul is wak'd for me alone,
When all beside is mute.
I love thee as I love the first
Young violet of the spring;
Or the pale lily, April-nurs'd,
To scented blossoming.
I love thee, as I love
the full,
Clear gushings of the song,
Which lonely—sad—and beautiful—
At night-fall floats along,
Pour'd by the bul-bul forth to greet
The hours of rest and dew;
When melody and moonlight meet
To blend their charm, and hue.
I love thee, as the glad bird loves
The freedom of its wing,
On which delightedly it moves
In wildest wandering.
I love thee as I love the swell,
And hush, of some low strain,
Which bringeth, by its gentle spell,
The past to life again.
Such is the feeling which from thee
Naught earthly can allure:
'Tis ever link'd to all I see
Of gifted—high—and pure!"
"That was beautiful Fred," Hermione kissed his cheek, eyes damp from the pure emotion coursing through her.
"You told me that it was the honesty and feeling that counted more to you than some big production," Fred whispered. "Now I'm not all that good with words, so I borrowed someone else's, but I think they come about as close as I could to describing how I feel about you."
"What are you saying Fred," Hermione pulled back slightly to look him in the eye.
"I'm saying I love you Hermione Granger Weasley," he pulled out a small velvet box and flipped it open, revealing a diamond solitaire ring set in gold. "And I don't think I can live my life without you. Will you do me the honour of staying my wife?"
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A/N: Well that's it for the end of the chapter- and yes, I'm being evil and leaving it as a cliffy. So now you have some incentive to review, yes? Yes. Lol. My apologies for taking a while to get this out, but y'all know how busy life can get. This past week was homecoming week at my school, so I was involved with a lot of different school activities, not to mention I was working on some personal issues. By the way, the poem is entitled "I Love Thee" by Eliza Acton. One of my favourites, and holds a very special place in my heart. So anyways, review if you want, I always appreciate it!