Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter
Chapter 15: New Beginnings
The entire house was numb. For the first time in ages, Draco was in tears.
Parvati was thrilled to have him back.
"My mother is dead! My father is a Death Eater! This sounds so sappy, but how much of my family have I lost to the Dark Lord? Professor Dumbledore, can you…?"
"No spell can awake the dead."
Parvati stroked Draco's hand. Harry felt a lump rise in his throat. Ginny cried a little. Ron and Hermione were pale.
Dumbledore did something quite surprising. He smiled.
"She is not dead, Draco."
Draco raised his head, shocked. "And how do you know?"
"Mundungus has been tailing them. He was stationed in the woods in case something had happened, and he is currently following your mother's abductor. He reported just a half-hour ago, and says no harm has come to your mother."
"Yet."
"We must hope. We will find her. The Order has not always been successful, but we are a stronger union this time, and we are better prepared. We will find her."
Draco smiled. A surge of hope rushed to his heart. Dumbledore is insane, God, is he insane! But still, he is pretty helpful. I'm hoping, then.
Dumbledore left the room to contact the other members of the Order at the Riddle House, leaving Draco, Parvati, Mrs. Weasley, Ron, Hermione, Harry, Ginny, and Crookshanks in the room.
No one said anything. Then…
Ron cleared his throat.
"Ahem—I know this is a pretty bad time for—well, anyway, to get to the point, Hermione, would you—would you—would…"
He paused.
"Would you—like a cup of tea?"
Hermione looked perplexed. "Sure, why not?"
"NONONONO! That's not what I meant!"
The room was confused.
"Would you marry me?"
Hermione looked at him and blushed. She babbled away, "Oh! Well—I—no, couldn't possibly—marriage—unity—you-wow, I couldn't—want—really want—oh, God, I, no way, no, no, I want—yes. I will."
"Really?"
Which was not the romantic thing to say, but you know Ron.
Ron and Hermione were too busy blushing and looking at each other, to notice that Ginny and Harry were snickering at them.
"Yes, but…"
Ron's heart fell. Was she married already? Oh God. It was Harry. He'd kill him. No he wouldn't, he was his best friend.
"…Please do not slick your hair down, wear cowboy boots, or do anything ridiculous to make yourself more manly."
Ron agreed. Of course they went through all the sappy, romantic stuff before they left the room (and in front of everyone), all the kissing and hugging and crying…you get it.
Ron's heart soared. I've still got it!
Draco eyed Parvati, who was excitedly chattering with Ginny and Hermione. Maybe soon, when we can find Mother…
Harry was eyeing Ginny. Maybe…
