Hei sorry it has taken so long to reply, I was totally stuck on how to write this chapter. It is a long one. I'm guessing this is the longest chap I'll ever write, I just hope it doesn't spoil it.
Chapter 10
Since baby Lily was born many changes had happened. Ron no longer through himself into work. Ron would spend most of his free time, at the Potters house. Ron loved playing with lily, talking to her, taking her for walks etc. The only problem Ron had was nappy changing he hated it. Ginny loved having her brother around more. Harry also loved having Ron around to. Harry had been very worried over Ron. Harry knew he was working far too much. Harry also knew why he did all the overtime, it all based down to Hermione.
Fred and George quite often called around to see Lily. Both of the twins were trying to get used to babies before there own came along. Both Verity and Angela were expecting twins within days of each other. Today the twins had came around with a new rattle. The little rattle was painted in shiny sliver paint with little bells hanging of it. The rattle had been made to sing a lullaby whenever the child seems upset.
Months had gone by and no one had heard form or even had a sniff out of Hermione. Everyone had come to the conclusion that she was happy and didn't want to be around her old friends anymore. Fred and Georges wives had had there children. Verity was very over protective over her two boys Jake and Justin. While Angela was the complete opposite. Angela daughters were Called Lucy and Gemma. Lucy and Gemma looked just like there mother but they had the naughty little streak of Weasley's in them.
The Weasley's/ Potter family often went out on family outing. Each trip was planed to perfection by Molly. Molly loved spending time with her grandchildren. Lily happened to be her favourite, not that she would admit this to anyone. Molly often looked after little Lily while Ginny and Harry were at work. Molly loved the fact she was allowed the privilege of caring for little Lilly. It wouldn't be to long before Molly would be looking after another child. Yet again Ginny was pregnant again. The Potters had decided that the family picnic would be a great place to announce it. Ginny had waited until she 8 weeks gone but couldn't wait any longer.
Today was going to be only a small picnic only Arthur, Molly, Ron, Harry, Ginny and Lily were going. Arthur had picked up everyone is his new and updated flying car. The car this time was a Renault Clio. The car looked ever so small on the outside but once you looked inside it was the size of a stretched limo. Everybody clambered in and put there safety belts on. Ron spent most the journey fighting his mother over playing with Lily. Ron liked to be the one Lily wanted, well apart from the parents he liked being the fun uncle.
The family had arrived at there usual spot in the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire. The Cotswolds was a lovely place. Perfect for a day out plenty of old houses in the distance a little stream to dip you feet in and the main reason was that it was quite.
Molly had already magically set up the picnic table and laid the food out; While Ron was throwing Lily around in the air. Lilly loved this but it was inevitably that eventually she would throw up. At the point sick immerged Ron was more than happy to allow Ginny to have her daughter back. Everyone sat around the large picnic table which looked more like an average dining room table. Ginny was waiting for the right moment to tell everyone she was expecting again. Harry knew that the news would be announced today but wanted Ginny to make the statement. The food was lovely; Molly had made such an effort. Ginny knew that she couldn't wait any longer to tell everyone, but she wanted to have a little fun in telling everyone.
"Mum I was wondering if it was ok with you if Lilly remained in your care still while we are both at work. I would understand if you would like a bit more free time for yourself. Not to mention you're getting a little older now, not being rude there"
Ginny knew the answer to this already but it was all apart of her cunning little plan. Ginny looked towards Harry and smiled. Harry knew where this subject was going but nobody else was any wiser.
"Ginny dear I'm surprised you had to ask that. I love looking after Little Lilly she lightens up my day. I've been asking to look after the other grandchildren to, I love the children being around me, and it makes me feel young again"
Ginny knew her mother would say that.
"I just thought I would check before I ask you something. Well I and Harry were wondering if you would mind looking after another child."
Ginny looked at her mother to see if she had cottoned on to the fact she was pregnant.
"Who's baby is it do I know them well?"
Molly hadn't cottoned on yet. By the look on Arthur's and Ron faces they had got it.
"Mum I'm pregnant again"
"AAAARRRR my goodness. Oh Ginny and Harry you know I would, let me come over there and give you both a hug. You to have just made my day"
"Mrs Weasley pulled her daughter and son in law in to a bone crunching hug"
Even though Molly was getting older these days her hugs seemed to be getting stronger.
"This calls for a celebration"
Ron ecstatically cheered.
Ron passed around fizzy Apple juice. Nobody had anything stronger on them, but seeing as Ginny couldn't drink it was a nice mark of respect.
Whilst on there way home everyone was talking about the upcoming arrival. Molly was already on about names. Arthur was talking about hormones, and how he can remember what Molly's had been like. Harry certainly wasn't looking forward to the mood swings. Harry remembered quite well how bad they had been in her last pregnancy. Ron was talking about buying them a double buggy so he could take them both to the park; telling them stories and continuing being a great uncle.
Years had past there had been quite a few additions to the family, but some things had stayed the same.
Harry and Ginny now had five children. There names are, Lily, Jasmine, the twins James and Sirius and little Rose.
Ron's life had remained the same he still lived Close to Harry. Ron still came over to the house every day, to see his nieces and nephews. The only part of Ron's life which was incomplete was the fact Hermione still wasn't around. Ron knew his feeling for Hermione would never die. Ron never spoke about these feeling to anyone at all. After all the reason why they were no longer together was because Ron couldn't control his temper and he didn't think before he reacted.
Hermione was still working as an Auror in Wales. Hermione had kept in brief contacts with Harry and Ginny. Hermione still hadn't come to terms with losing Ron. Hermione knew if wasn't her fault at the beginning, but surely after all the apology letters she should of forgiven him. Hermione still tried to hate Ron but she knew that this was impossible; she still loved him but she wouldn't do anything about it. The situation had gone on for far too long now to be resolved so Hermione thought.
The brief visits Hermione had to the Godric's were always on her own. Hermione used to drop Rachel at her parents house before arriving. At first Harry used to wonder why she came on her own, but this became a normal arrangement. Hermione had thought up that Rachel was very shy and didn't like meeting people. Rachel was completely the opposite though. Hermione also said that, it wasn't a god idea Rachel being around wizards because she's was muggle.
Hermione's daughter Rachel was the spiting image of Ron. Rachel was unbelievably tall for an eleven year old. Rachel's hair was the same, red apart from being a little bit bushy. Even when she was embarrassed, she would blush the same way Ron used to.
Rachel was like a mixed bag of the two, looks of her father and the wisdom of her mother, although she did have a stubborn side in her, which had to be Ron's.
Hermione often thought about the day when she would have to tell Rachel about the wizening world. Hermione knew it was more than likely that Rachel was a witch than not. There didn't seem to be a doubt in her mine obviously Hermione herself was muggle born and Ron was a pure blood, so there was a small chance she wasn't. The day when Hermione knew she was a witch was around nine years ago. Hermione had decided that Rachel was too old to have a dummy. Hermione had hidden them around the house, so she wouldn't find them. When Hermione went to check on her daughter she was in her cot surrounded by old dummies. This was totally unexpected at the time, but Hermione decided that she was too young to know about her world. Unfortunately Hermione had skipped the subject so much she knew she was on borrowed time, and she would find out sooner rather than later.
A few weeks later while Hermione was doing the washing, the muggle way, Rachel started running through the house, she sounded like a heard of giant elephant bouncing on the floor boards.
"Mum look I've got a letter"
Hermione knew what the letter was. The Hogwarts letters still looked the same as they always had. Hermione wished she had got the letters first; she could have thought how to explain everything to her. It was too late Rachel had already started opening the letter.
Rachel looked very confused she thought someone was playing a joke on her. Rachel looked at her watch which stated the date. Well it wasn't April fools. Rachel then realised that this was true she was in fact a Witch. Rachel dictated the letter to her mother. Hermione tried not to show that she already knew what it meant. Hermione was so proud of her daughter, but still couldn't come to terms with the fact her daughter was a witch, even though see already knew. Having a letter stating it brought it to realisation this was now a fact. All the thoughts and feelings that Hermione had experienced over the last twelve years came flooding back to her.
I have to tell her about our world I should be the one who does it. Lily Potter will be going this year to, what if she realises that they look very similar. What happens if Ron finds out? I shouldn't have lied for so long. Should I tell him? No I can't not after al this time! Why didn't I sort this out ages ago? Hermione's thoughts carried on for some time.
Rachel had noticed her mother wasn't speaking. Rachel was unsure on how to deal with the situation, of course she wanted to learn magic but did she want to go to a boarding school and be away from her mum.
Hermione and Rachel spoke together for what seemed quite a long time. The pair had finalised the details, Rachel was to go to Hogwarts and Hermione would have to sort out a great deal, so that Ron wouldn't find out.
The main thing that worried Hermione was that she would have to go to Diagon alley. Why didn't I tell her when I had the chance to, I should of then we could have gone somewhere else shopping. Hermione thought to herself. Hermione knew she should have told her, but how could she; it brought back so many memories. Hermione knew she was going to have to, she had to do something. Hermione didn't want her daughter not to get an excellent education, because of an argument years before. How could she pull this of?
Hermione decided to tell Rachel the truth but not about her dad, just the witch part of things, surely that part would be hard enough. Hermione knew that this would be hard but she couldn't keep this from her.
The start of Hogwarts was approaching quickly, so Hermione had to tell Rachel tonight. Hermione had been searching for things that might interest Rachel. Among a few things Hermione had found was a rather large old book, "A history of Hogwarts", pictures of Quidditch, and a few old photos of herself at Hogwarts and two bottles of butterbeer she had brought the previous day.
That evening Hermione had placed all the objects in a small chest of drawers. Hermione was cooking Rachel's favourite food, Pizza and chips.
Hermione and Rachel sat down at the table and began eating their dinner. Rachel could tell something was on her mum's mind and by the looks of it she was about to find out what it was quite soon.
"Rachel dear I have something we need to talk about"
Hermione sounded worried but she knew she had to do it. Rachel looked up at her mum and waited for her to carry on.
"Well this is something I should have told you a long time ago, so please forgive me for not telling you sooner. When I was your age I also received a letter, mine was also unexpected, you see Rachel I am also a witch! I was the first Witch in the family and I guess that's why I didn't think you would be one. I never did magic in front of you encase you weren't a witch, there was a possibility that you could have been a muggle"
Rachel took this news extremely well; she understood how hard this must had been for her mum. Rachel was upset that her mother hadn't told her earlier. Rachel also thought how her mother thought she was a muggle as she put it.
"Muggle"
Rachel asked exquisitely.
"Non magic folks"
Rachel realised from that moment on she had a lot to learn about the wizading world. Rachel was like her mother everything she was told was absorbed like a sponge. Hermione explained about the houses, and which house she used to be in. Rachel was fascinated over everything. Rachel could believe that there where witches and wizards living all around them and she was none the wiser about it, until now. Hermione passed her a few items that she had brought down stairs. Rachel looked very interested in the huge book, what was most fascinating thing see noticed was that the pictures were moving. Hermione helped explain everything which was in the book, while they enjoyed sipping down there butterbeer slowly.
Hermione was so glad she was the one could show her daughter all of this, when she was younger nobody told her anything, all she had was a book to explain things to her.
The evening progressed and by now Hermione was on a roll. Hermione had pulled out her wand and started showing Rachel a few things she would learn in up coming years. By now it was extremely late. Rachel knew that if she heard another piece of information tonight her head would explode it was so overloaded.
Hermione tucked Rachel into her bed. She kissed her daughter goodnight before turning of the lights. Hermione was very pleased with herself. She thought Rachel was going to go mad, but surprisingly she didn't she just listened and absorbed. Hermione quite surprised herself; she never thought she would be showing Rachel how to do spell's before she went to school!
The only problem Hermione had now was making sure that Rachel didn't find out who father was. Hermione had planed a day out for Rachel the following day; she wanted to show her some wizading villages. Hermione knew if she got most of the things she needed somewhere else from Diagon Alley the risk of seeing Ron was smaller.
As planed Hermione had woken Rachel and explained that they were going to visit, a wizading village.
Hermione decided, to go to Scotland first and buy al the books needed and some clothes so she would fit in well.
Hermione explained how wizards could travel. Hermione mentioned that her favourite was apparition, but you have to be 17 years old before you can do this. Hermione then explained the floo system; this is how they were going to travel today.
"Rachel what ever you do say it clearly and loudly, otherwise your end up somewhere else"
Rachel steeped in the fire place and shouted.
"Scotland mead centre"
And just as magic worked she ended up in the correct place. Hermione arrived a few seconds later.
"Mum that was amazing can we do it again"
Rachel tried steeping back into the fireplace.
"Hang on we have to go shopping first, we will be doing it again later on today"
Hermione decided to get Rachel's clothes sorted out first; she knew this would weigh less than all the books.
These days a lot of the witches' clothes were similar to muggle clothes. Hermione wished it had been the case years ago. The only things which hadn't changed much were the uniforms and the dress robes. One of the things which changed and Hermione thought was a great idea was when you brought your uniforms; it didn't have the logo on it. When you go sorted these days whatever the sorting hat decided, one of the professors would do a spell and your logo and house name would appear on your robes.
Once all the clothes and robes had been brought, the pair walked in a large book store. Hermione opened the letter Rachel had received and looked at the list of books. The list slightly surprised Hermione, all the books where the same ones she had when she was in her first year.
The standard book of spells grade 1 by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic By Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Wafling
A Beginners Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
While in the book shop Hermione noticed a book starting right at her. On the Cover was a picture of Harry, Ron, Hermione and a few out of the order. Hermione decided to buy the book. Rachel would have to know something about the war otherwise she might look further into it.
The only things they had left to get in Scotland were a Cauldron and a set of brass scales. The wand had to be form Diagon Alley. Diagon Alley had the most famous place to buy a wand. Ollivander was rescued for the dark lord. Ollivander waited many years before re opening his shop; he was still scared that he would be captured again.
Hermione and Rachel flooed back to there house to unload al the items they had brought. The last place they had to go was Diagon Alley. Hermione was really nervous about going there, what if she saw Ron. Surely if Ron saw Rachel he would realise it was his child.
All these thoughts went through her head, but one thing was for certain Rachel was going to get the best wand available. Hermione and Rachel yet again flooed to there destination. There was a big fight happing in the middle of the alley. Hermione thought this was quite lucky because most people would be focusing there attention on that rather than focusing there attention to them. Hermione walked quite quickly holding on to Rachel until they reached Ollivanders. The shop was still in the same location, and still looked very dark and shabby inside. The little bell rang when they walked inside.
"Miss Granger how may I be of assistance to you today I wonder"
Ollivanders always seemed to creep Hermione out; manly by the way he talked and acted.
Hermione explained that this was Rachel first year at Hogwarts and needed a wand.
Ollivander rummaged around the shop and brought a few dusty black boxes to the counter. Ollivander opened each box first studying each wand proudly himself, before passing them to Rachel. Rachel wasn't quite sure what she was meant to do so she started pointing the objects around the room. Rachel was proving to be different league to her mother. Finally the last wand which Ollivander had on the counter was passed over. This wand was 9 inches with a mixture of willow and ash it also contained a hair from a unicorn. This wand choice surprised Ollivander due to its unusual mixture of willow and ash. Hermione took all these details on board and realised that some of the ingredients in this wand Ron had in his. Not wanted to look upset that Rachel had inherited something else from her father, they quickly paid and departed the store. Just as they reached the fire place, Hermione heard her name being shouted from the distance, Hermione knew who this was and quickly plied Rachel in to the Fire place and made sure she flooed back home safely.
Hermione turned around as soon as Rachel had disappeared, there stood on his own, Ron. Hermione didn't know what to say she couldn't completely ignore him, she knew he was stubborn and would follow her. Hermione turned around.
"Hermione please can we talk it has been a long time"
Ron pleaded
"It has been a long time I have to say that you haven't changed much a apart from being taller"
Hermione had noticed a few other things, he was so musscley, so fit looking and still gorgeous, but she could of hardly of said that to his face. She didn't even know why she wanted to say anything to him. Ron could not be back in her life it was to risky. Even if she did want to it wouldn't work not now she had lied for so long.
"Well I always was one to be tall, but enough about that how are you? I was just wondering what you have been up to. I bet your daughter is around eleven now. I bet you and her father are very proud of her"
Ron tried to make a conversation.
"I'm quite busy right now, I have to get home and cook dinner"
Hermione lied she just couldn't get close to Ron again, everything would come out. Hermione decided to apparated right there, she couldn't floo back either encase he followed.
Ron was quite hurt over this he thought over all this time they would at least be able to have put the past behind them. Obviously there was no chance of that he thought. Maybe if he could write a letter to her, perhaps they would be able to be at least friends? Ron hated what had happened in the past, he didn't like the fact that Hermione had moved on either but he could accept it.
Hermione arrived back home, when she arrived she totally dazzled, Rachel, had never seen anyone arrive by apparition before. Another conversation emerged between them about there world. Hermione was only half concentrating. Hermione couldn't get the thought of Ron out of her mind. Why hadn't she have said she forgiven him and left it there. After all this time they had been apart there would be no way they would ever get back together. Ron probably had a new girlfriend. Hermione knew he wasn't married because Ginny would have written and told her, or would have she, they didn't write that much, and Ginny didn't really mention Ron.
Every single day Hermione would tick of a day on her calendar, each day which was ticked of meant another day closer till Rachel left to Hogwarts. Hermione only had 2 whole days left with her daughter, the thought of Rachel going away upset Hermione. Hermione hoped that she would enjoy it as much as she had. The only thing left to explain to Rachel was the war, obviously she had to know about that and the chosen one Harry Potter.
Ron went home early that night; he didn't do the normal thing of going to the Potters house, as he had too much on his mind…. Hermione.
Why couldn't we have sorted this out ages ago, why did I have to fuck things up. Our arguments never lasted long. But I never called her any of those names before, and oh how I wish I never called her them. I didn't mean it I was just upset at the time.
Ron thought about the past. Ron wanted to do set the score straight. Ron knew he had done wrong, he also knew he could never get back with her. Hermione now had a child and he guessed a steady marriage. The one thing that came to Ron's mind was that Hermione seemed to be hiding something but he didn't have a clue what that could be. Ron thought more to himself, it was probably nothing, it had been nearly twelve years since they have spoke she had just probably changed. The sparkle what used to be in her eyes was no longer there, he just hoped she was happy in what ever she was up to in life. The night seemed to be getting later, but Ron still had his mind on Hermione. Ron decided to write her one last time in hope for forgiveness, may be if she forgave him the feeling he had for her would settle down?
Dear Hermione
I know it has been a long time since I last wrote, but seeing you today maybe me think of writing to you. I as before want to say I'm sorry what I put you through twelve years ago. The memory still haunts me to this day. I'm guessing it's hard for you in a different way to me. I know you still are in contact with Harry and Ginny and you don't go there often because of me. If we could, I would truly want us to put this behind us. I don't believe it is fair that I get to spend so much time with Harry when you are worried to go around encase I'm there. If we could put this behind us we could be friends again maybe. I hope things are going well with your husband and daughter. This situation must also be weird for you to them not being wizards and all. As you noticed earlier on today I haven't changed much well apart from the height thing and looking a little older I guess. I'm unaware if you know I managed to pas my Auror training, quite quickly really I surprised myself.
You looked pretty much the same as I remembered. Your still very attractive even though your never believe me. Your hair is straighter now though it looks nice but I also liked it how you used to have it. I also noticed how thin you are; I bet trying to do things the muggle way is hard.
Please reply to me even, just to say don't write again. I miss you and I always have and I always will.
R. Weasley
Ron re read the letter many times hoping that he would get a reply. Finally when he had decided that it sounded god enough, he reached out to old pigwigdeon, placed it in his claws and sent him of in search of Hermione.
Ron didn't know where Hermione lived, not many people did Hermione thought it was safer this way. The letter arrived around 3 hours after delivering. Pigwigdeon was used to the trip now. If pig was a larger owl it would of only taken around an hour to deliver the letter.
Even thought Hermione was asleep when pig arrived it had woken her up. Maybe Hermione woke up suddenly because being a single parent you get used to being waken up at all hours, or maybe it was due to her job. Being an Auror can be quite scary sometimes, after arresting or having to kill someone there are always people around who want to come and get you.
Hermione walked over to her window and allowed the owl to fly in. Hermione in her sleepy state removed the letter from the clutches of the small owl. If Hermione was properly awake she would have realised that this was Ron's owl. As she unrolled the scroll, she recognised the writing instantly. Hermione wasn't to surprised that she had received a letter from him, after all she had seen him not long ago. Upon reading the letter tears formed in the corners of her eyes. Ron had thought she was married, the letter was really nice. Hermione sat back in bed and read the letter over and over again decided if she really want to write back to him or not.
The day before Hogwarts had arrived, Rachel know understood mainly everything she needed to about the war and basically about the wizading world. Rachel never in her dizzies daydream had ever expected her mother to be involved in the saving of the world. Rachel was very proud of her mother. Even now she now knew a lot about the wizading world, Hermione wouldn't let on to her daughter what she did for a living. Rachel thought this was quite odd but knew her mother wouldn't say anything else on the matter.
For Rachel's last day with her mother Hermione had planed to take her to a wizard's animal sanctuary. Hermione wanted Rachel to have a pet. Hermione knew her first day was going to be hard. Making friends is always hard. By buying Rachel a pet at least she would have some company.
Rachel was more like her dad she didn't appreciate getting up early at all, Hermione had already been up three hours awaiting for her daughter to emerge out of her bedroom. When it reached ten o clock Hermione couldn't wait any longer so she went to wake her up. Rachel would have normally been annoyed by this but seeing as this was her last whole day she would have with her mother until the holidays, she got up as asked.
Once she was dressed and had her breakfast they flooed to Hogsmead.
Rachel knew from the book her mother had given her, that this was the place school trips took place in her third year.
They walked around for a while before entering a large shop right on the outskirts. The window had many pictures of many magical creatures. Some Rachel recognised from some books her mother had given her. Inside the sanctuary there were owls, cats, rats, some rather weird looking animals. Rachel didn't know what some people would want with such ugly animals. Hermione awaited until they had been all around the shop before mentioning that if she would like an animal she could have one. Rachel's face lightened up. Never before had she been able to have an animal. After her mothers cat crookshanks had died, they didn't think they could put up with the pain of another animal dying on them. Rachel looked around again. Hermione was hoping she wouldn't pick a rat. Finally they reached the end of the aisle. Rachel put her hand in the little cage and picked up the smallest fattest looking kitten out. Hermione almost laughed with relief. The baby fat kitten did look quite cute Hermione thought to herself, it looked nothing like her old cat. Hermione paid for the cat and brought a few other items so it could travel in comfort. Rachel proudly named the little Kitten piggy. This time Hermione chocked.
"Are you sure dear?"
"Oh yeah it's so cute but he looks like a little fat piggy"
Rachel commented quickly.
The fat little kitten was a sliver tabby. Rachel placed a small little pink and sparkly collar on it before leaving the shop.
Hermione couldn't believe out of al the names she could have come up with she choice that!
Hermione and Rachel found the nearest fire place and flooded back home.
Rachel was playing in the living room with piggy, while Hermione started packing everything Rachel would need while she was away. Due to it being the last night together until the holidays Hermione cooked Rachel's favourite meal again, Pizza and chips.
Finally everything was ready for the next day. The trunk was by the front door already packed, piggy's belonging were waiting one top and the train tickets where placed on top of the case. Rachel was in bed trying to sleep unsuccessfully. Hermione was in her bedroom trying to sleep. Hermione mind was wondering everywhere. If she could pull of tomorrow nobody would figure it out. These thoughts filed her mind al night, she was totally full of worry, terrified encase they were seen.
Finally Hermione thought if they got there early enough and she put Rachel on the train without anyone noticing her it could just work.
I hoped you all liked this chapter, it's has been the hardest so far, but knowing my luck they are going to get harder each time. I also want to thank all of my reviewers, you guys are totally great and I love you all. I would also like to say I have now had over 2000 hits which is cool but please please review even if you don't like it, I would like to know. I always reply to every review because I think you took the time and I should use my time to thank you.
