Celebration after celebration after celebration.
It seems that's all anyone did these days.
Wedding ceremony after wedding ceremony.
All across wizarding England, France, and the nordic realms a great many witches and wizards celebrated the beginning of a new turn for magical folk.
A people forced to be brought so low but that would not begin anew.
And multiply.
All across the land there saw a great number of witches and wizards alike with unions bearing fruit.
A new wave of wizarding children to come.
Or so it would seem.
Not all unions were so lucky.
And some continued to resist the unions they'd been forced into.
Or pretend that they didn't exist.
And that is how Hermione Granger found herself seated on the loveseat at Grimmauld place, tea cup in hand as her friends sat around her discussing the latest quidditch match.
In the few months since their "fated" unions they'd made it a point to get together every saturday in the late afternoon to late evenings to discuss the going ons of their day to day lives.
Which if Hermione was being honest had been a welcome respite from her home life.
Her "wife" wasn't the warmest of creatures and continued to more or less give her the cold shoulder whenever she so much as tried to make conversation.
Which suited her just as fine, although it did grate on her, but what else could she do really with a part veela wife that considered her lower than the ground she walked on.
She was no "Bill" and she'd voiced her annoyance with her friends.
Harry, Ron and Luna had been sympathetic to her plight with Ginny all but cursing the part-veela to all corners of the globe.
"You let her into your home, give her the master bedroom and cook for her! The least she could do is be grateful!" Ginny had gone on to say.
Which is how these weekly get togethers had started.
In an effort to stay connected and help escape the stagnant homelife that awaited Hermione.
"Blimey mione she sort of sounds as crazy as Ron did that time he ate those amortentia laced chocolates from Romilda," Harry states, this catches all in attendance off guard as all conversation pauses for a moment before a collective shake of the head transpires from them all.
"Impossible," Hermione says as she settles into her seat, 'but is it?' a small voice in the back of her head states.
"Will you be able to come, Mione?" caught off guard from her musings Hermione sputters for a moment before turning her attention to her red-headed friend.
"Come where Ronald?" Hermine asks as she sets her tea cup down.
With an amused roll of his eyes Ron repeats once more, "The burrow, mum's putting together a family dinner,"
"That would actually be lovely, thank you for the invitation," Hermione responds, earning herself a nod of satisfaction from her friend. And continues to observe the conversations of her friends, occasionally inputting her two cents into certain topics.
Right, any opportunity to be out of the house was a welcome reprieve.
- xxxxx -
Like most mornings Hermione found herself enjoying a cup of tea with a piece of buttered toast, Daily Prophet or Quibbler in hand. Although on this particular morning it happened to be the Prophet.
"Wizarding Marriage Law a Success"
The latest issue seemed to over embellish the continuing number of wizarding pregnancies since the marriage law had gone into effect.
And to some degree it had been a success, although for her own personal "marriage' if that's what you wanted to call it…..not so much.
She'd rather have been married to Millicent Bustrode than be stuck in this union.
"At least Millicent would have something more to say than hmpf" Hermione muses to herself as she takes a bite of her toast.
Anyone else would have done better really.
As the brown haired witch glosses over the Prophet's intake into the economy boost to come from the numerous wizarding children to enter the world in the coming year does a familiar set of heels click clack against the floor.
The veela herself in the flesh, Fleur Granger nee Delacour makes her way into the kitchen to set about her day.
She does not acknowledge Hermione and likewise the english witch does not acknowledge her in turn, tired of the numerous attempts made in the past few months.
The sounds of a pan being placed on the stove and the pouring of water from the kettle into a mug for coffee filters throughout the space as both witches set about their morning in relative ease.
Their usual routine, as Fleur had given no indication of wanting to converse any of the times Hermione had attempted to strike up conversation.
Finishing up her last bite of toast and washing it down with the last bit of tea in her mug, Hermione gets up from her seated position, gathers her plate and cup and makes her way over to the sink to clean and sort her used utensils.
The French witch pays her no mind.
Yup just a typical day for the two of them.
As Hermione puts her things on a nearby rack to dry she internally sighs, willing herself not to snap if the french witch responds in her usual biting tone.
"Mrs Weasley is putting together a dinner, we've been invited," Hermione breathes out as she turns to face the elder witch who's taken a seat at the comely dinner table, coffee mug in hand.
The elder witch's face betrays no emotions at first, looking at the younger in stunned silence as if registering the words just spoken.
"I am allowed to attend?" Fleur asks, setting her mug down.
"Yup, the allotted time for your restraining order spell is up sooo," Hermione drawls out as the french witch stays rooted to her seat.
"And William, will he be zere?" Fleur asks with an eerie calmness to her.
"Probably," Hermione responds in turn.
"Bon, when?" the french witch's response.
"Tonight," Hermione responds with an odd sense of trepidation abouts her.
"Am I correct in assuming that 'ou will be mai escort?" Fleur asks, as if sensing her invitation by proxy.
"Sure," Hermione responds, the reality of the matter grating on her internally. It was after all true that Fleur would never have been invited for it, not that she was Hermione's spouse.
Although the more Hermione thought about it, the more she began to feel a sense of unease about the matter all together. Fleur and Bill in the same vicinity, after their stunt a few months back.
It filled her with an odd feeling, not quite one she could decipher.
But one she was not quite ready to try understanding all the same.
"Amende," Fleur's singular response.
Understanding the word amende to mean 'fine' Hermione rolls her eyes in turn, "I'll meet you by the fireplace at quarter to 6," the english witch informs before turning from her partner and making her way out of the kitchen out the backdoor leading to the garden.
Some gardening would hopefully clear her mind and ease her nerves, especially the odd feeling she couldn't quite shake.
Xxxxx -
Appearing before the Burrow brought on an odd sense of comfort and foreboding for Hermione. Dressed in a simple pair of black slacks and a tucked in white button up shirt with a simple brown sweater to finish rounding out the outfit. Hermione could not help but feel slightly unease.
Her partner beside her remaining a polite distance to her side, an underlying buzzing energy.
Of course who wouldn't be if they'd be about to see the man they'd intended to wed before this whole ordeal, Hermione can only suppress a roll of the eyes as they make their way towards the door.
Mrs. Weasley greets them as she opens the door of her home to them. A warm smile directed at Hermione and a polite one for Fleur.
"So good to see you dears," she greets as she ushers them inside.
The interior is warm and homey. As has always been in the burrow, although the latter had been a bit sparse in the months after the war. Losing Fred did a lot to damper the spirits of the Weasleys. But tonight was different, the air felt new and joyful. A new chapter for all, especially after the hard fought war.
All of the remaining Weasley sons were now married with spouses and with potential children on the way?
At least according to the blasted spell, they'd all been matched with partners the most likely of which to produce offspring with.
As Hermione looked on, she noticed each Weasley child with someone at their side; George had been paired with Angelina Johnson, Charlie with a man with brown hair, Percy with a woman of petite size and dark hair, Ron with Luna and Ginny with Harry.
With the exception of Charlie and Percy, Hermione had been familiar with the partners chosen for the other Wealseys.
Charlie had been matched with a man by the name of Rolf Scamander a magizoologist who's grandfather had been instrumental in assisting Dumbledore defeat Grindelwald many years ago.
Percy likewise had been matched with a woman by the name of Genvive Kowalski, a second cousin of Rolf as they'd all been surprised to learn at Charlie's wedding when his family had arrived for the ceremony.
All were surprise for Fleur however as she'd opted out of not going to any of the ceremonies.
No doubt still reeling from the forced union she'd been forced to have.
Chancing a glance at her spouse, Hermione could see her eyes scanning the area.
One Weasley son was still notably absent and she'd no doubt be looking to see him again.
"Mione!" the boisterous voice of Ron rings out as he engulfs his erstwhile friend in a side hug, Luna in tow.
Taking her eyes off of her spouse for the time being Hermione returns the hug in earnest and greets her friends.
"We were starting to wonder if the wrackspurts had kidnapped you," Luna comments as she offers a warm smile to the brunette haired witch.
This earns a small smile from Hermione in turn as she responds, "No just took a while for Fleur to get ready,"
And it really had, the French witch had come in a stunning navy blue ruffle trim wrap dress by an italian designer Givenchy. The dress provided a beautiful flowing silhouette, a central press stud fastening, cap sleeves, waistband and flared skirt wrap style that fell with a complimenting gentle ruffle trim. To say the least the dress was stunning and left little to the imagination.
Hermione chances another look in the direction her wife had been only to see her mingling about with Charlie and his husband.
'Wonderful at least she won't accuse me of leaving her unattended,' Hermine thinks to herself as Harry and Ginny come to join their little conversation.
"Hey Mione, you look nice," Harry notes as he and Ginny join them.
Hermione chuckles in turn and moves to greet her friend and his wife with a hug of her own.
It was great to be amongst friends and loved ones.
"Listen Mione there's something I should warn you about tonight," Ron starts as Luna beside him grabs his arm and rubs it in comfort.
"If its about Fleur and Bill seeing each other tonight, I'm well prepared for it," Hermione responds. It was after all inevitable.
"I-It's not that you see-
"Bill!," The jubilant shout of Mrs Weasley interrupts them as all eyes turn to the newcomers entering the Weasley home.
It's then that Hermione's eyes open wide.
Bill Weasley stands in all his splendor at the entrance to the burrow, beside him his wife Penelope holds her hand to her stomach where a noticeable bump can be seen. Mrs Weasley frets about Bill and his wife, taking careful care to move to Penelope's other side and gush about her pregnancy.
It all happens in a flash, Hermione turns to where she'd last seen Fleur only to see the door leading to the back garden slam.
It's at this moment that Hermione does something that she'd later chalk up to Ancient spell mumbo-jumbo. But no sooner does the backdoor slam then does Hermione make a beeline towards the door. Chancing a last glance at her friends, a silent promise of an owl being sent their way later.
Hermione chases after Fleur as the french witch quickly strides a safe distance away from the Burrow, Hermione manages to catch the blonde by the wrist almost missing her as she apparates away.
That seems to catch the blonde by surprise as they both tumble into their living room a moment later, all grace and finesse out the window as Hermione lifts herself up from her face planted position on the ground. She makes to offer a hand to Fleur who's landed on her bum, only to have her smack her hand.
"Why did you do zat!?" the french witch shouts, cheeks red and tear stained.
"I only wanted to-
"Do what? Mock me? Tell me how much of an idiote I am!?" Fleur continues to shout as Hermione recoils at the harsh words.
"No!" Hermione shouts back in an attempt to assure the blonde.
It does little to stem the flow of tears that continue to pour from the french witch's eyes.
"Well I am, aren't I!? I-I waited all of zis time to see 'im again, thinking that he'd be aching for me just as much, o-only to see him well and moved on! With a bebe on zee way!" Fleur shouts into the air more than at any one.
This is what Ron had been trying to warn her about, Hermione notes as she takes a breath and moves to help the blond up again.
This time she does not rebuff Hermione's offer and allows herself to be assisted up. Does not fight Hermione when the brunette guides her upstairs to the master bedroom and does not say a word as Hermione tries to assure her that it will get better.
The french witch sits, cold to the world as she watches Hermione bid her goodnight and close the double doors behind her.
Only when the clicks go off signaling the door's closure does she break down, does she allow herself to feel the torrent of emotions within her.
She'd waited patiently for William, had thought that he'd been as distraught as she. Had felt that they were meant to be, hoped for a future with him.
And yet it would seem it hadn't been the same. He'd wasted no time getting over their separation, if the wide smile on his face and the loving look he'd directed at his wife was anything to go on. He'd moved on right proper and even had a child on the way.
A babe.
A bebe that should have been her's.
That should have been theirs.
- xxxxx -
A fitful sleep is what awaited her when she tucked into bed.
All through the night Hermione could only toss and turn as she kept thinking back to the look of utter devastation and grief evident upon Fleur's face.
Grief that she couldn't help but want to ease away.
An unknown pull, pulling her towards Fleur.
One she couldn't quite describe.
And that she wasn't sure she wanted to explore.
Getting up from her bed Hermione walks over to her desk and pens two quick letters and opens the window for her owl to send. The owl being a new addition to their home, a gift from Ron as he'd thought it odd that she didn't have one.
As the owl clutches her letters in its talons and makes its way out the window does Hermione look on as the sun has begun to rise on the horizon.
Right.
Might as well make breakfast and start the day.
Or at least make an attempt too.
After the previous night's events.
Taking a quick shower and changing out of her bedclothes and into a simple pair of jeans and grey v neck shirt does Hermione make her way down the stairs and into the kitchen. Making quick work of the tasks at hand does the brunett start the coffee maker and manage to make two sets of sunny side up eggs before settling into her usual seat at the dinning table.
It's only once she takes the first sip of her coffee does she hear a peck at the kitchen window.
'Must be either Harry or Ron's response,' Hermione thinks to herself as she gets up and opens the window for the owl.
Only the owl that comes inside, talon outstretched is not Harry nor Ron's. Or any owl that she's familiar with at all.
She looks at the animal with perplexion as she hands it a bit of bread from her breakfast and it nibbles at the bit while she takes the letter from its leg.
The first thing that strikes her as odd is the Gringotts seal on the letter.
Making quick work, Hermione breaks the seal and takes the parchment inside out to read.
Mrs Grangers,
Upon the notification of your union does Gringotts request the immediate action of the parties involved. A family vault has been created in response to your union and requires the appropriate signatures and diligence. A matter of urgency is requested.
Ligimeous Rooukwoude,
Hear Goblin of Vaults and Accounts
With a sigh Hermione provides an additional piece of bread for the owl before it makes its way back out the window.
It would seem that they would have to sort this matter with a new vault at Gringotts.
Matter of urgency, by that statement it would have to be taken care of that same day.
Great.
Hermione sighs once more before getting back to her breakfast.
No sooner does she take her seat than does Fleur stumble into the kitchen.
Hair disheveled and eyes bloodshot are the first things that Hermione takes note of, that and her choice of sleepwear.
Fleur having never left her room without looking like a model fresh off of a runway.
A stark contrast to her current appearance. Purple pajama pants with little grey stars and a purple tank top to match, purple silk robe to match.
Fleur makes no move to acknowledge the brunet and makes a beeline for the coffee maker, taking a mug out of one of the cabinets before pouring herself a cup and taking a deep sip.
It's only after she breathes a sigh of relief does Hermione speak.
"We're being summons to Gringotts this morning,"
Fleur sighs once more before answering, "what for?"
"A family vault has been created in response to our marriage, they want us to sign some papers," Hermione answers as she looks at the French witch's back.
"Must it be done today?" Fleur asks as she tries to keep her annoyance at bay.
"It's been deemed a matter of urgency," Hermione responds as Fleur sets her mug down, back still to her.
"Ámende," Fleur spits out as she sets her mug into the sink and states, "I'll be ready in a bit, let's just get zis over wiz," and promptly leaves to get ready.
So much for diplomacy, Hermione thinks to herself before tucking in to finish her breakfast before the French witch returns.
xxxxx -
"Zey summoned us to sign 3 slips of parchment!?" Fleur angrily states as she and Hermione make their way out of the bank.
It had been a simple matter altogether overall. They'd signed three papers with a multitude of additional papers informing them of what their new family vault entailed. They'd been issued new keys to go with their vault and had been informed that additional keys would be made for when they had children, Fleur had scoffed at that, much to Hermione's annoyance.
"It wasn't just three slips of parchment Fleur," Hermione responds as they make their way out of the bank and down the steps leading out of the financial institution.
"I beg to differ," Fleur responds, preparing herself for the many ways to explain it to her companion on why it could have been easier to owl the documents. She's stopped by the sudden appearance of two witches.
"Hermione?" The voice of a blonde witch with long hair and deep green eyes asks as she and a black haired witch with hair cut short stop in front of them.
"Daphne!?" Hermione states startled at the witch before her.
"It's been too long," the blonde states as she wraps Hermione in a quick hug, her companion beside her lightly grimacing at the interaction.
"Much, how have you been?" Hermione asks, choosing to ignore the blonde's companion.
"Oh you know, getting sorted after the war, having to get my affairs in order before marrying this one," Daphne responds, motioning towards her companion.
"Pansy, I'm so sorry I didn't see you," Hermione responds with an edge to her voice, extending out her hand for Pansy to take.
"Likewise," Pansy responds, extending out her hand to grip Hermione's in turn.
The two take a moment to grip each other's hands while Fleur and Daphne watch on.
"Oh where are my manners? I'm Daphne Greengrass-Parkinson, an old schoolmate of Hermione's," Daphne states introducing herself to Fleur.
Choosing to be polite Fleur responds taking the witch's hand in turn and kissing it, "Fleur De- Granger,"
"You got matched with Delacour? You lucked out Granger," Pansy states.
"It would seem you lucked out Parkinson," Hermione responds, jealousy laced into her words.
Understanding Hermione's words Pansy smirks before moving to stand beside her wife and wrapping an arm around her waist.
"Well not that this isn't fun but we really must be going," Pansy states.
"We must catch up sometime soon, perhaps you and Fleur could come over for tea?" Daphne states as Hermione nods numbly and the two Slytherin's make their way into Gringotts.
"Did you and zat woman-
"I'll see you at home," Hermione cuts the French witch off as she aparates away.
How could the day have gotten any worse.