Chapter 16
The next day, Hermione picked up her new dress robe from the tailor and met Ginny at the beautician. Upon arrival, they found that Pavarti was there with her now-pregnant sister Padma and Lavender Brown. Ginny and Hermione glanced at each other. Here we go!
That evening, at Viktor's flat, Hermione flicked away an imagined bit of dust from her robe, prompting her another cleaning charm on the robe.
"You look elegant, and when you wear your hair up like that, it begs me to kiss your neck," Viktor said and gave her neck a quick nip. "Those colors suit you well, my Gryffindor."
Her maroon robe with golden shoulder sash (and Order of Merlin medal) exemplified the pride in her house. Tonight was the inaugural Victory Ball, to celebrate the triumph of life over death, of light against the dark, and honor the brave lives lost that day against Voldemort.
"You don't look too bad yourself," she said, admiring his dress robe, complete with a satin maroon necktie that was adorned with a Durmstrang tie tack. He also wore the Krum family pendant.
"My father will present you with one at our wedding," he said when she ran her fingertips over the pendant. He kissed the tips of her fingers. "I long to finally make you mine."
She patted his chest. "It's amazing how far we've come. Who would have thought that asking a mousey 15-year-old witch to a Yule ball would lead to what we have today?"
"Who would dare call you mousey? You are more like the cat who caught the mouse, is what I think." The grandfather clock from the living room sounded the top of the hour. "It's time."
#
Inside the Ministry Ball Room, Ron leaned against the far wall with a glass of wine and watched the hundred or so people socialize. Three gorgeous blonde triplets caught his eye, smiling and talking with an admiring group of wizards. Ushers opened the double doors, and Harry and Ginny strolled in. He got another glass of wine from a passing waiter and went to Harry. He shouldered his way through the people surrounding Harry and Ginny.
"Got your speech ready?" he asked and gave Harry the glass.
"Yeah, thank goodness Hermione helped, even with the her wedding and all," Harry said.
"Is Hermione coming tonight, Mr. Potter?" one of the pretty triplets asked.
"Um… yes, she is," Harry said.
One of the triplets smiled shyly at Ron. He nodded in return. At the other side of the ballroom, Padma, Pavarti, Susan, Nicole and Lavender talked about the growing crowd.
"I can hardly believe you're actually going to be in her wedding," Lavender said.
"Well, believe it, I'm honored that she asked," Pavarti said. "She turned out to be a good friend, I feel stupid for not seeing it before."
"So she's not really so uptight?" Lavender asked.
"So swotty?" Padma asked.
Nicole and Susan scoffed in disapproval at their description of their sweet friend.
"No, not at all. She's funny, kind and as much a witch as you are," she said to Padma. "Just wait until you see her with Viktor."
The ushers opened the doors and with a flourish of music, Kingsley walked in. Cameras flashed and he waved to wizards and witches around the hall. He went to Harry, shook his hand, and took him aside to chat. The doors opened again to reveal Viktor and Hermione. Hermione removed her cloak and gave it to Viktor, who handed it off to a waiting usher.
"That's an elegant robe she's wearing," Padma noted.
Viktor whispered something in her ear, winked and signaled a nearby waiter. The triplets all called out to her and rushed to her, bestowing cheek kisses, all three talking excitedly. She smiled patiently and replied when she could get a word in edgewise with the three chatty girls.
"Who are those three?" Padma asked.
"The Firebolt broom models," Susan said.
One of the three whispered something to Hermione, who looked at her in surprise and answered with a smile. Ron watched the scene with an affectionate grin. Hermione had forgiven him for the home invasion stunt. She always forgave him, even when he thought he didn't deserve it. Congratulations, Krum. That amazing, beautiful witch is yours. He caught Viktor's eyes and raised his glass to him. Viktor nodded back and raised his glass in return.
"What was that all about?" Lavender asked.
"Let's just say that Ron has had a hard time letting go," Susan said.
"I'll say," Nicole snorted into her glass.
Arthur and Molly Weasley walked in with a muggle couple, obvious by their clothes.
"Who are they?" Padma asked. "He's one of the tallest men I've ever seen!"
"Nice suit though," Lavender said.
"Hermione's parents," Susan said.
"The minister invited them," Nicole said.
"We sure missed a lot not going back to school," Lavender said.
"Yes, you did," Susan and Nicole echoed.
When Kingsley took his place at the podium and straightened his robe, people took seats at the tables placed around the ballroom. Hermione, Viktor, and her parents were joined by the triplets. Hermione looked apologetically at Ginny and shrugged.
The triplets were pleased that Hermione didn't ask them to leave the table. In truth, the triplets didn't have many friends, so when the smart, famous, and nice Hermione Granger offered friendship, they jumped at the chance. Her parents, muggles they were, were friendly too. Cindy really wanted to sit at the table, because Ron Weasley was at the table next to them. Maybe he'll notice me! The minute she spotted him earlier, she could barely take her eyes off him.
Ron did indeed notice her, how could he not? She was one of the Firebolt models! When the gorgeous witch smiled at him, he could scarcely believe it, thinking that she was smiling at someone behind him. Thanks to three visits to the brothel, Ron had a new appreciation of witches. Now he knew why Viktor was so possessive, and why Hermione looked at him as if he were her favorite dessert. His thoughts were interrupted by the Minister taking the podium. He welcomed everyone to the ball and asked for silence as he read the list of names of those who lost their lives at the Battle of Hogwarts.
"The first hero, four years ago, Cedric Diggory."
There was a pause.
"Albus Dumbledore," he said, his voice wavering.
The list took ten minutes to read, and people were sniffling and wiping their faces with handkerchiefs, Hermione included.
"We will now hear from the man of the hour, Harry Potter."
The crowd stood, cheered, and clapped to a deafening tone, much needed after the sad naming of the dead. At the podium, he unfolded a piece of paper and began.
"Who would have thought that a scrawny eleven-year-old wizard, with no real sense of himself, would accomplish the impossible? I know of two who thought exactly that, and if you're not lucky enough to know them, let me introduce you to the best mates a scrawny wizard like me could ever have. Would Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger please stand?"
"I was only able to defeat Voldemort because of these two. It's as simple as that. They stood by me all these years with their strength and intelligence. They went through hell and back because of me and lived to tell the tale. Without these two, I would be the boy who died. Because of Ron and Hermione, I realized that I had something worth fighting for: the amazing and magical powers of hope, friendship and most of all, love. Thank you for your patient attention, enjoy the ball."
Hermione's voice called out and she held a wine glass aloft. "To Harry!"
The crowd did the same and one loud "To Harry!" was heard.
After the feast, it was time for socializing and dancing. Hermione made her way to Pavarti.
"Wasn't yesterday great? We're finally free!" Hermione declared. "When do you start at the Ministry?"
"Monday," Pavarti said ruefully.
"As in the day after tomorrow?" Hermione asked. "No time to laze about, you poor thing."
She turned to Padma. "You look beautiful, when are you due? Congratulations!"
"September," she said and nudged her sister in the ribs.
Viktor appeared at Hermione's side. He kissed below her ear and took her hand. She softly kissed his palm. The heated look they exchanged would have melted ice.
"Good evening ladies, excuse the interruption, but I have someone for Hermynee to meet," he said.
"Excuse me," Hermione said and left. Viktor guided her path, his hand never leaving the small of her back.
Lavender was fanning herself. "My God, you can feel the lust from those two!"
After Hermione met Bilius Reed, the band started another song. "Now we dance, pretty one," Viktor said and led his sweetheart to the floor.
"Good practice for the wedding reception," she said and rested her head on his chest.
"Indeed, although I look for all chances to hold you close," he said and kissed the top of her head.
Ginny was in seventh heaven on the dance floor. In her mind, life with Harry was going to begin tonight. She was going home with Harry after the ball; not a school dormitory or her cramped room at The Burrow. She was going to Harry's bed, his home, his heart. And there's not a thing mum can do about it! she thought defiantly.
"Gin, by that look on your face, I have to know what's on your mind," Harry asked and gave her a playful twirl as cameras flashed.
"You'll find out later," she returned and gave him a peck on the cheek.
Ron was talking to Bill when Hermione patted his back. "Ron? I have someone for you to meet."
Ron saw the gorgeous witch from earlier and jumped to his feet so fast it startled Bill.
"This is Cindy Masters, she wanted to meet you," Hermione said.
Of all the blokes here, she wants to meet me? Ron took her hand and kissed it. "Pleased to meet you, Miss Masters. Can I get you something to drink?" he asked and pulled a chair from the table.
"Please, Mr. Weasley, call me Cindy."
"When you call me that, I think my dad is standing here, call me Ron."
Hermione gave Cindy and encouraging wave and returned to Ginny. "Well done, can we add matchmaking to your list of accomplishments?" Ginny asked.
"It wasn't me! Cindy said it was love at first sight when she saw Ron and was too nervous to approach him."
"How can someone who looks that good be nervous about approaching anyone? My brother?"
Hermione shrugged. "Well, she probably sees him differently than we do."
#
Three hours later, about half the original crowd remained, the younger crowd mainly. The Weasleys were taking the Grangers home and Hermione wished them a good night.
"I'll be by Tuesday mum to pick you up for the final fitting of my dress."
"Okay pumpkin, have fun and enjoy the rest of your night."
"I will."
The only hitch of the evening was when Hermione was approached by a reporter from The Daily Prophet.
"Miss Granger, Pontius Waterstone, from The Daily Prophet; might I have a moment of your time?"
Pontius Waterstone? What kind of a name is that? "Only a moment? Is that a promise?"
"What do you think of tonight's events?" he asked, ignoring her sarcasm.
"It's been a wonderful evening."
"What do you think of the latest legislation passed just yesterday by the Ministry?"
"It's a piece of common-sense legislation that has long been overdue. I applaud the collective wisdom of the Wizengamot."
"Do you wish to comment on your upcoming nuptials?"
Scrubby reporter! "I make no comment on my personal life."
"Will any members of the press be in attendance?"
Hermione grinned mischievously. This could be fun! "As a matter of fact, yes, a reporter from The Quibbler will be present."
His hands dropped to his sides. "The Quibbler?" he asked blankly. The Quibbler at a wedding of the year?
"Miss Granger, I'm sure my boss would like to know why you've chosen that particular paper."
"In that case, you can quote me on this: I trust the integrity of The Quibbler and I appreciate the non-sensational nature of the paper. I trust them to report an accurate and tasteful account of the happiest day of my life."
"And you're saying that The Daily Prophet cannot be trusted in the same manner?"
"Simply put Mr. Waters, no. If you have no more questions, good evening sir."
He heard chuckling behind him and turned to see Harry Potter. Maybe the evening reporting could be salvaged.
"What do you have to say regarding Miss Granger's comments, Mr. Potter?"
"Oh, I agree with her one hundred percent."
Pavarti, Lavender, Susan and Nicole sat at a table and observed the last dance of the night.
"Okay, let's see if we can guess who's gonna get a good shag after tonight's festivities," Lavender said.
"That's easy, those two," Susan said and waved toward Hermione and Viktor, dancing close.
"Harry and Ginny too," Pavarti added.
"We are pathetic, with a capital P," Nicole said. "Here we are, playing idiotic guessing games about others, when we should be taking a wizard to our own beds."
"Yeah, tonight is supposed to be a celebration of life, isn't it?" Susan asked. "I'm going to do just that," she said, threw back the rest of her drink and left the table.
She marched to Neville, who was drunkenly examining a large potted fern, and whispered in his ear. He held out his arm and escorted her from the ballroom.