All characters are property of JK Rowling and I do not make a profit from this story.
Beta: Roman's Sundial
Chapter Forty-One: A Weasley Ritual Knot
Hermione Granger – Present Day
May 23, 2000
"Draco, it's the Dark Mark!" Hermione said, a feeling of Déjà vu washing over her.
"We have to go, now!" Draco said, panic in his voice.
"We can't! There's an anti-disapparation jinx that goes into effect anytime the Dark Mark is casted!"
"What do we do then? Hermione, I-I can't get caught here…"
"I know, I'm thinking!" Hermione bit her lip; there was really only one option that she could see, and she had to do it quickly before Ministry officials showed up. "Quick, take off your clothes; just stay in your boxers."
"What?"
"Just do it!" Draco did as he was told as Hermione stripped to her bra and underwear. She then laid down on the blanket and pulled Draco on top of her. "Just follow my lead and do exactly as I say," she said, putting her lips to his. As soon as their lips touched, they heard voices coming towards them. "Aah!" she screamed, acting as if she had no idea what was going on.
"They're over here!" came someone's voice. As expected, they were instantly surrounded by several witches and wizards, including, to Hermione's horror, Arthur Weasley.
"Hermione?" came Arthur's shocked voice once he noticed her.
"Mr. Weasley, what's going on?" she said, trying to cover herself.
"We should ask you the same!" came the voice of Rubin Yaxley.
"What do you mean? We were on a date and thought that this would be a private area to- Oh goodness! Draco, look! It's the Dark Mark!" she exclaimed, looking up into the sky.
"What? But how?" he asked, following her lead and looking up into the sky as well.
"Cut the charade," came Kingsley's voice. "You mean to tell us that you did not see it?"
"No, Minister; my eyes were focused on something much more beautiful," replied Draco.
"And you, Ms. Granger?" asked Yaxley. "You were after all, er, on the bottom."
Hermione blushed. "Yes, I was, but, er, see, I close my eyes…"
"Enough with this rubbish!" snarled Kingsley.
"Kinglsey," started Arthur. "It obviously wasn't them; let them make themselves decent and let's go. The person who has conjured it is still out here."
"The person who has conjured it is sitting right in front of us! I am not about to walk away from a known Death Eater who is sitting under the Dark Mark!" Hermione made to reply to the Minister, but Arthur gave her a look that said for her to remain silent.
"You know very well that Mr. Malfoy here is no longer a Death Eater."
"You do not know him!"
"And you do not know Hermione Granger. I can assure you that Hermione would not allow for anything like this to happen in her presence. Besides, clearly they were occupied with something else."
Hermione blushed again, but lifted their wands and mustered the courage to speak again. "You can check our wands; the last spells we casted were wards that we put around us to ensure our privacy."
"Where are the wards now, then?" asked a witch whom Hermione did not recognize.
"The jinx that is attached to the Dark Mark that the Ministry created not only stop anyone from disapparating, but it also removes all wards," answered Arthur.
"Do you vouch for her, Arthur?" asked Yaxley.
"I do; and she vouches for Mr. Malfoy so that's good enough for me."
"Myself as well, then. Let's spread out; the real culprit must be near." Everyone left Draco and Hermione to search the area (including Kingsley, thankfully) except for Arthur.
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley," Hermione said to him.
"Arthur nodded. "I can't say that I am not disappointed to see you like this, Hermione. Get dressed and head out of the woods; you should be able to apparate home once the Dark Mark is out of view." He walked away from them, and Hermione and Draco dressed in silence. They did not speak the entire way out of the forest either, and didn't communicate when Draco grabbed her hand and apparated. In fact, not a word was spoken until they were at Malfoy Manor, in the backyard, and alone.
"Hermione, thank you," Draco started to say. Hermione merely nodded but said nothing. "Are you okay?" Again, Hermione said nothing, but shook her head no. Draco instantly went and put his arms around her, and she broke down crying. She knew she did not have to explain to him why she was upset. She did not regret her decision in helping him and knew that pretending they were sharing a private moment was the only believable story, but the look of disappointment on Arthur's face was enough to cause her extreme shame.
"Draco."
"Not now, Mother," he said quietly, when he heard his mother approaching. Hermione quickly tried to wipe away her tears, but it was no use."
"What is the problem?" Narcissa asked Draco, clearly noticing that Hermione was upset.
"The Dark Mark appeared moments ago. We're fine, Hermione is just upset," he said, trying to explain to his mother but also keeping the situation private. "I'll come see you inside soon," he said to his mother, trying to give Hermione some time to calm down.
"It's fine," said Hermione, wiping her eyes on her sleeve. "Is everything okay, Mrs. Malfoy?"
"If there is a Dark Mark, then clearly not," she said to Hermione. "More so, the intruder came back."
"What?" said Draco, pulling out his wand.
"He is gone; he couldn't get onto the property thanks to the Fidelius Charm, but I watched him walk around the perimeter as if trying to find a way in."
"Were you able to see who it was?" Hermione asked.
Narcissa shook her head. "He had his hood up once again."
Draco sighed heavily. "What else can go wrong today?"
Harry Potter – May 31, 2000
Harry's head was pounding when he arrived at The Burrow. It had been just over a week since the Dark Mark appeared, yet the conjurer was never found. Seven bodies were found the same night that the Dark Mark had appeared, yet the culprits were never caught. The Daily Prophet of course had a field day, and both the Order of the Phoenix and the Auror department were being criticized. Angry that Hermione had called her out in front of everyone, Rita Skeeter had been seeking her revenge, and finally found it. "Oh, it's just you Harry, thank goodness!" said Molly, as Harry entered the kitchen. "I was worried it was Hermione."
"What's wrong with Hermione coming?" Harry asked. "I thought she was supposed to be here for dinner, anyway?"
"Yes, of course she is, it's just that… Well… I suppose you'll find out soon enough as well."
"Find out what?"
Ginny, who had arrived at the Burrow before Harry did, clearly knew what her mother was talking about. "Read this," she said, handing him the Daily Prophet, already opened to an article. "It has been well over a week since the Dark Mark had appeared, yet still, a culprit has not been brought forward, writes Rita Skeeter, head journalist at the Daily Prophet."
"Here, start there," Ginny said, pointing to a paragraph halfway down the page.
"Some new information has been brought forward, however. Although the Ministry of Magic claims that nobody was found at the clearing where the Dark Mark was seen, an anonymous source has come forward and revealed that there were in fact two people found in a compromising position. "They claimed that they didn't see the Mark as they were too busy doing you know what," said the anonymous source from a private meeting with Rita. "They were both down to their undergarments, but there was no way that they didn't see the Mark or hear the conjurer, if it is to be believed that it wasn't them themselves." Of course, it is curious as to why the Ministry has refused to release that information, unless of course it is because one of mentioned is one of their own. Hermione Jean Granger, member of both the Dobwig Association and the Order of the Phoenix, has indeed been confirmed to have been found under the Dark Mark, while partaking in sexual activity with the well-known and convicted Death Eater, Draco Malfoy. It is unclear as to why charges have not yet been laid and why the Ministry is keeping this information quiet. It is of course their responsibility to deal with these situations, regardless if the accused is one of their own…"
"That's basically the jist of it," Ginny said, cutting him off.
"This can't be true!" Harry said at once.
"Of course not, Dear; this is just Rita Skeeter up to her old tricks again," replied Molly.
"Hey," said Ron, walking into the room with Jessica. "Is Hermione here yet?"
Harry shook his head. "So, you've read it too, then?"
"It's awful," said Jessica. "I know that I don't understand much about your world, but it can't be acceptable for someone to defame someone publicly like that."
"You don't know Rita," Ron said to her.
"Does Hermione know yet?" Harry asked.
"I don't think so," Ginny responded. "Hermione hasn't subscribed to the Daily Prophet in quite awhile since it's usually always rubbish."
"Everyone is going to be over here soon for the usual dinner," Harry said, thinking aloud more than anything else. Every so often, the Weasleys along with Harry and Hermione would get together for dinner. Since almost everyone had moved out of the Burrow and were busy with their own lives, it was Molly's way of keeping her family close. "She can't find out with everyone here; she will be too embarrassed."
"I know where she is," said Ron. "I'll go to her."
"Take the article," Harry said to him. "I hate that she has to see it, but it's better that she finds out privately and not in front of everyone."
"Ron, if she's up to it, see if she will still come for dinner. Let her know that we know it isn't true," said Molly. "But if she doesn't want to, the poor dear, don't leave her alone."
"I won't," answered Ron. He leaned over and gave Jessica a small kiss. "I'll see you later." It wasn't long before the Burrow was filled with Weasleys, including baby Victoire, Jessica, Amelia, and Angelina. Ron hadn't returned with Hermione but Harry hadn't expected him to. The only two people who weren't yet present were Arthur and Percy.
"I do wish they would hurry up," Molly said, looking at her magical clock to see where they were. Harry looked at the clock as well, curious to know where everyone was. Percy's hand was at "home", indicating that he was at his own home that he had purchased with Audrey. Arthur's hand was pointed at "visiting", which meant that he was visiting someone's home, though Harry had no idea who. Ron's hand was also at "home", which told Harry that he must be at the cottage that he had gotten for himself and Hermione. All the other Weasleys were pointed at "Burrow", since they were all sitting at the kitchen table. The only hand that was sadly missing was of course Fred's. After his death, Molly and Arthur had come home to find his hand laying on the ground. Evidently, when someone died, their hand would fall off the enchanted clock. This hand now laid hidden beneath George's shirt and around his neck wherever he went. "Oh, Arthur is on his way now, thank goodness!" Harry looked at the clock again and saw that Arthur's hand was pointed at "travelling", then finally, "Burrow". "Hello, Arthur, about time! Charlie, can you use that coin of yours to find out why Percy isn't here?"
"No need, Percy won't be coming to dinner today," said Arthur, taking his seat at the table and saying hello to everyone. "It's a long story," he added, noting the look on his wife's face. "Let's start eating Molly, shall we?" The table was laid out with food, and everyone started to eat, enjoying a nice conversation as well.
Ginny Weasley – Present Day
May 31, 2000
"How is Teddy doing?" Jessica asked as they continued their meal at the Burrow. "Amelia sure does miss him."
"He will come visit again, once they are all settled in," answered Molly.
"Tonks must be so happy," said Harry. Ginny could tell that he was feeling guilty that he hadn't been to visit his Godson since he had awoken Tonks.
"She's ecstatic!" replied Molly. "Of course, it is quite confusing for Teddy; he's too young to understand, isn't he? But he's taken to her and has adjusted to calling her mummy, so I would say it's going just fine!"
"Is it just the two of them, then?" asked Bill.
"And Andromeda. For one thing, it's someone Teddy knows well so it helps him to adjust. Also, she still needs help with many things, so Tonks is taking care of her too. Andromeda is quite lucky to be alive after everything that had happened to her."
"She most definitely is," said Arthur.
"Where were you anyway, Arthur?" Molly asked him. "You were quite late today."
"Actually, I was with Percy," he said slowly, almost as if he was dragging out his words.
"With Percy? Doing what? And why didn't he come with you?"
"Percy is having dinner with Audrey and her parents today," said Arthur.
"And why were you there?" asked Molly.
"He asked me to come."
"Arthur!" Molly almost yelled, throwing down the dishcloth that she was holding. "What are you hiding?"
"It's nothing really, Molly! It's just that Percy didn't want to make a big deal about it; Audrey's father and I were the only two present."
"Present for what? Spit it out, Arthur!"
Ginny watched her dad sigh; he knew he wasn't going to win this one. "Percy wanted to honor magical tradition and so he completed the Ritual Knot Ceremony."
"The Ritual Knot Ceremony? WITHOUT US?"
"Now, calm down, Molly! Not even Audrey's mother was there. They really didn't want to make a fuss at all…"
"I AM HIS MOTHER! HOW COULD I NOT BE PRESENT AT SOMETHING SO IMPORTANT?"
"You'll be at the wedding, Molly; that's the most important-"
"A WEDDING THAT I KNEW NOTHING ABOUT!"
"Molly, there is no use arguing, what's done is done. I swear I did not know that was his intentions when he asked me to come over."
Molly crossed her arms. "Although I am pleased that he is following the right traditions, I cannot believe he did so without his mother! I will be talking to him about this, Arthur!"
"Of course, Dear."
"So, Audrey has the knot, then?"
"Yes; she understands the purpose of it and will be keeping it safe until the wedding."
"What exactly is it?" asked Jessica. The Ritual Knot was then explained to Jessica by everyone around the table. "So, if I were to marry a wizard, I would have to do it?" she asked.
"It doesn't work for muggles, Dear," answered Molly.
"It also isn't mandatory," said Bill. "But it is a custom of the wizarding world and many families still frown upon those who don't do it."
"Of course they do! It is proof that you will be committed to your partner; why would you refuse to do that? Only someone with other motives would refuse!" Molly said.
"Sometimes there are reasons not to, Mum," said Charlie.
"Like what?" Jessica asked.
"Well, for starters, if you have a child or are with child, the Ritual Knot won't work."
"It won't?" asked Ginny.
Charlie shook his head. "The point of the Knot is to confirm that each party stays loyal, as well as pure. I don't mean pureblood," he added, seeing the look on some faces. "Just that they don't already have heirs or connections elsewhere."
"So, you have to be a virgin?" George asked.
Molly blushed. "Your virtue does not need to be intact, no. But a witch cannot have children or be with child, and a wizard cannot have children or have a current witch pregnant."
"What if the witch is pregnant or has a child with the wizard that she wants to do the ceremony with?" Harry asked. Ginny knew where his head was at. It was going to be expected of them to do the ceremony, but if they weren't able to because Ginny was already pregnant, then there was going to be trouble with her mum.
"It doesn't matter," answered Charlie. "It still won't work."
"Speaking of Ritual Knots, Harry and Ginny, we must do yours soon. Of course, you will allow me to be present, won't you? We can do it next weekend in the yard. Nothing big, just the family."
"I can't," Harry said quickly. "There is nobody to represent me."
"In this case, it would be your uncle Vernon, Harry."
"Do you think he will come, Harry? I suppose we can do it there if we have to…"
"My uncle will never do it."
"Don't worry about that, Dear. Arthur and I will talk to him, won't we Arthur?"
"Next weekend doesn't work, Mum. Harry has something at the Ministry that he can't get out of."
"The week after then, but I don't want to wait much longer; it really doesn't look good on the witch and I will not have my daughter talked about!"
"Molly, I don't think it's necessary-" Harry started, but Molly cut him off.
"I'm sorry Harry, but this is a very important tradition in the wizarding world. Now, you know that I love you as my son already, but this is my daughter and I won't allow you to have the opportunity to go and see someone else…"
"I would never!"
"Good! Then this Ritual should be no problem for you."
"Molly, you're being a little harsh," said Arthur.
"No I am not! Everyone knows that I have loved Harry as my own since the beginning, but that doesn't mean that I would allow him or anyone take advantage of my daughter."
"But Molly-"
"No-"
"But I can't-"
"You will-"
"Molly, be sensible-"
"This is sensible!"
"Can we just-"
"No, we cannot-"
"How about-"
"It will happen on-"
"Just listen-"
"No, you listen!"
"ENOUGH!" screamed Ginny. "Harry and I will not be going through with the Ritual Knot Ceremony as I am already pregnant!"
Remus Lupin – The Past
November 2, 1981
Remus left the registration office at St. Mungo's with the new birth certificate in his hands. It was a very easy decision for him to name the baby girl. He pulled out the last letter that he had received from his best friend James, and scanned it until he found the part that he had been looking for. Lily and I both agree that if it's a boy then he will be named Charles and if it's a girl then she will be named Daisy. I keep telling Lily that I know it's another boy, but for her sake, I hope it's a girl since she really wants a daughter. We also both agree that you will be Godfather. I know that she is going to kill me for telling you like this and for not allowing her to do it over a dinner that she would have prepared, but given the current state of things, I think it was best that I told you right away. He folded the letter up again and put it away, then turned to the new birth certificate.
Name: Potter, Daisy Lily
Gender: Female
Date of Birth: 1 November 1981
Time of Birth: 1:48 am
Father: Potter, James Montgomery
Mother: Evans, Lily Jennifer
Godparent: Lupin, Remus John
Remus smiled at the new birth certificate before putting that, too, in his pocket. He mentally checked off "birth certificate" in his mind. One thing done, two more to go.
Author's Notes: Hello everyone! So, tomorrow is my birthday! (August 11 - same as Ginny!) With that said, my husband, son, and I are heading out to Quebec, Canada (about 6 hours from us) so I don't know what my internet connection will be like out there. So I'm posting this now for you all, but if I have a good connection up there then I'll give you guys another chapter on the weekend!
To reply to a review: Remember how I explained that this story is 19 years long? That means we are going to go through many many plots which means different character focuses are going to happen. Right now, Hermione's story is prominent, but there will be a time where she's on the back burner, just like Grindelwald is right now. Eventually, Grindelwald will be a focus again, as will Harry, Neville, Ron, etc etc.. Considering I go to year 2017 and I'm only at 2000, you can be certain that there is plenty of story left! With that said, as you can see in this chapter, Ginny's current storyline is commencing and she's going to be talked about quite a bit. Eventually, she will disappear from the story for a bit, then come back strong, then disappear, etc etc. My story focuses on every character so that is going to happen to all of them! I hope that clears that up for you! In terms of how many chapters this story will be, I'm not sure yet but clearly it's going to be a lot lol I'm in this for the long haul!
Alright, so this chapter is opening up a downward spiral for Hermione, so let's see what's going to happen. Oh, and with Ginny's announcement, you can bet there is going to be some backlash with that! The next chapter will focus on said repercussions (some of them) and another Remus flashback.
Thanks as always, and keep those reviews coming!